Braves

By Longwood's Finest

April 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Numero Uno or two or three…?

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Nice tunage, DOB. Didn’t Hoss (not Chipper but Waylon) have a hit with that song, too?

By rupert

April 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

rock ‘em sock ‘em DOB

By embizzle

April 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

first

By embizzle

April 8, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

first

By Reid in EAV

April 8, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Numero uno, si?

By Bo

April 8, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

DOB great job.

By Renegator

April 8, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Mets now down to the Phillies thanks in part to our old pal Jorge Sosa.

HAHA.

By Patrick

April 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think tension is wearing thin already? You could obviously tell that Glavine was steamed by the post-game comments he made…maybe it’s because he’s been gone for so long but I never remember him being so critical.

But I do hope that it lights a fire because one needs to be lit!

By chris

April 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Not to play devil’s advocate, but didn’t we start out very well in one-run games last year? Then all of a sudden we lost a bunch (Yates and Soriano hit major slumps). I see the concern but hopefully winning a couple of close ones will do the trick. I still believe in this bullpen. BTW— who do you think gets cut tomorrow?

Chris from MD

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

BravesFan, yes, Waylon did, off his 1976 album by the same name. But Neil wrote it and first recorded it in 1972.

By DAP

April 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

yeah, but who HASNT james given up a homer against? :-)

itll be an interesting game tonight. jurjens is fun to watch.

phils score 3 in the top of the 7th to take a 3-2 lead over the mets. looks like the mets bullpen blew the lead.

By MGL

April 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

DOB, Nice blog and timely topic. Do you sense that the team is going to try to do something about this? and what can they?

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I do not have a good feeling about Chuck in Colorado.

By Jick

April 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

We’re already two games below our expected winning percentage, based on runs scored vs. runs against. That’s pretty hard to do after only a week of baseball. Things’ll even out.

I just hope Bobby doesn’t overuse people in the bullpen; seeing Moylan out there practically every night worries me since he’s our #2 until Gonzalez comes back, and I don’t quite trust most of the guys below him on the depth chart.

By Renegator

April 8, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

This team looks very similar to last year’s team. They just seem to find ways to lose games late - bullpen meltdown and no timely hitting.

By N8

April 8, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I posted this at the end of the last blog, and since I like to “chew up” a good chunk of blog space, I thought I’d repost it here on the new one. LOL!

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 The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

April 8, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I think there’s a version on YouTube with Neil and Waylon performing that song together. I would post a link to it, but YouTube is blocked here at work, so I can’t get to it.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I know what the Braves can do about this:

Start losing games by two runs.

By DAP

April 8, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

heilman comes in to relieve and he is wild. one more run for the phillies on a rollins single. the mets bullpen is imploding.

By BlueMoon

April 8, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’ve said it before but this team has lost it’s swagger and when teams lose that swagger they lose the close ones. A confident team takes the other team out in those late game situations.

And how is losing Yates and keeping Boyer looking? Not too good right now but I’ve seen Blaine with better command than he’s showing right now. Hopefully it gets straightened out.

By ncscoots

April 8, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I would agree that the mental aspect of losing close games is far more relevant than the physical. Braves’ offense is too good from top to bottom to not cash in on some opportunities in late-and-close, unless bad heads take over. Had the Braves only split these four one-run decisions, it probably wouldn’t even be a conversation.

Glavine was steamed, huh? Guess five years in NY teaches you to rip teammates, is that it? Or else being around Smoltz again makes him want to run his mouth. Or both.

By Duke

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

Atleast you fulfilled half of my request. Great song, once again.

By Efrim

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

Well, the only way to solve this is too start winning some one run games- but I’ll take wins period.

By Renegator

April 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

N8

I couldn’t agree more. All Bobby has proven is that he can pencil in three HOF pitchers onto the lineup card as good as the rest of em.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy,

I think this is the clip you’re talking about.

As far as the swagger talk goes, I don’t think the Braves have had swagger for a long time now. When was the last time they looked confident in a playoff series? That’s swagger to me. This team can’t puff its chest out about winning division titles anymore. Those days are gone. The only way it can get its swagger back is to make the playoffs and, once there, make some noise.

By Joebrave

April 8, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Update,my 5 year old Nephew,is still in a coma,a tube to drain some cerebral fluid is helping. There was Slight Improvement today with the swelling.

Thank You Guys once again,for the prayers,and well wishes.

Regards Joebrave. P.S. D.O.B. the little one absolutely loves Jeff Francouer.

By bigchiefrg

April 8, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

“one-run” wins or loses need to be defined a little more closely…I do not think a final score one-run game is a good indicator of a one-run games. For example, sunday, in my opinion, was a one-run game in every sense until the one of the final innings(1-0 in the bot of 8th). I think we should qualify anything that is a one-run game after 6 or 7 innings as whether a team performs well late in the games.

I do NOT know the numbers personally.

By Bobby's Cox

April 8, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Since DOB made this blog the topic of the last discussions of the last blog, i’ll just repost the Torre article. It’s the #1 thing wrong with the braves hitting…there’s no consistency.

They could score 14 runs one night, and nothing the next. The hitters on this team, have been, like last night according to DOB, “overly aggressive” for years. And when you get “overly agreesive as the night [wears] on” in close games, you’re not going to win.

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 Interested Observer

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

The sad part is that with Smoltz and then Hampton on the DL, we’re already playing with an extra reliever (8). And we’re still burning everyone out!

By Efrim

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

Even the most optimistic fan has to be concerned over the potential of the Tigers starting out 0-7. I mean, sooner or later everyone has to get fed up with the lack of quality hitting and pitching.

By TJ

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

One-run-game record is another stat I just don’t buy (along with hitter patience) as meaningful.

Braves have lost 4 games, all by 1 run. In three of those games, they scored 2, 3 and 1 run; and in the other, they gave up 12.

We’re lucky (for what it’s worth) that we didn’t lose those 3 games by more than one run, but the fact that we lost by one just means our pitching kept us in games in which our offense didn’t show up. (and in the other, our offense almost overcame terrible pitching).

Not to say there’s no problem; but the problem is that you generally have to score 4 runs or more to have a reasonable expectation of winning a major league baseball game.

By Mike S

April 8, 2008 4:12 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

The game from 2004 was even better! (coming from a GT alum) That was the game when Jarrett Jack (as a sophomore PG) absolutely took over down the stretch and single-handedly beat Kansas to go to the Final Four. Leading scorer BJ Elder was ineffective trying to come back from a sprained ankle and Jack put it all on his shoulders. Great performance on a great, near-title run.

By supa

April 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

One-run games tend to be won or lost by the bullpens. So it’s usually appropriate to blame the bullpen first. But these things have a tendency to even out in the long run. Remember how many 1-run games the Nationals won in the first half a couple years ago? It was incredible. But they came back to earth in the 2nd half and finished way down in the standings. It happens in the reverse too. As long as the Braves can continue to get good starting pitching and hitting, I think they’ll be fine overall.

The thing that worries me more than the recent results of the bullpen is the inninngs they’re having to pitch. While the starters have fared well so far in terms of ERA, they aren’t pitching deep into games because of pitch count or other reasons. That has implications on the bullpen down the road.

By ncscoots

April 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

So, nathan, ‘91, ‘92, and ‘93 don’t really count for Bobby, I guess? After all, those teams had zero-to-little playoff experience, and yet were able to do a little something.

By Bravosimos

April 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Boyer aka Reitmsa aka Cathers aka Kolb needs to step up to the plate so to speak. Thanks for that tidbit on Soriano having an off day DOB. Cause I was wondering why Bobby would put that red-headed step child in in the 8th. I figured Manny was coming in, to my dismay he wasn’t.

By Teddy Jack Eddy

April 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt Bobby has an ungoing problem with judgement(whether it’s his or Mcdowell’s) of how and when to deploy his bullpen personnel.It has to eat at some players when Soriano isn’t available because he was used in a completely useless way in a blowout game.

By N8

April 8, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

bigchiefrg

““one-run” wins or loses need to be defined a little more closely…I do not think a final score one-run game is a good indicator of a one-run games. For example, sunday, in my opinion, was a one-run game in every sense until the one of the final innings(1-0 in the bot of 8th). I think we should qualify anything that is a one-run game after 6 or 7 innings as whether a team performs well late in the games.”

I see what you are saying, and it’s a valid point. From the offensive standpoint. Tex came up with a BIG hit in a close game.

But as for the bullpen? Not so, IMO. Soriano had an extra 2 runs to work with. Had that STILL been a 1-run game, he would have blew the save.

I do NOT know the numbers personally.

By Bravosimos

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

DOB

Would you not agree that maybe the bullpen coinsides with alot of those one-run losses. seems that way to me the last couple of years, and a couple games this year that a nameless red-headed bum pitched.

By dunwoody in denver

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

Hey DOB, have you tried out any of those restaurants I told you about (The corner Office, Elway’s, & Steuben’s)?

Hope you’re having fun…I’ll be back in the ATL over Memorial Day weekend for a family reunion (ugh). Hopefully I can take the humidity.

By Bobby's Cox

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

TJ

You just don’t make sense. You’re just as naieve as AJ thinking he doesn’t need to change his approach at the plate.

We’re wasting good pitching in those 3-2, 4-3, and 2-1 losses, and the hitting just STOPS. Yet we lose one 12-11 game, win one 10-2 game, and are stats are where they were last year, inflated and meaningless.

This team desperately needs a new appraoch at the plate. That doesn’t mean “patience”, it just means waiting for a pitch to hit, a pitch you can put in play with a purpose (hit em where they ain’t), drawing a walk, realizing that when you’re behind in the count, pitchers are going to make you chase (Frency), that you don’t have to wait for a bunt sign to move a runner into scoring position, that you can get a hit by hitting the ball in the holes in the infield like teams do to us especially on a cheated double play defense, that sometimes just putting the bat on the ball when you are clearly overmatched can find a hole, etc…

This team plays down to the competitiion and the hitting is the main reason why, like it or not. Throw your inflated stats out the window.

By McFann

April 8, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Phillies!!

By MGL

April 8, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Phillies beat Mets 5-2!!

By bigchiefrg

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

N8, I am still concerned about Soriano but had it been a one-run game in that situation but I assume the braves would not have let guys steal second uncontested and then be able to walz home as he did on the next base hit. If it had been a one-run game, it is a bases loaded situation when Tex makes the stab to end the game. But that is a lot of assuming.

By bigchiefrg

April 8, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

N8, I am still concerned about Soriano but had it been a one-run game in that situation but I assume the braves would not have let guys steal second uncontested and then be able to walz home as he did on the next base hit. If it had been a one-run game, it is a bases loaded situation when Tex makes the stab to end the game. But that is a lot of assuming.

By bigchiefrg

April 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

N8, I am still concerned about Soriano but had it been a one-run game in that situation but I assume the braves would not have let guys steal second uncontested and then be able to walz home as he did on the next base hit. If it had been a one-run game, it is a bases loaded situation when Tex makes the stab to end the game. But that is a lot of assuming.

By Apaul404

April 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Having Mark Redman dominate our lineup would play right along with the way things have gone the last three seasons. I hate to sound overly negative but I’m really tired of seeing the team I love giving a subpar effort on a regular basis. Last night was heinous.

By N8

April 8, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

ncscoots

4 words (or names)my friend.

Avery, Smoltz, Glavine and TP.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, Glavine and Smoltz were kinda special.

And for as much as Smoltz gets credit (DEFINITELY justified), for being one of the most dominant pitchers in post-season history.

Avery (when healthy) was every bit as good as him, and VERY important in beating the Pirates with all those lefty hitters (Barraoid, Bonilla and Van Slyke).

Sure Bobby had PLENTY to do with those teams winning.

AS THE GM BEFORE 1991!!

:-)

By ContactBuzz

April 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Looks like Jimmy Rollins was injured late in the game today - does anyone know the extent of the injury?

By BA

April 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Bobby’s a real travesty. We should fire him and replace him with Ron Gant. Or trade him for Brandon Inge. Or Greg Norton. The guy has no track record. Even though two of those hall of fame pitchers were either drafted or traded for by Bobby Cox. And I wasn’t aware of a “playoff atmosphere” on April seventh. Guess if Bobby was a good manager, he would break out the black alternates, and as soon as Yunel gets a single, he could have the whole team run out on the field! That would sure bring back that swagger. Because goodness knows, if you don’t have that swagger on April eighth you got NO shot at playoff baseball in only six short months! We are on the brink of ELIMINATION! Frank Wren, get Bobby out of here, the season is slipping away!!!

By BossLady

April 8, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Ah, right, name calling always works, but, is not necessary.

By Apaul404

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

I could not have said it better myself Bobby’s Cox.

By David O'Brien

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

Bravosimos, yes I would concur….

Dunwoody, where is Elway’s? Or Corner Office?

By Original Jon

April 8, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

While I agree that the bullpen is to blame for a lot of the 1 run losses, why not share the blame with the offense that doesnt seem to have the patience to muster a few walks and take a few pitches in late and close games. Even if that particular batter doesnt get a hit, the next guy has a good idea of how the pitcher is throwing on any given night. You cant go up there down 1 run late in the game and start hacking at the first pitch. How many of those 1 run loses for us are where the opposing pitcher threw less than 10 pitches in the inning, exposing our impatience?

By BayAreaSteve

April 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

scoots,

thanks for the thought. I’ve looked for a bit, but I give up. I’d love to see the numbers. Shaun’s link was great; it was the first time I’ve seen a history of how many runs score in either situation. Now, I’d really like to see how often in each situation any run is scored. And, if it’s runner-second-one-out, does a run score many times more, to justify the sacrifice.

By TJ

April 8, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, I think I said that the offense not showing up is the reason we’ve lost 3 of the 4 games we have lost. (Not some mystical “inability to win 1-run games”). You don’t score, you don’t win.

I’m just not convinced that taking pitches is the solution. And I’m sure not convinced that “record in 1-run games” is any barometer of how good a team is.

Yes, we need to be more consistent in scoring runs, and I think we will be.

By BamaBrave

April 8, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

So Glavine has spoken up, eh? Good. I’m not a huge Glavine fan, but he’s definitely earned the right to speak his mind and jack-up those who might not be pulling their weight - like our bullpen. Perhaps that’s the kind of veteran leadership we’ve been lacking the last few years. (No knock on Chipper or Smoltz…I just think Glavine has the “gift” of New England directness and is particularly qualified to address other pitchers.)

Neil Young…ahhhhhh…excellent, DOB.

By N8

April 8, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

BA

“Yeah, Bobby’s a real travesty. We should fire him and replace him with Ron Gant. Or trade him for Brandon Inge. Or Greg Norton.”

Now, now. I’m not so sure about the Greg Norton trade, but I couldn’t agree more with the first two suggestions. :-)

“And I wasn’t aware of a “playoff atmosphere” on April seventh.”

Apparently, neither are the Braves. But oddly enough, the results are the same as most of our recent playoff series. :-) :-) :-)

By RC

April 8, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Why are we thanking the Phillies? They had a better record than the Mets before the game anyway, meaning that they are now one step closer catching us in the division race. I’d like this to be a 2-1 series in which each game goes 16 innings and each team scores 20 runs a game. That’ll wear down both teams’ pitching, which is what the Braves would benefit from the most.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 8, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, we could be the Detroit Tigers. They are about to be 0-7, the Red Sox are up 5-0 in the sixth inning right now.

By THB

April 8, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I think I get why the offense is so inconsistent. We have no gameplan going up to bat. When we get a baserunner on, the goal should be to get him into scoring position with our big bats up. Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, and Mac can deliver. It’s tome to start batting with a plan.

By Renegator

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

BA

Good thing the games in April count only half of what they count in September.

Oh, that’s right - every game counts the same no matter what month you play it in. A loss is a loss.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

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

Yes, our bullpen has been shaky so far… But holding a potent offensive lineup like Colorado’s to two runs in nine innings should be sufficient. Our offense doesn’t get a free pass on this one just because it was a little chilly.

By Reason

April 8, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I swear none of yall have played any form of competitive baseball on an advanced level. Just a bunch of airbags complaining about nothing.

1) Starters arm strengths not a full capacity, fixing to see alot less of bullpen.

2) Starters have had a quality start every game, is gonna continue that way.

3) Can’t when baseball games scoring 1 run, need more patience at the plate.

4) Stop worrrying about nothing, this team is built to succeed, just need to get in the season a little bit, aviod injuries to top 3 starters and chipper.

By Roman Gal

April 8, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

RC but the Phillies did just lose Jimmy Rollins for who knows how long.

By MGL

April 8, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

There is another way to look at last night’s loss. The pitching staff, including the bullpen, held the Rockies to a .181 batting average. Our offense had a .100 batting average. I say if you blame anyone, it has to be the offense.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

RC- I agree.

Why in gods name is anyone thanking the Phillies? Please people. They won the division last year. I know you all hate the Mets, but the Phillies should be just as hated. Have you ever met their fans? Awful people.

By dunwoody in denver

April 8, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, Elway’s is at 19th and Curtis in the new Ritz-Carlton, and the Corner Office is at 14th and Curtis.

I’m not sure where you’re staying, so I don’t know how far they are from you. They are definitely worth trying, however.

By N8

April 8, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Renegator

Don’t be so silly. EVERYBODY knows that April is just “extended - Spring Training”, so clubs can find out who is good and who isn’t.

Six weeks in Florida isn’t enough time to figure out who is worth a darn, is it?

This is a marathon….NOT a sprint.

LOL! As long as the homers keep thinking that way, they will keep scratching their heads come October, wondering why the Braves aren’t still playing.

By Big Easy

April 8, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Rollins sprained his ankle, for those who were asking. Doesn’t sound too serious; he’ll probably be back in the lineup tomorrow or Thursday.

~E~

By Bobby's Cox

April 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

One-run games tend to be won or lost by the bullpens. So it’s usually appropriate to blame the bullpen first supa

Like so many times this season, when you’re in a tied game, down by a run, or lingering around against a team you should clearly beat (WAS, PIT, COL), you’re pitching can’t win you the game because they can’t score runs. So i have to disagree.

Our bullpen isn’t great, but lets wait until we’re blowing 2-run leads late against WAS, PIT, and COL, before we start blaming the pen. Lets not forget that three of the four 1-run games we lost we were trailing going into the last inning.

The game against WAS we didn’t score till the 9th, our 2nd loss against PIT we scored all 3 runs off bloops in 1-inning that was extended because of Diaz’s great slide. Yesterday we give our pitchers 1 run to work with IN COLORADO. Are hitting has been mostly to blame in 3 of our 1-run losses, not the pen thus far.

By BA

April 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Reneegator is right. Pennants are won and lost in the first week of April, everybody knows that. There is no playoff atmosphere in the first week of April in Denver. Or anywhere. Ron Gant for Cox? Are you one of these “Deion for head coach” waterheads? Maybe Jerome Jerenovich for bench coach? Who’s the pitching coach, Mike Cather? This is some of the dumber stuff I’ve ever seen on this blog, and that’s saying something.

By N8

April 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Reason

“Stop worrrying about nothing, this team is built to succeed, just need to get in the season a little bit, aviod injuries to top 3 starters and chipper.”

So was last year’s team with the 3-headed monster in the bullpen, since “that’s all we needed in 2006”.

I’ll stop worrying and complaining when they give me good reason to stop worrying and complaining.

Totally agree with you on the rotation, though. The rotation, Chipper, and Escobar have been the early “pluses” on the 2008 squad.

By BT

April 8, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Serious question. Do any of the hitters take advice from TP. I understand that Andrew Jones was too stubborn to take advice how about Franceour?

By Milledgeville Matt

April 8, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Dang, getting into psychology awfully early on this season, aren’t we? All losses by only one run, in essentially an extension of spring training? Certainly we can’t win them all, and it seems to me we don’t have too far to go to start stringing some wins together.

By B

April 8, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else think Bobby Cox could be one of the reasons the Braves lose 1 run games? It takes the manager to call the shots to help the players manufacture necessary runs late in games. We all know Bobby doesn’t like to play small ball as much as he likes to let his players swing away and take his chances with that.

We had a perfect opportunity last night in the top of the 9th with Kelly Johnson getting a leadoff single to manufacture a run. I don’t care how hot your no. 2 hitter is, if you have your leadoff runner on with no outs in your last inning at bat, and all you need is 1 run to tie the game, you bunt him over and rely on your nos. 3 and 4 hitters coming up to drive in that runner from 2nd (who are your best and MOST CONSISTENT hitters on the team). Terrible managing to let Escobar hit there. Don’t risk the double play (which inevitably happened), bunt him into scoring position, let Chipper and Tex hack away and get him in to score.

By Teddy Jack Eddy

April 8, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

This is a non-basebase post.I was listening to music and decided this would be a good forum to pose this question.What artist’ would leave a void if their music didn’t exist ?I’m not asking who is best or has been most influential on the course of music (although many names would appear on all three list). This is about those tunes,that vioce,those lyrics that add something nothing else or noboby else has.I’m going to give one name and ask for one (just one please) from each of you interested in responding,thanks… Van Morrison is my contribution to the topic. There’s no replacement for his vocal stylings and soulful Irish ballads, I couldn’t imagine the musical landscape without his works.

By Shamus Thacker

April 8, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z3T8xr274q8

I you like Neil Young and John Lennon, check this out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hq0tAoO3-xQ&feature=related

Neil Young is my all-time favorite; here’s an OLD one.

By Bobby's Cox

April 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

sounds like we’re agreeing a little then TJ.

Enjoy the game tonight. It was fun. Always is talking baseball.

Go braves.

By THE BEAR

April 8, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

The Braves are having bullpen problems, leading to 4, 1 run losses. Out in LA they are having all sorts of problems in their outfield. Through yesterday’s game they are batting:

Kemp: .176 Andruw: .115 Pierre: .067

Collectively they have scored 2 runs and have 2 RBI. The Braves outfield has 11 runs and 10 RBI.

And yet the Dodgers still have a 4-3 record. Go figure.

Stats can be crazy things and you can find almost anything you want to back up a position. It’s nuts. For example Kotsay has scored 6 runs, three times as many as the entire Dodger outfield combined. Even if you add the Dodgers’ fourth outfielder Kotsay still has as many runs scored as all FOUR Dodger OF’s combined.

By BA

April 8, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Pendleton freely offers batting tips to anyone not associated with Marvin Freeman.

By Shamus Thacker

April 8, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gvb65dCMjZI

Here’s Neil on the Johnny Cash Show in 1971. Needle And The Damage Done, one of my favorites.

By mr baseball

April 8, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

The bullpen is 0-4 in large part because of the way Cox has used it. For all the discussion about who pitches and when, it’s more important important who is at the plate than what inning it is.

If the Braves are playing the Phillies and Rollins, Utley & Howard are coming up, Ohman or Ring should be in the game whether it’s the 6th, 7th or 8th. Against the Rockies you want the best arm you have in the bullpen to pitch to the 2-6 hitters, regardless of what inning it is.

Cox used Moylan, the best arm he has in the pen other than Soriano, to face the bottom of the lineup in the 7th in a non-threatening situation (1 on, 1 out). That was when he could have used someone else. Or he could have left Glavine in the game (88 pitches and weak hitters coming up). He also could have left Moylan in the game for the 8th (only threw 8 pitches) instead of using a pinch-hitter with 2 outs and none on.

Instead, he uses a guy who probably should not be in the game against the opposition’s best hitters in the 8th inning.

Cox simply cannot think in three dimensional terms, which is why he prefers checkers to chess. He does what he does based on a cursory view of a situation, and rarely if ever takes multiple factors into account. Earl Weaver could do that. So could Whitey Herzog. LaRussa, Torre & Leyland are among the current managers who can.

Cox has been blessed with an abundance of talent during his second stint with the Braves, which accounts for his Hall of Fame worthy career record. If we had someone in the dugout with a little better idea of what decisions to make with the game on the line, I’m guessing the Braves have more than one World Series title and a few less one-and-out playoff appearances.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

B,

Go to the last blog. We discussed this one for hours, LOL.

By braves-lifer

April 8, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Folks, a week and a half into the season is a LITTLE too early to throw up red flags. Wait till the boys have 25-30 games before we freak out!

By BA

April 8, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Teddy, I vote for Hendrix. The upside down lefty. Often imitated, never duplicated.

By RC

April 8, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

B:

Cox called the bunt, Escobar missed it. The next pitch was the double play ball.

By Shaun

April 8, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

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?

I thought the Tigers would finish second to the Indians and miss the playoffs (behind the Red Sox for the Wild Card). I just don’t like their pitching behind Verlander. Projections I’ve seen had them about even with the Indians but I’m guessing the Granderson injury changes that.

And I don’t think an 0-6 start is enough to change my prediction, for what that’s worth.

The stats have the Tigers about where they are. They’ve been outscored 39-15.

By Bravesfan79

April 8, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave: man best wishes to your nephew!

And i think Cox deserves to be bashed whenever he needlessly uses our closer in a blowout, or still has Mccan catching or Chipper in the game in a blowout. I really think the Braves will have at least one blowout a week. THATS when u play the corky millers and lower relievers Bobby!! Take the starters out!

BA: Yes you have valid points, and i love Cox as much as anyone else. But it just dosent seem he manages everygame to win. Its like hes so used to getting a automatic 80 or so wins from the pitching staff he thinks the playoffs are automatic. When in reality EVERY GAME COUNTS!!

Bobby is playing checkers when he needs to be playing chess!

By Shaun

April 8, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

mr baseball, did you even check to see what Bobby Cox’s teams have done in one-run games?

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)

By Pete H.

April 8, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Wow, Tiggers now 0-7. If I had offered you 1000-1 odds at the beginning of the season, I bet you would have said no.

Unreal.

By mo in the boonies

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

N8 since I posted on the last blog right after you, I’m following your example and bringing mine over too, of course it isn’t a gem like yours but….

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 last night’s 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. They 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 bring in.

Overlord They had to pitch to either Chipper or Tex. Couldn’t walk both of them.

By johnny 99

April 8, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I posted this the other day, mostly in jest, but the more I think about and review the interviews cited, the more nervous I get. Soothing comments and someone calling me “and idiot” defeatist are welcomed:

*By johnny 99

April 7, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this

With all the Andruw talk on the blog lately, I thought I might take a moment to present a voice of “reason.”

The good news is that, if you note Chipper’s mentions of him from early in spring training, Andruw “still wants to be here.” I believe the inference was that the short deal he signed would allow him to come back to Atlanta quickly.

Just think, in two short years, the brass can bring him back to play right field just in time for Frenchy to bolt for NYC. I mean, we already know he wants to “be Jeter for a day” thanks to Buster Olney, and his fav restaurant is there, too.

I mean, Andruw can lope around right field and drive in 100 runs and swing at bad pitches all the while—he’s a known commodity! So don’t worry, Andruw lovers—he’ll get the 2010 opening day start in right…*

By Einstein

April 8, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Hi Braves fans, Look at Bobby’s record with one run games…he’s a big loser. The reason is he selects his buddies (ie. Yates, Kolb, Reitsma, Boyer, Devine) over talent. As long as you have mediocre management…Cox…you’ll have average performance. When will you realize that the game has passed him by. Cox will retire when they pry his cold, dead fingers off the pay check.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

so does anyone agree that if we only win 1 of 4 against the last place rockies…that it is time to worry? I am and will be!

By CharlieAlphaBravo

April 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Teddy Jack Eddy:

Van Morrison? Really?? Out of all the great musicians in history, you picked Van Morrison as someone who could not be replaced??? I don’t know, maybe John Lennon, Bob Dylan, or Kurt Cobain, to span a few different musical eras… Don’t get me wrong, Van Morrison is alright, but to but I feel uneasy just mentioning his name this close to the afforementioned legends. And I could keep going if you want… How ‘bout Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne, or Johnny Cash… Van Morrison?????

By AMG

April 8, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Two things I question in last nights game: 1) why not bunt in the 8th inning? I think we have killed that topic already today but 2)why take Glavine out when he did?

Has anyone heard why Cox took him out in the 7th inning?

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Uh, Einstein (if that is your real name), check Shaun’s 5:42 post.

I’m more interested in a team’s record in 4- or 5-run games. If you’re in a lot of them, and winning most of them, you’re pretty good.

By RC

April 8, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

It’s time for Cox to go. He’s too busy playing checkers to know how to use his relievers more efficiently than the average blogger. I wish we had a real manager like Jim Leyland. He prefers chess to checkers. He also prefers vanilla to chocolate, Girl Scout cookies to Oreos, “Friday Night Lights” to “Survivor”, and Jessica Alba to Jessica Beil.

Also, his team is 0-7.

By BA

April 8, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

The only thing Kurt Cobain is responsible for is the current awful commercialized bubble grung that they play these days. Kurt Cobain deserves as much credit as say, ABBA. Suicide doesn’t make you a genius.

By Jim Leyland

April 8, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

I also prefer Marlboros to Camels. Especially in the tunnel.

By bgvt

April 8, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

It is easy to look back and say that Bobby should have had Yunel bunt. Of course, everyone assumes Yunel would have been successful at the sacrifice — he could have bunted into a DP or popped it up.

I’ve always heard the late inning advice of play for the tie at home and the win on the road. Given that Coors Field tends to give up lots of runs, this advice would suggest playing for a big inning in the top of the 9th. By playing for a tie, you play to the home team having the strategic advantage of batting last.

Look on the bright side — if the Braves had tied it in the 9th, they might have burned a lot of innings from the bullpen only to lose it in the 12th!

Maybe just another example of Bobby playing it “by the book”.

By ole timerbrave

April 8, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone of you guys has a right to question Bobby Cox this early in the season. How many division title do you have under your belt! Enough said!

By Fidel Castro

April 8, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

I can assure you, Yunel would have got the bunt down.

By BA

April 8, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

AMG my guess is that Glavine isn’t stretched out enough yet. Too early in the year to let him throw 120 pitches. Unfortunate, because he was in the running for N8’s “April playoff MVP”.

By mr baseball

April 8, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun:

The Braves have a decent record in one-run games under Cox. They should. For 15 years they were consistently one of the 2 or 3 best teams in baseball. The team’s record in one-run games hasn’t been comparable to their overall win-loss mark, but you would expect that.

We can argue numbers all day, but the plain and simple truth is that Cox is not and never has been the sharpest pencil in the box. I would really like to hear from a Cox supporter with a defense of his managerial style without resorting to numbers.

Jim Leyland won World Series with talented teams. He didn’t do that well with teams lacking talent. Big shock. Won-lost records do not reveal a manager’s ability. Anybody want to argue that Cito Gaston was a great manager because the Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series? Or that Gene Mauch was a hack because his teams never won the Series.

Do any of you really think Cox manages a game as well as Weaver, Herzog, LaRussa, Leyland or Torre? If you do, please provide some sort of reason you think so.

Good luck.

By ncscoots

April 8, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

If you haven’t figured it out by now, Glavine and Smoltz were kinda special.

And if that had your initial point, I would stand rebuffed.

But it wasn’t. Instead, it was that Bobby won because of experienced vets, HOF pitchers, etc., who “knew how to win” or some such tripe. I merely pointed out that he’s also been able to win with players who knew nothing but losing prior to his tenure, and had very little playoff experience.

What I’ve “figured out” is that, as much I’ve enjoyed blogging with you over the years, I’ve grown weary of your shtick. No need to posture, I’ll take your advice and skip it henceforth.

By Einstein

April 8, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Dear Braves Fan in Rockies…why don’t you check the stats rather than rely on Shaun who doesn’t have a clue. Bobby’s a loser when it comes to one run ganes because he doesn’t know how to manage. Give me 4 hall of fame pitchers, 7 freak years of one shot releives, and Chipper, etc. and I’ll give you 4 or 5 World Series Championships. You kool aid drinkers never check the facts…always rely on someone you happen to agree with. With appologies, Einstein.

By parks

April 8, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

LMAO RC

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but Derek Jeter hurt his quad and Wilson Betemit is manning SS for the Yanks. Holy Cornelia.

By Pete H.

April 8, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Break up the Royals!!!!

They’re beating the Yanqi Pigdogs in the seventh, 5-2. Can we allow this team of millionaires to keep buying up the Tony Pena Jr.’s of this world? I say no. Who’s with me?

By Michael

April 8, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, Don’t know if you are a Dave Matthews fan, but he and Tim Reynolds gave a free concert at Indiana University, and it was incredible. He played probably 15 songs, and Tim Reynolds in unbelievable.

By ncscoots

April 8, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

BASteve, try baseballanalysts.com for some stuff on Expected Runs, bunting, etc. If I remember correctly, Dave Levitt had a very interesting column on that once, very balanced. Also included some data on the effect of batting order position on those numbers.

Even the “small ball” aficianados might like that one. I believe he was of the opinion that managers were able to actually better the expected performance of sacrificing in real-game situations. Don’t quote me on that, I know I saw it somewhere but don’t remember exactly.

By Braves nut

April 8, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Let’s not go overboard about the bullpen just yet. The offense in the Washington opener and last night in Colorado was weak. We should not be in the position to have one swing of the bat hurt us when our starting pitcher gives up 0,1, or 2 runs. Let’s not forget, we were on the receiving side of a nice one swing win on Sunday. Our pitching, including the bullpen, will be good enough with just a little more offense. Not hitting is what has hurt us. Let’s hope we can find the same magic with the bats we had on Saturday. With the exception of the one sloppy game with Pittsburgh, I’ve been pleased with our defense and pitching.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Einstein,

Shaun provided THE STATS, Cox’s record as a manager. You didn’t. Use intuition all you’d like. But that doesn’t answer the question of how well Cox’s teams have performed in one-run games. I’ll take the numbers, thank you very much.

By Jim

April 8, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Yes the bullpen often is the reason when a team loses close, one run games repeatedly. However last night the bullpen was guided by failing to walk Holiday with first base open. Sure maybe the next batter drives them in himself, but at least that would have set up the double play. This one is on Cox with an assist by the pen.

By ole timerbrave

April 8, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Appologies accepted, Einstein. But them players wouldn’t be what they are without a manager that they get along with and learn from. Why do you think everyone loves playing for the Braves.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

It’s fine to say that the Braves might have won certain one-run games they lost had Cox done a specific thing different in that game.

But all in all, his teams have done OK in those circumstances over a very long career. I was a bit surprised, frankly, when I saw the numbers.

By Lew

April 8, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

If you don’t tie the game first you ain’t gonna win it.

By Teddy Jack Eddy

April 8, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Charles I didn’t mean to convey that Van Morrison is #1 on my list.It’s not meant to be a scaled list.I was listening to Van when the idea occured to me.If I was rating them there would be many candidates Hank Sr,Mozart,Miles Davis,etc,etc.I will say that Van would make that list,he’s one of a kind imo.

By Dan

April 8, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Bottom line….Bobby Cox Had TOP NOTCH players for YEARS in their PRIME…just think about the rotations and fielders he’s had in their prime…right them down and then ask yourself..how the hell did he only manage to win only 1 ws title. answer’s????? ANYWHERE else he would of gotten FIRED years ago.

By ColoradoBravesFan

April 8, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

I just read where Orlando “El DL” Hernandez is going to have an MRI on his foot. Mets pitching might be in more trouble…

April 08, 2008 El Duque shelved, gets MRI

Orlando Hernandez’s career is looking a lot more cloudy.

The Mets said today that El Duque returned to New York for an MRI exam to determine the source of discomfort in his right foot.

That’s the same foot that bothered him throughout spring training and forced the 40-something Cuban to begin the year on the DL.

Hernandez’s second minor-league rehab start in Port St. Lucie has been put on hold, the Mets said.

Posted by Bart Hubbuch on April 8, 2008 05:34 PM

By mr baseball

April 8, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies:

Not hard to win when you have the best talent. Unless of course it’s in the post-season. When competing against teams of comparable talent in October, the Braves haven’t done that well, especially since Game 3 of the ‘96 Series. 2 or 3 years is not a large enough sample. Even 5 or 6. But an entire decade of abject post-season futility ?(the first 4+ were pretty good)

The manager just couldn’t have anything to do with that. Shaun says so and the numbers back him up, so he must be right.

By Jim

April 8, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I disagree that Bobby’s decisions were responsible for last night’s loss. There were 4 main areas where a decision had to be made.

1. Removing Glavine with 1 out in the 7th. Glavine entered the 6th with a very low pitch count but labored in the 7th with 2 walks and a couple of other high pitch count at bats. His pitch count went from the mid 50’s to the low 80’s in this one inning. Then the Brave hitters in the top of the 7th gave Cook a very quick inning. With right handed hitters coming up next, he made a reasonable decision to go to Moylan.

2. Brining in Boyer to pitch the 8th. Who else would you use? Soriano was not available, Acosta was going to close, and three of the first 4 hitters were right handed. Boyer had a very impressive inning Sunday against the Mets and a good inning in the last game against the Pirates. He was agressive in the strike zone, but hung a curve to TT. I don’t think he has earned the abuse he is getting today from the blog. If he walked 2 or three hitters to set up awinning rally that would be different. He did not.

3. Pitching to Halliday. This is the most controversial decision Cox made. In retrospect we should have walked him and put the lead run on base. Clearly what Boyer should have done was pitch very carefully to him and not give hime the opportunity to win the game with one swing. The decision to pitch to Halliday is one that many other managers may have also made. The pitch selection by Boyer was clearly not the way to go.

4. Not Bunting with Escobar. I think the team should have played for the win in the 9th and not the tie. The best of the bullpen had already been used and it is tough to have one of your 3 best hitters to give up an out. (Can we assume a 90% success rate on a sacrifice?) I agree with the decision to let your hot hitter hit and go for a multi-run inning.

Therefore I would only consider 1 of Cox’s decision to be questionable, but not necessarily wrong.

The team needs to manufacture runs in the late innings and protect leads. The failure to do either has stressed the bullpen as much as it has so far.

By Pete H.

April 8, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Walking Holliday would have just meant pitching to a certain large, hulking 1B with a vicious bat. I’m pretty sure Bobby was going with the r-r matchup and would have walked Helton to set up the force and end the inning. You pays your money and you takes yer choice. Or you pick your poison. Or whatever cliche you care for.

Bobby played it by the numbers and lost. Blaming it on him or on Boyer, who simply gave the guy too fat a pitch, is kinda ridiculous. Me, I would take on Helton, but that ain’t going by the book.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 8, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Jordan Schafer tested positive for steroids. There goes the neighborhood.

By bravesfan

April 8, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

YOUR KIDDING ME, RIGHT?

Braves’ prospect Shafer tests positive for steroids

Minor league outfielder suspended 50 games for MLB violation

By DAVID O’BRIEN The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 04/08/08

Minor-league outfielder Jordan Shafer, the Braves’ top prospect and future center fielder, has tested positive for steroids and, per Major League Baseball policy, will be suspended for 50 games.

Shafer is playing this season at Class AA Mississippi while the Braves groom him to be the starting center fielder in Atlanta as early as next season.

By Erin

April 8, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

What’s this about Schafer and steroids? What’s going on, DOB ?

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: In case you missed it on our website, Jordan Schafer suspended 50 games for violating using human growth hormon (HGH). Neither baseball nor the Braves will sayif he was found with a substance or if someone saw him take it, etc. There is believed to be no reliable test for HGH, so he might not have tested positive, but he was caught somehow.

Braves are saying very little, perhaps for legal reasons. I’ve got to write something about it now.

By embizzle

April 8, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

WTF, What the hell is he thinking. I was extremely excited to see this guy, but… STEROIDS. Gimme a break. What was Jordan thinking?!?

By chase

April 8, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

In all SERIOUSNESS…I don’t know about GANT as the Braves’ manager (no experience) BUT…

GANT would be a GREAT replacement for TP as hitting coach

GANT has HUGE PASSION for this Braves team and he is the ANTI-TP/COX becuase of his aggresiveness and assertiveness…

Maybe at least think about him as BENCH COACH..MAYBE GANT’s personality could light a fire under some of these guys

He was a hard nosed aggressive player and great hitter for the Bravos for a lot of years..they could do worse!

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Wow. That changes everything folks. That is a huge bummer. So much for Schafer making it to Atlanta for this season……

By N8

April 8, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

UNREAL about Shafer….or is it?

Too bad. Hope Kotsay holds up.

Let me guess though…he’ll be revered and loved in Atlanta, but still nobody would touch Barroid with a ten foot pole.

Sad day indeed for the Braves. Gonna be hard to root for the kid now.

ncscoots

Skip my schtick if you must. But my point remains the same. You said:

“But it wasn’t. Instead, it was that Bobby won because of experienced vets, HOF pitchers, etc., who “knew how to win” or some such tripe. I merely pointed out that he’s also been able to win with players who knew nothing but losing prior to his tenure, and had very little playoff experience.”

The bottom line is that Glavine and Smoltz are going to the HOF. Most of those players are BORN, not created, IMO. I’m sure Bobby did some “guiding” along the way, but still.

YES, the Braves knew NOTHING BUT LOSING before Bobby became manager, but that was HARDLY Smoltz, Glavine and Avery’s fault.

So argue if you must. But we’re not that far off.

And as I said before. Until he takes THIS GROUP of players that don’t know how to win consistently, to the post-season, I’ll be right. When (if) that happens, I’ll stand corrected, and admit it LOUD AND PROUD for the whole world to read (well….the whole Braves Blog world, that is).

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

That stinks about Schafer, his star has to fall a little bit now. #1 prospect, Nike contract, has the world ahead of him. Hope he realizes this is not a road to go down and straightens up. I was planning on going up to Chattanooga when the M-Braves play the Lookouts in May, but it looks like Schafer won’t be playing!

By N8

April 8, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

BA

“The only thing Kurt Cobain is responsible for is the current awful commercialized bubble grung that they play these days. Kurt Cobain deserves as much credit as say, ABBA. Suicide doesn’t make you a genius.”

WOW. We actually, remotely come close to agreeing on something. Hey friend….that deserves a smiley face!

:-)

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Well, I mean, I am not sure what this means for 2009. But I sure as heck can tell you that Jordan won’t be starting CF for us in September of this year. Maybe I am wrong, but I think I would want the kid to stay in the minors for the duration of this season. Just a thought.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 8, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

mr baseball,

You’ll get no argument from me about the Braves’ postseason record. IMO Bobby and Schuerholz built the team to win over a 162-game schedule and to take its chances in short series. I’d rather be playing in October than not, mind you, but …

Remember that for the most part the Braves’ rotation has been filled with control-type pitchers (Maddux, Glavine, Hudson, Neagle) and it’s the hard-throwing, big-strikeout guys who recently have tended to dominate short series.

Smoltz has been the only power pitcher who’s been around for awhile and he was the closer during part of that run.

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 8, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

That’s a crying shame about Schafer. When will these kids learn…

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

‘roids?!!! You gotta be F’ing kidding me.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Now all of these things come into my mind. Was Jordan’s power surge in 2007 because of his HGH use? Was he on it last year at all? A lot of things to think about. I mean, the kid had tons of promise before 2007, but jumped from #30 to #1 prospect solely because of that 2007 season. Sigh. Hopefully the guy will learn from this mistake. Cheating doesn’t get you anywhere.

By Tom Paciorek

April 8, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Glavine and Smoltz were kinda special.

By The Amazing Mind of the Puzzling Nate

April 8, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Cobain sucked

Whitesnake great

Any questions?

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

The Braves website is reporting it was HGH. I didn’t think there was a positive test for that. He may have gotten ratted out, unless testing is different in the minors.

By rupert

April 8, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

well hell shafer

By Braves20

April 8, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Lew - Let me agree wholeheartedly with your 6:49 post. This nonsense about play for the tie at home etc. etc. is just that - nonsense.

These are series we need to win and we might still. Colorado is currently playing more to their level right now than the abberation of last year when two or three of their guys had career years. We need these next two.

By Matt

April 8, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. So much for Schafer being our top prospect, and you can definitely forget about seeing him this year, if at all.

By William

April 8, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Not to state the obvious, but very disappointing news about Jordan Shafer. You have to be a freaking moron to even attempt to get by with that these days. I hope we don’t get one of those……..”I was trying to heel quicker from an injury” comments or any number of other bs excuses. Anything less than ” I was a freaking moron” will be acceptable. GEEZ!!

By KC

April 8, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Hey, is anyone here and ESPN Insider?

I noticed that Gammons has an article in which he predicts a Braves-Indians World Series… but of course, it’s an Insider only piece.

Can anyone past some of that article or relay the gist of what he says about each team?

By keylargo

April 8, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Mo in the Boonies

I got the Braves on Directv last night on 737 AND 631 (Sports South). I have the MLB package and never got anything on SS before. 737 was the Rockies broadcast and 631 was Boog and the Braves. Tonight I am getting them on 736 and 631.

By MeanPosterBlues

April 8, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Like the books says-Play for the tie on the road.Lew

And just what book says that? You play for the win on the road dummy. And sacrificing an out with a good hitter is a stupid idea most of the time.

By Pete H.

April 8, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Oh, crap, SCHAFER?

That really, really sucks. I guess we can forget him as fallback if Kotsay breaks down. More opportunity for Josh and Gregor, I guess, but that really sucks.

By ncgary

April 8, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

jjj = win today!!!

By Greg K.

April 8, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Yet another Met disgrace! lol

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/04/08/homer-award-random-fan-at-shea-stadium/

By N8

April 8, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

* The Amazing Mind of the Puzzling Nate*

“Cobain sucked….Whitesnake great…Any questions?”

I’ve never said Whitesnake IS great. I liked Whitesnake in 1987 when I was a teenage boy, that liked hard rockin music and LOVED seeing Tawny Kitaan on the hood of a Jaguar.

But you see…. I grew out of it. Still tap my foot if I hear a tune or two on classic rock stations. But I no longer have my same mullet I did in the 80’s.

Similar to many teenage boys that had combat boots, flannel shirts and messy “kind of, sort of, but not really” long hair in the early 90’s, grew out of LOVING Nirvana.

Doesn’t really seem to matter much when our UBER-prospect just got busted for HGH (I thought there wasn’t any testing in place for HGH?).

I’ve just continued to drop the “Whitesnake” reference on here because it seems to bug the LIVING SH!T out of DOB.

Besides. By agreeing with what BA said about Cobain, doesn’t mean I think Cobain/Nirvana sucked. Just don’t think the guy is as much of a musical genius as too many people give him credit for being.

Jaco Pastorius was a muscial genius (don’t like his stuff - but the guy was incredible). Even Cliff Burton was more of a genius than Cobain.

Anyhow. If somebody out there LOVES Cobain/Nirvana. More power to you. Music is made to be enjoyed by somebody, MOST IMPORTANTLY by the artist themselves.

I just don’t happen to be one of those guys.

I give Nirvana credit for changing the music scene for ever. It was a good music at a time music needed a change and a new face, (after the hair bands). Nothing more, IMO.

Madonna changed music forever too, does that make here a musical genius? MTV changed music forever. Nobody seems to give them credit for anything?

What about Menudo? They were the first boy band, right? Many artists have changed music forever. It just varies on your opinion of that band, whether you think that change was for the good, or for the bad of music.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

William- I have to agree with you. I don’t want anything from that kids mouth other than “I made a mistake”.

But again, the real worry for Braves fans is whether or not 2007 was aided by his HGH use. Did he take it throughout all of last year? If so, then we might think twice about ever handing him the CF job. He was underacheiving in his minor league career before 2007. Again, these are things that Braves management will have to sort out. Tough for the fans though. I was really excited about that kid being our starting CF in 2009.

I’m just not sure about the situation until he comes back after this 50 game suspension and proves that 2007 wasn’t all the HGH.

By whatadummy

April 8, 2008 7:56 PM | 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 scoreOverlord

another ignorant Overlord declaration. Studies based on real games show that there is a lower percentage of scoring when you give up an out to move a runner to second. Of course you aren’t informed enough to know that. You should likely concentrate on football which takes very little intelligence to understand.

By Todd A

April 8, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

*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.”*

All I can say is good luck to Torre in trying to teach Andruw patience at the plate.

By Reid in EAV

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

Man, I’m glad I like Kotsay as much as I do. Is another one-year deal in the cards for him, or will he be able to say “multiyear or nothing” after the solid season he’s well on the way to putting up?

Keep in mind, btw, HGH isn’t “steroids” per se. (And everyone has HGH in their bodies naturally; it’s injecting more that’s the problem.) That said, there’s no excuse for it. Here’s hoping this is a youthful error for Schafer and he never strays this direction again.

Man, I can understand an on-the-bubble utility minor leaguer, trying to scrape to The Show, going this route, but why’d Da Phenom have to buy the lie? Sheesh.

By bigchiefrg

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

come on guys…lets not rally the citizens and burn the kid at the stake just yet. Major League Baseball has been wrong before. One can hope right?

I dont care what anyone says about Cox though. If I had to start a team tomorrow he would be my head coach.

By Interested Observer

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

I think we can remove the “stop gap” label from Mr. Kotsay now!

Good thing we got Kotsay. What if we didn’t and we were relying on Shaefer this year?

How disappointing. Losing 50 games will greatly set back his progress and, as has been mentioned, you have to wonder how long he’s been doing it and how much of his success is a result of it.

By whatadummy

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

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.Overlord

and the stupidity goes on.Hit & run is the least dangerous version of small ball because it causes the fewest outs. sacrificing is the worst cause it always causes an out. You need to read a book or two before you really lose all respect here

By chase

April 8, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

In all SERIOUSNESS…I don’t know about GANT as the Braves’ manager (no experience) BUT…

GANT would be a GREAT replacement for TP as hitting coach

GANT has HUGE PASSION for this Braves team and he is the ANTI-TP/COX becuase of his aggresiveness and assertiveness…

Maybe at least think about him as BENCH COACH..MAYBE GANT’s personality could light a fire under some of these guys

He was a hard nosed aggressive player and great hitter for the Bravos for a lot of years..they could do worse!

By bgvt

April 8, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Braves20 —

I disagree about the “nonsense” of playing for multiple runs instead of maximizing the chance of scoring a single run, especially given that Yunel has had some trouble bunting in other situations this year. If you go to the bottom of the 9th tied, the Rockies have a “free” half inning in which to win the game. If they don’t score, then each team gets 3 outs per inning in extra innings. Thus, the chances that the home team wins a game that is tied going into the bottom of the 9th are better than 50-50.

“Nonsense” is a fairly strong word. One can make a reasonable argument for either strategy. I’m not saying that bunting would be “nonsense”; I’m merely saying that there is a specific logic to hitting away in the situation. That is, people calling Bobby “stupid” for his decision really only see one side of the argument. Plus, with hindsight, it is easy to second guess the strategy. Had it turned out differently (i.e., Yunel doubles in a run), how many critics would be calling Bobby an idiot?

By Teddy Jack Eddy

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

The best Brave there ever was or ever will be lost his Moma today.My sincere condolences to Hank and his family.

By chase

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

Maybe Schaefer turned to STERIODS after the disappointment of not getting over the humpp and making the Braves’ Roster….

Maybe he thought this would give him the extra he needed to get to the Bigs!

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Very well could mean Brent Lillibridge starts to see some games in CF at Richmond.

By Goodoleboy58

April 8, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

that sucks about Schafer.. wonder how this came down

By TJ

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

So Schafer joins Tyler Flowers and Damien Moss on the Braves’ braun-over-brains PED squad. This can be overcome, but it pretty well shoots this year, and will hang over him his whole career.

By chuckaluck

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

KC — here is the gammons stuff

Predicting a Braves-Indians Seriesposted: Friday, March 28, 2008 | Print Entry filed under: MLB

Predictions have no currency; they are non-fiction, radio-TV shock-jock stuff.

One can spend six weeks roaming spring training and believe that the Braves and Red Sox may well be the best teams in their leagues, but we all know what happens if John Smoltz, Mike Hampton and Chipper Jones get hurt. The Red Sox may be the favorites to win the World Series for the third time in five years (the house postgame show Tuesday opened with “Red Sox Nation’s dreams of a 162-0 season are still alive”), but if anything happens to Josh Beckett or Jason Varitek, they, as Dylan once said, ain’t goin’ nowhere.

Think back to the opening week of 2007. The Diamondbacks and Rockies were coming off the worst records in the National League. By the end of the year, they tied for the most wins in the league, and the very talented Rockies, who had never won more than 83 games, earned their way to the World Series. On Opening Day, the Rays were trying to send Carlos Pena to Durham, but one injury later, he was put on the roster, hit 48 homers and was ninth in the MVP voting.

Yeah, we all knew that Fausto Carmona would go from 1-10 to fourth in the Cy Young balloting; that Dustin Pedroia would hit .182 in April and, with the heart of a world champion, end up as the AL Rookie of the Year; that the top three closers in terms of saves would be Joe Borowski, Jose Valverde and Francisco Cordero; or that three players who started the season in the minors — Ryan Braun, Hunter Pence, Kyle Kendrick — would all end up in the top five in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting.

Or that the pitcher who would start and win the World Series clincher would be Jon Lester, less than 10 months off chemotherapy.

So it’s easy to sit here now and say the Braves, Cubs, Red Sox, Tigers and Angels will win their divisions, but the Indians will win the World Series because of their great pitching. Look, in the NL East, the Braves, Mets and Phillies can all be in the playoffs. So can the Cubs, Brewers and Reds in the NL Central, as well as the D-backs, Rockies, Dodgers and Padres in the NL West. Or the Red Sox, Yankees or Blue Jays in the AL East; or the Tigers or Indians in the AL Central; or the Angels or Mariners in the AL West. And we all appreciate what the Rays, Royals, Rangers, Athletics, Marlins, Nationals and Twins are trying to build.

Don’t remind me of my failures. I have not forgotten them. With that, OK, I’m guessing that the wild-card Indians will beat the Braves in the World Series. Now, here are some other prognostications, with considerable help from friends in front offices, dugouts and the scouts’ seats.

AMERICAN LEAGUE MVP 1. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox. Just watch him run. The winter at Athletes’ Performance Center in Tempe, Ariz., changed him physically and mentally, and it doesn’t hurt to have David Ortiz in his tandem. 2. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers. In that lineup, he could knock in 150 runs. 3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees. Sulk, Jose, sulk. A-Rod’s going to Cooperstown, and you’re going into a wax museum. Also receiving votes: David Ortiz, Grady Sizemore, Carlos Pena, Magglio Ordonez.

NATIONAL LEAGUE MVP 1. David Wright, Mets. His well-deserved time. Talent + Accountability = Franchise Person. 2. Russell Martin, Dodgers. Larry Bowa says he could play shortstop. Bill Bavasi says he’s the best third baseman in the National League. What he is is the best catcher in the game, the Dodgers’ leader, and an intense offensive machine who can hit .330 with a .900 OPS. 3. Derrek Lee, Cubs. Best lineup he’s had to hit in. Also receiving votes: Prince Fielder, Matt Holliday, Troy Tulowitzki, Mark Teixeira, Jeff Francoeur.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CY YOUNG 1. Justin Verlander, Tigers. He may be in the running every year, but in 2008 13.7 runs of support per start may win 25 games. 2. Josh Beckett, Red Sox. One man for one game. 3. Felix Hernandez, Mariners. The rising. Also receiving votes: C.C. Sabathia, Roy Halladay, Phil Hughes, Dustin McGowan.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CY YOUNG 1. Brad Penny, Dodgers. If he makes 35 starts, he can take the Dodgers a long, long way’ 2. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs. Freed from contract concerns, he can be a franchise starter. 3. Johan Santana, Mets. Dealing with expectations easier with Pedro Martinez at his side. Also receiving votes: Brandon Webb, Roy Oswalt, Jake Peavy.

AMERICAN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 1. Joba Chamberlain, Yankees 2. Daric Barton, Athletics Also receiving votes: Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox; Nick Blackburn, Twins; Carlos Gonzalez, Athletics. Best in September: Evan Longoria, Rays; Clay Buchholz, Red Sox; Nick Adenhart, Angels

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 1. Johnny Cueto, Reds 2. J.R. Towles, Astros 3. Joey Votto, Reds Also receiving votes: Franklin Morales, Rockies; Manny Parra, Brewers; Nate Schierholtz, Giants. Best in September: Jordan Schafer, Braves; Chase Headley, Padres; Jay Bruce, Reds.

ONE DOZEN BREAKOUT SEASONS 1. John Maine, Mets. 20 wins? 2. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays. Best all-around second baseman in the AL? 3. Delmon Young, Twins. The plate discipline will come because he wants to be great. 4. Andre Ethier, Dodgers (a lot of mention for James Loney, but he broke out last season) 5. Phil Hughes, Yankees. It’s all there. 6. Howie Kendrick, Angels. Batting champion? 7. Billy Butler, Royals. Several baseball folks thought he was the best hitter in Arizona 8. Alex Gordon, Royals 9. Corey Hart, Brewers. As if an .892 OPS, 24 homers, 23 steals and 66 extra-base hits didn’t constitute a breakout. 10. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks. Watch the upward curve. 11. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks. He doesn’t have to hit home runs; just run out a .400 on-base percentage and the rest will follow. 12. Manny Delcarmen, Red Sox. He could be one of the best relievers in the game.

ONE DOZEN COMEBACKS TO WATCH 1. Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks. Scouts who saw his last two starts say his delivery and slider are back, and he’s 2 mph from being fully back. 2. Bobby Abreu, Yankees. Lighter, healthier and an offensive machine. 3. Hank Blalock, Rangers. 4. Rich Harden, Athletics. Yeah, yeah, how many starts? … His stuff in the spring and in his first start puts him in an elite class. 5. Joe Mauer, Twins. Ron Gardenhire is going to protect those legs. 6. Kerry Wood, Cubs. 96-99 mph with a hammer? 7. Nick Johnson, Nationals. After two rough years, he is in the best shape of his career, and he can really hit. 8. Zack Greinke, Royals. The stuff this spring matched what once was his promise. 9. Mike Hampton, Braves. It’s all about keeping healthy, because last weekend he had the stuff of a 20-game winner. 10. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays. Was slowed at the end of the spring, but he’ll be back, closing, soon. 11. Jesse Crain, Twins. It may be July before he’s all the way back, but in the second half the Twins’ bullpen could be the best in the American League. 12. Cliff Lee, Indians. May be closer to the 18-game winner than the No. 2 Buffalo starter, which is what he was last September.

ONE DOZEN PLAYERS WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE AGAIN IN THE REGULAR SEASON 1. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers. My-my-my. It won’t take long. 2. Rick Porcello, RHP, Tigers. Jim Leyland thinks he may be in play this year. 3. Cameron Maybin, OF, Marlins. Looks like he could be a wing at UNC. 4. Travis Snyder, OF, Blue Jays. One of the best young hitters around. 5. Matt Antonetti, 2B, Padres. Great athlete who’ll add energy. 6. Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers. Once healthy, he will settle in at third for a long time, or at least in a battle with Blake DeWitt. 7. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers. What Jon Daniels is storing is going to take Texas a long way for a long time. 8. Henry Rodriguez and Fautino de los Santos, Athletics. Big-time power arms as the A’s come back more quickly than anyone anticipated. 9. Jeff Clement, C-DH, Mariners. He and Wladimir Balentien may turn out to be contributors in the 2008 race. 10. Chris Volstad, RHP, Marlins. 11. Jake McGee, LHP, Wade Davis, RHP and Jeff Niemann, RHP, Rays. David Pinto at Baseball Musings picks the Rays to finish the season with the best rotation in the AL East. 12. Max Scherzer, RHP, Diamondbacks. (Jordan Shafer, Evan Longoria, Jay Bruce, Chase Headley are already mentioned)

By Lew

April 8, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Nathan-Dude, need we enumerate the reasons why no one will touch Barry Bonds?

1.He’s 42 years old.

2.His knees are shot to hell.

3.He can no longer play every day.

4.He can’t play defense hardly at all.

5.He is under Federal indictment and could be called into court at any time.

6.No one likes him because he has the personality of a cactus-very abrasive .

7.Wherever he travels, he does so with a veritable circus.

8.He will still want tons of $$$$$$

9.No one wants a Designated Hitter that will lead the league in walks.

With Jordan Shafer-none of the above.

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Funny thing is, if Schafer was already in the majors, he probably wouldn’t have tested positive. Unless these are results from a tets from last year. The minors have a much stricter testing program.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Yes, human growth hormone, says it right on the released the commssioner’s office sent out.

No, not a reliable test for it. But there have been several major leaguers get in trouble for HGH without a test, too, whether suspended yet or not. And the minor league policy is tougher than the major league policy, since the players’ association doesn’t have a hand in negotiating the minor league policy.

By Goodoleboy58

April 8, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

On a lighter note doesn’t Ken Griffey Jr. have the sweetest swing ever? I couldn’t imagine what records he’d have if he had stayed healthy…

By Barking Brave

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

Shaffer’s testing positive for HGH is more than a question of character.This calls into question his true talent level.

By N8

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

“You should likely concentrate on football which takes very little intelligence to understand.”

Tell that to somebody trying to learn Al Saunders’ playbook.

THAT kind of comment is just as ignorant, as you’re trying to make overlord appear to be.

Kind of ironic……dontcha’ think? A little tooooooo ironic, and I really do think.

By Braves20

April 8, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

bgvt - Yes I’ve heard the 6 outs versus 3 outs argument since I played little league (which, trust me, was a hell of a long time ago) but it means nothing if you don’t get to the bottom of the 9th which we didn’t.

By Disappointed in ATL

April 8, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Reid in EAV wrote: Man, I can understand an on-the-bubble utility minor leaguer, trying to scrape to The Show, going this route, but why’d Da Phenom have to buy the lie? Sheesh.

I think that you hit the nail on the head. To me that suggests that Jordan has been doing this for a while. Why would a guy who is practically guaranteed of making it to the big leagues next year risk taking HGH? But a guy who was not living up to expectations and struggling in 2006 might have been tempted. That is extremely sad to thing our top prospect is only a top prospect because he cheated his way to the top.

By Barking Brave

April 8, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Chuchaluck Good grief man these blogs are long enough without those self important,ridiculously overlong post.

By mitchie-san

April 8, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Un-believe-able! After the game last night, the fact I have yet to watch a game this year thanks to MLB.TV sucking eggs, and now Schaefer doping….I am at a loss for words…

By K.C.

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

DOB, I would have agreed with you completely that the one run games are due more to chance than talent or managerial maneuvers, but after reading this blog last night [http://www.bravesnuworld.com/] I am not convinced. This guy made some great arguments in pointing the finger in Cox’s direction. Gave me some perspective, for sure.

By N8

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

chase

“In all SERIOUSNESS…I don’t know about GANT as the Braves’ manager (no experience) BUT….GANT would be a GREAT replacement for TP as hitting coach…..GANT has HUGE PASSION for this Braves team and he is the ANTI-TP/COX becuase of his aggresiveness and assertiveness….Maybe at least think about him as BENCH COACH..MAYBE GANT’s personality could light a fire under some of these guys….He was a hard nosed aggressive player and great hitter for the Bravos for a lot of years..they could do worse!”

LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL!

Are you frickin kidding me???

Listen, don’t get me wrong. Gant was one of my favorite players. I agree about the passion. He’s got it.

But to call him a “great hitter” is a stretch at best. He of the .256 lifetime batting average?

To call him the “anti TP/Cox” is ludicrous as well.

Ron Gant stands for ALL that is Bobby Ball style Hack-n-Jack.

Gant was a no better hitter than Francoeur. Had you said David Justice, you might be on to something.

Gant played his entire career without realizing that the RIGHT SIDE of the diamond was actually “in play” for a RH batter. LOL! Talk about a guy who couldn’t lay off of low outside sliders and tried to pull everything.

Like I said. LOVE the guy. Question whether he was on the juice, but liked the guy.

Manager? Probably not.

Hitting Coach? God no.

Bench Coach? I’d be OK with that. Though, I’m sure there are more responsibilities for a bench coach than meets the eye. I know Pat Corrales “set” the defense. Is that something Gant could do? That I’m not sure.

By HuffBraves

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

That Renteria trade is looking better and better. Bring on Gorkys!

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

By the way, SORIANO has some slight soreness in his elbow. “We’re just not taking any chances,” Cox told me before the game (referring to resting him last night).

By mitchie-san

April 8, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Ha, that Gammons peice has Schaefer as a player to watch in September! Time to edit….

By keylargo

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

N8

You forgot that Ron Gant could bond with the players riding dirt bikes on off days. You know, a little MotoCross here, jump a few team busses there, good clean fun!!

By Slider29

April 8, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

I just caught this out of the corner of my eye…is Smoltz’s kid in the dugout?

By Barking Brave

April 8, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

N8 I think if Gant had stood at a 15 degree angle from the plate he would have been a hall of famer.

By William

April 8, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Can anyone believe Detroit is 0-7???? Goes to show that “on paper” means nothing!

By N8

April 8, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Lew

“No one wants a Designated Hitter that will lead the league in walks”

Yet in 340 AB’s he STILL managed to hit 28 HR (more than Frenchy did in 642 AB’s). Add to that only David Ortiz and Jim Thome (35 HR each), had more homers than him of ALL the other DH’s in baseball. And neither of them came very close to his .480 OBP.

Oh, btw, Ortiz had 549 AB’s and Thome had 432.

I would take his weak azz defense in LF, to have a guy with an OBP of .480, in case your math isn’t too good these days. That’s ALMOST a 1 to 1 on base to out ratio. Pretty good for a guy with no knees.

So I’ll go back to my original comment to your post.

If there wasn’t a federal case hanging over his head, there STILL would have been a bidding war for his services as a DH. Might not have involved more than one or two teams. But to say there are any less than 20 teams that could used that stick in their lineup, is just silly.

Maybe you should stick to football…..

Oh wait. That one’s already been used tonight. LOL!

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

By the way, SORIANO has some slight soreness in his elbow. “We’re just not taking any chances,” Cox told me before the game (referring to resting him last night).

DOB- Please man, some good news……

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

On a different subject, i still can’t get used to having the same starting 8 every night. I can’t ever remember a season under Cox that had no platoons. I know its killing Bobby. I know Kelly hit the slam Saturday, but i was still shocked to see him leading off against Santana Sunday.

By Epinephrine

April 8, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

That is pretty bad news about Soriano. Hopefully someone can step up, and by that I mean, Acosta, until Gonzo gets back.

This is why our lineup is a nightmare for opposing pitchers. If the first two get on, look out.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

jiminez is all over the place

By William

April 8, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

DOB Congrats on the Jayhawks victory. I’m not a basketball guy, but I know you have to be on cloud nine today.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

By the way, SORIANO has some slight soreness in his elbow. “We’re just not taking any chances,” Cox told me before the game (referring to resting him last night).

DOB- Please some good news……

By N8

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

You all see. When things are going like they’ve been going for us so far, a team will only score one run in an inning like that, that started out VERY promising.

I’m about ready to concede that April is not gonna be our month.

Beginning to fall into the “as long as we’re within striking distance” when June hits.

We’re apparently snake-bitten. That ball by Tex was SMASHED. If Chipper wasn’t so alert, it might have been a triple play.

By William

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

I really like the way this kid Jurrjens carries himself. Seem like a real good kid.

By Shamus Thacker

April 8, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

It was 15-years ago TODAY, that Cortney Love decided to slip ball bearings into Kurt Cobain’s noggin.

I loved Nirvana, but I’m pretty much over it.

I saw Neil Young in Athens in 1983. Still gotta jersey in a plastic bag from that show. He performed by himself except for “Ohio,” a roadie joined to play banjo. The entire show was spellbinding. “Powder Finger,” and “Outa The Blue Into The Black,” from that show, might have been the greatest performances I’ve ever experienced live, of any songs, by any band/soloist.

By chuckaluck

April 8, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Barking Brave — Chuchaluck Good grief man these blogs are long enough without those self important,ridiculously overlong post.

Read it, man. Gammons is the self-important one. Not me. Was doing it at the request of KC.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Tigers can’t pitch. Their starting pitching is vastly overrated after Verlander, and their bullpen might be the worst in the league.

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Wow. The future is a juicer. Maybe the Brass knew this… they did acquire Gorkys recently and he’s supposed to be a stud as well…

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

N8

GANT was/is One of 3 Player in ML history to post Back-to-Back 30/30 seasons….

He did have nearly 300 career HRs (298) but his was never an average hitter…

As a bench coach..How could he do any worse than Chino Cadhia?

At least his passion and personality would supply something the Braves have been lacking…The last guy to have “that” was GILES and not even he had it to GANT’s level….

You can just tell listening to him that he has a great vested interest and passion for this team…maybe thats what they need!

By brian

April 8, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Soriano has a sore elbow. The Braves already are 0-4 in 1 run games this year. Bullpen has struggled. Offense disappeared last night. Jordan Schafer suspended for 50 games for HGH.

Any good news to report about the Braves? I guess we should focus on the starters - superb the first week and that even includes the last minute/zero preparation start of Bennett. Hopefully as the starters hit their groove and start averaging closer to 7 innings per game instead of 5, that will take care of the bullpen in and of itself

By bravesfan

April 8, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

DOB is Soriano available tonight?

By ncgary

April 8, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

yeah you got to love them late 70’s and early 80’s concerts when you could still have fun inside

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

N8

He is the ANTI COX based on what he wsa saying last night after the game and based on how Bobby and his attitudes differ on how the game should be played/managed…

By N8

April 8, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Lew

Why would Barroid’s defense offend Braves fans, when we have Matt Diaz out there? LOL!

For the record. I’m not really for Barry being a Brave. I have “two” sides of me as a fan. One side that wants our roster to be made up of good citizens that play good ball and win titles.

The other side, is the side that wants us to win at all costs.

After all. We DID just sign Speizio to a minor league deal, didn’t we? I absolutely am disgusted with the steroids running through the veins of our superstar players.

But, as a PERSON, I’m more disgusted when guys that abuse other people (not sacred “fair-play” rules), get 2nd and 3rd chances.

If Speizio helps the Braves win this year, will I be happy about it? Sure.

HOLY CRAP!!!! That “sideline” reporter chick of the Rockies broadcast team is HOTTT!! Sorry. Watching on Extra Innings. No sports south.

It’s just disappointing about Shafer. For 6 months since the departure of AJ, we’ve been led to believe that Jordan is the next golden child, and savior for our CF spot for the next decade.

That’s almost as bad as finding out Milli Vanilli was lip-syncing.

Now after NOT putting Jimenez away in the first, he comes out and shows us why we should have.

The “theme” for this season so far, should be MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.

By Philliesuk

April 8, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Really sucks about Schafer. I wonder how many ballplayers are using HGH these days…

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

N8

Say what you want..he doesn’t qualify as a “great” hitter BUT he was HUGE for the Braves from 1991-1994…

Look at his stats for those years..30+ HRs..100+ RBIs…I dare say that without him in that line-up the BRAVES may not have made it to those WS….Those teams didn’t score much as it was they relied on pitching!

By Shamus Thacker

April 8, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

If home-run-distance foul balls down the left field line were considered home runs, Gant would be a GREAT choice for batting coach. He’d also have 3,500 home runs.

At this point [under current ground rules] he would royally suck as hitting instructor.

By keylargo

April 8, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mim1355/is/ai_15605902

Here’s the highlights of Ron Gant’s motorcycle career interfearing with his baseball career.

By N8

April 8, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

chase

“He is the ANTI COX based on what he wsa saying last night after the game and based on how Bobby and his attitudes differ on how the game should be played/managed…”

Fair enough. Since I have the Extra Innings package, I don’t get to see the “after game” stuff. The broadcast pretty much cuts off the SECOND the last out is made. Not quite. But as soon as they normally would go to commercial, is when it’s done.

Gant definitely was an aggressive player. 3rd guy in history to be a 30/30 man in back to back years, if I remember correctly.

But I still wouldn’t call him a great hitter. In fact, I’d hire him as a manager, before I would hire him as a hitting coach, and to my knowledge, he has ZERO experience as a manager.

By TJ

April 8, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Well, since we can’t generate any good news of our own, at least we can revel in the other guy’s misfortunes. A couple of headlines from mutsland:

According to Adam Rubin’s blog for the Daily News, Pedro Feliciano did not arrive to today’s game until the seventh inning as he was excused for personal reasons by the team.

Orlando Hernandez returned to New York for an MRI today, after experiencing pain, again, in the same foot that bothered him early in spring training and which initially forced him to the disabled list.

By McFann

April 8, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, they just showed the man who cooks the bratz and I think that was Wayne I saw buying one!

Anyway, the Braves need to get goin’ here. It’s early in the game, but still…

By Roman Gal

April 8, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

I wonder why there is a picture of Mark Teixeira with the Blaine Boyer story on the braves website.

By TJ

April 8, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Oh, almost forgot one more the the amazins:

Matt Wise said his sore forearm was no big deal. Sunday in Atlanta, he said he didn’t see this lasting past that day. The Mets put him on the DL this morning and recalled Carlos Muniz

And N8 thinks we have problems.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

So muts lost to 50 year old moyer? Wow. Opening day a Shea…. Some tough luck there.

By William

April 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

No way I would want Bonds on the Braves! PERIOD!!! Not if it guaranteed us a World Series. I think it’s great statement everyone is making by not ringing his phone. Even the low life Yankees and Mets haven’t even given him a call.

By keylargo

April 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mim1355/is/ai_15605902

Try this for Gant’s injury.

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

What is with people’s OBSESSION with bashing former Braves players?

There would have been NO WORST TO FIRST without GANT or any of those guys….

Those Braves teams scored very few runs as it was…

Kid yourselves if you want..BUT on those offensively challenged Braves teams..his 30/30 contribution would’ve been huge if wasn’t there!

Only he and Bonds had done that at that point, Jose C. I think did it later.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

McFann Good job by brian, tulowitzky was a third of the way to 2nd before JJJ released the ball and he still got him….. great to watch him do that.. I was impressed.

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

N8

Oh man…YOU didn’t get to see GANT RIP into COX after the game last night?????

You’d loved it…

Jerome Jerinovich said they had to calm him down in the studio after COX didn’t walk HOLLIDAY and then he hit the homer…

On the broadcast he said the Braves “got beat by a MENTAL error when they chose to pitch to Holliday”

By Goodoleboy58

April 8, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Do we know who is getting sent down for Chuckie yet?

By McFann

April 8, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

SA-WEEEEEETTT!!! I was a little worried about Troy bein’ on base, but I got proven WRONG! And that’s the kinda proven wrong that I like!

But now he hits a lazy fly. Hmm…He needs to get his hitting act together, but his defense has been pretty good.

SHEEEEEESH, Francoeur!

By N8

April 8, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Chase

“Say what you want..he doesn’t qualify as a “great” hitter BUT he was HUGE for the Braves from 1991-1994…Look at his stats for those years..30+ HRs..100+ RBIs…I dare say that without him in that line-up the BRAVES may not have made it to those WS….Those teams didn’t score much as it was they relied on pitching!”

Like I said. Gant was one of my favorite players. Even in 1988 when he was a BAD fielding 2B. Always liked Ronnie Gant.

As for the Braves “not scoring much”??

Maybe you should check the stats.

In 1991, they scored 749 runs. 2nd in the NL behind the Pirates, who scored 768.

In 1992, they finished 3rd in the NL in runs scored with 682. Pittsburgh again finished first with 693, and Philadelphia was 2nd with 686.

In 1993, we finished 3rd again with 767 runs, Philly finished 1st that year with an incredible 877, and SF finished 2nd with 808.

Now, you were correct about the winning with pitching part.

1991 we finished 3rd in ERA at 3.98

1992 we finished 1st in ERA at 3.51

1993 we finished 1st in ERA at 3.14

So, in reality we were a better offensive team (in relation to league standings) in 1991 than we were with our pitching.

In the strike shortened 1994 season we were 5th in scoring and 2nd in ERA at the time the strike hit.

By geauxbraves2000

April 8, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Well, at least the offense is consistent.

Geaux Braves!!

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Jimenez has a little Oliver Perez in him. Effectively wild.

By Philliesuk

April 8, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Francoeur is starting to frustrate me tremendously. I wish he hadn’t gained 20 lbs to try to become a HR slugger. Seven games into this season, it’s obvious his pitch selection is worse this year than in 07.

What the hell has happened to our offense? This may be one of those seasons where it’s either 11 runs or 1 run.

By Justo

April 8, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Im worried about Jeff F.

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Can we score some FREAKIN RUNS?????

One a night at COORS FIELD ain’t gonna cut it!

Down 2-1 now

By fastasballs

April 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

unreal

By Philliesuk

April 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

And now it’s Francoeur in the field…

Come on, guys. This is getting ridiculous.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Fugly inning here, folks.

By Justo

April 8, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Nah change that im worried about the whole team.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Rockies offense is heating up. Hopefully Jair can calm down a bit and get us through 6 innings.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

I got to say braves look out of air, i guess that cold air and high altitude is affecting their game. Lets concentrate please. It seams as if they are not in the game.

By geauxbraves2000

April 8, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

If it weren’t for errors, lack of timely hitting and sloppy bullpen work, this team could be undefeated so far.

Geaux Braves!!

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

down 3-1 now….

How is it that we can often make less than mediocre pitchers look like the second coming of CY YOUNG?

We should’ve had several runs in the first inning now they are rolling and we left our offense in ATLANTA!

N8

If those are the stats from those years thats cool..but it just seems like I remember alot of 3-2 and 4-3 type games….

By N8

April 8, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Chase

“Only he and Bonds had done that at that point, Jose C. I think did it later.”

WOW. Now I know what I’m “dealing” with.

First of all. Canseco was BEFORE both Gant and Bonds, add to that he was the first member of the 40/40 club.

30/30 club

Click the above link for the entire list of members that are in the 30/30 club and what year they did it.

Since you posted how offensively challenged early 90’s Braves teams were TWICE, I’ll ask you to check out the numbers in my last post more closely.

NICE PLAY FRANCOEUR!!!

That reminds me Chase. Not only were those early 90’s teams NOT as bad as you said they were, they also played pretty damn good defense. LOL!

See the problem is this. You’re remembering the POST-SEASON hitting of the Braves. That WAS futile at best. Which again goes back to the hack-n-jack attitude that Bobby has been all about.

Good pitchers know how to shut that down. Don’t walk people and keep the ball out of the middle of the plate.

LOL!!!!

One of the Rockies announcers just said that “Bobby Cox, more often than not, plays thing by the book”

At which point the other announcer stated: “What do you mean, more often than not? He ALWAYS plays it by the book. The baseball book.”

Lew

Diaz looks really good out there in LF. Looks like you picked the wrong night to make fun of Barroid’s defense. LOL!

By rupert

April 8, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

butchering it up out there defensively, jurrjens deserves a better fate

By McFann

April 8, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Me, too, Overlord!!

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Justo…we know you are a MUT’s fan

By Deep Throat

April 8, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Somebody tap the Braves on the shoulder and tell them you need more than one run and it’s not “mission accomplished, we can take the rest of the game off” once that first run is plated.

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens appears to be our most patient hitter tonight.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

our damn pitcher has a better batting eye than jeff and diaz

By Andy

April 8, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

In regards to the one run losses, Boyer blew two of them. The Braves insisted on letting a red-hot Xavier Nady beat them twice. Why allow the best player to beat you? Same goes for Holliday. I think first base was open. You do not give Holliday a straight fastball down the middle. Stupid. Cox needs to manage the close games a little better. I do not want Boyer or Resop losing close games for us.

By T

April 8, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I heard you on the radio today defending the Braves decision to not give Holiday anything to hit with first base open… I know the “book” says not to put the winning run on base, but sometimes you have to forget the rule and do the obvious. Last night was one of those times. You don’t give their best hitter (Holliday very easily could have won the MVP last year) an opportunity to beat you. Especially with a grooved fastball on the first pitch when Holiday got to measure Boyer in the on-deck circle for many pitches on Helton’s at bat.

Sorry, but I felt the Braves were wrong last night. AND you were wrong today on the radio defending it. I think B is right when he said the problem might be with Bobby Cox on the one-run game losses. Sometimes you go by the book… sometimes you have to consult the book, but go with your gut. Bobby usually goes by the book 99.9% of the time. And when he does not, he pulls some bazaar move like that pitcher to the outfield and back to the mound BS he did the other night.

By the way, that radio interview today was a train wreck…

By Original Jon

April 8, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

This Jimenez kid has thrown almost half his pitches for balls, but yet, here the Braves are, swing at the first or second pitch. So far the Braves hitters have only walked 4 times, and two of those are from Jurrjens. This is pathetic how they go up there and hack at the first or second pitch. I am going to post from this point on who all takes more than 3 pitches, and I can almost bet that I wont be posting again anytime soon.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

How the heck that guy at 2B ended up with that ball in his glove hit by KJ?

Great range……

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Just one of those games. In other news, Jeff Locke gave up 8 earned runs for Class A Rome. Jason Heyward also struck out 3 times. And someone has stolen the Batmobile.

By BT

April 8, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

What is the least number of runs scored in Colorado in a four game series. We have to be well on our way!

By TJ

April 8, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Just 53 pitches through 4 for Jurrjens. Rox should be MORE PATIENT AT THE PLATE!

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

N8

I said I ‘thought” Jose C…I was 11 years old in 1991 man…BUT take a look at this from WIKIPEDIA

“Joining an exclusive club, Gant had also become only the 3rd player in history to have 30 HR and 30 SB two seasons in a row. Willie Mays(1956 - 1957) and Bobby Bonds(1977 - 1978) were the others, while he was followed by Barry Bonds, who accomplished the feat 3 years in a row.”

So are you sure Canseco was BEFORE?

By Deep Throat

April 8, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hampton on the DL, Soriano with elbow pain, Braves losing again, Schafer on steroids….

Anything going right, right now?

By Justo

April 8, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Im no muts fan, yo mom is a muts fan

By chase

April 8, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

N8

There is obviously conflicting info on those 30/30 players and dates on the internet!

By Justo

April 8, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Im no muts fan, yo mom is a muts fan

By N8

April 8, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

When digging up these stats that I’ve been discussing with Chase, It’s crazy how much the game has “changed” since 1991.

In 2007, only ONE TEAM had an ERA under 4.00 in the NL (the Padres were at 3.70). With the Marlins finishing last at 4.94 and the league average was 4.43.

In 1991, only THREE teams *DIDN’T finish with an ERA under 4.00 in the NL. (Houston 4.00, Chicago 4.03, SF 4.03). The league average was 3.68.

So in reality, we were above the league average in RPG last year at 5.00 runs per game, along with being under the league average in ERA at 4.11.

In 1991 our RPG was 4.62 and the league average was 4.10. Our ERA was 3.49 and the league average was 3.62.

So compared to the league averages we were a much better hitting team than pitching in 1991.

Add to that, despite Gant’s 32 HR and 105 RBI, Pendleton won the NL MVP with 22 HR, 88 RBI and a .319 average. Why is that?

In fact, TP’s numbers alone, show how the game has changed. Arod hit .308 with 26 HR and 88 RBI in the FIRST HALF last year.

Where do you all “stand” on the cause of the offensive number explosion in the last 17 years?

A) Steroids

B) Better Conditioned Hitters

C) Video to study.

D) Expansion teams (meaning that more pitchers are in the big leagues that shouldn’t be).

E) Pitchers being rushed to the majors, if they show ANY sign of promise in the minors.

F) Smaller ball-parks.

G) Other.

Now if I was the AJC “poll” writer, I would have given the following options:

A) Steroids

B) Weight Lifting

C) Poor Drug Testing

D) See no - Hear no - Speak no evil. By Bud Selig.

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

4-1…doesn’t matter if all you can do is is score 1 FREAKIN run!!!!!!

TEX hits a screamer that turns into a big inning killing DP and Holliday hits a bouncing bleeder that score a run….

This feels like it is stacked against us!

By HuffBraves

April 8, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

T:

Way off, my man. Neither DOB nor Cox nor anyone else told Boyer to groove one to Holliday. I assure you that was not the plan. On the other hand, Holliday has been struggling in the first week of the season, and Atkins has been roping. History aside, the odds of Holliday hitting a two-run homer were probably lower than Atkins hitting a two-run double.

And again, if Boyer threw the same pitch to Atkins that I threw to Holliday, Atkins would have hit a 3-run homer. So don’t blame Cox, blame a terrible pitch from Boyer.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

jurrjens is gonna get tom glavine’d tonight…..good pitching performance….killed by crappy defense and non existent hitting….damn shame

By poorbrave

April 8, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

What the he!! happen to the outfield? Diaz sucks, if he’s a LF I’m a fighter pilot and French looked like Bozo going after the ball that got by him. It was a error everywhere but in Rockie land. Diaz has no arm. Where the hell is Anderson and Blanco. We all know about the future star Shafer. What a waste. No speed! Everyone playing back at the fence. Whats Jairs gone do pitch, play 2nd and OF. KJ?????Cox sleeping in dugout.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

We are Foqed again…….this zux…. How come im not surprised holliday is 2 for 3 with 2 RBI?

TEX please wake up, chipper cant do it every night man……

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Holliday owns this team.

By InCognito

April 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

This team is awful

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Schafer on steroids??? what do you mean by that?

By N8

April 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Chase

*”There is obviously conflicting info on those 30/30 players and dates on the internet!”

How about this one, then?

Alright then

I think your not reading close enough. Gant was the 3rd person to do it TWO YEARS IN A ROW (as I stated earlier).

Not trying to be an azz, I just think your reading too fast. LOL!

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

We are due for a 6 run inning!

By Roman Gal

April 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

I’m just wondering…Joe Simpson keeps talking about how that ball that Francoeur misplayed should have been an error. HOWEVER, doesn’t the ball have to be touched for it to be an error? I don’t think he touched the ball…

By Overlord

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

DOB is there anything bothering braves? altitude, weather? this is a completely different team from weekend.

By David O'Brien

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

Hey, what’s going on here — the Braves are losing, but not by one run.

According to Elias, the Braves are the FIRST NL team in history to start the season with their first four losses all by one run, and all coming in the opponent’s final at-bat. Two AL teams have done it — the 1976 Tigers and 2001 Red Sox.

By chase

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

ROCKIES were 1-5 when we got town…now all of a sudden they look like World Beaters again! Amazing..

InCognito

Easy on the “this team is horrible” crap…

48 HOURS ago everyone was talking about how great they were….it is baseball NOT football…you can’t get too high or too low on EVERY GAME!

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

WOO!! YEAH! I’m really liking Kotsay!

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

down 4-1 and frenchy is hacking at a 2-0 pitch out of the strike zone.

By Epinephrine

April 8, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Screw Jordan Schafer, and Coach, guess what, Kots does have power.

By woogidy

April 8, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Ayy Ohh! Sticks pounded that one!

By Gator

April 8, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Atta boy Kotsay.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Kotsay has more HRs than AJ and more RBI. And more assists. LOL

By TJ

April 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

McCann swings at the 3rd pitch he sees, and Kotsay the 2nd. Come on guys, patience. And now Diaz swings at the first pitch… sure it’s a hit, but, we need PATIENCE!

By TexasBrave

April 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Found out how to get Jeff to take two pitches. Throw them where he can’t hit them. Then of course the first pitch that is even close to the zone he swings and hits a weak fly ball.

Way to go Kotsay!!!!

By Bo

April 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Thanks Kotsay, now kick Fran in a@@ to wake him up.

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Way to go Kotsay!!!!!

Down by ONE RUN!!!!

…..is that a good thing?

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Pretty wild — I literally had just hit the send button about not losing by one run, and Kotsay hit the next pitch out for a two-run homer to make the score … 4-3.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Yes!!!!!!!!!! Bobby leaves JJJ in.

I like that….finally!!!!!!

By McFann

April 8, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

WAYTAGO, Kotsay!!

But McCann had that base stolen if he’da taken that pitch.

; ) Rather have the homer!!

By geauxbraves2000

April 8, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

In 13 pitches, the Braves got 3 hits, scored 2 runs and made 3 outs.

Geaux Braves!!!

By Tomahawkin

April 8, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Nice! Atta boy Mark! Now if we can spread the fever onto the others in the lineup and kill this “We can’t hit in the cold crap…”

By N8

April 8, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Chase

“If those are the stats from those years thats cool..but it just seems like I remember alot of 3-2 and 4-3 type games…”

Here’s the thing. You probably are correct. In fact, that’s the thing.

Those teams almost ALWAYS scored 3-5 runs per night.

The numbers for our offense, the past couple of seasons have been skewed, IMO. Just like they have, so far this season.

In seven games this year, we’ve scored 41 runs (not counting tonight of course). That “averages” out to about 5.85 runs per game.

Certainly NOT the offensive output of a team that’s gone 3-4, much less a team that has lost games by 3-2, 4-3 and 2-1 scores, right? I mean, after all we’re “averaging” 5.85 runs per game. How can we have 3 out of 7 games so far that we’ve scored less than 3 runs?

I guess it comes down to consistency. Those early 90’s teams seemed to ALWAYS score just enough, and keep the other team from scoring just enough.

Pitching, Defense and TIMELY hitting.

BTW, You know that NONE of this is personal, right? Just busting your balz a little bit. I actually am enjoying the “conversation” with you.

I was 20 in 1991, so I’m not that much older than you. Just a little more obsessed with details. LOL!

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

N8

You’re right..i think we were talking about 2 different things…reaching 30/30 and doing twice….

I think we were actually both right

By N8

April 8, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Roman Gal

You are correct. He never touched that ball. But he SHOULD HAVE.

Similar to when an infield pop-up falls between three guys, it is ASSUMED that somebody should have caught it. Thus an error is usually given to the closest guy to where the ball dropped.

Joe Simpson is just assuming that a guy that won a GG last year, should have at least knocked that ball down, and kept Helton at 3B.

I agree. An error SHOULD HAVE been given. Tough error. But this IS the big-leagues.

WOW!!

WONDERFUL catch by Kotsay, which was preceded by his HR.

Nice game for him tonight.

By LT AA blogger

April 8, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Wow, Braves are down by 1 run……..I wonder if they can pull this one out?

Soriano has a sore elbow. Top prospect appears to be fairly unintelligent. Does the dude know how to read a sports page? Does the dude know how to watch Sports Center? I mean come on….. Memphis lost me 250 smolies in the office pool. What’s next, my dog gonna bite me when I go to pet him?

This team is suckin the life outta me.

By JimD

April 8, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Yeah, it’s obvious now, after the at bay in the top of the 6th and the defense in the bottom of the 6th, this Kotsay guy ain’t no good.

Yeah, right.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

then Kotsay makes an amazing catch that stops a double……forget AJ!

By Philliesuk

April 8, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

I freaking love Mark Kotsay. What a play.

By JC from UT

April 8, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Could we please get Xavier Nady to play left field?

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

So what’s the deal? Now that AJ is gone…Its time to find another whipping boy so time to attack FRENCHYu even though he came in hitting .300 w/ HR and 4 RBIs….

Give it some time people

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

are we #1 one in ground ball outs yet? If I see one more of our guys weakly groundout to the infield I’m gonna puke!

By geauxbraves2000

April 8, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

KJ - 2 pitches, out, E - 5 pitches, out, CJ - 2 pitches, out - 9 pitches, inning over.

How do they expect to learn a pitcher if they don’t see him pitch?

Geaux Braves!!

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Yes N8 I remember watching alot of those close games in ‘91 and ‘92 in my room on th e13 inch black and white TV at the end of my bunk bed….and either ANDY GRIFFITH or SANFORD and SON woas coming on before and after the game!

Hey and if there was a rain delay we might have got Gilligan’s Island or even Happy Days!

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Why would Cox send Jair out there for the 7th when he is facing a top of the lineup that is 6 for 11 against him????

By TexasBrave

April 8, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Man I love that Bobby left Jair in the 6th but got to question him letting him go in the 7th with 91 pitches. Hope I am wrong.

By Northern Redneck

April 8, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

WHY on EARTH is jurrjens still in the game… WHAT ARE YOU THINKING BC

By Andy K

April 8, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Ya, know, if Kotsay has a good year…I say we re-sign him for another year….as long as he earns it. Because of the unfortunate HGH hiccup, Schafer should spend another year in the minors, like at AAA

By AMG

April 8, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Another one run loss? Kotsay is my new favorite player on this team.

By TexasBrave

April 8, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

I love it when I am wrong!!!

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

How bout JJ…7 complete innings…HE IS THE REAL DEAL!

He shouldn’t be behind…let’s get two runs here and get the guy a WIN!

By Kim

April 8, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Chase,

I think it is a little early to be jumping on Frency, but i think people get frustrated with his complete lack of discipline at the plate.

Even if he gets a hit, he never seems to work the count. I know I’d like him to see a couple more pitches per at bat.

By Roman Gal

April 8, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks N8. I wasn’t sure. I don’t know that it should have been an error, though. It did take a funny hop…but then again, he did overrun it. Anyways, let’s just hope it doesn’t cost us the game.

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

another quality start. that makes eight good starts.

diaz and francoeur are the same player, both low .obp guys with mediocre power, playing positions that demand power.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

JoJo Reyes very effective tonight. Completes 5 innings with 67 pitches. 1 hit, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. Phil Stockman 1 inning of relief so far, 3 strikeouts. After 6 1/2 it’s R-Braves 1, Buffalo 0. Brandon Jones gets his fourth double in 5 games, Scott Spiezio singles him home.

By poorbrave

April 8, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Chase we don’t look for whipping boys, they cause their on problems by what they do. I believe we still gone win this game by some hero action. Maybe?

By N8

April 8, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

geauxbraves2000

“How do they expect to learn a pitcher if they don’t see him pitch?”

Yeah….but your missing the point.

IF at any point he hangs a curveball or grooves a fastball down the middle on the first pitch…..it’s GONE!

Meanwhile, Frenchy “dribbles” one to 1B. Hey! At least he took it the other way. LOL!

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

What’s with all the WEAK GROUND BALL OUTS?

By Epinephrine

April 8, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Jeff really hasn’t looked good since coming back from the face shot. A bunch of his hits have been bloops, etc. Hopefully it won’t take him long to hit a groove, but he definitely isn’t in one right now.

By brewdawg

April 8, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Solid start from JJJ. However, I’m not sure how much I like seeing his young “live” arm throwing nearly 100 pitches this early in the year. Probably says a bit about two things- 1. BC’s confidence in the bullpen

1. The bullpen already being worked a lot this year

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

we have got to find another corner outfielder PERIOD.

By Barking Brave

April 8, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

DOB I was reading at Rivals UGA site and saw that Roy Williams wore a Kansas sweater to the game last night.The guy just had his a* handed to him by the same team (whom he coached for 15 years) and looked poorly prepared in doing so.Add his comments prior to the UNC/UK game about his love for Kansas and it just looks really bad to me.I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I was one of his players at UNC,betrayed maybe.

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

KOTSAY…HERO to GOAT in ONE INNING..

CAN’T TAKE A CALLED 3rd STRIKE DOWN THE MIDDLE in that SPOT!

By Original Jon

April 8, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

uga-brave Since when does playing a certain position demand power?

By N8

April 8, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

chase

Don’t forget Gomer Pyle during the rain delays.

I used to watch MNF on my little B&W TV in my bedroom in the early 80’s. I’d lay a towel or a blanket at the bottom of the door, so when my mom or dad looked down the stairs into the basement, they wouldn’t see the light from the TV on under the door.

So sneaky.

By Deep Throat

April 8, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Mark Kotsay’s 2-run homer=another 1-run loss.

By Tomahawkin

April 8, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Here we go again…I feel another 1-run outcome, 4-runs in two games at this park…This has got to be the most inconsistant offense I’ve ever watched (from last year to the present)…

By TJ

April 8, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz is a low OBP guy?

By Deep Throat

April 8, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Mark Kotsay’s 2-run homer=another 1-run loss.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

kotsay is the only reason were still in this game

By Gator

April 8, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

c’mon rox score 1 more so we could atleast not add to the 1-run stat.

By fastasballs

April 8, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Why can’t this team come up with a run when they need it? Lead off walk turns into nothing. A nice bunt by McCann would have been really nice instead of the weak swing pop up he provided. Fuentes is hell on lefties so why not try & get some sort of production with a sac bunt?

By Bama

April 8, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Whats wrong with Anderson Uga-brave. Just a phone call away.

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

chase,

all those weak ground balls are caused by terrible mechanics and poor pitch selection.

as long as francoeur continues to hit off his front foot the results are gonna be the same. he can bulk up all he wants but, but his balance is flat out terrible.

By chase

April 8, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

N8

How did I forget GOMER PYLE?

But I always think of that Whistling at the begining of Andy Griffith at 7:05pm and I knew the Braves would be following at 7:35

On old TBS everything was on the 5’s like that!

By jz

April 8, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

swing the bats! this is pathetic.

By Epinephrine

April 8, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Yesterday = 1 run loss due to avoidable mistakes, both from the staff, and the managing.

Today = 1 run loss, just the way the game goes. Outfield errors are regrettable, but that doesn’t have much to do with the 1 run thing.

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

HOW DID BLANCO MAKE THIS TEAM?

He has struck out on 3 pitches in his last 3 ABs!!!!!!!

By Deep Throat

April 8, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Sabermetricians: Pythagorean sucks!

By N8

April 8, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Again. Defense is gonna cost us a game.

We’re giving them away. Sad, but true.

Anybody remember when we used to win EVERY game against the Rockies?

Let Jimenez off the hook in the 1st, and couldn’t catch or throw the ball tonight.

FUGLY. As DOB would put it.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Hey! Another one-run loss! Yippee!

By jz

April 8, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

this team is painful to watch.

new worst job in america: braves beat writer.

beating out last year’s winner: assistant crack w*******.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

another loss by 1 run….this team is not horrible….it’s just slightly below mediocre

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

We just KEEP letting the other teams/ BEST/HOTTEST player beat us..INCREADIBLE!

Holliday the player of the game two nights in a row……

5 one run losses…..Time for someone to shake things up…

BLANCO has not looked like a Major Leaguer in his appearences…

By Efrim

April 8, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Speechless.

Just bad luck folks. That is what it is.

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

tj,

he has not walked all year and he swings at everything.

original jon, if your RF and LF are not power hitters they better be able to run.

the braves outfield will be near or at the bottom of the league in .ops this year. i would be really shocked if they hit more then 50 homeruns as a group.

By iowabrave

April 8, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Wow, 0-5 in 1 run games. You can talk all you want about it being early, but this team is missing something. Everytime, it seems to be something different. You don’t win flags in April, but the Bravos are showing us how you can lose them.

By Stuart

April 8, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

100 loses by one run in the last 3 years. That is pathetic. I don’t know what the deal is so just fire everybody, anybody, do something. I dont care. This is garabage. This team is garbage. The management is garbage, the coaches are garbage.

By JC from UT

April 8, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

RICHBRAVE: thanks for the reports from Richmond. Too bad Jojo can’t have that same success in Atlanta.

It looks like Diaz needs a day off.I say send Corky down and bring upJosh Anderson, maybe he can light a fire for this offense.

By woogidy

April 8, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Let’s all celebrate the first scoreless appearance by the 2008 Braves bullpen.

By Austin

April 8, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Uhhh

I dont think Blanco should be pinch hitting in the 9th. Where was Pena?

By dogmeat

April 8, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Diaz sucks. Bobby need to kick some a@@ instead of giving out kisses. The Braves stink it up.JJ deserves better.

By fastasballs

April 8, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

0-5 in 1 run games. All of that good work against the Muts just got flushed down the toliet.

Except for the starting pitching the 2008 Braves are looking just like the 2007 version.

By brewdawg

April 8, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Another one run loss… fueling the braves faithful bloggers into a frenzy. However, I just wanted to say that I wish you guys would stop lamenting the TBS days. Makes me miss those times like crazy. Growing up I remember nothing better than a Braves rain delay in the middle of summer with Andy Griffith and Sanford and Son episodes… all the while hanging on the edge of your seat at the end of the show to see Skip give an update of the rain situation- which in the Atlanta Fulton County days almost always was his narration of the situation to a picture of a rain-drenched tarp :)

By King521

April 8, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Is this a joke!?!?

4 RUNS….9 HITS….in two games IN COLORADO???

It is really sad that our Atlanta Braves are once again so apathetic and drowsy! They can just show up and win right??? NO! They are not good enough…The only thing that could possibly save us is my all-time least favorite Braves….

MARK REDMAN!!!!

One positive is the starting pitching…solid again Jair!

PLEASE DOB…LIGHT A FIRE UNDER THIS TEAM…IT IS TIME TO GET EVERYONES HEAD OUT OF THEIR OWN A*!

By TennesseePaul

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

Wow. Looking at the line up batting averages it’s like we still have AJ here.

.300
.300
.382
.156
.269
.265
.267
.281
At least we’re still perfect in 1 run losses.

This has got to turn around. This team is feast or famine right now. I’d rather we kept the buffet servers working. C’mon Braves! Let’s win some games.

GO BRAVES!!

By Bravesfan79

April 8, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

And that folks is why games like last nights are SO important, for us to make the RIGHT MOVES at the end of the game to win! Because nights like tonight, were gonna loose games like that, but the other 1 run losses have just been unacceptable!
The season is far from over, but i do believe its either win the Division or bust. There will be no wildcard hopes for the Braves this year, we just loose to make close game we should of won! THe wildcard will come out of the west, it will either be SD, Colorado, or Ariz.
And can you tell me the reason why Cox (who lives for the homerun ball) didnt send any pinchitters up that could jack one out? I guess Javy Lopez on the bench in that situation looks alot better than Corky Miller. Owell im still happy i dont have to complain about chris woodcrap getting chance after chance again.
Go Braves….just like the black race…..”we gots to dos betters”!! haha

By Kev

April 8, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

DOB

I guess is 0-5 in One run games and counting… the offense flat out STINKS right now!!! Hope the Braves get on Redman tomorrow and score 10 Runs…or NOT!! i might be surprised but..im expecting, the way the offense is, 3 runs off Redman…i might be surprised but by how this offense is hitting right now… thats what you’d expect.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Gomer Pyle, The Munsters, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Addams Family, Gilligan’s Island, The Jeffersons, Laverne & Shirley, The Three Stooges…

And how would we have ever made it through rain delays without The Andy Griffith Show, Sanford and Son, This Week in Basebawwwwwwwwwwwl with Mel Allen???

Ahhh, the good, ol’ days on TBS.

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Fastballs could you explain to me what a bunt is? I have not been able to learn that while watching the braves play.

From Foxsports : Braves are the 1st team to loose their 4 first games of the season in the final at bat of their opponents.

Thats quite at stat… We made history once again. Thank Bobby, i love your brains.

Im not sure if Diaz should be hitting behind kotsay, that righty lefty stuff…. im not sure it is working.

Im not even sure if Brian should be hitting in front of diaz….

Im not even sure if Jeff should be hitting in front of him….

Why dont we move diaz to the 5th spot and move everybody else down in the lineup???

Maybe its crazy, but why not?

Why not try Acosta as a closer???

Mariano rivera……. Corpas…… Acosta… get the point?

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Lets not all start OVERREACTING….This is the same team that just handed the MUTS their @ZZ…..

If these quality starts by the pitchers continue all season everything will even out, the Braves will win their share…They’ll be fine!

N8

GANT is RIPPING COX/CADIHIA again…He is critcizing them hard for pitching Holiday away and playing Kelly up the middle on that run scoring dribbler…He said 8”as a manager you have to know who the hitter is and Holliday isn’t one of the best by missing wide open holes on the infield!”*

By Justo

April 8, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

This team just isnt clicking right now, but I think they will down the road, But i am concerned about Frenchy and even Tex.

By Matt

April 8, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Make that 0-5 in one-run games. This is shaping up to be a very painful season. Absolutely pathetic. WHY are we not hitting at COORS FIELD?!?!?

By JT

April 8, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

WHY THE HECK is Gregor Blanco on this team… send HIM packing tomorrow Wren.. dude hasnt hit anything since his up here… dont know in the first place why all hyped up in ST about him…to good to be true.

By Dave in Arizona

April 8, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves are just playing the season backwards. This is how they looked every October for about fifteen years.

By Chop Chop

April 8, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and don’t forget about NWA/WCW Power Hour and WCW Main Event. I loved when Skip would read the promos for those shows. They usually went a little something like this:

“Stay tuned after the game for (you can sense the wry smirk forming on Skip’s face) NWA Power Hour. Hey, Pete. (Skip snickers) Norman the Lunatic’s in this one! Should be a good show. Stick around, folks.”

Absolutely classic stuff.

By TexasBrave

April 8, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

JC from UT - Corky might be the one to go down but Josh will not be the one to come up, Chucky will be tomorrow.

By BravesDave

April 8, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

It is unbelievable that the this game played out according to the discussions on the blog last night and today. ZERO patience shown by Braves hitters all night. They come into a game against a pitcher with noted control problems and promptly swing at the FIRST FOUR pitches that he throws. The same pitcher throws about 97 pitches in the first inning after being so wild that even the Braves couldn’t swing at some of his pitches. The Braves then forget that he couldn’t throw strikes in the first inning and start swinging at everything again and he only throws about 50 pitches over the next 5 innings. Go figure. Where are those people agruing that aggressiveness is better than patience?

By TennesseePaul

April 8, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

WHY are we not hitting at COORS FIELD?!?!?

Because Coors field is now equiped with more than just a humidor. It has a team that plays excellent defense to go along with pitchers that know how to pitch in that park. This ain’t the old days that were filled with Sid Bream check swing slams.

By Reid in EAV

April 8, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Chuck James vs. Mark Redman tomorrow.

I predict a 20-19 Braves loss…

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

JC in UT:

Don’t forget, Richmond’s park is very pitcher friendly after dark. There are “dark” areas and shadows due to poorly placed lighting. A product of the extremely hasty construction in 1982-83. The old stadium(Parker Field) was disassembled after several delays, and the Diamond erected between the end of the ‘82 season and the beginning of the ‘83 season. Some details were not able to be properly adjusted before the facility was put into use. Lighting was one.

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Brewdawg

I am not “lamenting” those old TBS days…I remember those days quite FONDLY…..

That was my point..there is a great nostalgia to them!

By N8

April 8, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

chase

MAYBE Ron Gant is a good choice for manager. But if he keeps ripping Cox after every game, he can forget about being his bench coach! LOL!

Maybe he’s hoping TP takes over, and makes Gant his bench coach.

How’s this for a future coaching staff?

Manager: TP

Hitting Coach: David Justice

Pitching Coach: Greg Maddux

Bullpen Coach: Tom Glavine

3rd Base Coach: Mark Lemke

1st Base Coach: Ron Gant

Bench Coach: John Smoltz

NOT A CHANCE IN HELL, that a coaching staff made up of fired up guys like that, doesn’t get in people’s face (the way Hurdle did to Jimenez when he went to the mound after the 1st walk to JJJ), and let them know what’s expected of them.

Hell, I’d take my chances with those guys IN THE FIELD right now.

Oh well. Back to reality. Bobby will retire in 2023 and all of those guys will be working for other organizations by then. LOL!

By JP

April 8, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any updates on Infante??? Cant wait till the guy’s back…

By BravesDave

April 8, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Alright, Jeff Francoeur. I think it is time that you start proving your worth.

I am tired of hearing about this guy. Every year so far, he shows up with different plans in spring training. “I am going to be a .300 hitter this season.” Um, no, you’re not. “I lifted weights and put on 20 lbs. of muscle to hit some more HRs this season.” Um, sure you did. Is that the reason that you still have no plate discipline and look completely lost with a bat in your hand??

Four horrible at-bats tonight. A bonehead play in the outfield. And, my favorite, a 14-hop throw to second on Holliday’s double to right field.

Who is this guy and why have we been fed the tale that this guy is the All-American, MVP, Roy Hobbs of baseball and the Atlanta Braves???

By Luke Goddard

April 8, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

I like your stuff for the most part. I think here, you’re a bit cynical. Lighten up, champ. This Braves ball club will get it together. They are a whole different team in comparison to the past couple of years. Although I enjoy most of your stuff, I didn’t like this post at all, especially your negative words regarding Chuckie returning tomorrow night.

By Luke Goddard

April 8, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

I like your stuff for the most part. I think here, you’re a bit cynical. Lighten up, champ. This Braves ball club will get it together. They are a whole different team in comparison to the past couple of years. Although I enjoy most of your stuff, I didn’t like this post at all, especially your negative words regarding Chuckie returning tomorrow night.

By Rocky

April 8, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

One of you guys are saying we need ANOTHER Corner outfielder. Okay who do you think we should get? Diaz AND Frenchy BOTH had GREAT years last year. Its early dude. Diaz started out really slow last year and ended up hitting .330 something. I guess you are saying to replace Diaz I sure hope you are not sayin to replace Frenchy. Because if you are you are a darn FOOL!

But remember when you are trying to get a corner outfielder to replace Diaz WHO are you gonna get that is Cheap and can hit like Diaz can? The dude that you might be thinking of might hit 25 homers or more but will probably not have a good batting average and WILL cost a TON of prospects and probably cost way more money than Diaz also. So lets go ahead and do what you want to do dude!!!

Im upset with the dang loss to but quit sayin we need another corner outfielder because we DONT!!!

By Philliesuk

April 8, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

This is getting painful. Let’s recap…Braves go up early, then bats go silent. Lost lead on sloppy defense. Ballgame.

The only thing I can say is that I can’t wait until they start winning. I’m tired of waking up in a bad mood every day.

I know this won’t change our team dramatically, but…BRING JOSH ANDERSON UP NOW

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

TWO EXTRA BASEHITS in two games in colorado. dont need to look further as to why we cant score runs.

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop…

Ah the WCW Saturday Night Main Event with the Nature Boy, Tommy Rich, Sting (the white haired variety) often it preceded or followed a TWINIGHT DOUBLEHEADER!

Now we are kickin it ole school fellas!

By Luke Goddard

April 8, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

I like your stuff for the most part. I think here, you’re a bit cynical. Lighten up, champ. This Braves ball club will get it together. They are a whole different team in comparison to the past couple of years. Although I enjoy most of your stuff, I didn’t like this post at all, especially your negative words regarding Chuckie returning tomorrow night.

By Bo

April 8, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Jeff was 0-4 with 4 lob. Chase, Joe was saying the same about KJ playing up the middle and pitching Holiday outside. I’m glad someone is finally speaking up when Cox misfires. Cox interview is same old BS. They need to call up Anderson, the outfield except Kotsay was the pits. Mr. Wren please wake up this team……….

By Someone wake up Wren

April 8, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Agreed, Gregor’s gotta go…nice to see a closer come in and shut the door in the 9th, too bad he’s not on our team….notice the Braves cant get the bat off their shoulder in the ninth? never seen a team take more fastballs down the middle in the ninth

By BravesDave

April 8, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Some of my favorite at-bats from tonight’s game…

Jeff Frenchy with 2-0 counts twice. Should he take a strike in either at-bat, maybe wait to see if the pitcher can even throw a strike? Nope, swing away big guy. A few lazy fly balls and weak grounders to first will do the trip, thanks to your added muscle.

Fuentes comes in and promptly issues a leadoff walk to Tex. McCann promptly follows that by swinging at the next pitch and popping out. Nice job.

Matt Diaz, in two different at-bats, swings at pitches over his head, including one on the first pitch of the inning, followed directly by a walk to the Jurjjens. Our pitcher showing better plate discipline than our LF. Nice job, Matt. Also, nice play in the outfield tonight, buddy.

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

N8

SIGN ME UP for that COACHING STAFF…Can we get that started next year please?

That is the dream coaching staff..Bring back the guys who started this thing to show the next genration how to do this!!!!!!

Gotta give GANT credit though…everyone keeps saying nobody in the ATLANTA media will criticize COX..at least GANT has the stones to do it and he’s not mixing words or feelings!

By TJ

April 8, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Where are those people agruing that aggressiveness is better than patience?

Right here, BravesDave. We aren’t hitting well - no argument there - but standing with our bats on our shoulders falling behind in the count is not the way out of it.

Braves had 6 hits tonight, which came on the 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 3rd, 2nd and 1st pitches of the at bats.

In fact, of 16 total hits in the game, 5 came on 1st pitch, 4 on 2nd pitch, 4 on 3rd pitch, and one each on 4th, 5th and 6th.

I just don’t buy this “patience” theory, until someone shows me some stats that prove guys who take a lot of pitches are better hitters. (sure, if the pitcher shows he can’t find the plate, take a few, but that wasn’t the case tonight)

If you’re lucky enough to get a pitch you think you can hit, hit it. You may not get another.

The only guy I’m frustrated with is Francouer, and I honestly believe he can’t tell a strike from a ball until he’s halfway through his swing. I don’t know how you solve that. He’ll get by on the strength of his athleticism, but hard to see him becoming more selective.

Every loss hurts, but I’m feeling pretty good about this team. Pitching is good, and the offense will score runs, I guarantee.

By Bama

April 8, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Chase, why do you thing TP will make a good Mgr? He’s not even a good hitting coach.

DOB Are the Braves still trying to make a trade? God I hope so!

By chase

April 8, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Good thing is we are only 1/2 game outta FIRST PLACE! and 1 1/2 games ahead of the MUTS!

By fastasballs

April 8, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

For three years now this team has not mananged to win very many 1 run games. The poor record in 1 run games prevented post season in 06 & 07, we’ll see about 2008.

The offense isn’t built to play close games. I know that statement sounds idiotic, but it’s true. There is little if any team speed so manufacturing a run is out of the question. Besides pitchers nobody on the team can lay down a bunt. There isn’t a base stealing threat.

As a team the patience level at the plate is very low. Rarely will they let a wild pitcher hang himself. They will swing at a bad ball on a 2-0 count & hit into a DP or pop up weakly to an infielder. Instead of knocking the guy out of the game they let him off the hook with minimal damage only to watch him get in a groove against them later in the game.

The thing that got me tonight was in the 8th when Tex lead off with a walk, Cox should have had McCann bunt against Fuentes. That guy is hell on lefties anyway so instead of wasting an out or two you might get something productive. Had they thrown Tex out at 2nd you had the same thing. Runner on 1st. Maybe the pitcher fields the ball & throws it into centerfield. The bunt would have put a lot more pressure on the defense than popping out to an infielder, right?

The Braves make it waaaayyyyy to easy on the opposing team. Opposing catchers, pitchers & infielders rarely have to deal with a runner trying to steal, a hitter trying to bunt, or anything that’s creative for that matter.

The opposing corner infielders never have to cheat in for fear of a bunt since there is zero team speed. The opposing pitchers are never distracted by base runners because they know they are not going anywhere. You have to force the other team to change the way they do things in order to gain an advantage.

I really feel it’s time for Cox to step down. Bash me if you will, but this team has been flat for years. Players change, but nothing else ever does. They lose the same games year after year & nothing is ever done about it. Cox has been great, but this team needs a change or this will go on for another decade.

By Randy S

April 8, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

I really like the way JJJ keeps his composure in sticky situations. The kid can really grind (a lot like Hudson had to in his first couple years here). All the reports have been that he is mature beyond his years and he is certainly showing that in the way he handles himself out on the mound. The kid looks good so far.

By Rocky

April 8, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

BravesDave Well Frenchy DID Bulk up, he looks like he is in incredible shape. I am also wondering if he will hit .300 and with 30 homers. It dont seem like it will happen. But I think we should REALISTICLY look for him to be a .280-.290 hitter and 20-27 homers, and 50 walks and about the same many strikeouts as he has had the past 2 years. I think that is the player offensively that we have in Frenchy. His Defense is incredible other than what happened tonight but even Andruw misplayed balls in his prime also so it aint no big deal there.

If we get .280-.290 and 20-27 homers and great Defense from him then I say great. Frenchy is STILL better than ALOT of corner outfielders with his hitting and defense.

By N8

April 8, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Someone wake up Wren

“nice to see a closer come in and shut the door in the 9th, too bad he’s not on our team”

Don’t kid yourself. Even the guys in OUR bullpen could mow through this lineup right now.

Unreal.

By BravesDave

April 8, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

It is just me, or lately does it seem that the Braves make poor decisions on who should make the team out of spring training??? I seem to remember last spring that Escobar ripped the cover off of the ball all spring and was then sent down in favor of garbage like Pete Orr and Chris Woodward.

I also seem to remember a pitcher having a great spring, but not being kept on the roster recently. Was it Carlyle last spring, and the Braves went with Redman instead? Or was it Moylan? I forget, but I know it happened.

I think the same happened this season. I agree with tonight’s sentiment that Josh Anderson should have made this team out of spring training. He had some major league experience. Has tremendous speed when this team has none. Not to mention, he plays excellent defense. Yet, Blanco looks completely overmatched and he is on the team.

By john

April 8, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

DOB so when did the braves find out that Schafer’s is a cheater and was on HGH?

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

rocky,

diaz’s sucsess last year was due to the way he was handled. he mainly played against leftys and thrived.

hitting him in the eight hole is plain stupid. pitchers are and should not throw him strikes. he refuses to walk and with the pitcher hitting behind him he aint gonna see a whole lot to hit.

By uga-brave

April 8, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

rocky,

diaz’s sucsess last year was due to the way he was handled. he mainly played against leftys and thrived.

hitting him in the eight hole is plain stupid. pitchers are and should not throw him strikes. he refuses to walk and with the pitcher hitting behind him he aint gonna see a whole lot to hit.

By brewdawg

April 8, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

chase

Yeah I know, bad choice of words with “lamenting” on my part. I remember them fondly as well. Just get a bit sad knowing that those days are over; remembering how much they were a part of my life growing up.

By FEAR

April 8, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

WCW. Bobby Eatons and his Alabama Jam. Remember ‘bout ‘96 or ‘97 when Dusty Rhodes would come in and do an inning with Skip? Hilarity! Where in the hell is Raphael Belliard? He can teach some D to these guys…..greatest Brave ever!!!!

By Overlord

April 8, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Come on guys…… are we taking our misery on blancos head? Come on, he has like 2 ABs. That is just frustration from you.

Cox will give starts to him, and i think he will come through. But in case he was to be sent down, i would also think about Schafer… Anderson is not a lock up in my mind. If he was, how come Blanco is in the roster?

On the upside, our 5th pitcher kept us in the game (I still consider Hampton to be our 4th weapon). And not only that, but at Coors field against a very good and tough Rockies lineup (I dont care if they are having trouble scoring runs). And he went more than 7 innings. I think he is only warming up.

Now TEX, thats a problem. And i consider McCann a bigger problem than Jeff (hitting), Im not sure why is he hitting pop-ups every night……… 1 or more per night….. guaranteed.

Acosta, he is warming up as JJJ and he has looked very good but in one outing (as last year when he looked OK in every appearance but in 2 or 3).

Sorianos arm is scaring me. That guy is not OK and we depend on him until Gonzo is back.

I would move Acosta to closer role. Moylan 8th and Soriano 7th. That way you can let Soriano rest more, since he is showing his arm needs rest. He could share the 7th with others.

By BravesDave

April 8, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

TJ, you do realize that with the number of pitches Jiminez threw in the first inning when he was all over the place, the Braves should have had him out of the game in the fourth inning. Instead, they let a wild pitcher off the hook and he ended up throwing six innings against them, making it easy on the Rockies bullpen. Are you telling me that Jeff Frenchy (I will not call him by his given name until he shows me something) should be swingin 2-0 when the pitcher has not come close to the strike zone on the first two pitches?? Should Diaz be up there hacking at the first pitch in his eyes? Should McCann hack away at the first pitch after a leadoff walk to Tex?

C’mon, I am not saying that they shold keep the bats on their shoulders all night. I am saying that they need to be intelligent and patient. If a pitcher wants to hang himself by issuing a leadoff walk, make him throw some strikes. Don’t let him off the hook by swining at the next pitch he throws.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Classic Coxian spin when asked about all the one-run losses tonight:

“We’ve been in every game. It means we’ve got a good club.”

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

BravesDave

Those people arguing with me this morning about an approach at the plate were TJ and Shaun. I don’t know where they went. This team really needs to rethink their hitting approach. Now 4 of 5 one-run losses are because of the hitting.

I think we need to bring up Anderson with all these close games. We need someone that can pinch run and steal a base or put pressure on the opposing pitching becuz no matter who’s pitching, they all do well. Althogh going 1-6 with runners in scoring position like tonight won’t cut it. Heck, maybe Anderson will pull a Ty Cobb and steal 2nd, 3rd, and home in the same inning. We need Anderson up here quick. Blanco needs to go.

By uga-brave

April 9, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

speaking of all the reruns we all enjoyed wathching on TBS, might as well put the braves back on because we have all seen these games before and know the outcome.

the lack of a proven spark at the top of the lineup is proving to become a serious problem.

k.j. is a good hitter but he really is not a true leadoff guy. this team has zero speed and when they dont play long ball, they are gonna struggle.

the defense has been questionable at best, combine that with a shaky and it spells serious problems.

By FEAR

April 9, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Yo DOB, Cox should be a politician instead of a MLB coach.

By TennesseePaul

April 9, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Chuck James has given up 7 runs in a game once, two years ago. He’s given up 6 runs in a game 4 times. The rest are 5 and under.
In Chuck James’ 48 career starts he has a median ER of 2 meaning at least half his starts his allowed 2 runs or less. In particular this is the break down: 2 runs or less in 27 starts; 3 runs or less in 33 starts; 4 runs or less in 41 starts. He has an average of 2.56 ER per start.
Claiming a blow out tomorrow is premature. It could happen, this is baseball. Smoltz opened the season in 2005 with the following line:
1.2 IP 7R 6ER 6H 1HR 2BB 1K
Point is, James record in the Majors suggests he isn’t going to blow up. We’ll have to wait and see what he does, but when healthy, he’s a solid pitcher. Now get behind the team and start cheering. Besides the need for Teixeira to stop impersonating AJ-version-2007 this team could use some more mojo from the fan base.

Tomorrow night, it’s Chuck James B!tch.

GO BRAVES

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Rocky, Jeff Frenchy looked like an idiot chasing that ball after it got by him. It looked like he barely had the flexibility to change direction and chase the ball. Plus, I have not seen it translate into hitting the ball hard. Seriously, I barely remember him hitting more than 3-4 balls hard in the first 8 games. This guy is all hype right now.

I can appreciate that you are looking at his stats to date and saying that he should be a .280 hitter with mid-20s in HR and 50 walks and blah blah blah. Fact is, he is an undisciplined hitter with no clue or approach at the plate. Pitchers are going to consistently eat him up. Unless he changes, I don’t see him getting better or averaging out, I see him getting worse. Every single pitcher in the major leagues is going to realize that there is absolutely no reason to give this guy anything close to the plate. He will simply get himself out, even on 3-0.

Also, why has Cox annointed him as the next Dale Murphy, with this playing him every single game nonsense? Murphy played because he deserved to play. This guy plays because Cox has a man-crush.

By GermanBravesFan

April 9, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Wow - Jordan Schafer suspended… Makes one wonder how Frenchy put on all that additional muscle in the off-season!

As for the Braves’ play: let’s wait until June to pass judgment!

By Bama3

April 9, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Fastasball I totally agree with you on Cox, and the team. Great blog.Braves Dave you are also right, Cox has his pets and they are not always the best players that makes the team. Its time for a change but Braves Brass don’t have the Balls.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

DOB so when did the braves find out that Schafer’s is a cheater and was on HGH?John

Probably when informed by baseball that he was suspended. Unless you think Schafer kept the Braves updated on the progress of his PED program?

By N8

April 9, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

DOB

“Classic Coxian spin when asked about all the one-run losses tonight:”

““We’ve been in every game. It means we’ve got a good club.””

Yeah. So were my Chiefs last year (only one blowout loss), yet they finished 4-12 and NOBODY considered them to be a “good club”.

Winners find a way to win close games.

Losers find a way NOT to win them.

Right now, this club is not in the “winners” column, if I were separating all the teams in MLB into two columns of those categories.

But nice to see that Cox is in “post-season” form. What an….

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Good to be at the park tonight. McFann I did have a bratz and a Diet Coke, but I never saw any photographer nearby. Was the person wearing an orange Clemson baseball cap?

Kotsay looked great, while Frenchy and Diaz did not. For giving up 4 runs, JJJ didn’t look too bad.

Nice ballpark, when the wind stopped blowing.

Tomorrow is another day! Go Chucky.

By mr baseball

April 9, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

0-5 in 1-run games, but this one’s hard to pin on the manager. Said before the season that the biggest weakness on this team was the bench. When you have your entire bench to choose from to hit in the 9th down 1 run and that choice is Gregor Blanco… I think that says it all.

Look at the rosters of other teams likely to contend for a playoff spot and you’ll notice 2 things: veterans on the bench & in the bullpen. Don’t see a lot of those with the Braves. Why? Cheap management. Why was Yates let go while Resop & Boyer stayed. Check the salaries.

In the post-Ted Turner era, the Braves have pinched pennies regarding both the bench & bullpen. The acquisitions of Wickman, Soriano & Gonzalez seemed to indicate a change in that regard, but this season has seen a return to the “cheaper is better” approach to stocking the pen.

When Martin Prado is your best bench player, you’re in trouble. 2 second baseman, 2 catchers & a AAA OF. And the 2 best guys available in AAA are either suspended or in trouble with the law.

If the Braves bring up Spiezio, can the signing of Bonds be far behind.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

By the way, that radio interview today was a train wreck…T

Thanks, boss. Coming from you, that means a lot.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Damn. I was hoping to suck this entire blog into discussing wrestling on TBS. No such luck…

chase,

Do you remember that “Wildfire” Tommy Rich vs. “The Total Package” Lex Luger match? That kicked a*. Can’t find a YouTube clip of it, but here’s an old clip of Georgia Championship Wrestling with the esteemed Gordon Solie handling the interview:

Old Time Wrestling Stuff

By N8

April 9, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

There’s that CREEPY old guy with the six-pack at the top of the page in the CENEGENICS ad.

That guy reminds me of the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz. Not necessarily in the way he looks, but in the way, that I make my wife make sure he’s NOT IN THE CLOSET before I go to bed. Creeeeeeepy.

On second thought, can he hit a baseball? LOL!

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

For anyone else that is interested in claiming that Jeff Frenchy is going to greatly improve and become a star, take a look at his minor league career. What you will see is the same guy that you are seeing right now. .282 career minor league average, .280 career major league average. HR every 26 at-bats in the minors, HR every 25 at-bats in the majors. OBP of .330 in the minors, .319 in the majors. 262 Ks vs. 88 BBs in the minors, 319 Ks vs. 76 BB in the majors.

Until I see something different, I am convinced that this guy has reached his ceiling.

By TJ

April 9, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

BravesDave, the pitch was a strike. The advantage of having a 2-0 count is that you’re likely to get a good pitch to hit. He did. He didn’t hit it.

So Jimenez threw what, 23 or so pitches in the first? So what? He’s 24 years old. That doesn’t mean our batters’ objective should be to chase their starter. It should be to score runs.

I’m not saying we should go up hacking at every pitch. I just think there’s more harm in giving up strikes than there is advantage in taking them. Virtually every hitter on this team has proven his stuff, and I think it’s US that need patience, not them.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

uga-brave But who do we get that will hit real good in LF and that is not that expensive AND that WONT cost us a ton of prospects? I suppose we COULD bring up Brandon Jones later on and platoon him with Diaz. But in 3hundred and something plate appearances last year Diaz hit 12 homers so Diaz does have power.

I just dont think it is fair to give up on Diaz in the FIRST month of the season. Diaz was ice cold in the month of April last year and Diaz is hitting better this April than LAST April. Yes he swings at everything but who would you think we can trade for that WONT do that?

Ok JUST for fun, you are the GM of the Braves WHO do you try to trade for? Remember you probably can ONLY trade for a player that makes 5 million. I dont think we have enough money to trade for a guy who makes more than 5 million. And remember you best get ready to give up some VALUABLE prospects. I just dont think we can find anybody that fits that description and WITHOUT giving up really good prospects. But you can try.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

If Francoeur doesn’t play, then who? Come on guys, he is not Joe DiMaggio reincarnated. He is Jeff Francoeur, very young player with a lot of potential to improve. Give him some time.

Too bad about Schafer…..

By Todd A

April 9, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Arrghh….25 degrees expected for tomorrows game.

Down 0-2 to the Rockies in Coors Field, and with Chuck James going tomorrow….doesn’t bode well for the Braves chances of trying to get back in to this series. A 4 game sweep wouldn’t surprise me now. Not with this team. At least we’re facing Redman. We should score some runs at least.

5 one run losses in eight games played, point to a team that just doesn’t know how to win anymore. This team had the talent to get a playoff berth down the stretch last year, but they played the same way this team is playing 8 games into the season: lack of clutch hitting, poor defense at the worst possible moments of the game, and continuous mental mistakes made by the bullpen.

Kotsay looked great tonight…Andruw-esque on that running catch. He kept the Braves in the game by himself. Hopefully, he’s starting to heat up a bit.

Kudos to Chipper. I’ve been on his case in the past, but his defense has done a complete 180 the last two years. Another outstanding diving play tonight. He has become almost automatic at third. I can’t believe I’m admitting it (gasp), but he is performing at a gold glove level now.

Another quality outing by JJ. He’s a keeper folks.

Any particular reason KJ is playing almost behind the bag at 2nd on all right handers? That ball hit by Holliday was a routine grounder.

Any chance we can just intentionally walk Holliday all 4 times tomorrow? This is getting past absurd now. Zimmerman opening night(the lone guy besides Johnson capable of beating us), Nady in games one and three in the Pitt series, and, now, Holliday on back to back nights. Does Cox even go over the scouting report with his pitchers anymore?

By FEAR

April 9, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

remember when the 4 horsemen attacked robert gibson in the parking lot of the studio and rubbed his face in the asphalt!? CLASSIC! Gordie Solie is god!

By TennesseePaul

April 9, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Unless you think Schafer kept the Braves updated on the progress of his PED program

That was good stuff. Very. Good. Stuff.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

BTW, Utah Jazz beat the New Orleans Hornets IN New Orleans tonight. D-Will took CP3 to school!

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Compared to Jeff Frenchy, take a look at David Wright. .288 career minor league average vs. .311 career major league average. HR every 30 at-bats in the minors vs. HR every 21 at-bats in the majors. .474 career slugging % in the minors vs. .533 career slugging % in the majors.

Wright is a star and Wright is improving constantly.

Jeff Frenchy is Jeff Frenchy is Jeff Frenchy. He is the same hitter now at age 24 in Atlanta as he was at age 19 in Rome.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

BravesDave Well he actually did improve his 2007 season over his 2006 season. Yes he did not have as many homers but he greatly improved his batting average and OBP and other stats as well. I agree with you that he will not be the player that we ALL envisioned when he first came up but I still think he will be the future of this team. He will STILL look bad in alot of at bats but you have to remember Vladimir Guerrero did too. When Vlad was young I remember some of the Braves pitchers just totally making him look like nothing at the plate and he ALWAYS swung at the high pitch to strike out. Im sure now your gonna come back with well we had Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. But point IS that other pitchers in baseball made him look bad also. I dont think Frenchy will be as good as Vlad but I think if the Braves are lucky he will be ALMOST as good as Vlad.

By dunwoody in denver

April 9, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Just an FYI:

There is a Winter Storm Watch in effect here from 10 p.m. MDT Wednesday until 10 a.m. MDT Thursday.

Having lived here 5 years now, this probably means that downtown will get 1-2 inches and the southern/western suburbs will get 10-12 inches, due to the fact they’re almost 1,000 feet higher in elevation than downtown.

Of course, having lived here for 5 years, I realize that springtime weather here changes literally by the hour (it was 60 today), so downtown could have 10-12 inches as well. Or it could be all rain. Or we could get nothing at all.

Just a heads up, as Thursday afternoon’s game could be in jeopardy.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

I just want to Rant….

1. Frenchy looks more uncordinated and stiff every year

2. Why did BC not pinch hit for Kotsay in the 8th with a left (Fuentes) pitching and a runner on 3rd. We had a right handed .300 hitter on our bench (Prado). Then after that inning, Cox double switches & takes out Kotsay & puts Blanco in CF. Should’ve hit Prado in that situation. Oh yeah, he could’ve hit the right handed Pena instead of McCann as well with a RISP and 1 out.

3. Jiminez was wild in the 1st, & the braves forget that for the rest of the time he’s in.

4. You all said the rest about the 2-0 swinging popups & weak grounders from our position players while JJ draws a walk.

5. Bobby or TP has to give this team some kind of guideline or strategy to take with them to the plate.

6. A blowout win should be coming soon. But don’t get too excited as it will be followed by another 5 game stretch of 1-3 runs per game.

7. Here’s the Joe Torre article again. 3rd time today on 2 different DOB blogs.

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.

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 Robert

April 9, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

DOB

That PED comment was great. Made me laugh which isn’t easy after another loss

By N8

April 9, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

Case in point:

The Diamondbacks were leading 5-2 an inning ago.

The Dodgers brought the tying run to the plate and failed to score.

Now, one inning later the D-Backs have put a 4-spot on the scoreboard to break it wide open.

Go ahead folks. Use your imagination, and let me know how you think (in detailed AB’s), how that scenario would’ve gone for the Braves right about now.

This should be fun.

By uga-brave

April 9, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

tj,

you dont get it. making a pitcher work and getting his pitch count up is the key to knocking out a starter early in games. so what if you take a 2-0 fastball. when your offense is struggling sometimes you have to change your approach.

the braves are lacking in that category, sans chipper everyone right now has the same hack and jack approach.

MR. baseball,

totally agree with your payroll analysis. when you try to live on the cheap you are gonna have holes.

they are glaring on the bench and in the bullpen when you talk about experience.

the bullpen may mave some quality arms but they are short on experience. the bench is just a convuleted mess.

By Bo

April 9, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Whats up with DOB? Did someone steal his Candy?

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Rocky, but I, for one, am not entirely impressed when a guy “improves” his OBP to .338. That just tells me that his OBP the year before was abysmal. The guy’s OBP was under .300 in 2006. I don’t think we should be giving him plaudits for improving upon that. As far as his average is concerned, yes, it did improve. No argument there…but it was painfully clear that he had to sacrifice power to improve his average. Plus, his average of .293 was more in line with his minor league performance. It was not a step up for him as a hitter.

Seriously, only an idiot would throw him a strike at this point. If I were a pitcher facing him, I would not throw him a strike until his fifth at-bat after he walked in the previous four at-bats.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Wow….great posts tonite by everyone, particularly N8, BravesDave, uga-brave

Even TJ who I don’t agree with but has some pretty good points.

By Pete H.

April 9, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Our bats need some juice. Er, not THAT kind of juice. Shrug

We should be getting about 13 runs a game in Denver. WTF is going on?

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

N8

Good point. That’s been my argument. If it were the braves playing the dodgers, it would still be 5-2. Acutally, i guess it would be 3-2, or worse 2-1.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

I just cant understand why some of yall are so hard on Diaz and Frenchy in the FIRST month of the season. I dont hear no complaints about Tex which is hitting below the mendoza line. I agree there should be NO complaints about Tex because he will probably have his usual numbers at the end of the year. But Frenchy will probably have better numbers this year than last year and Diaz will probably have a line of .310 and 20 homers playing full time. People give it time. Those two players are NOT the dang reason we are 0-5 in one run games!!! Those two players are hitting JUST FINE, yeah they looked bad in some at bats this year but so what? And I am sure they will look bad in ALOT more at bats in the year. SO WHAT? These guys are still good players. Sayin that Frenchy is and WILL NOT improve is foolish and sayin that we need another corner outfielder(implying that we need to get rid of Diaz) in just the first month of the season after BOTH had GREAT years in 2007 is very foolish. Yes some of there at bats are frustrating but you have to realize that you will NOT get a hit in every at bat. About the only player that I dont see get fooled on pitches is A-Rod, Bonds, Pujols and players like that. And you know good and well that they had at bats in the past that they looked bad in. But also good luck paying those contracts. Pujols is cheap compared to others but only because he signed a team freindly deal. But guys that dont hardly ever look bad at the plate cost a TON of money.

By Robert

April 9, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Escobar leads the team in walks

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Rocky, another note on minor league stats vs. major league stats. Take a look at some of today’s stars…say Pujols, Wright, Jeter, Holliday, or Vlad, for instance. If you look at their minor league numbers, they were solid. When these guys reached the majors, they improved significantly. Even Chipper Jones became a power hitter after having a career-high of 15 HRs in the minors.

Jeff Frenchy is stuck in neutral. He has not improved any facet of his game since his minor league days.

Why is that?

By TJ

April 9, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, I do get it. I just don’t agree with it - or at least I think it’s being way overstated on the blog. I’m all for only swinging at good pitches, but I’m not in favor of good hitters letting hittable pitches go by.

btw, Chipper has seen an average of 3.27 pitches per at bat, which places him firmly at 95th out of 103 qualified NL batters. Our best hitter is among the least patient in the league.

btw, I’m traveling tomorrow, so may not be able to prove my point until next week LOL … but by then, the Braves will probably be scoring 6 or 7 per game and everyone will have forgotten this latest fatal flaw in the team.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 9, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Mark Teixeira is hitting .156

Kelly Johnson and Martin Prado have three extra base hits combined as lead off hitters.

The Braves are ranked dead last in stolen bases with 2.

The Braves have 22 walks, which ranks 13th out of 16 teams in the N.L.

Live by the sword, die by the sword.

By MT Braves Fan

April 9, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

This is starting to get a little worrisome, isn’t it? Not that all the gloom and doom on here is warranted, after all there’s only been 8 games played, think we’re gonna be ok, but the fact that all five of our losses have been by one run is a bit troubling. Was I the only one who noticed that it seemed, especially in the late innings, that our hitters were just up there going through the motions, not working (for the most part) at having good at-bats, just kind of getting it over with? I really think this offense is going to go big time, but it seems they are in need of a spark, a hustle play from a young kid or a good AB by somebody that favorably changes a game for them. Seems they’re just missing that initial igniting spark, and if they can get it, watch out. Thoughts anybody?

By uga-brave

April 9, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

bobby’s cox,

dont say that too loud it might get you in trouble. some like to believe that things will change just because it is early.

looking on the bright side, starting pitching has been good and that will eventually pay dividends and at least we are not blogging about the tigers. got a feeling there might be a little angst over there.

By N8

April 9, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

Tonight was fun. It’s amazing how much more enjoyable the games are, when you don’t EXPECT them to win…..EVER.

OT: Does anybody know if anybody has ever gotten their money back 2 days after purchasing the Extra Innings Package? Because I could just dig through the archives on mlb-radio and listen to last year’s games if this is how they’re gonna play.

That “package” only costs $14.95.

Hey…look at it this way. We are about 2 or 3 days away from Chipper going OFF on somebody.

Who wants to wager on who that will be? I’m gonna go with Francoeur.

Let’s not forget that he took LaRoche aside and ripped him a new one.

Somebody is gonna get an ear-full soon. I’m just curious as to who it will be.

Then when the video cameras catch it on tape, Cox will down play it, saying:

“Aawww shucks. Frenchy’s just a little hard of hearing since getting hit in the head with that pitch. Chip just had to yell, so he could hear him…..no big deal, really.”

This ship is gonna start to sink really fast if things don’t change.

Thank god the Mutz and Phils don’t really wanna play ball yet, either.

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Bobby’s Cox.

I am so utterly frustrated by this start to the season. That frustration is only eclipsed by the frustration of watching Jeff Frenchy play in RF every day for the past two and a half seasons. Someone tell me that he is not the second coming of Andruw Jones. Please.

C’mon, does anyone work with this guy on pitch selection and recognition??? I can only remember Cox saying things like “we don’t want to lessen his aggressiveness”. Yeah, OK, let him continue to look like a fool, don’t ask him to become a more accomplished professional. Maybe instead of adding 20 lbs. of muscle this offseason, he should have gone to the batting cages and had the pitching machine throw him nothing but balls 2 feet outside, 1 foot inside, in the dirt, and at his chin. He could have practiced not swinging at them.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

BravesDave Ok I will give you stats from 2006 and 2007 which of course you could look up yourself but obviously I will have to show you sense you DONT think he is improving. But he bulked up in the offseason to hit more homers WHILE having a good average. But of course im sure you said that you would have never thrown Vlad any strikes when Vlad was a young player either. The YOUNG Vlad and Frenchy are VERY similar players.

2006: 162 games, 651 at bats, 83 runs, 169 hits, 24 doubles, 6 triples, 29 homers, 103 RBI’s, 292 TB’s, 23 BB, 132 SO, 1 SB, 6 CS, .293 OBP, .449 SLG, and .260 AVG.

2007: 162 games, 642 at bats, 84 runs, 188 hits, 40 doubles, 0 triples, 19 homers, 105 RBI’s, 285 TB’s, 42 BB, 129 SO, 5 SB, 2 CS, .338 OBP, .444 SLG, and .293 AVG.

So dude he has improved greatly. Heck he even improved his Baserunning with the steals and stuff. He is smarter baseball wise even if you dont think so. Only a fool would say that he has NOT improved. He has improved greatly dude. Like I said EARLIER he bulked up so that he could hit MORE homers AND keep up a high average like he did last year with the average.

Believe it or not but Frenchy and the Young Vlad are very similar players. Maybe Frenchy can be as good as Vlad is now but only time will tell. But for now get off the dudes back dang. He will improve more in his career you just gotta give it time.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 9, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop, thats Tommy wildfire Rich. Some other great names from the bygone era of wrestling : Dusty Rhodes the American Dream, Jimmy Superfly Snuka, Nikita Koloff the Russian Nightmare, Ric Flair the nature boy and I could go on and on….

By Barking Brave

April 9, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

DOB Great response regarding whether management knew about Schafer’s doping.I take it you don’t think Bobby Cox injected his butt cheek.

By N8

April 9, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

“Good point. That’s been my argument. If it were the braves playing the dodgers, it would still be 5-2. Acutally, i guess it would be 3-2, or worse 2-1.”

Nope. The Dodgers would have score the 3 runs to tie the game up behind first base that Tex couldn’t get to, but KJ and Francoeur let drop between them (because they were both thinking about that HOTTY Rockies reporter chick I was talking about).

Then the next inning, the Braves would have loaded up the bases (as the D-Backs did), but Chipper would have pulled up lame taking his first step off third to score. Meanwhile Francoeur (still steaming over not catching that ball - but still in awe over how hot that chick was), just KEEPS ON RUNNING (like Forest Gump), right on by Chipper.

What ensues is an all out chaotic moment, where all hell breaks loose with guys running in various directions (to distract the umps and Dodger defenders), ending in the most bizarre triple play in MLB history.

Which of course causes Ron Gant to jump on his dirt bike and tear off into the dugout after Bobby….(witnesses would say that he was screaming *”Hrbek pulled me off the DAMN BAG!!!).

Oh. BTW, the Dodgers would score the winning run in the 12th inning off Mike Hampton, who before the game got an inspirational video tape of Dave Dravecky’s 2nd comeback and said “TO HELL WITH THE DL!”

Hampton actually struck out the side, but Corky Miller dropped the pitch, threw wildly to 1B (where Prado was playing - DON’T ask), and then the Keystone Cops routine was out in full force. Why was Corky Miller in the game, you ask?

Well, McCann was taken out for a Pinch Runner before he even stepped up to the plate. Bobby “just new” he’d get a hit, so he was thinking ahead - you have to remember he took a pretty good shot when Ron Gant flew off his dirt bike and landed on Bobby’s head. You see Roger McDowell played the old “hot foot” trick on Smoltz who jumped up and happened to get in Gant’s way, causing him to flip over the handle bars.

Final score. 6-5 Dodgers.

Joe Torre said he never saw anything like it before. And he’s seen a lotta sh!t in NY.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Whats up with DOB? Did someone steal his Candy? Bo

I don’t get it. I’m sure that’s clever, probably just over my head. Bo, quite the cutup.

Dude, I’m in beautiful Colorado enjoying a nice, cool night and a good cigar. I come in my hotel, put my bag away, check posts, see yours and … hey, like I said, I’m sure you’re a funny guy.

In real life.

By uga-brave

April 9, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this

rocky,

i have been one of frenchy’s biggest critics. at some point either the light goes on and he takes the next step or he continues to be an above average player.

the point is he needs to take the next step in order for the TEAM to become succesfull.

someone has to step up and become that third option. tex and chipper are proven commodities. b’macc is not gonna play everyday. frenchy has to become that guy in order for this team to be somewhat consistent.

he just needs to have more quality at bats. i am not gonna say it aint gonna happen, but up until now it looks like the same frenchy.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

Dunwoody in Denver: Yikes on that forecast for Thursday. The Bravos will not like that on getaway day. Of course, losing this series would be even more worrisome, so probably shouldn’t concern themselves too much with the weather forecast.

Besides, my flight’s not till Friday anyway.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

I guarantee you that Frenchy would be starting in the outfield for EVERY single major league ball club RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!! Even as bad as some of yall are making him out to be EVERY SINGLE team in Major League Baseball would start him in LF or RF right now. Even the World Champion Red Sox would. They would say Drew WHO?

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Rocky, I think you might be clinically insane. Vlad’s averages for his first four seasons in the majors were .302, .324, .316, and .345. He hit 11, 38, 42, and 44 HRs. He drove in 40, 109, 131, and 123. His OBP was above .370 in 3 out of his first 4 seasons, including .410 one season. Vlad has never struck out more than 100 times in a season in his major league career. NEVER.

The only thing similar between Vlad and Jeff Frenchy is that they both play baseball.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

uga-brave

this has been my point 2 years ago, last year, and again this year. I already got an ear-full this morning if you go up and read the threads. But at least people are starting to realize our hitting woes and inconsistencies now.

thanks for the stats coach. Those should help some people on the blog.

N8 Nice observation about chipper. I think it might happen after all, and I actaully think it might be Frency since he’s a part of Smoltz’s possey. I think Frenchy golfing with Smotz & Tiger has got him thinking he’s got to do too much to be a star in this league. That and the fact that his best friend (McCann) has a contract already.

Anyways N8, I agree that KJ is not your typical leadoff hitter. His splits last year show him hitting best in the 7 hole, and he hit in the mid .200’s leading off an inning. That’s why I wanted Prado in there (last week’s blogs). Prado could be the guy to give the offense a spark since he sparked the team in our only game this year that wasn’t close going down to the wire. I acutally don’t think it’s Prado, it has to be a Schaffer (not anymore after the HGH issue), or Anderson hitting leadoff & stealing some bases. But the only place to put Anderson is in center & Kotsay has been a monster lately. I guess we could put him in RF, or have Glen give him a crash course at 2B. We need to get back to the basics of hitting. Having guys steal (which we can’t until Anderson gets here) or hit & run might do the trick. We have to start hitting & running.

By fastasballs

April 9, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

I’ve about had it with Cox & his eternal optimism & his warped sense of reality. This team needs a good ole fashion kick in the pants. Yeah it might hurt some of their feelings, but winning will cure that in a heart beat.

My favorite quote from Cox came last year when Diaz was on fire, but because of Cox’s platoon he was sitting against righties. Cox said something to the effect of “Too bad we can’t get Matty more AB’s, he’s really tearing it up”. Hello McFly, you manage the team. You control these things, don’t you?

If they want butts in the seats at the Ted they had better start winning some games & stop this crap of losing every close game.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

LOL N8 didnt’ read your whole last entry till now. Don’t jinx it though….we host the dodgers our next homestand down’t we? yikes.

By BravesDave

April 9, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Rocky, every team might start Jeff Frenchy in the outfield, but if they did, they would all be pulling their collective hair out within a week.

On another topic, I think it is time for players and others to stop arguing that ‘roids and HGH do not really help hitters. Jordan Schafer in 2005 and 2006 - under .250 avg. with 8 HRs and 27 doubles total. Jordan Schafer in 2007 - over .300 avg. with 15 HRs and 49 doubles.

I think we might be able to assume when our pal Jordan started his chemical dependency.

By fastasballs

April 9, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

Well, McCann was taken out for a Pinch Runner before he even stepped up to the plate. Bobby “just new” he’d get a hit, so he was thinking ahead

OMG I just spewed my beer all over my work, computer & desk. Hell, even the cat is wearing some.

N8 It’s not that far fetched if you read some of Cox’s quotes the past few years.

By N8

April 9, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

TJ

“btw, Chipper has seen an average of 3.27 pitches per at bat, which places him firmly at 95th out of 103 qualified NL batters. Our best hitter is among the least patient in the league.”

The difference, is that Chipper USUALLY has an approach. He pays attention in the dugout. He pays MORE attention in the on-deck circle, and walks to the plate with, NOT ONLY an idea of what the pitcher is gonna try and do to him, but what HE is going to do, to make it NOT WORK.

Chipper will guess once in a while, and sometimes guess wrong. But more often than not he guesses correctly. Which tells me he’s NOT guessing at all. He HAS A CLUE.

As for Tex? A lot of pop-ups. A lot of weak dribblers. But also, a LOT of rockets and “atom balls”.

Francoeur and McCann aren’t exactly tearing the cover off the ball, even on their outs.

Rocky

“Believe it or not but Frenchy and the Young Vlad are very similar players”

Please dude. Put the crack pipe down. You’re killing me.

Vladimir is a .324 lifetime hitter. He has NEVER hit below .300 in any season he had 300 or more AB’s. He has NEVER struck out more than 100 times in a season. He has ALMOST as many walks as he does K’s in his career.

It’s not close dude.

Sure, Vlad will swing at a lot of pitches, but he is almost NEVER off balance, very much like Kirby Puckett was. Similar to Chipper, he KNOWS how the pitcher is gonna work him, and has NO PROBLEM driving the ball the other way.

Francoeur has a ways to go before he’s in Vlad’s league.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Jeff. Like his drive. Like his arm. Like that he plays everyday (actually wish he would take a day off every now and then).

Jeff is 24 right now.

When Vlad was 24 (his 4th full season), he hit .345, had 44 HR, 123 RBI, walked 58 times, and had only 74 K’s. (btw: in the two years that followed his 4th season, he went on to steal 77 bases too, along with hitting 73 HR, and knocking in 229 runs).

You think Jeff is “on the verge” of putting up THOSE kind of numbers?

I don’t. But I still like him. I’m just not silly enough to compare him to Vlad.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

uga-brave I agree I think Frenchy needs to be more consistent but I dont know if he will this year, heck he may never be consistent as we would like. But I still believe that he will be as good as Vlad is now in the future. Its just gonna take time. Time that alot of fans dont wont to wait for. But we will just end up having to wait though. But I believe when he is at the age of 27 he will be as good as Vlad is now. But that is 3 years off so……….

By FEAR

April 9, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

Cox actually said that last year about Diaz? JEEEZ! SENILE!

By GetEmOnGetEmOverStrandThem

April 9, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

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.Bobbyscox

another moronic statement from another board poster who obviously understands nothing about stats. For one thing, you play them regularly or you might as well ignore them completely, picking and choosing when is an exercise in futility since they really have no bearing on each individual situation. If you play them consistently the odds of being successful will increase over a large sample size. The more better hitters that you have coming up would likely lower the odds of needing to bunt not increase it.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

BravesDave I am NOT insane dude. I was REFERRING to they BOTH swing at everything!!! When Vlad was with the Expos it reminds me so much of Frenchy RIGHT NOW with swingin at everything. Believe it or not they ARE similar players. Heck Vlad was a great defensive player and had a cannon of an arm like Frenchy does when he played for the Expos. But Frenchy has better accuracy than Vlad did back then. Yes Vlad had a better average and so on but they both are bad ball hitters. Heck about a year ago Peter Gammons or Tim Kurkjen or somebody like that on baseball tonight EVEN compared Frenchy with Vlad because of the bad ball comparison. I never said Frenchy will be as good as Vlad is now but I said he could come close to it.

And if Frenchy hits .300, and 28 homers he would be right up there with Vlad when he was younger, mainly because Frenchy is a little bit better of a defender than Vlad was.

By downintheboondocksbillyjoeroyal

April 9, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

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.Mo

stay in the boonies Mo cause that advice goes against all accepted baseball knowledge. You play for the win on the road, playing for the tie simply gives the home team a chance to win the game by scoring only one run

By fastasballs

April 9, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this

Holy cox, Frenchy comparisons with Vlad??????? He’s closer to Kingman without the power.

Frenchy has a ton of upside, but he really isn’t progressing like you would think. I really don’t think the coaches are hard enough on these young guys. Seems a lot of these kids develope bad habits & nothing is really done about it. It’s almost rewarded. Andruw remaining the clean up hitter last year regardless of the damage done to the team is a good example.

By uga-brave

April 9, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

n8,

funniest stuff all night, except you should of had kramer and newman (seinfeld reference) chasing around mcdowell in the outfield. really funny stuff nate.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Frenchy may never hit 40 homers like Vlad but he could hit 30 homers and a .300 AVG. If he does that you have to like it especially with his defense. He would be an ELITE outfielder if he put up a line like that. Especially with his great defense.

By Rocky

April 9, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

Maybe im just dillusional about Frenchy. But I just believe that he will be a very good player in the future and a more improved player this year than last year. I could be wrong, maybe not but I could be. But he has all the talent in the world to become a big time corner outfielder in the game in the future. But of course Andruw Jones had all the talent in the world to become a truly great player like Alex Rodriguez is now with the bat so you never know. Maybe the coaches just dont teach these guys how to develop in the majors like some have said.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

GetEmOnGetEmOverStrandThem

oh do I? And what happened? A double play that totally eliminated our chance to score 1 run without a long ball last night. Picking and choosing when to bunt should NOT be exercised regularly. Are you kidding me? If KJ got on in the first inning, ok let escobar hit. But dude, it’s late in the game & you’re trailing by 1 run…give up an out for the sake of giving up 2, or for that matter, give up 1 out with the runner now at 2B and now having 2 chances for a single instead of 2 for an extra base hit.

I know nothing about stats? What are the odds of 3 .300 hitters getting 2 hits in 3 chances or 1 extra base hit in 3 chances? It’s a lot less than needing 2 .300 hitters getting 1 single, especially if you throw in a double play scenario in the first probability.

Go to sleep man…your brain needs some rest.

By Bravesfan79

April 9, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

Dunwoody in Denver: its ok man, as long as Wed against Redmen dosent get canceled us Braves fans will be happy!
One would hope given Redmens track record…. man if we loose tomorrow i will officially be depressed about the Braves.

By plasticphantasticPhilly

April 9, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

Phillies beat Mets 5-2!MGL

yes we did, just like we will beat the braves when it is their turn to die.are you guys trying to set a record for most one run loses in a season just in the first month or two. Phew how smelly can you get? pathetic

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

what’s this talk about comparing Frenchy to Vlad? At least compare Diaz to Vlad since he can swing at everything at hit close to .340.

Frenchy is the microcosm of what is wrong with this team. Rocky It’s funny you brought up Bonds and Pujuols. HUGE difference there like you noted. Those guys are VERY selective at the plate. That’s what we need from Frenchy & the team as a whole. Like N8 said, chipper goes to the plate with an approach. So did Bonds, does Pujuols, etc…that’s what we need, someone to give these guys an approach. No one except chipper has an approach other than, “See ball, swing hard, hope to hit ball hard & far”

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

Rocky

Good post at 2:08. I hope it does click for Frenchy too, like I hope the coaches coaches just dont teach these guys how to develop in the majors like some have said

Wait…2:08. Man it’s getting late.

By Whatadummy

April 9, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

THAT kind of comment is just as ignorant, as you’re trying to make overlord appear to be.N8

Figured I’d get some response on that one.

of course that comment might have been a sarcastic reference to what had already been posted about football fan mentality.

But it might be true too. I mean all you do is line up 11 guys on each side, have them run at each other and whoever doesn’t get beat up that play scores,right?

By Moby Grape

April 9, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this

One of the Rockies announcers just said that “Bobby Cox, more often than not, plays thing by the book”

At which point the other announcer stated: “What do you mean, more often than not? He ALWAYS plays it by the book. The baseball book.”N8

thats the way it is supposed to be. the ‘book’ is about odds which only apply over the long term and cannot predict what will happen today, as someone else said earlier. I’m probably going to explain it badly.If you believe in playing the odds(obviously not everybody here does) you always play them because you don’t know if the one time you don’t play them is going to be a time that they worked. Playing your gut can win sometimes but you never know when and to imply otherwise is foolish.. It’s kinda like in poker. Some guys play the odds and some don’t, but the long-term winners are the guys who do.Not a perfect example cause there is a lot of close-range psychology and body-language reading being attempted too.

By Moby Grape

April 9, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

Joining an exclusive club, Gant had also become only the 3rd player in history to have 30 HR and 30 SB two seasons in a row. Willie Mays(1956 - 1957) and Bobby Bonds(1977 - 1978) were the others, while he was followed by Barry Bonds, who accomplished the feat 3 years in a row.”

So are you sure Canseco was BEFORE?Chase

Conseco was 40-40 in 1988, but that was the only 30-30 or better year he ever had. Your quote talks about consecutive years.

By Cherokee

April 9, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this

Even as bad as some of yall are making him out to be EVERY SINGLE team in Major League Baseball would start him in LF or RF right nowRocky

RF or LF? That’s kind of padding your argument isn’t it? I can guaran-damn-tee you that he would not be starting in RF for every club,which in case you haven’t noticed is where he plays for the Braves. He ranks well down the list of RF hitters, though his D is better than most;but he looks so far like the extra weight has slowed him down and lessened his flexibility. I hate that he gained it.

By plasticphantasticPhilly

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

then you are no longer playing the odds, you are playing hunches as to when playing the odds will or wiloh do I? And what happened? A double play that totally eliminated our chance to score 1 run without a long ball last night. Picking and choosing when to bunt should NOT be exercised regularly.BC

If you believe in the book ie odds you play them almost all the time, because if you don’t then you are no longer playing the odds, you are playing hunches as to when playing the odds will or will not work which is the same thing as playing hunches all the time. There are certain situations that you might deviate once in a while, but playing to tie on the road is not one of them. Think with your brain and not with your emotions. What an emotional little board this is anyway. People posting around about every little negative like chicken little Mostly ranters on here like on most boards and ranting is an expression of emotion not logic. buncha loosers for the most part

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 9, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this

Since we know that MLB doesn’t have a reliable test for HGH, then the Braves traded for both Gorkys Hernandez and Josh Anderson, does this mean the Braves might have had an idea that Jordan Schafer was juicing long before he was suspended yesterday?

Furthermore, how did the Braves find out without Schafer being tested.

By Cherokee

April 9, 2008 6:15 AM | Link to this

Furthermore, how did the Braves find out without Schafer being tested.Coach

some trusted teammate competing for his job ratted him out?

By Terry Cashman

April 9, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

They’ll be with Kotsay, Gorkys, and The P.E.

Kotsay, Gorkys, and The P.E., (Say hey, say hey, say hey)

It was Kotsay, Gorkys, and The P.E. (Say hey, say hey, say hey)

I’m talkin’ Kotsay, Gorkys, and The P.E. (Say hey, say hey, say hey)

Kotsay, Gorkys, and The P.E. (Say hey, say hey, say hey)

Say Kotsay, Gorkys, and The P.E. (Say hey, say hey, say hey)

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

We can argue numbers all day, but the plain and simple truth is that Cox is not and never has been the sharpest pencil in the box. I would really like to hear from a Cox supporter with a defense of his managerial style without resorting to numbers.

Yeah. Those darn numbers get in the way of your subjective assumptions, huh?

1978-1981 Braves - 6th best record in MLB in one-run games. 21st in MLB overall.

1982-1985 Jays - 6th best record in MLB in one-run games. 4th in MLB overall

1990-2007 Braves - 5th best record in MLB in one-run games (although Cox wasn’t the manager for the beginning of 1990). 1st in MLB overall.

By cricket

April 9, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

I am not too worried about yesterday’s 1 run loss as it was entirely caused by one man - Kotsay.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

whatadummy, you are so smart i just cant believe it. Stats? You think stats tell you exactly whats going to happen? Totally false. If you are gonna give a your STATS crap, at least tell me whats the chance of a run to score if you leadoff hitter gets on base and your 2nd hitter bunts him over and then you have your 3rd and 4th hitters coming up. Being your 3rd hitter a guy with 10 95+ RBI seasons and your 4th a guy with 5 straight 100+ RBI seasons.

If you are soooooooo smart, you should know better that it aint the same if in 2007 McCann gets on base, Matt Diaz bunts him over and then you have willie harris and woodward (PH) coming up.

Better go check on your STATS before opening your mouth so widely.

By Thunder Road

April 9, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

A player in the Braves organization caught doing HGH?? I thought that kind of stuff only happened to other teams.

By flange1

April 9, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

Terrible day yesterday for the Braves.

Schafer suspended for HGH.

Soriano has a sore elbow.

Diaz and Frenchy look like buffoons in the outfield.

KJ positioned wrong (either himself or coaches).

JJJ pitches great and gets no support from the offense and defense.

The Schafer thing really gets me down. Since there is no test for HGH, we will probably find out that he bought it over the internet or from one of these shady “aging clinics” and the Doctor got popped.

Even after the Mitchell report and the massive headlines, this wonder boy uses HGH.

I have to worry about his IQ.

I don’t think he should ever play for the Atlanta Braves. At some point the organization has to say ‘NO MORE” and make a trade.

The Braves have given second chances to alot of players for different things, Chipper for his Hooter girl, Furcal for his DUI;s, Spiezio for his legal run in in California, but for some reason this is different to me.

EVERYONE knows that MLB is under a microscope right now on PEDs. It is not some strange secret that has been withheld from the players.

I think the Braves should trade Schafer at some point this year for something to help the team now or next year.

The Braves have depth in CF with Blanco, Anderson, Lillibridge and G. Hernandez. Heck, they could re-sign Kotsay for a year or two to wait for G. Hernansez.

But Schafer needs to go. It would send nothing but bad signals to Braves fans, the youth that follows baseball and others in the minor league system if he gets a second chance here.

Maybe I will change my mind after reading other’s views, but I am angry right now!

Thoughts? DOB?

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

whatadummy if your mom did not treat you with respect, that aint may problem. And if your father abused you as a child it aint my problem either. To me, your STAT sokz. That stat is a relative stat. It depends on who is in the batters box. Of course, if pete orr is batting and McCann is at 1st, the chances for good result are bad. But if yunel is at 1B and Chipper is hitting the chances are totally diferent.

Come on man, please tell me you are more than the STATS written on a pair of books.

By whatadummy

April 9, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

whatadummy, you are so smart i just cant believe it. Stats? You think stats tell you exactly whats going to happen? Totally false. If you are gonna give a your STATS crapOverlord

whatsa matter OL ain’t got to stats yet in high school? You sure show no comprehension of what they are about, like most of the posters on here.Steiner was sure right about the uninformed on blogs. :-(

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

“We’ve been in every game,” Cox said. “It means we’re a good club. We don’t have much luck with the bats right now.”

Some of it is the bullpen, some of it is that some of the middle-of-the-order guys behind the on-base guys haven’t got going yet and a lot of it is just luck.

You can’t blame last night on the bullpen and the offense wasn’t any worse than Colorado’s.

I agree with Cox, which should surprise no one. It’s early but it should actually give this team confidence that all the Braves losses so far are by one-run and two of the three wins were by five or more.

I think that’s the truth and I think that’s what Cox has to emphasize to keep this team focused and confident.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Classic Coxian spin when asked about all the one-run losses tonight:

“We’ve been in every game. It means we’ve got a good club.”

DOB he aint so far from the truth, problem is he (in great part) is taking away their chances to win. I know they are responsible for their performances, but it aint no coincidence we always lose by 1 run, bad decisions have been taken.

I know bobby is not on the airplane, but he is in the control tower.

N8 thanks for the support yesterday, i just read your post.

By Dadgum

April 9, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Schafer will be playing ball again about mid-June which will give him almost 3 months of playing time. In fact I feel confident the Braves will call him up in Sept. That will get him a little more playing time plus the Braves can keep a very watchful eye on him. The HGH is not earthshattering news by any means. Sorry it happened but he will learn from it.

To several posters above…you do not necessarily have to touch the ball for it to be an error. It is an official scorer decision. Similar to an umpire assuming the double play. Doesn’t happen often but nothing says a player must touch the ball.

Wouldn’t it be ironic to win these next two games by 1 run. Go Braves!

Thought for the day….if someone has a circular drive how do they ever get out.

Ya’ll think about.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

flange1, would you be surprised to learn that a key player in the majors now with the Braves has used PEDs? If that were true, would you say that player should be traded?

I think the punishment he’s receiving is just fine.

By BravesFanChris23

April 9, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

While these five one run losses aren’t a good thing. There’s still room and reason to be optimistic about this team. Its better to get the kinks out right now than late in the season. I’m not saying they should lose more to get the kinks out, I’m just saying its better for them to work it all out early in the season and be ready for the long haul. As long as they get/have a respectable record in April, these losses although important, won’t seem to be as important if they have every kink worked out and they are on a steady stream of winning and keeping their record respectable and more respectable by the time when it starts to really really matter.

I’m making no excuses whatsoever for all these losses, but right now its not exactly the right time to hit the panic button and call it a season. Its a long marathon and there’s plenty of time to get back on track. Once Infante returns and possible Spiezio gets on the main roster and Gonzo returns, everything could possibly be in sync and the wins come rolling in.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

whatadummy, im not sure if they talk about STATS in high school since im in grade school.

But i surely hope some day you understand that in order for you to talk about H&R stats and the other stat you mentioned, you at least have to bring to the table a stat that is similar to the situation we are talking about, not just a universal stat.

It is clear im not enough to keep it up with you, because you know too much about stats, so dont waste your time reading my posts. Do yourself a favor pal.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

This Braves team is really built more for winning games with the offense. The age of the rotation and the inexperience of the bullpen both lend themselves to the necessity of having a high-powered lineup. When the bats heat up, this team will win. However, the one-run losses are really demoralizing for the fans, if not the players. With all due respect to Bobby, close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades. It’s way past high time to start winning some of these damn games. I know he knows it, but the shelf life of Coxisms is very short for ol’ Chop Chop.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Dadgum

Schafer will be playing ball again about mid-June which will give him almost 3 months of playing time. In fact I feel confident the Braves will call him up in Sept.

Of course, who knows if Schafer’s 2007 was legit. We will have to wait and see how he comes back and performs. Can’t assume anything right now.

The one thing we can assume is that this kid made a really dumb move by using this stuff. HGH doesn’t make you stronger though. It sheds body fat. Am I wrong with that? Does anyone know what it does, exactly? I always thought that HGH needed to be paired with steroids. Anyway….

Since there is no test for HGH, and Schafer got caught, I would classify that as pathetic. But again, don’t know the situation. Hopefully the kid’s ability wasn’t all fake……

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

BravesFanChris23, good post. I agree, a loss is a loss as far as the standings are concerned and it’s no good to lose no matter the margin. But the margin of losses may tell us something about what this team is capable of.

I mean this team isn’t going to have a .222/.311/.413 hitter come to the plate 379 times in the cleanup spot, behind the high on-base guys.

And they are not going to give 307 plate appearances to a .216/.258/.394 hitting first baseman.

Imagine what that team would have done last season without those two things happening.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

As for this Schafer/HGH business, I have a very hard time believing this guy just started using PEDs. He made a huge leap last year at the plate, folks. He went from being a decent prospect (in the field, if not at the plate) to the organization’s top prospect in a matter of a year. I can understand someone lacking confidence and feeling like he needs a little extra to get over the hump, but being a baseball player that gets caught with HGH in the current baseball climate is inexplicably dumb. I hope Schafer’s gains as a player were more from his own ability than from the juice, but even the confidence he gained from using that HGH might have been enough to propel him. How will he replace that confidence? I guess that time will tell.

By Bo

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

DOB I was not trying to be funny . I’m not into the funny crap. Just didn’t express myself right. I thought you was mad or something because you didn’t have much to say.(blog)

Hope the back is better. Cold weather makes it hurt more. Keep up the good work.

By richbrave

April 9, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Three R-Braves are batting .400 or better, JOSH ANDERSON(9-22).409, BARBARO CANIZARES(9-21).427, CLINT SAMMONS(6-15).400. BRANDON JONES at .316 and picking up the hitting pace. Has 4 doubles. SCOTT SPIEZIO batting .300+ and looking like he wants to leave Richmond behind. Little help?!! And this in a ball-park notorious as a pitchers paradise. Shadows and dim lighting in areas of the “Diamond” make it awfully difficult for hitters. So these figures should be magnified, plus three of the five games have been played in both cold(mid-40’s), wet(rain, drizzle) conditions.

Looks like we won’t be seeing Jordan Schafer in Richmond anytime soon. Atlanta’s history with drug users is to disassociate themselves from the player. James Jurries comes to mind. An exception Lonnie “Skates” Smith.

With a talent of this magnatude, I believe you’ve gotta’ step off and take a moment. How can you really evaluate his talent level if he’s cheating? Plus do you want that type of mentality on the team?

But if the ability is as great as management thinks it is don’t you give him a chance to clear his name before you cut him loose through trade or some other method? After all, moves were made with AJ and Kotsay assuming Schafer would soon be home in Atlanta. Not good. Not good.

Where’s Aaron Rowand when you need him? A bird in the hand Mr. Wren, a bird in the hand. Hopefully, the Braves snare will yet net two in the bush. GO BRAVES!!

By Overlord

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

Chop Chop

I agree with you, if we drop 100 close games, we will end at the cellar of the division. For this team to look good they need to win and win without the drama every single night.

What i dont agree is that this team is what you said about the SP. Hudson is in his prime able to go more than 100 every game for 35. JJJ is a baby. Then you have James, another baby right there or hampton (if he ever get to pitch) is not that old. Then you have glavine, the oldest one showed on monday what he is still capable of, plus he looks 100% healthy, not a bit tired. Then you have smoltz, a workhorse…. he showed against the mets he is a warrior. And we have Bennett, another baby, he can also go more than 5 easily.

Bullpen….. you are right, they dont have much experience. But i think as soon as cox understands that acosta a a better choice to close games rather than Soriano, and that soriano has to be moved to the 7th so he can relax and share the workload with others (boyer, resop, ohman, ring), the bullpen will get better.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

BTW AJ is hitting .115 with 8 Ks and 1 RBI. He might be hitting the bench very soon.

By Tomahawkin

April 9, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

“Kelly Johnson and Martin Prado have three extra base hits combined as lead off hitters.

The Braves are ranked dead last in stolen bases with 2.

The Braves have 22 walks, which ranks 13th out of 16 teams in the N.L.”

Interesting Tidbits Coach… and many wonder why this team can’t manufacture runs when the situation calls for it…Hope You haven’t been throwing beer cans at the TV over this gruesome stretch…

I’m just about going to lose it if we play like this when the Mets and Phillies get it in gear (and I think Philly is srating to get it together…)

By keylargo

April 9, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Overlord

Add an 0 for 3 with a strikeout and 4 runners left in scoring position last night and you have .103.

By flange1

April 9, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

That is a good question. My personal belief is that MLB needs to take a stand that PEDs are either good or they are bad. As an organization, my stand would be that I would not want PED violators on my team, so yes, I would trade them.

If we found out that Javy in his walk year was juiced, I would have traded him.

If we found out that Marcus was juiced in one of his big years, I would have traded him.

If we find out that Hampton’s injuries are because of past juicing, I would trade him.

If we find out Chipper is juiced, I would trade him..

Again, all of these are if’s, I have no knowledge that any of them are true and I am not suggesting that ANY of those suppositions are true.

On My Team, there would be no juicers..

But I am not Liberty Media either!!!!

By BA

April 9, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

When did the Braves become the place to be if you’re a dirtbag? I hope they trade Schafer immediately, preferably to an awful team. Send Flowers with him. Spiezio? Keep him in Richmond so the roads are safer here. Why do we need some garbage drunk driver? I think all MLB drunk drivers should be suspended for life. And if you’re taking hgh at this stage in the game, you’re probably to dumb to make it in the major leagues anyway. No wonder Schafer was so cocky in camp. I’m officially rooting against this kid now.

By brent a.

April 9, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Sad to hear about Hank Aaron’s mother. As I posted on here Monday, I saw him in my neighborhood that day (the same day she died). Can’t help but reckon that his being in the neighborhood and his mother’s death were probably related. Glad that I did not bug him.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Efrim, HGH is used by the body in many ways. If you are sick or have any injury, the body produces tons of this substance to help repair the tissues, even if you only have a flu. It help tissues like bones and muscles get stronger helping their man grow. Heavier bones, heavier stronger muscles. Your immune system is at top speed, meaning you will be infection free (flu, stomach flu, etc). It help repair your tissues after every game, since every time you play you get “microinjuries”, so you will feel like new everyday. More energized, no soreness, etc.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I don’t even think experts who have studied it know exactly what HGH does exactly.

I’m totally guessing that the advantages of HGH and even steroids are that they make you feel energized and refreshed everyday, more so than transforming a AA player a major leaguer.

I just remember taking prescribed steroids for an illness late in the evening about three or four years back and I didn’t go to sleep that night.

I think HGH and steroids can obviously make you stronger but obviously can’t make you recognize pitches out of the pitcher’s hand or can’t give you flawless mechanics in your swing.

I’m not saying HGH and steroids don’t give players an unnatural advantage or should be legal. I believe Schafer deserved the suspension. But I am saying I’d be surprised if Schafer isn’t a big leaguer with or without HGH.

Again, I’m completely guessing based on very limited knowledge and experience.

By McFann

April 9, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TEAM??!!

But before I get started, let me just say that Neight’s 1:23 post was the funniest thing I’ve ever read on here!! (Taking out that last cuss word.)

And Wayne: The man buying the brat was wearing an orange hat (because of the camera angle, I couldn’t tell what was on the hat), and a red shirt. Glad you you enjoyed it. Too bad the Braves lost again!

After skimming through the blog this morning, I can’t think of anything I disagreed with, save Rocky’s posts. What’s up with the first pitch swinging nonsense? At this point, Chipper and Kotsay are not going to drive me over the edge, but just about everyone else is. I’m satisfied with McCann’s defense, but his offense is about to make me lose my MIND!! Even Diaz can’t seem to get on base!! And we all know my stance on Francoeur. (No need to go there, BravesDave covered that.)

Maybe Chipper should take them all aside, slap them on the cheek and say, “Hey! Wake up!!”

“We’ve been in every game,” says Cox.

Yeah, that’s true in the sense that they are, in fact, on the field.

Here’s hoping that Chucky has a great game!

Wait! What starter of ours hasn’t? Hmm…Change that to:

Here’s hoping the OUR ENTIRE TEAM has a great game!!

By BossLady

April 9, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

I will repeat what I complained about last year. We need a hitting coach that can recognize pitches and school his batters on what patterns he see and how to go about hitting those pitches.

Clarence Jones used to stand on the steps or rail and after the first or second inning solve the pitcher for his guys and the Braves drove pitch after pitch for extra bases and homeruns. Our current hitting coach seems to be a fan that comes to the game and watch.

That is how you become a hitting coach by recognizing pitches, making adjustments to pitches and able to hit curve balls, change ups, sliders and especially fastballs. If you can’t then why are you a hitting coach?

If the offense does not pick up the game our pitchers will not have ending records thay deserve. It is no way Glavine should be 0-2. The kid Jair should not have lost that game last night. He gave us 7, ya hear 7 good innings and had no offense to pick him up.

If Bobby Cox, Terry Pendleton and Roger McDowell cannot help this team who does have talent to win, then they should be replaced.

I just can’t take this anymore, whew

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Whats the word on our injuries?

Infante, Hampton, gonzo and James?

I know James pitches today, but is he 100%? Or is he gonna go 4 innings???

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Looks like we won�t be seeing Jordan Schafer in Richmond anytime soon. Atlanta�s history with drug users is to disassociate themselves from the player. James Jurries comes to mind.Richbrave

Sorry, but I have to respond here, because this is completely wrong. It’s quite the opposite, in fact.

The Braves haven’t dropped any suspended player or, to my knowledge, added any additional penalty to the suspension handed down by baseball. Tyler Flowers was invited to major league camp this season, less than a year after completing a suspension.

Jurries was invited to camp AFTER his suspension, and nearly made the club (he performed well enough to make it, but was a roster casualty because he had options). The Braves “disassociation” with Jurries had nothing to do with his past PED suspension, and everything to do with his performance decline, exacerbated by a broken knee cap.

Jurries hit .205 with eight homers, 27 RBI and 106 strikeouts in 307 at-bats in 2006 at Triple-A Richmond, his third season at Richmond. He was 27 at the time. Hasn’t played pro ball since.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Bo, thanks. Back’s doing better, still sore but not debilitating. Stretching all the time.

Sorry about jumping your case. Just a very busy night, with the Schafer story breaking shortly before the game and all. Didn’t have much chance to get on the blog.

Folks, the Braves are a half-game behind the Phillies and ahead of the Mets. Relax a bit. It’s not been pretty, but they’re a half-game behind Philly and ahead of the Mets.

Or do some of you really believe Florida will stay atop the standings for long? Because they won’t, obviously.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

BossLady you get an A+ on your resume.

By Lew

April 9, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Kotsay lost the game for us? Was it the excellent running catch that saved more runs from scoring or the two run HR that put us within a run that was responsible for the loss?

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

News: 9:09 AM

Gonzalez (15-day disabled list, elbow) threw a 20-pitch simulated game on Tuesday, reports the team’s official website.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 9, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, I have been sober for sixteen months now. Now I just have to get my fat butt on a diet.

I am watching last nights game right now on MLB.com. Seeing the Braves put four base runners on in the first and coming away with one run is frustrating.

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Tonight the Braves are due for one of their 10+ run outbursts only to be followed by three games in a row where they only score 1 or 2 runs.

By anonomous tipster

April 9, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Jordan Schafer was not useing. The League found out he had 1st hand knowledge of another player(s) useing, but he would not go on the record as having knowledge. It’s aginst leage rules not to disclose to the league if you have knowledge of another palyer useing. The suspention is the same. 50 Days. I respect the Kid for not “rolling”. Yea it sucks but he will be back.

I would rather not say, but trust me he did not test positive for HGH or use HGH. What he did was wrong (putting himself in this position) but the rules are the rules. Sounds like I am taking up for him and in a way I am. I can only speculate that he was the perfect target to be investigated. To date the Braves are one of the few teams that have not been named in the Mitchell Report with any significant ties to HGH. They have been looking for someone in the organization they could nail. He has excelled quickly and this likely put the spot light on him as someone to watch. They could not get anything on him for using but they did find enough evidence to associate him with “having knowledge”. It sucks for him because everyone reads into the announcement that “he was suspended for using HGH” If you read the announcement closely you will see that it never says he tested positive. Frank Wren quoted “Jordan has violated the Commissioner’s Performance Enhancing Drug Policy,” This policy covers a lot more than just testing positive. You will never see or hear MLB say he tested positive, because he didn’t. The bad part is everyone assumes he did and this is giving him a bigger black eye than he deserves. Don’t get me wrong he had knowledge that he should have disclosed, I don’t like the penalty but like I said the rules are the rules and he knew the rules going in. Honestly I probably would not have told on a teammate either.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Scott Spiezio pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor drunken driving and hit-and-run charges stemming from a December car crash in Orange County. Spiezio’s lawyer entered the plea as part of a plea agreement, said Farrah Emami, a spokeswoman for county prosecutors. Spiezio was ordered to serve three years probation, undergo a three-month alcohol program, attend two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and complete 80 hours of community service. He must also pay about $1,700 i

By 1957 Braves Fan

April 9, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

I don’t think any of the Braves has read Ted Williams’ “Science of Hitting”. Here is a Hall of Famer who actually studied how pitchers were trying to get him out. But I guess major league ballplayers these days aren’t paid to think.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Overlord, yes: Frank Wren gave us the news on Gonzalez minutes before the news on Schafer, so it slipped through the cracks.

But yes, Mike Gonzalez threw one simulated inning (20 pitches) at extended spring training in Florida. Braves have said since spring training that first week in June is targeted for his return to big club, and they haven’t moved that ETA up, at least not yet. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they did move it up by, say, a week. Again, they haven’t said anything to that effect yet….

And Anthony Lerew (also coming back from TJ surgery, like Gonzo) also threw 30 pitches at 50 percent effort and 45 pitches at 75-percent effort.

By whatadummy

April 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

But i surely hope some day you understand that in order for you to talk about H&R stats and the other stat you mentioned, you at least have to bring to the table a stat that is similar to the situation we are talking about, not just a universal stat.OL

you are just so easy that it almost ain’t any fun. There are no stats that apply to individual cases dummy. The sample size would be so small as to be meaningless. The studies that produced the numbers being discussed included a wide range of different type guys on base and different ones hitting, thats the best that can be done and still have a meaningful size. Stats can never tell you what will happen in any given situation, only what the odds are; thus they really only help over a long period of time. If you get nothing else out of this please try to retain that little datum.

You really do not understand what stats are and how they are used and produced if you continue to spout such nonsense. Stop now before everybody on the interned finds out the extent of your ignorance.

Instead of spouting trash read something about the subject. Ignorance is excuseable in those who have never been given the opportunity to be educated, but not if you ignore the topic and talk trash .

Major league managers go by the book almost exclusively. A few deviate away from it a bit but even they follow it the vast majority of the tine.

If the game had been at home it might have been worth it to give up an out to tie it, but if you tie on the road the home team still has one more chance than you do to win the game. That gives them the better odds.

All right, I’m done being mean and condescending. You seem like a good enough Joe, just one who tries to bluster his way through his lack of knowledge sometimes.Stop trying to give lectures on a subject until you read and understand it.

Bye!

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Lew:

I think he was being funny saying that Kotsay was the reason that it was a 1-run loss because he hit the homer to make it only 1 - run.

Chill out dude.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

anonymous tipster, it would have been impossible for him to test positive, far as I know, since there is no reliable, affordable test being used by baseball or the other sports.

yet there have already been major leaguers suspended for HGH, because they received shipments of it, were found to be in possession of it, admitted to using after confronted with evidence, etc. You DO NOT have to test positive to be in violation.

Not saying your story’s not true, but until I have someone with credibility tell me that, on or off the record, or Jordan answers his phone and tells me he didn’t use, I’m not believing your story.

I talked to a baseball official at length yesterday, and believe me, if Schafer was in trouble for merely not “rolling” on a teammate, I think this official would’ve told me. I was told he didn’t test positive and didn’t receive a shipment. The inference I took was that someone might have told on Jordan.

But I don’t know. Still trying to find out.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Thanks DOB.

What about James rehab before todays game and how about infante?

Will Spiezio be able to play with the braves? cause after what i read, it looks like he will be kind of busy.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 9, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

These one-run games are like some sort of cruel joke. I will say this. It does show this team is competitive and eventually these one run games have to begin going in the Braves favor. Don’t they?

Bad news about Schafer. Somewhat explains a lot. Looks like those plans to have Schafer come up in July or August ala Jacoby Ellsbury last season are toast. Wonder if Coco Crisp will still be avaiable at the trade deadline?

By Thunder Road

April 9, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

I wonder who’s gonna get their sh1t together first, the Mets or the Braves?

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Tomahawkin, all that and the Braves are still 2nd in runs scored. Tex hasn’t got going yet, neither has Francoeur or Diaz and Johnson, really.

The lineup hasn’t shown its true colors yet, which is a huge reason they are losing the close ones. Tex only has one hit with RISP. Once he gets going, this will turn around fast.

I think high-leverage situations and timing are big part of losing and winning one-run games. And when a key guy here or there isn’t producing sometimes, that gives the team less of a chance to string together baserunners and hits.

But the Braves offense is too good for this to continue. Like I said, they aren’t going to have an unproductive cleanup hitter for most of the year or a sub par hitting first baseman for half the year.

By DAP

April 9, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

TJ great post at 12:18

Todd A i think kj’s defensive position had to do with two things 1. they wanted to pitch the righties inside, especially holliday. they were trying to make him pull it to short, so kj was positoned towards the middle, to take away a linedrive up the middle, and to cover 2nd on a double play ball. holliday was not supposed to get a pitch to hit outside. if they pitched him outside, it was supposed to be WAY outside.

uga-brave something youve got to remember about approach at the plate, is that it differs on the pitcher. if its a guy that throws strikes, you need to be agressive so you dont get behind in the count (like santana) if you go up there after the pitcher has just walked someone, or if hes just thrown you a couple of balls, you might look for him to groove one. this might be the best pitch to hit in the whole at-bat. watch chipper hit. he swings at tons of first pitches, especially after a hit or a walk. it didnt work out for the braves last night, and i agree sometimes they make bad decisions, but they have less than one second to make that decision, so they wont always make the right one.

BravesDave you might be right about frenchy, but i dont think so. he has shown improvement every year since hes been here, and i think that will continue. 2007 should have been his rookie year, dont forget. i was looking for him to help us with the bat last night, and he failed…but so did chipper and tex last night…so it happens.

By N8

April 9, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Shaun

“I think HGH and steroids can obviously make you stronger but obviously can’t make you recognize pitches out of the pitcher’s hand or can’t give you flawless mechanics in your swing.”

Totally agree about “give you flawless mechanics in your swing” part.

But I’ve read a few articles/stories where HGH users have stated they had improved vision with it’s use.

HGH Benefits

Scroll down to the “OCT. 25” post, where it has a “partial” list of benefits.

Ever notice how when McGwire and Bonds had their 70 and 73 HR seasons, they didn’t seem to MISS any mistake pitch. They were so frickin’ locked in.

So, my point is that I agree. It’s not gonna give you “baseball skills”.

But it might make a guy that ALREADY has damn good baseball skills, that extra edge.

Who really knows? I guess only the guys that “use” and play baseball can attest to the (ahem) truth. And since NOBODY other than Canseco has ever admitted usage for anything other than recovering from injury, we can’t even take today’s users at their word.

Maybe someday the truth will be told, but I doubt it.

By Judge Nocahoma

April 9, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

anonomous tipster You are saying Schafer got suspended for 50 games for not rolling on a teammate. How come the teammate has not been suspended? If they had enough goods to implicate Schafer for not ratting on his teammate, wouldn’t they have had the goods then to suspend the teammate as well? Kinda strange. How can you be an accessory to a crime they can’t prove was committed? In order for Schafer to be punished as an accessory, they would have to prove there was a crime committed by a principal.

I’m sorry anonymous tipster. I don’t find you to be a reliable confidential informant. I will not set aside the arrest warrant.

By Yars

April 9, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I think a lot of us are expecting too much from Frenchy. He’s never going to put up .320/40/120 type numbers. If he averages .280/30/100 type numbers & gold glove defense in RF, how can anyone be disappointed? The season is still very early. He’s going to snap out of the little funk he’s in. Regarding KJ, I agree with some of you that say he’s not a leadoff hitter. I don’t like him in the leadoff spot either. I’d rather see him in the #2 or #7 spot in the order. That being said, he’s off to a pretty good start so far, his right knee is not giving him problems right now, & his defense has been above average. I know Bobby will never do it, but why not hit Yunel leadoff & KJ #2? Heck, throw Kotsay in the leadoff spot & KJ in the #7 or #8 spot. I don’t expect anything like that to happen, but it wouldn’t hurt to shake things up a bit. Losing these 1 run games hurts, & I hope they don’t come back to haunt us in mid September when the NL East is a 3 team race. Anyone keeping up with Andruw’s stats? I will not be shocked if Torre benches him soon. Maybe him having couple days off will help him. now playing: fascination street by the cure.

By poorbrave

April 9, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

richbrave Thanks for the down on the farm up date. You and DOB do a great job.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Lew, I think the point of the Kotsay post was that the loss would have been worse than one-run without Kotsay.

By JC FROM UT

April 9, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

DOB: What is rhe feeling in the club house? Are the players pressing due to the 1 run losses or are they taking it all in stride saying “its stll early”. Also ant teamate reactions to the Schaffer news?

By Tomahawkin

April 9, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Coach Watching these games dude, I dunno how you do it…

I’m really missing the sceme of things like they used to be. The days where if we scored 4 runs plus, 85 percent of the time it was an automatic “W”, man I long for those days, The only thing consistant about this team is their inconsistancy…

Its early though…And BTW the Orioles are off to another good start…They’ll hit rockbottom in June they always do especially within the last couple of years…

By TennesseePaul

April 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Payne: I mean this team isn’t going to have a .222/.311/.413 hitter come to the plate 379 times in the cleanup spot, behind the high on-base guys.

Couple things on this. First, they didn’t go into the season with a .222/.311/.413 hitter in the clean up spot. They went in with a .267/.345/.505 hitter in that spot who morphed into the poor hitter listed above.
And second, so far this season the team has a .156/.229/.375 hitter in the clean up spot. .222/.311/.413 is looking better than .156/.229/.375.
The hope is Teixeira will turn it around. His history says he will. His stats, his age, everything says he’ll be just fine. Then again, I remember thinking the same thing about AJ early last year. I’m pretty sure Teixeira will shape up, but until he does this team is going to have some scoring issues which will lead to close games and the occasional loss.

By Lew

April 9, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

REne-Chill out Didn’t know I needed to. I just wondered about that comment. I didn’t raise hell, did I?

By BA

April 9, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Andruw’s stats on the 2008 campain:

Batting average-.103

Home runs- 0

RBI’s- 1

Double whopper value meals- 14

By flange1

April 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

On another subject,

Since Chuckie is starting today, he will have to be activated.

Who gets sent down?

It would be strange to send your only long relief guy down when 2 of your starters have just gotten off the DL..

Will it it be Corky?

Will a trade happen?

Will the Braves attempt to put Ring or Resop or Boyer through waivers?

Should be an interesting call.

By Lew

April 9, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Shaun-Then that’s what they should have said. Sorry if the Irony was lost on me. However, given some of the ridiculous statements that seem to pop up like mushrooms in the night on this blog, one never really knows. If nothing else, I pointed out that Kotsay made an excellent play and hit a 2 run HR-basically our only offense.

What is your’s and Rene’s problem with that-especially since I mentioned it in a decidedly non-contentious manner? Just looking for an argument or something? If so, look somewhere else-it’s hardly a slow news day.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, yeah, I’m not saying I blame anyone for having Andruw in the cleanup spot for most of last season. Anyone would reasonably expect he would have had a good offensive season.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

I’m glad Jair went 7 innings last night. Bullpen savior, especially sinc Chuck is going tonight. Not sure how much he would be able to give us. I’d be happy with 5 innings and 3 runs.

By JC FROM UT

April 9, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Flange1: I think a trade is going to happen. I think it is going to be Pena for 2 reasons. First he has some value and second BC did not use him to pinch hit. But that being said BC didnt use Pena to pinch hit because Blanco was put into the game as a double switch leaving no extra outfielder. So, I guess I only have 1 reason why I think Pena is the one going to be traded.

By TennesseePaul

April 9, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

BA: Double whopper value meals- 14

AJ has discovered something better than the whopper, KFC, or MickD’s. It’s called the #1- Animal Style from In-n-Out. Sometimes, when he gets lonely and really misses the Braves, he goes for the #1 5 by 5 Animal Style with a large Shake.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

What about James rehab before todays game and how about infante?

Will Spiezio be able to play with the braves? cause after what i read, it looks like he will be kind of busy.Overlord

Not sure what you’re asking about James’ rehab? The man’s pitching tonight. Rehab’s over.

As for Infante, he’s traveling with the team. With everything going on, didn’t get daily update on whether he’s hitting yet or not. Still at least a couple weeks away from returning, last I checked. I’ll try to remember to ask today.

As for Spiezio, he’s got to do 80 hours community service and attend a couple of AA meetings. How would that prevent him from playing for the Braves? I’ll answer myself: It would not.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

What is your’s and Rene’s problem with that-especially since I mentioned it in a decidedly non-contentious manner? Just looking for an argument or something?

Hilarious. Who’s looking for an argument?

By DS

April 9, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

RE: the HGH and roid discussion; Bob Costas did a program last year on HBO where he interviewed the Illinois chemist who developed a synthetic roid for BALCO’s Conte. This guy was a muscle-head himself and was always trying to find the next best roid. He was the guy who developed “the clear”. For those that don’t know, “the clear” is so named because the urine test comes back “clear”. So now he’s got an undetectable roid, and here’s my point, he told Costas that through extensive testing with athletes their hand-eye coordination was off the charts! Draw your own conclusions.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 9, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

10Paul,

Great point about Andruw at 11:21. He’s smack dab in the middle of In-n-Out country. Since I don’t live there any more, it’s easy to forget how irresistible those evil burgers are …

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Not sure how this is “looking for an argument or something”:

Lew, I think the point of the Kotsay post was that the loss would have been worse than one-run without Kotsay.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 9, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

And here’s the http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=InNOut, unpublished In-n-Out menu next time you’re in California, Arizona or Vegas …

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 9, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Well, the Braves have three wins and five losses. The good news is, the rest of the division stinks just as bad. The Phillies are 4-4 and the Mets are 2-4. Nobody expects the Marlins and Nationals to win.

Hopefully the Braves can take it to Mark Redman tonight because Jeff Francis is on tap for Thursday afternoon.

The rotation is sporting an ERA of 2.78 while the bullpen’s ERA sits at 5.14.

Atlanta has outscored the opposition 44-33.

By Wayne in Utah

April 9, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

McFann If it was a maroon sweatshirt and if the guy had a short, gray beard, it was probably me. Don’t know how many orange baseball caps you see, not too many.

Nice game after the wind settled down. A W would have made it perfect.

By tylerwoods

April 9, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Those of you that think HGH is the reason for Schafer’s improvement last year are wrong. I have read multiple articles about medical studies on the benefits of HGH. HGH has great benefit to people who do not produce enough of this hormone. Every study I have read states that the benefits to athletes is minimal at best. HGH helps produce lean mass, but doesn’t help improve strength. The studies say that it doesn’t help with cardiovascular fitness either. The use of HGH in professional sports seems to be a paradox. It is the placebo of modern sports. Why an athlete would risk suspension for minimal gain seems crazy to me.

By Trippy Hippie

April 9, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

If Frank Wren is going to put up with cheaters in his organization, he might as well sign this guy.

By Judge Nocahoma

April 9, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

through extensive testing with athletes their hand-eye coordination was off the charts!

No duh! That’s why they are major leaguers and we’re just idiots who post on blogs. Just look at all the typos on this darn blog. Gives a pretty good picture of the hand eye coordination level of the average blogger on this site. They can’t even stroke a damn keyboard without screwing up.

For those with incredible hand eye coordination, steroids make them stronger so that the muscles in their hands, arms, and legs can react just that much faster and stronger to what their eyeballs are telling them to react to.

If steroids enhance hand-eye coordination at all it is the No Doze effect if you will.

You become less tired, less sluggish if you use them right. This makes you feel more alive and more alert.

Tired drivers don’t maintain their lanes on the highways late at night as well as alert drivers during the middle of the day.

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Lew

The way I read your post - it had an angry/bitter tone to it. If I was wrong - I apologize.

By Colorado Brave

April 9, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the one run losses are getting frustrating. Once again, the bats seem to have crawled under a rock (Chipper excepted) and the bullpen is suspect. It seems to come up at some point every year…the bats just don’t seem well coached. DOB said it—they’re too aggressive, swinging at first and bad pitches. What’s Pendleton doing to remedy it? The bullpen is young, so hopefully they’ll learn, but the bats have experience and should be coachable. What’s the deal TP?

Oh, and I know Tex always starts slow, but why should that be ok? We’re losing by one run…if he’s hitting around .300 in the #4 hole, how many of those games do we win? He needs a new approach to spring training, so he can start the season as hot as he finishes them (he’s admitted he uses spring training to get in shape rather than to work on his swing). 5 losses in the spring are as bad as 5 in the early fall. C’mon, Tex…

By Lew

April 9, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Apparently you are, otherwise nothing would have been said to begin with.

I assure you that if I were looking for a reason to be upset or find fault, it would be with the grocery chain here that can’t maintain security for their customers, making it necessary for me to cancel two bank cards this week-after someone in New Jersey charged over $1000 to my card at WalMart (not sure what they have worth $1000). Or maybe because my wife’s ankle surgery last December was for naught, as they missed the fact that she had a ruptured ligament and now needs another surgical procedure.

I certainly would not be arguing over a two sentence response to a two sentence remark, that by your own admission, may well have been posted tongue in cheek. However, both you and Rene decided it was worthy of continued discussion.

I for one, have not the time, the energy, nor the inclination to indulge in an all day Shaun fest dealing with a non topic (I mean you DID get a whole day of discussion yesterday over whether a bunt should have been called for), so I’ll depart now and you can have the blog floor to yourself. Feel free to self cannibalize, feeding off of your own inanity. I will no longer argue with you.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

For anyone who thinks luck doesn’t play a big role in one-run games: The Braves had the fifth-best record in baseball in 2-run games in 2006-2007.

1-run games - 30th

2-run games - 5th

3-run games - 20th

4-run games - 1st

5-run games - 12th

6-run games - 23rd

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Lew, you didn’t seem to understand that Kotsay post, so I was just clarifying.

By keylargo

April 9, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I saw AJ’s average dive below .250 at which point he could not hit his weight. Then it plummeted to .200 to get him below the infamous Mendoza Line. My question to all you bloggers is what do you call it when he goes under .100?

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Whether it be by one, two or ten runs…..

Win the game and everyone here will be happy.

By DS

April 9, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Judge - thanks for the medical analysis…this old man just found the interview amazing for two points. That the chemist would speak so openly and that it could make normal folks perform that much better. Oh, and I’m with everyone here that these one-run games are killing me.

By Lew

April 9, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Thank You Shaun. I have achieved clarity thanks to you. How can I ever repay you. Whatever. I’m gone. Later y’all.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Here is something interesting for all to read.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 9, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it but I don’t think the lack of plate discipline and the seeming lack of coachability to correct said lack of plate discipline has anything to do with TP. He is just the hitting coach. He doesn’t have the last word. I think this has Cox written all over it.

Remember TP saying that Francoeur needed to be more disciplined and Cox came right behind him and said “we don’t want him to lose his aggression”? Remember TP showing obvious frustration with Andruw and his asinine wild swinging and Cox saying that “Andurw is just aggressive”?

Its kind of hard to coach the correct way to do things when your superior is giving them a message of condoning and excusing bad fundamentals.

I love Cox but sometimes he really frustrates me. I wonder just how much on board McDowell is with the way Cox just wastes pitchers like he did with Soriano Saturday. Absolutely no reason for Soriano to be in that game and even the biggest of Cox apologists can’t justify that.

Cox needs to let his coaches do their jobs and that is especially the case with TP. I have a hard time believing a hitter as patient as TP was is so condoning of all this wild swinging and unnecesary aggression.

By BamaBravesFan

April 9, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

*My question to all you bloggers is what do you call it when he goes under .100? *

I think that it’s call the “Unemployment Line”

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

keylargo

Call it the Andruw line!

By Lew

April 9, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Rene-That last post to Shaun WAS angry, bitter and sarcastic. Now you know the difference between that and ironic or mystified.

By McFann

April 9, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

That had to be you on TV. Congratulations!

And you’re correct: There was only one other orange hat at the whole game, and it was on some dude (without a beard) in the expensive seats behind the plate. So yeah, that was you. I’m sure of it.

Sounds like you had nice weather (after the wind died down). It’s to bad that the Braves didn’t put up a big W.

By 234234

April 9, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any comments at to who goes down…who gets put on waivers or if there is a trade in the making…u be the man to know….

By Lew

April 9, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

BamaBraves Fan-The Langerhans Line?

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Remember TP saying that Francoeur needed to be more disciplined and Cox came right behind him and said “we don’t want him to lose his aggression”? Remember TP showing obvious frustration with Andruw and his asinine wild swinging and Cox saying that “Andurw is just aggressive”?

I don’t remember any of this. Maybe you can show us a news story with quotes. Sounds like a whole lot of speculation to me.

By Slider29

April 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Remember TP saying that Francoeur needed to be more disciplined and Cox came right behind him and said “we don’t want him to lose his aggression”? Remember TP showing obvious frustration with Andruw and his asinine wild swinging and Cox saying that “Andurw is just aggressive”

BCox is just always gonna put a positive spin on it for the media. You have got to be deep, deep, deep in Bobby’s doghouse before he punks you in print. That’s why these guys worship him.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 9, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I remember on a Sunday night game last season Joe Miller talking about Andruw and his struggles. He quoted TP saying that Andruw frustrated him because of his lack of patience. Cox kept saying Andruw was fine.

In spring training last year TP said Francoeur had worked on going the other way to the opposite field and needed to continue doing so because he was being way too undisciplined. Cox said he didn’t want to take away Francoeur’s aggressivness.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 9, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Shaun, what do you think is the reason for the majority of these hitters showing no patience at the plate? Chipper, Escobar, Tex, and KJ excluded.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Robert(Chipper is the Best)

I believe I remember that being said as well.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Robert (Chipper Is The Best), I think Cox and TP were talking about separate issues. I don’t think they were necessarily saying the opposite things.

Besides, I don’t remember Cox saying Andruw was fine. Maybe he said he thought he would be fine or saw no reason why he wouldn’t be fine. Also, I’m guessing Cox wanted Francoeur to remain aggressive but aggressive within the strikezone. What manager would want their players swinging at bad pitches? And you hear Bobby on TV all the time yelling, “take ball four!”

By Hotspur

April 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

“The inference I took was that someone might have told on Jordan.” DOB

Parenthetically, God love you for using the word “inference” correctly, DOB. Yay writers! Ain’t many worth our salt left. :P

By N8

April 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“For anyone who thinks luck doesn’t play a big role in one-run games: The Braves had the fifth-best record in baseball in 2-run games in 2006-2007.”

Well, I’d like to conclude that the Braves (Mainly Bobby) is insane, rather than unlucky.

Because Benjamin Franklin’s definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

So, by sending the same lineup out there, the same relievers into the same situations and doing things the same way (by the book), that repeatedly nets the same results, is by definition……..INSANE.

Besides. If LUCK has so much to do with it…..CHANGE IT UP A BIT!

Anybody who actually believes in luck, or is remotely superstitious, is a creature of “routine” when things are going good. The old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, adage.

Well, I got news for Bobby and the Braves. IT’S FRICKIN BROKE!!!!!!!

Do something about it.

If you feel it’s “luck”, do a DRASTIC change to the lineup, to break up the “unlucky” streak. For cryin’ out loud, bat Chipper lead-off. At least he’d get more AB’s than anybody else. Which after all, gives him at least one more AB per game to hit a solo HR in, right? Anything but the same old-same old.

It’s that STUBBORNNESS of Bobby to assume it’s gonna turn around, or that it’s bad luck, that led to 2 months of us painfully having to watch AJ flail at low and away sliders in the clean-up spot last year.

Either way…..Bobby ends up looking insane to me.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Great post at 8:19. Whatadummy is truly just that…a dummy. I think he needs to go to college & take stats there.

By N8

April 9, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“And you hear Bobby on TV all the time yelling, “take ball four!””

That’s fine and dandy. What are the “consequences” if he consistently DOESN’T take ball four???

Bobby yelling “take ball four” from the dugout and then NOT “punishing” a player, or helping them improve, let me rephrase that DEMANDING they improve their effort, is NO DIFFERENT than the crazy, obese mom of 4 at Wal-Mart SCREAMING at her kids to knock it off and that they “better listen to her THIS TIME”, and the proceeding to do NOTHING ABOUT IT when they don’t.

If my wife comes home to see magic marker all over the walls that my 4 year old daughter put there, and asks me WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED, and I respond to her “I asked her to stop coloring on the walls!”, does that get me off the hook as being responsible for her actions?

For all we know, TBS, Sports South and now PeachTree TV, might be over-dubbing the little “Bobbyisms” into their broadasts. LOL! Those sound bites have now become STOCK audio clips for other baseball broadcasts. LOL!

Similar to when you watch movies or TV shows that are set in a hospital, or commercials for that matter and you hear in the background:

“Dr. Davis. Line 2. Dr. Davis. Paging Dr. Davis”

OK. Maybe they’re not edited in during the Broadcast, but they might as well be. Because apparently the only people hearing those quips are the viewers on TV.

By Roman Gal

April 9, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I, for one, will be interested to see how Schafer does when he starts playing again. I’m ready for some sort of statement to be issued with a little bit more detail…especially from Jordan himself. If a player like Tyler Flowers can succeed after his suspension then so can Jordan.

For those ready to stone him…just remember all those times you cheated and got a second chance.

But for those of us who have never cheated in our lives (wink wink)…we can cast those stinkin’ stones.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

The opposition will start a left hander on the mound in 5 of the next 6 games.

By DAP

April 9, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Yars #2 is probably the worst place in the order to bat kelly, unless you have a very very fast (jose reyes) leadoff hitter. youre right though, he’s good enough to bat just about anywhere else. in this lineup, it needs to be either kotsay or yunel batting #2.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Well, I’d like to conclude that the Braves (Mainly Bobby) is insane, rather than unlucky. N8, are you a mind reader?, thats exactly what i think.

Bobby’s Cox sshhhh…… dont say that loud, youll wake him (dummy) up. HEHEHE.

By DAP

April 9, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

shaun Besides, I don’t remember Cox saying Andruw was fine.

oh yeah! thats right! that was you that said that!

By Greg in TN

April 9, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Afternoon Planet Braves…

Not exactly good times for the Braves Nation lately, what with our knack of losing the close ones, however this stretch has been doubly frustrating for all to watch especially since we saw the same thing so often last year. Deja vu all over again according to an often quoted Yankee backstop.

The wheels haven’t fallen off to be sure, however it does look like some lug nuts need to be tightened. I think we’ll get that in due time, meanwhile we are fortunate in that the lads of brotherly love and the lads of flushing have stumbled out of the gate in the same manner we have.

Really disappointed in Jordan Schafer today. I believe it will be difficult if not impossible for him to be up in September after having to sit 50 games. I understand and can appreciate those denizens that would like to cut bait and let him put the pieces back together. I think it’s best to see what happens when he returns. No one has knocked his work ethic (or attitude from everything I’ve read or seen) so I would be more forgiving of him making one obviously stupid mistake, learning from it and becoming a better person. Time will tell, obviously, however he deserves the punishment befitting of the crime and I am not excusing his poor judgement. No excuse for it at all.

JoeBrave, a little late, however thoughts and prayers are for you and yours in this difficult time.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Robert (Chipper Is The Best), last season seven Braves has an above league average OBP, if you count Escobar and Teixeira. They ranked fourth in the league in OBP and 7th in BB. I just don’t see that patience was/will be a problem with the Braves.

To broaden things a bit, I don’t think offense was/will be a problem. They’ve finished in the top five in scoring every year since 2003.

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Yunels range

In last nights game they said Chipper said this year he is playing more toward the line (guarding it), because las year he had to help Edgar cover the hole. This year he feels Yunel covers it so easily he is able to stand himself toward the line with no fear of a ball going through the whole.

By "Blaine Boyer"

April 9, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

And the adipose mass inside my head Gets switched from ‘Hold’ to ‘Blow’. And none will be left on base today, I’m going to make them all cross home. And Bobby doesn’t understand it, He’s always said my arm was good as gold. And he can see no reason, Though it is the season — It’s the season when I’m finally exposed.

Tell me why? I don’t like Mondays. Tell me why? I don’t like Mondays. Tell me why? I don’t like Mondays. I want to shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot Some more hormones.

By Barking Brave

April 9, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

DOB Any idea why McCann isn’t making the great hand adjustments he was making on high and/or inside pitches in 06 ? He doesn’t look bad now but he does look very run of the mill compared to then.I understand hitters get in ruts and chase bad pitches,get off balance,etc but it’s weird to see a guy regress as if he never had the ability that really was what made him special as a hitter imo,thanks.

By Interested Observer

April 9, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I saw last night’s game with the Rockies announcers on Extra Innings. At one point, one of the announcers said something like “Bobby Cox manages by the book more often than not.” The other announcer jumped in and said “what do you mean more often than not, Cox ALWAYS manages by the book. You can count on him bunting or pinch hitting in certain situations.”

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Shaun

What was your projected win total for the Braves in 2008?

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Roman Gal, if you’re waiting for a statement from Schafer, you’re going to be waiting a long time.

He’s absolutely not saying anything, on advice of his attorney. Not talking to ANYBODY, not even the Braves, really.

And by the way, that’s why a new blog is going to be late today, because i’ve been on phone working this Schafer story.

By flange1

April 9, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

N8,

Your BC comments so far today have been right on. I love Bobby, but we do make the same mistakes over and over.

Did anyone else see Bennett warming up last night before the 7th inning?

I still don’t understand that with Chuckie pitching today coming off the DL.

It also makes it hard for me to believe that they will send Bennett to Richmond when Chuckie is activated.

DOB, will they wait until right before the game to activate Chuck and send down or release Mr X?

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

N8, gee, are the Braves “broke”? They have outscored their opponents by 11 runs. They just need to get a few of their hitters going so that they can string together some baserunners, then they’ll be fine. That’s a much better way to “manufacturer” runs than bunts, etc.

By Roman Gal

April 9, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

From Baseball America

Schafer was a long-shot contender to break camp as the Braves starting center fielder this year. Instead he was sent to Mississippi for more seasoning, but he was already dealing with the possibility of a suspension when the minor league season began.

According to one source with knowledge of the process, Major League Baseball determined that Schafer had used Human Growth Hormone through its new department of investigations, created in January in the wake of the Mitchell Report.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

wow…someone threw up the anderson AAA line. Wow. I’m telling you all, we need that kid up here. Don’t know where to play him unless we take out kotsay, who’s been on fire, but we need that kid up here at least for late inning pinch running chances in all these late games.

was shocked he didn’t get the call up coming out of spring.

shaun that link you threw out commended BC for not falling for borchards tainted Florida numbers. Well it seems he fell for Blanco’s. Feels bad to knock Blanco after what 2 AB’s (although yesterday’s showed a lack of plate discipline), but it appears that Anderson would’ve brought more value to this team thus far.

By richbrave

April 9, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

DAVID O’BRIEN:

Any response about the field David. If you provided any feed-back, I missed it.

And thanks for correcting my mis-apprehension about James Jurries. All I knew was that he was here and then he wasn’t. But I never made a study of his history with the Braves. My bad.

That said, others here have called for Schafer’s head. I think it would be prudent to see what’s up with JS and then make hard and fast decisions. He’s obviously a talent you don’t want to lose. The level of that talent and the mind combined with it are what’s in question at this point. This development is most unfortunate considering the roster moves made in obvious anticipation of his arrival in Atlanta. With a 50 game suspension it appears he’ll go through Gwinett rather than Richmond. So we won’t have the opportunity to see him and decide for ourselves as to his natural abilities.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I picked the Braves to win the division. Projections I see have them in the mid- to high-80s. I had them winning the division (possible home-town bias?). I don’t like the Mets as high as some projections have them. And the projections don’t separate the Mets, Braves and Phillies all that much so I went with the Braves’ depth over the other two.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 9, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Here is a nice piece on Jo Jo… He has found himself again it seems.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-04-09-0151.html

By Overlord

April 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Flange1 you are also right on. DOB why doesnt bobby start Bennett today and let James be the long reliever, at least for april? That way James could go 2 or 2+ innings 2 or 3 times a week depending, then he could be a starter once he is strong enough. Whats the purpose of letting him start only to go 4 innings (5 at the most) only to burn the bullpen again.

Let Bennett start, try to go 5 or 6 with him, then james for 2 or 3 depending and let the bullpen rest.

By Roman Gal

April 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

DOB Well…I’ll be waiting with bated breath. EVENTUALLY he is going to have to address it.

By Shamus Thacker

April 9, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

The Braves didn’t disassociate themselves with Otis Nixon, and he was pretty much buzzing around the clock.

By john

April 9, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

DOB - does is smell like a farm in Denver today? If so - its gonna snow/rain. Forecast does not look good for tonight or tomorrow.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Thats reasonable. Braves are the deepest team in the division in terms of major and minor league talent. Top tier of players might not be as good as the Mets, but after Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Santana, Pedro, Perez and Maine…the Mets have very little.

By Chop Chop

April 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Roman Gal,

I’m not ready to stone Schafer, but I will say that using/obtaining HGH (not that we really know for sure what caused the suspension, of course) in the current baseball climate would be like me cheating on my girlfriend right in front of her. It would be kinda difficult to get away with it.

By TNRON

April 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

just pulled up Thorman’s numbers to start the year.0-18 (.000).Well at least he didn’t spike himself.

By Bubba

April 9, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I is gonna make Jordan’s little snitch my lil’ b!tch.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Baseball America’s John Manuel:

Mike(Atlanta): How far does the suspension to Jordan Schafer drop his stock and does it make you suspicious of his numbers from last year compared to his previous 2 seasons. I consider Gorkys Hernandez the Braves future centerfielder now.

John Manuel: (2:21 PM ET ) It’s a question you have to have about a ton of players: how did their PED use affect their performance? If Schafer’s performance was a PED mirage, then obviously he’ll take a huge hit, but you can’t make that judgment until after he comes back and plays. But yes, there’s ample reason to be suspicious.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

shaun that link you threw out commended BC for not falling for borchards tainted Florida numbers. Well it seems he fell for Blanco’s. Feels bad to knock Blanco after what 2 AB’s (although yesterday’s showed a lack of plate discipline), but it appears that Anderson would’ve brought more value to this team thus far.

Yes. We can tell a week and a half into the season.

By N8

April 9, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“N8, gee, are the Braves “broke”? They have outscored their opponents by 11 runs.”

You ONLY speak of the offense. I think the bullpen is in shambles. The offense is as inconsistent as EVER. The defense has been shaky at BEST. Base-running isn’t our “strong suit”.

The ONLY thing going well for us right now, is rotation. The ONLY thing!

As for the “outscored opponents by 11 runs”???

Shaun. Dude I love your passion. I love the numbers. I’m not sure how much crunching you do on your own, or which websites you use. But you ALWAYS have numbers to back up your point. I appreciate that. But sometimes you don’t use YOUR EYES to help complete the story.

Sure, we’ve outscored opponents by 11. OK. Let’s dissect that a bit, shall we?

2 of our Wins came by scores of 10-2 and 11-5. So the “differential” in those two games is +14 (21-7).

In the OTHER 6 games we’ve played, we’ve been outscored by 3 (26-23).

Thus the 3-5 record.

As you always say…..don’t let the little facts and numbers get your way. If you want to use the TOTAL of runs scored vs. runs allowed to determine how “good” we are. Go ahead.

Keep in mind that in the 91 WS, we “outscored” the Twins 27-24, yet lost the series 4-3.

Keep in mind that in the 93 NLCS we “outscored” the Phillies 33-23, yet lost the series 4-2.

Keep in mind that in the 96 WS we “outscored” the Yankees 26-18, yet lost the series 4-2.

Keep in mind that in the 97 NLCS we “outscored” the Marlins 21-20, yet lost the series 4-2.

Do you see a PATTERN HERE??????

It’s called inconsistency, with the occasional BLOWOUT victory, to skew the numbers. In fact, now I’m pizzed off all over again, realizing that the lack of 1-run victories in the post season (other than the hard fought 91 WS), has been going on for almost 17 years!!!

But you keep on thinking that our offense is just fine.

By keylargo

April 9, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I am going to take Renegators suggestion and name a batting average hovering around .100 at the “Andruw Line”. So tonight an 0 for 2 start will put AJ at .097 for the year, thus being the first official person to be under the “Andruw Line”. Mario Mendoza will be proud.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Efrim, yeah, I guess I can understand the projection systems that have the Mets slightly favored. Their top tier players are as good as any core in baseball. If they just get decent performances elsewhere, they probably should be the favorites. I just don’t like their depth and I figure the tide has to turn at some point with the Braves in those games that could go either way.

By BamaBravesFan

April 9, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

**By Lew

April 9, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

BamaBraves Fan-The Langerhans Line?**

Lew-

I will buy that. haha

By Roman Gal

April 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop I think he is young enough to overcome it. Hopefully he’ll learn from it. Of course, that could definately go both ways.

I’m not denying what he did was a stupid, stupid thing to do. But at least he has admitted it and is taking responsibility for it. There have been so many players that have used the stuff, admitted it and moved on. He just needs to play his heart out when he gets back and we’ll have to see from there.

Oh, and cheating on your girlfriend is different than cheating in a game. And if your girlfriend were to forgive you she would still be really skeptical for a long time…just like Braves fans will be of Jordan.

It’s unexcusable, but he is being punished…and this mistake will have him paying for a long time.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

N8, only speak of the offense? They outscored their opponents by 11 runs. That takes into account both the runs they’ve scored and the runs they’ve allowed.

2 of our Wins came by scores of 10-2 and 11-5. So the “differential” in those two games is +14 (21-7).

Sample size. If the Braves have this run differential and a losing record in two months, then maybe we should worry.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Shaun

I think that is what excites so many people about the Mets. Like you said, their top tier is excellent, well above average. I also like Aaron Heilman, Billy Wagner and Ryan Church to some degree. Delgado and Alou’s injury history/age have to be factored in when evaluating the Mets.

On a side note, interesting stat that a friend of mine brought up.

Jose Reyes is hitting .210 over his last 143 at bats and .249 over his last 350 at bats.

People with the Mets have to be somewhat concerned…..

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

TNRON No, but he has two errors that have led to runs by the opposition and managed one foul ball that knock a fan unconscious. I know that last bit was a cheap shot but it shows the kind of season he is having.

Barbero Canizaries is hitting something like .489… It is very sad for Thorman. He really needs some time off to find himself and get his mind right.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

N8

i love BC, hence my name “Bobby’s Cox” (stolen from “Game Cocks”). He deserves all the respect in the world for making this organization the way it is when he was the GM, then the early years as manager.

Saying that, I agree with you and Roman Gal. I’ve been scratching my head the past couple of years. I love Bobby, but have to question a lot of his decisions as of late. The whole coaching staff is questionable. TP can’t get hitters to hit in the clutch & produce quality at bats (deals with pitch selection & having an idea what pitchers are going to do in certain situations). And McDowell as been a flop since he’s been here (pitch location is not down and hitting corners like it used to be).

Shaun

Keep looking at total runs scored/allowed & you’ll fail to realize the true weakness of this team. You just don’t get it. It doesn’t matter how many runs you score if you score them all in one game. Scoring 10 runs one game, then 10 over the next 4 combined won’t cut it. There’s got to be some consistency with our offense.

Arizona gave up more runs than they scored last year & still had a better record than us AND made the postseason. They were more clutch than us, hence made the postseason while we came up short.

Our hitters have to be more scrappy, & worry more about what they’re going to do with a pitch & in situations other than just swing hard or put down lazy grounders when they fall behind in the count. These guys can foul pitches off if they get behind & make the pitchers throw strikes until they get in a favorable count where they’re more likely to get a pitch they can drive or put in play with a sense of direction.

In the past 2 years, if we don’t have 1 big inning, we’re not going to score many runs. Looks the same this year.

By DAP

April 9, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

we braves fans are pretty shook up by our not-so-hot start, how do you think mets fans feel? they have had the same problems we have…not enough offense, collapsed bullpen ect…

team go through this. if our starting pitching stays consistent, we WILL hit enough to win plenty of games.

By Epinephrine

April 9, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Maybe this will sound absurd to a lot of you, but after 8 games…apart from Soriano, I feel very good about this team. I think we have great starting pitching and a great offense.

As for our performance against the Rockies: I do not think the lack of offense is at all surprising. It is extremely cold there right now, and that makes hitting very, very difficult. I do not think its any coincidence that our best production has come in the first inning of both games.

What I have seen, though, is Kelly looks like a better hitter this year, judging by balls hit to left and center. What I have seen is that Yunel is no joke. Brian McCann looks like he is picking up post injury right where he left off in May of 07. Tex’s average will surely rise once he stops sending rockets directly at position players. Chipper is nasty. mark Kotsay could be a .300 hitter with some pop this year. Diaz is still hitting seeing eye balls.

Francoeur looks shaky, still, after the ball to the face. But I have confidence that he will hit a groove. If not, 7/8 ain’t bad.

So there. How about that for optimism? I don’t care about Schafer. The only thing that has me worried is Soriano. But we have some insurance with Gonzo coming back, and this pen, apart from stupid pitches by Boyer, is good enough to absorb some hits.

So get ready to split the series against the Rockies folks, even if it looks to be freaking freezing again. One thing is sure: they ought to have a harder time hitting them out against Chuckie. But anyway, if the Braves can claw out some wins and escape without injuries, there is no reason to feel so down yet.

By N8

April 9, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“Sample size. If the Braves have this run differential and a losing record in two months, then maybe we should worry.”

Since the beginning of the 2006 season through the first 8 games of this year, we are 166-166.

We have “outscored” the opponents 1703-1571.

Is 332 games a big enough “Sample size” for you?

This team, with THIS CORE of players is too inconsistent on offense, and DOESN’T KNOW HOW to win close games.

I’m not saying that that might not change. I might. But through the past 2 full seasons and 8 games, THAT IS FACT.

You can talk all day long about how the numbers “state” that things will change, and that we’re unlucky.

I’ll call it like I see it (as I have for the past 300 or so games)….we’re simply a mediocre TEAM and that might not change for a while unless things get shaken up a bit.

It’s Deja Vu ALL OVER AGAIN.

I’m not throwing in the towel. After all, I paid for the Extra Innings package. I’m not going anywhere. Thank god there is some GOOD baseball to watch on the West Coast games after the Braves games are through.

But until they prove me wrong….I’ll be right.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Efrim, yep. Reyes is one of the most overrated players in baseball. If he played in Florida, people would see him for what he is—an average to slightly above average hitter with great speed.

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

N8

the problem here is that Shaun is looking at current stats, where the rest of us know just by seeing patterns arise by watching games and following the team.

Nice stats you posted at 3:03. They go hand in hand with what i’ve been watching for the last 2 seasons.

By N8

April 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

You said the following to Shaun.

“Arizona gave up more runs than they scored last year & still had a better record than us AND made the postseason. They were more clutch than us, hence made the postseason while we came up short.”

I was gonna post pretty much the same thing. But Shaun doesn’t believe in “clutch” so it would have been wasted key-strokes trying to convince him.

But you are 100 PERCENT correct.

That’s all anybody wants to talk about when they talk about the Braves offense, is TOTAL runs scored, divided by games played, and then use that AVERAGE to argue why our offense is “productive”.

I’ve said it 1000 times. The OLD Braves teams had GREAT pitching, they DIDN’T shoot themselves in the foot very often with poor defense and bad baserunning, and they had timely hitting.

How else could TP be the NL MVP in 1991 with 19 HR, 88 RBI and a .319 batting average??

Because a TON of those 88 RBI (along with his stellar defense and leadership - remember him WALKING off the field when Freeman refused to hit the batter?), was worth more to this team than the numbers.

It’s the same damn people arguing how “good” our offense is, that stuck up (and continue to stick up) for Andruw as being a “productive” hitter, based on the overall numbers.

But to any sane person that uses their ears and their eyes, you know that’s not the case.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Switch Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes, that would be something. Although Hanley Ramirez is quite possibly the worst defensive Shortstop in baseball. Jose Reyes is an above average fielder. Ramirez’s bat is superb. Pairing his with David Wright would be scary.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

How’s this for bold: If I were the Mets manager, I’d consider batting Castillo and Church in the top two spots in the order.

Bobby’s Cox, over a larger sample than a few games, run differential is a lot more telling. Of course there are exceptions. But even the 2007 Braves that lost a lot of one-run games still were only four games off their Pythagorean record.

Were the Diamondbacks all that “clutch”? They were .258/.346/.428 in late and close situations. That’s not all that far off of what the Braves did (.257/.330/.381) and they certainly weren’t the best late and close-hitting team in the league (St. Louis - .313/.388/.468). So I doubt clutch hitting was the primary reason Arizona won more games than their run differential indicates they should have.

I suspect a big reason Arizona won more than it “should” have is because their bullpen allowed them to match up the pitchers to get outs when they needed them. But there’s always the luck/chance/random variation/whatever-you-want-to-call factor that is prevalent in all one-run games.

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

N8

nice 3:03 post. Really summed it up perfectly.

With that run differential since beginning of 2006 - it’s really sad to see what could have been for this team over the past 2 years.

By keylargo

April 9, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

AJ is not in the starting lineup for LA vs. Arizona today.

By Andy K

April 9, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

DOB…so with Chucky coming off the DL, who’s going down/on waivers? Plus…how is Hampton doing?

By McFann

April 9, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

DOB Any idea why McCann isn’t making the great hand adjustments he was making on high and/or inside pitches in 06? Barking Brave

BB, if anyone knew the answer to that, the Braves could be in first place. Ha! After fixing a few other things, of course.

After the team had played 8 games in 2006, McCann was batting .250 with 2 doubles, 3 RBI and 2 home runs. Right now, he’s hitting .269 with 2 doubles, 4 RBI and 1 home run (and no strike outs. How long cann that last??). Strangely similar numbers, but I don’t recall him being so swing-happy at the beginning of ‘06. Maybe it’s just because I’m watching him closer now…

After the team had played 8 games in 2007, he was hitting .345 with 3 doubles, 8 RBI, and 2 home runs.

So far, he’s putting up numbers more like those of 2006. But if he’s ever to get them to where they ended up in ‘06, he needs to CHILL OUT ON THAT FIRST PITCH!!! Let it by, man! Let it by!

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Shaun have you looked at N8’s 3:03 post, or are you ignoring those stats?

Thanks for looking up the Arizona stats for me, but you can’t look strictly at stats. That’s our point. Yes Arizona had a good ‘pen last year that kept them in games. How many runs did they score after the seventh last year? How did they do when they down 1 trailing late? Did they get guys on base consistenty throughout each game that put pressure on the pitcher, or did they score all their runs 1 inning like us & let opposing pitchers coast for the remainder 5 or 6 innings? There’s a lot of other factors you aren’t considering. You can’t just look at stats. There’s more strategy in baseball than what the stats show.

Whatever happened to the ABC’s of scoring like our braodcasters used to brag about in the early 90’s? Get a leadoff walk, steal, bunt to thrid or hit ball to right side moving runner to third, score on a sac fly. With all these 1 run games, maybe we could try that strategy for a while, or a hit and run, SOMETHING to get our hitters to think what they’re going to do when they’re at the plate & get pitchers to work, other than be overly agressive.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

N8, the last season and a half, Andruw Jones was allowed to come to the plate more often than he should have (in hindsight). I believe that along with the bullpen is a huge reason the Braves have underperformed to their run differential. The mismatches allowed other teams to get outs at the right time (for the other teams) and to get on base/get hits at the right time. And also, there’s the luck factor.

Something I wish we had are some stats on not just “late and close” but “close” situations. That would give us an idea who performed when the game was on the line at any point in the game. I don’t know about you, but I think a three-run homer in the first inning with the score 0-0 is pretty clutch.

By KC

April 9, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I like Chuck James, and I think he would make a fine 4th or 5th starter in this rotation if there were room (when everyone’s healthy), BUT…

Chuck James is not the right choice for this start. In Coors Field, Jeff Bennett (a sinker-baller) is the right choice.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I was gonna post pretty much the same thing. But Shaun doesn’t believe in “clutch” so it would have been wasted key-strokes trying to convince him.

I don’t know if I believe in “clutch” the limited way it’s typically defined. I mean, as I said, a lead-off homer seems pretty clutch to me.

By mo in the boonies

April 9, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Keylargo Thanks for the info…I don’t have the MLB package…spouse doesn’t think it is necessary, Thinks as long as Cox is the manager it will always be this kind of team, and I have to agree on that so…but we will be discussing it. Would help if they would win a few. Didn’t see last night’s game either, but it sounds like I didn’t miss much.

Re: Shaffer, they have both blood and urine tests in the minors, but only urine in the majors. So maybe the blood test picked it up. I understood from the congressional hearings that the Olympic standards can detect HGH in blood samples that is why the baseball union doesn’t want the blood tests, in the majors or adopt the Olympic standards.

chase What channel are you watching the games on with Gant ?

N8 I agree with your coaching staff all except for TP…I ‘d like someone a little better than him for a manager.

ToddA Does Cox even go over the scouting report with his pitchers anymore?*

Are you kidding, when did he ever do that? I haven’t even seen the starting pitchers doing stats in the dugout the day before they pitch a game like you see other team’s pitchers do. I’ve noticed that LaRusso has a computer in the dugout with him to keep up on the pitchers and hitters coming up, Leyland has computer pages posted on a board in the dugout. Cox has a battered little notebook in his back pocket. The team needs a manager who is living in this century not in the last one.

Has anyone stopped to think that all the hitting problems might be because they need a new batting coach, as well as a new pitching coach, and yes, a new manager. It is the same old crap as last year and the same old staff.

Down in the boondocks etc If your team gets some runs in their turn at bat and hold the batters in the last half of the inning, they have a better chance of winning then what Cox did the other night . That way they don’t even get another inning to play another inning.. AsLew says, you gotta tie it to win it. You play by the book and lose, I’ll take a chance to win anytime. BTW, I love it in the boonies and plan on staying here.!

Well I’m going to post this which means DOB will be posting a new blog as I do. Happens everytime

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Andy K, no word yet on Braves move. I just called ot check.

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

You guys see that Andruw is not starting today for the Dodgers.

Uh Oh

By Bobby's Cox

April 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

1 more thing shaun

Stop talking about luck. If we take care of our business at the plate, on the field, and on the mound, then bad calls, bloop hits, & other forms of bad luck you talk about won’t hinder us.

I used to complain all the time about luck unitl i grew up & realized that if you do your job, bad luck can be avoided. Someone once said that luck is the byproduct of the position you put yourself in, or something like that…might have been the late Chick Hearn who said that.

You can’t win or lose the lottery if you don’t play, just like you can’t keep losing close ball games if you don’t put yourself in position to. Unfortunately, our agressiveness at the plate and the lack of fire and purpose by our hitters are putting our team in those situations while we’re getting great pitching. N8 brought up what Arizona did to the Dodgers last night in a close ball game. Go up and read that post again, then the funny one about what the braves would’ve done. That’s our point my friend.

Have fun wathcing the game tonight. Gotta run. Till next time.

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

KC

Lets score ten runs off Mark Redman so it won’t matter.

By Shaun

April 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

How many runs did they score after the seventh last year? How did they do when they down 1 trailing late? Did they get guys on base consistently throughout each game that put pressure on the pitcher, or did they score all their runs 1 inning like us & let opposing pitchers coast for the remainder 5 or 6 innings?

ummm…couldn’t all those things be measured?

By MGL

April 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

keylargo - Andruw’s out because Pierre with his .067 ave is in. They can only afford one of them at a time.

By Blaine Boyer

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

And the adipose mass inside my head

Gets switched from ‘Hold’ to ‘Blow’.

And none will be left on base today,

I’m going to make them all cross home.

And Bobby doesn’t understand it,

He’s always said my arm was good as gold.

And he can see no reason,

Though it is the season —

It’s the season when I’m finally exposed.

Tell me why?

I don’t like Mondays.

Tell me why?

I don’t like Mondays.

Tell me why?

I don’t like Mondays.

I want to shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot

Some more hormones.

By Steve McP

April 9, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

DOB - if you ever get the chance to look out of your window could you let us know if it has started snowing there yet?

There was much talk on the TV last night that they expected tonight and tomorrow’s games to be adversely affected by snowfall.

By Tom in NYC

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

Renegator, I just also saw that Andruw Jone$$$ was benched for today’s game and came in here to see if anyone was talking about it. I guess with his horrible start, Torre wasn’t afraid to bench him and put Pierre in there for today at least.

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

No, it’s not snowing.

I’m headed to ballpark. Talk to you in about 20 minutes.

By Renegator

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

Tom

Of their (Dodgers) four outfielders - two are dreadful on offense - Andruw and Juan Pierre

By N8

April 9, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“N8, the last season and a half, Andruw Jones was allowed to come to the plate more often than he should have (in hindsight).”

I totally agree with you. But here lies the problem. Bobby is STILL in charge of who sits and who doesn’t. (In case you’ve missed it, somebody posted that AJ isn’t in the Dodgers lineup today - that took a while, huh?). So who’s to say that Bobby doesn’t leave anybody else that’s underperforming (whether it’s the bullpen, the rotation, the lineup, the field), longer than he should.

You keep giving me reasons to why things SHOULD change. I’m giving you THE reason why they won’t, and didn’t last year.

“I believe that along with the bullpen is a huge reason the Braves have underperformed to their run differential.”

I can’t argue that. But since you want to use “overall” numbers to show how GOOD the offense is. I’ll point out to you that they Braves were 3rd in the NL in pitching last year, and it WASN’T because of the 3-5 spots of the rotation. That bullpen ended up being pretty good last year. As this one might. But RIGHT NOW, they’re not so good.

“The mismatches allowed other teams to get outs at the right time (for the other teams) and to get on base/get hits at the right time.”

Oh. You mean CLUTCH PITCHING and HITTING?? LOL!

Or was it just “good luck”?

“And also, there’s the luck factor.”

Hmmm. Funny thing, is that I typed the above question, before I saw your above comment. That about explains it then, doesn’t it?

“Something I wish we had are some stats on not just “late and close” but “close” situations. That would give us an idea who performed when the game was on the line at any point in the game. I don’t know about you, but I think a three-run homer in the first inning with the score 0-0 is pretty clutch.”

I can agree with that statement. But isn’t that what the RISP stat is for?

Or in the even of a 2-Run HR, with a man on 1st (not in scoring position), those stats are available at baseball-reference.com in the splits section.

By N8

April 9, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“The mismatches allowed other teams to get outs at the right time (for the other teams) and to get on base/get hits at the right time. And also, there’s the luck factor.”

One more “scenario” or explanation hit me after I hit post about the above comment.

You do realize that you are saying either one of two things with that comment, right?

1) That Bobby wasn’t very good at creating good “mis-matches” for our offense or pitchers last year.

or

2) That the players didn’t respond well to being put in those situation (IE: Choked, Under-Achieved, Aren’t Very Good, etc….)

But I’m sure you’ll just “roll back” to LUCK.

Good Grief!

By AGTfan

April 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

What a crummy day for ATL sports. Braves lose 2 1-run games in a row, top prospect Jordan Schaefer is caught using PEDs, and an unnamed Falcons player is implicated in Steriods investigation.

Of course this brings out the best in all the super negative posters who are busy agreeing with each other and telling all who will listen / read what a bad manager Bobby Cox is and how bad all our players are. With fans like these who needs Mets. Have fun N8, and Bobby’s Cox. As long as things go the way they have the last 2 nights, who’s to argue with you. I do wonder. If the Braves go on tear and win a bunch of games, are you going to be as miserable then as you are happy now?

By Interested Observer

April 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Here’s the mlb.com article on Andruw. Sound familiar?

Dodgers give Jones day off 04/09/2008 3:22 PM ET By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com

PHOENIX — Struggling center fielder Andruw Jones and his .103 batting average were benched Wednesday by Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who returned Juan Pierre to the starting lineup in left field and moved Matt Kemp to center for the game with the Diamondbacks. “He just looks now like he’s overanxious, that’s the simplest explanation,” Torre said of Jones, who has one RBI and nine strikeouts in 29 at-bats. “It looks like he’s doing more guessing than anticipating. We know it’s not physical. He seems to be getting in his own way.”

Torre said he told Jones he would not start after Tuesday night’s game, when he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. With Thursday’s day off, Jones will have two days to regroup. Torre did not say whether Jones would be back in the lineup Friday night, when the Dodgers face San Diego ace Jake Peavy.

Jones was 0-for-3 with a strikeout against Peavy last week in San Diego. Jones was 1-for-3 with a homer previously against Arizona’s Wednesday starter, Micah Owings, while Pierre was 0-for-5.

“He knows, by the time all is said and done, he’ll be a lot closer to who he’s supposed to be than who he is now,” Torre said of Jones, who signed a two-year, $36.2 million contract. “We talked today and he was disappointed. He understood my view on it.”

Torre dismissed Jones’ weight as a factor in his struggles at the plate, which seem more a matter of him pulling off pitches with a power mentality instead of staying on pitches and going up the middle. The manager, however, didn’t dismiss the possibility of Jones pressing to justify his signing.

With Jones missing his first start of the year, Torre chose Kemp, his regular right fielder, in center over Pierre, a life-long center fielder until Jones’ signing displaced him to left.

“Arm-wise, I’d rather have [Kemp’s] arm in center field,” Torre said. “Plus, we’ve gone out of our way to keep Juan in left field and get his comfort level there where we want it.”

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 9, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

DOB and other music lovers — do any of you have the cd “Destroyer’s Rubies” by Destroyer? (Or maybe it’s just called “Rubies.”) If not, check it out. Very cool.

By Renegator

April 9, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

N8

You realize that you would be more successful arguing with a stop sign, right?

By David O'Brien

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

Actually it’s about 50 degrees right now. But the big stuff is headed directly here, should be here around 7 p.m. or so. Doesn’t look good at all. Rain turning to snow.

You’d never know it from the weather right now. Not even cold.

Forecast tomorrow is awful, temps in 30s, windy and snow.

Dumb, dumb, dumb to schedule interdivision games at places like this in April. Braves will end up coming back here on an off day later to make up one or two games.

By flange1

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

Been looking at Media Coverage about the Schafer mess and came across this post on a blog. I would name the source, but its is unnamed!

“Please listen to your heart on this one and not everyone on the board.

I have met Jordan on three separate occasions. A roommate of mine was childhood friends with him and a couple of times we flew down to check out some games. He was really a class act, I was shocked by the news last night. My roommate actually was able to get in touch with him last night and he told me Jordan was pretty distraught about it all, but that the Braves are really backing him up and willing to stick with him.

Hes not an overly large guy in person. I really wonder why he took the stuff and what it could have even done for him.

I personally do not think this should hurt his stock too much. Hes a determined guy who has his head on straight, I don’t know why or how he got this stuff, but I think he should respond nicely from it all. I also think the media is blowing this up a bit. I know Schafer is a top prospect, but even so, Baseball Tonight was acting like he could be playing in CF right now. That was not a possibility. He’s still a prospect, I don”t see why he’d be getting more pub than Rick Ankiel practically. The normal baseball fan has no idea who Schafer is. We’re in the minority on this one. I don’t think there will be an outcry to trade him, cut, etc.

Hes in his early 20s he made a mistake. People have forgiven Jason Giambi, Brian Roberts and other big time pro ball players. I don’t know why there is a mini witch-hunt going on for Schafer. Is it because you all feel fooled? Is it because you are all quick to assume the worst again and again?”

Interesting comments…

By flange1

April 9, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Also, just saw that the ancient one “El Ducke” is back in the “boot” for a strain to a tendon in his foot. No throwing at all for 2 weeks. Expectations are that he won’t be ready to pitch for at least 6 weeks.

I do enjoy calling him El Ducke…

By Renegator

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

That mlb article shows that Torre knows how to deal with a struggling player.

And look what it did for him - Pierre has driven in the game’s only run.

By Andy K

April 9, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Wow! Did anyone see the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Craig Wilson…they’ve officially lost it. Too much of the Kool-Aid. Must of realized they were over-achieving with Nady, and had to update 1B/OF*

By Efrim

April 9, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Mike Pelfrey and Nelson Figeroa in that rotation for the next month or so.

How can any realistic Met fan not be concerned???

By AGTfan

April 9, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Shaun You realize that you would be more successful arguing with a stop sign, right?

By Andy K

April 9, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

DOB:What does the wristband Chipper has been wearing say? It’s like one of those livestrong bands, but its blue.

By BT

April 9, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

What is the least number of runs scored in Colorado in a four game series. We have to be well on our way!

By JimD

April 9, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, at what point do the Braves have to activate Chucky? When they turn in their lineup card? When the game starts? Sometime in the afternoon? I would imagine if there is a threat of a rainout, they would hold off on activating him, skip his place in the rotation and have another few days to go with who they already have.

By ColoradoBravesFan

April 9, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

I do enjoy calling him El Ducke…

I enjoy calling him El DL…

By Braveheart

April 9, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Baby With 2 Faces Born in North India

SAINI SUNPURA, India — A baby with two faces was born in a northern Indian village, where she is doing well and is being worshipped as the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess, her father said Tuesday.

Any truth to the rumor that Nick Saban is the father of this two faced child?

Or is it Roy Williams? Does two faced Roy have his two faced Indian baby wearing a Carolina headband for one face and a Kansas headband with the other face?

By Interested Observer

April 9, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

For you Dan Johnson fans, he’s been designated for assignment by the A’s.

By BamaBravesFan

April 9, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Just read your column DOB…I have a strange feeling about this whole thing. I honestly don’t think Schaefer is on HGH. I hope that the Braves don’t discipline him on top of the 50 games. You think that ( and I am assuming this is definitely going to happen ) that Frank Wren and the bunch will find out, if they don’t already know, what the real truth behind it is?

Also liked the statement from his dad that Jordan wants to play for the Braves for his entire career. That’s good news.

GO BRAVES!

By Lew

April 9, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

“He seems to be getting in his own way.”-Joe Torre on Andruw Jones.

How many people on this blog could sit here and say “Told you so”? Maybe we should all be scouts.

By jack

April 9, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

i noticed andrew is not in th l.a. lineup today

By Roman Gal

April 9, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

DOB Your article about Schafer’s dad just makes me want to reach out and hug the poor kid…and then smack him upside the head…but not too hard.

By etownbrave

April 9, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

DOB
Terrific article on Schafer. Sounds like the kid is really torn up about this mess, wants to explain, but is bound by his lawyers to keep quiet. Hope he is eventually able to sit down with Braves management and talk to them about all of this. Just hope he can work out on his own and stay in shape for his return this summer. Want to wish him well and tell him to keep his head up. Hope you have an extra layer of clothing for tonight!

By etownbrave

April 9, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

DOB
Terrific article on Schafer. Sounds like the kid is really torn up about this mess, wants to explain, but is bound by his lawyers to keep quiet. Hope he is eventually able to sit down with Braves management and talk to them about all of this. Just hope he can work out on his own and stay in shape for his return this summer. Want to wish him well and tell him to keep his head up. Hope you have an extra layer of clothing for tonight!

By etownbrave

April 9, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

DOB
Terrific article on Schafer. Sounds like the kid is really torn up about this mess, wants to explain, but is bound by his lawyers to keep quiet. Hope he is eventually able to sit down with Braves management and talk to them about all of this. Just hope he can work out on his own and stay in shape for his return this summer. Want to wish him well and tell him to keep his head up. Hope you have an extra layer of clothing for tonight!

By Thunder Road

April 9, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

I read some earlier post’s projecting wins for the Braves this season. I think the Mets will have at least one more than the Braves.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 9, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Oh my, Braveheart. No love for Roy.

I’m not exactly wild that he wore the KU shirt Monday, but look, why crucify the guy for showing some fondness for the place where his kids grew up and that, by the way, gave him his first head coaching job?

I suppose once you leave a place its name can never be spoken again …

By JC FROM UT

April 9, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Too bad about Shafer. Sounds to me that he has some kind of story or “excuse” to tell, but I’m glad to see he is showing the maturity to say nothing and do what he is being told.

By keylargo

April 9, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

AJ strikes out to end game. 1 for 2. Avoids going under .100

By brent a.

April 9, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

You know, the Dodgers have a real luxury, in being able to bring in an $18 million man off the bench to provide a pinch-hit single in a tight game.

By Braveheart

April 9, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

BravesfanintheRockies, nah, I actually don’t have much of a problem with Roy wearing the Kansas gear. Like you, I don’t really understand why you are supposed to act like you did not care about the place when

I just couldn’t resist. A story about a two faced child coming a day or so after Roy wearing the Kansas gear….. Just couldn’t resist.

I’m a Bama grad and love Sabana but I threw Saban under the bus as well just for the sake of the fun of that story

By David-ATL14

April 9, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

My guess would be that the Braves are waitng on the weather. If game is snowed out James will not have to be activated.

If game proceeds then more than likely a small move consisting of a current player departing via the waiver wire.

By bruce

April 9, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Dave: Just read your article on Schafer… are you encouraged that Schafer’s dad said it is not as it seems? So glad your back is better… I’m a Davidson grad… congrats on your championship… it makes our loss to KU even more cool. 1200 students when I was there in the 70’s, was a team manager, got to run some in practice and travelled some… are you going on to DC or is Carroll covering the weekend series so you can spend time with your family (sister?) in Colorado? You are the man. Thanks, Bruce

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

JimD, they don’t have to activate Chuck until they exchange lineups, so they’re waiting to make the move to make sure we’re actually gonna play.

Forecast a little better now for tonight, in that the bad stuff might not arrive until a little later. But we’ll see.

Bobby just told me there were several options for the move.

I guess we can rule out a trade, though, because they wouldn’t be having another team wait to see if we play tonight. At least I don’t think they would.

OK, gonna post new blog in 10 minutes.

By brent a.

April 9, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

N8, Your comment, “Until they prove me wrong, I’ll be right,” is a nice statement, that you can refer back to in the future.

I love when something changes how people love to say, “See, I told you,” when all along, all you are attempting to do is state what you are seeing, “right now.”

I had the conversation all fall with some Lakers fans regarding Andrew Bynum, and what he could not do yet. Always noting that I expected him to develop a lot of the skills he was missing (such as a consistent, back to the basket post-game), and when he did, that didn’t mean I was wrong in the past, but rather, Bynum will have simply developed what he is/was currently lacking.

If the Braves start executing and pulling out close games, then that will be a change from what they have doen over the last 300 games. It won’t make the last 300 games, untrue, or not good for analysis; but rather, it will mean they are simply what they are, “the past”.

However, right now, the present looks a lot like the past, which concerns me about the future.

Go Braves!

Go Lakers!

By Bubdylan

April 9, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

After Andruw was benched today, the following was reported from an anonymous bystander:

Torre’s ears perked up when he heard Andruw’s voice from the dugout say, “Aw man, dey can’t do dis to me.” But when Joe looked over he saw Jones shuffling through the bottom of his Taco Bell bag, where they had not given him any sauce. Not one packet.

By DonCoburleone

April 9, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

I have always been cautiously optimistic about Jordan Schafer ever since he went from a 20 year old Single A center-fielder with above average defensive skills and no bat to a 21 year old High-A + AFL wonder kid with Grady Sizemore type potential… How many times do you see a 20 year old, heading into his 3rd season in the low minors, suddenly become the best prospect in an organization?

By KC

April 9, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

brent a. You puzzle me sir. How can someone have perfect taste in one sport (“Go Braves!”)… and the worst possible taste in another (“Go Lakers!)”

I think what you meant to say was “Go Braves!” and “Go Spurs!”

It’s ok, simple typo on your part, I’m sure. =)

By N8

April 9, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

brent a.

Thank you for getting it.

I have NEVER been that guy that says, these guys SUCK, they’re doomed, they have NO CHANCE, etc….

Even last year, when people were ragging on me, all I was stating when expressing my DOUBT about them winning the wild card or division, was stating that they had SHOWN ME NOTHING to convince me that a winning streak was right around the corner.

Now, of course, Rockies fans might have been stating the same thing through August, and look what happened. But how much of a freak thing was that?

Even I’m not negative, or silly enough to state that we’re “out of it” after 8 games.

But I will not apologize for stating what to me is the obvious…..that right now the Braves are NOT playing very good baseball.

Period.

Similar to last week, when game one against the Mets got rained out, I’m thinking that tonight would be a FANTASTIC time for a game to get snowed out. Other than having to play the double header on Get Away Day (which I doubt they’d do), or worse yet, flying cross country later in the year, to make up the game (assuming the standings need the game to be made up).

By David O'Brien

April 9, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP

By KC

April 9, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

I noticed it was reported that Chuck James was diagnosed with a “partial tear” of the rotator cuff.

What exactly does “partial tear” mean??

Partial, as opposed to completely tearing his rotator cuff from the rest of his body?