AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime for a turnaround
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blogging it to you live from 30,000 feet today, high above Greensboro, then Richmond, and so on, or so the pilot tells me. Hard to see what’s down there through the clouds. ….
Actually I’m not exactly live. I started this on my flight up to DC but I will push the “send” button once I’m back on the ground in a hotel room. I’m not sure what would happen if I stuck my wireless card in the laptop and got on the Internet now, whether a Delta flight attendant would come and smack me up side my head for interfering with the plane’s navigation system, as they say.
Probably wouldn’t, but hey, I’m a wimp about breaking rules. I never liked being sent to the principal’s office. I never was, in fact.
Anyway, I’m sitting next to a guy who’s reading his Sports Illustrated baseball preview as he’s been intensely reading about the Kansas City Royals. Either this guy is a totally legit fan, or the Royals are on to something. Somebody call Dayton Moore! (Not to belittle their 6-3 start…They are, apparently, on to something.)
Too bad I pick up the Braves on this trip with a little less excitement going on, by comparison. But time for a turnaround. (Maybe I’ll actually be a boost to the luck of team this year. I’m 1-0. There, that’s my scientific study.) But hey, all reasons for concern aside — Soriano, Schafer, Hampton — how can you not like a Nats series with Tim Hudson, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine going, at sea level (basically), against a team all three have pitched well against? Oh and a team that has lost seven in a row.
So they’ll be going without Rafael Soriano. I’m beginning to think my brother was right to be a little worried about this bullpen. But we’ll see how the closer-by-committee situation works out.
Interesting to see how swiftly the Braves acted on Chuck James yesterday. Wild. Ineffective. Lasted only three innings. Send him to Richmond to figure it out. Last year he would have made eight more starts. See how this pitching depth stuff works? (Or I should say starting pitching depth.)
Anyway, I’m anxious to see what Nationals Park looks like and glad that I won’t be quite as frisked as DOB was when he came here for the opener a couple of weeks ago with the Prez and all.
After beating the Braves that night and winning the next two, the Nats have fallen back to earth - 0-7 since. Also hear attendance hasn’t been so good. Only half-full stadium since the sell-out for opening night. Wow. And these are the people who were filling up my inbox for years with why baseball needed to come back to the nation’s capital? And they’ve got this beautiful (I hear) new stadium and only half filled it up in Game 2! Hey I’m all for getting baseball back here. But geez, that’s lame.
That’s the kind of thing that should only happen after 14 years of winning divisions….hm. I know. It’s hard to throw stones from the ATL. And some of the excuses given by our friend Stan Kasten were sounding a little familiar.
He blamed the weather, and at one point the NCAA basketball title game. Hey, it’s not like Georgetown was playing Villanova or anything. At least he didn’t say it was because school was in session.
So, as I head to meet the team, and without a whole lot of access to the players for four days, let me turn to our baseball notes network to fill you guys with a few tidbits, before I get out to the stadium. (And land on the ground. So does this make me an official member of the mile-high blogging club? … Not quite the same, is it. Hmm.)…
Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos is apparently playing a little nicer with the Nats these days. Apparently he’s not quite so threatened anymore. And actually he’s now in business with them through their local TV network. He actually said golly gee, it’ll be OK if Oriole fans go to see a few Nats games.
“There’s no law against visiting the other franchise,” Angelos told the Baltimore Sun. “One’s a National League city and one’s an American League city….We definitely want them to succeed. We’re partners in the MASN baseball network, and we have an excellent relationship with the Lerner family [the Nationals owners] and with [team president] Stan Kasten, who is an old friend of mine.”
And from Tracy Ringolsby with the Rocky Mountain News who writes that Rockies manager Clint Hurdle asked Bobby Cox to be an assistant coach on his NL staff for the All-Star game. Cox politely declined, but tells you something about what Hurdle thinks of Cox.
Here’s what Ringolsby’s wrote:
Atlanta manager Bobby Cox was tempted by an offer from to be on Clint Hurdle’s coaching staff for the All-Star Game, which will be the final played at Yankee Stadium. Cox played his two big-league seasons with the Yankees, managed in their minor league system and coached at the big-league level. Cox, however, declined, the invite. Cox, who turns 67 on May 21, has managed five NL All-Star teams, and the Braves conclude the pre-All-Star portion of the schedule with a West Coast trip, adding to travel demands in getting to New York
’’It was really intriguing because of Yankee Stadium and because of Clint, but I need the three days at home,’’ said Cox. ’’It’s a good time for a break.’’
And for those feeling a bit concerned about Mark Teixeira’s .167 batting average? Nick Cafardo from the Boston Globe writes that David Ortiz is batting .083. Bingo!
Hey, at least Matt Holliday isn’t here for the weekend. He finished that three-game sweep of the Braves, by the way, by going 6-for-13 (.462) with three runs, six RBIs, a double, a triple and a game-winning home run.
Back on land now, by the way. Funny what can happen in the course of a blog….And FYI, guy on the plane turned out to be an Orioles fan, grumbling about them, even after I pointed out their 6-3 start. See, starts do not necessarily maketh a team. And yes, this guy was a true fan. He actually told me he was going to miss seeing games at RFK.
With that, time to go to Nationals Park.
Comments
By FEAR
April 11, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
jeez we need a sweep in DC. They’ve been struggling too.
By BA
April 11, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
First
By Renegator
April 11, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
1st?
By Efrim
April 11, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
This is a scary thought:
Steve (NH): Mark Teixiera & CC Sabathia… both Yankees in 2009? If so, at what price?
Jayson Stark: I’d bet one out of two. And if I had to pick one, I’d bet CC. Teixeira could wind up on the Mets. I don’t suppose you’ve noticed both New York teams will be looking for a first baseman, have you?
I would probably be the most upset I have ever been. If we lose Tex, I really hope that an AL team gets him. Angels, Mariners, Yanks….not the Red Sox, but you get my point. Anywhere but the Mets. Reyes, Wright, Beltran and Tex for the next 5-7 years. Wouldn’t be pretty.
By BA
April 11, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I’m so dissapointed. I will never play first again.
By Lee in S. GA
April 11, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately the Braves have underachieved so far and have placed themselves into a position to where they must win the series against the Nats and Marlins or they will find themselves in last place within the division and even further behind the leader Marlins. The Nats 0-7 since we last played them…give me a beak. We have to win tonight.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Crap. 0-7!? That doesn’t bode well for the Bravos. We got our best pitchers going? They have no-names on the mound. They’ll baffle this offense. Closer by committee will be nice. At least when we play the extra innings for three straight days we really don’t have to worry about saving a guy for a particular inning.
If Teixeira shows up for these games then we’ll see some wins. I’d like to see this team get fired up and win some games. Maybe even a few 1-run games just to boost self esteem.
By AGTfan
April 11, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Carroll I’m a wimp about breaking rules. I never liked being sent to the principal’s office. I never was, in fact.
That’s just sad. Everyone (except my daughter) should be sent to the principals office at least once in their lives. My daughter get’s an expemption because I took her share of visits. I probably took yours too, Carroll.
By Carolina Gent
April 11, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Glad to have you back on board for the weekend. If only the Braves relievers did their job as well as you do in relief of DOB!!
By Original Jon
April 11, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Carroll You wrote this “And for those feeling a bit concerned about Mark Teixeira’s .167 batting average? Nick Cafardo from the Boston Globe writes that David Ortiz is batting .083. Bingo!” David Ortiz just had knee surgery didnt he and still cannot put a lot of weight on it, whats Tex’ excuse?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 11, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The Braves are going up against a team that is struggling, time to take advantage of the situation.
Matt Chico, the left hander starting for the Nationals tonight is 2-2 with an ERA of 2.70 facing the Braves.
What I didn’t mention is, he also gave up 27 hits in 26.2 innings along with 9 unearned runs (17 total), 12 walks and 13 strike outs in his five starts last season against the Braves.
The Braves should have no problem lighting him up like a damn Christmas tree tonight.
By Workinlkeadawg
April 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Don’t really need to read the article (no offense). Heck yeah Wally the Braves need to turn it around! The Braves are no threat to anyone nor are they a legit contender for the playoffs. Somebody convinced somebody the Braves were going to field the best team in years in ‘08. I admit the Braves made an excellant move by trading Rent to the Tigers. Great pitching prospects not to mention a 4th starter. They made great moves last yr. by obttaining Gonzales and Tex. What eludes the Braves yr after Yr is mid to long relief. Soriano and Gonzales will end up being top notch closers. As they have proved in the past decade a 2-3 inning set up pitcher continually eludes the Braves. No s*#% they are hard to find, but until someone (and this seems to be McDowell’s achille’s heel) shows some guts and leadership. The Braves will be lucky to finish 3rd. Bye Bobby it was fun. Speaking of resting on your laurels any other major league town and He’d already be long gone. Here’s to TP’s rapid grooming for the Brave’s “new way of looking at things” manager.
By Epinephrine
April 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
If the Mets make a serious run at Tex, I’d guess the odds of resigning him go up
By Renegator
April 11, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Coach:
They should have had no problem lighting Redman up like a Christmas tree either…
Just saying
By Cecil34
April 11, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I remember the days when spring training meant something to managers and coaches, for it gave them the opportunity to teach, improve and evaluate players on the team. It was also meaningful for the players as it helped their standing as far as contracts and playing time was concerned. As pro sports have morphed from competition into entertainment, the seriousness of the mission (championship) has been diminished over the years. The “show” surrounding the show has become the more important event. And this transition can be seen in all it’s ugliness by the cavalier way in which spring training is approached in today’s baseball. The Braves’ woes in April, seemingly a yearly tradition, can be placed equally on the manager and the veteran players, who set poor examples in Florida. Now, the veterans can’t wait to get down to spring training to enjoy warm weather, golf, fishing, girls and alcohol. Because they are vets and “know” their bodies, skills and team pecking order, etc. they view the games and practices as distractions to their mission, which is to have a ball in the warm Florida sunshine. They don’t take it all that seriously but know how to pay the proper “lip service” to it for the media and fans. Couple that philosophy with a lackadaisical manager who avoids confrontation with his players at all costs right or wrong, and you get a poorly performing team that uses the month of April as their “spring training”. If all the Braves fans think about it this way, it starts to become very obvious. And it becomes very obvious that this team is not taking care of business in the 40+ days they spend in the Florida sun supposedly getting ready for the season. Now the only players putting out for spring training are those on the bubble fighting for jobs and pro careers. Management is not properly evaluating the team for possible improvements, therefore their judgment and commitment is in question as well. Ultimately, the end result of spring training is not a team ready for the rigors of 162 games; it is the dress rehearsal for the real “spring training” that occurs in April at the expense of the division standings. Games given away this month would sure come in handy in September…
By Efrim
April 11, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine
Why is that? Because they are our divisional rival? If they are willing to drop 23 million a year on the guy…go ahead and have him. It would suck to lose the guy to a dvisional rival, but the Braves can’t get into a bidding war with any of the three teams from the Northeast. Wouldn’t be smart of us.
By N8
April 11, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Here’s a question for everybody out there.
WHY hasn’t Bobby thought about making Chuck the “long-man” when he comes back?
Just looking over last year’s numbers for Chuck, even with the “injury” he had most of the year he is MUCH MORE effective the first time through the order, than he is the rest of the game. When he “lost” it in games, it happened FAST and all of the sudden as he was cruising along. Check out the numbers.
In 30 starts, 18 times he didn’t allow a run in the first 2 innings. Only 8 times allowing a run in the first inning. If you ONLY take the first 3 innings of each start, he allowed 29 runs in those 90 innings (2.90 ERA). And only 4 times in those 30 starts did he allow 4 runs or more in the first 3 innings.
This guy has long man/spot starter written ALL OVER HIM.
I mentioned it MANY times last year that it appeared he did better the first time through the order, and now having looked at the numbers, I was right.
Hell, look at his one start this year at Colorado. He pitched 2 scoreless innings and then fell apart in the 3rd inning.
It’s his lack of a 3rd pitch, that allows him to be predictable the 3rd time through the order, and sometimes the 2nd, depending on his command.
Thoughts?
By McFann
April 11, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
The Nats 0-7 since we last played them Lee in S. GA
The Nats are in a seven game losing streak, that’s for sure. (Started on April 3 against the Phillies.) If the Braves weren’t so hard up for wins, it would almost make me sad to sweep them. But I’m a Braves fan, not a Nats fan, and WE NEED THE WINS!!
By N8
April 11, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Forgot to add this to the last post about Chuck.
With his 2.90 ERA in the “first” 3 innings of each start (90 innings), he was MUCH better than Oscar was last year (4.24 ERA in 76.1 innings and even in 2006, when he had a 3.61 ERA in 93.1 innings).
Now, of course I realize that it takes a special breed to be a “rubber armed” guy that gets used for multiple innings a couple times a week. Especially for a guy like Chuck coming off of Shoulder issues.
But when healthy, I think that’s the best role for him (might be later this year - or next year). That is, unless he learns a 3rd pitch while in Richmond, then he would be more consistent, not only in results, but in going deeper than 5 innings.
By McFann
April 11, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Workinlkeadawg—
Gotta disagree with that one, dude.
(And one of my pet peeves is the little “yr” thing. Yulgth!! LOL)
By D'Andre Williams
April 11, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
www.blabberinbraves.com
The Braves really have to sweep the Nationals this series. Mark Teixeira and the rest of the Braves bats have to wake up. The real key is going to be the bullpen. They have to start throwing strikes and attacking the hitters.
www.blabberinbraves.com
By A Tribe Called Questtec
April 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
You’ve always had a nice writing style Carroll. You’ve grown alot as a blogger over the last year or so. You seem much more comfortable. You seem to have found your blogging voice. This was a really nice piece. It’s cool to see the contrast between DOB’s machismo and your neurotic style. You guys make a good 1-2 team. Thanks for the blog and all of your hard work.
By McFann
April 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Neight—
I agree! Chuck should swap places with Bennett! Bennett start for us, and Chuck as long relief!
Glad to read it from someone else. I thought about that a while ago. Maybe it’s worth a try. Huh, what have we got to lose, anyway?
By eric the elder
April 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
cecil34, very nice analysis in your 3:46. Smartly written, and a highly defensible theory.
One suggestion: Long posts with no breaks are awfully hard to read. They beg to be scanned, and your thoughtful work gets lost. Please keep posting your good stuff - - and maybe give us some paragraphs?
By keylargo
April 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
This is off the subject but if you are like me and have never seen the Masters in HD before you are in for a fantastic surprise. This is the best HD picture I have ever seen. Greenest grass, bluest sky, most colorful azaleas, and whitest dogwoods I have ever seen. Just magnificent.
By Terrific Twosome
April 11, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
This blog loses not one step with Carroll on the hill. It’s like Smoltz and Maddox, Spahn and Sain, Clemens and Pettite. Oh wait, scratch that last one.
By BUSHWACKER
April 11, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Players glad they canceled the game” thats’ not a good sign.
If I’m on a losing streak I cannot wait til the next game.
NO GUTS, NO FIRE IN THE BELLY!!
Bobby has been the best mgr in baseball the last 15 years, but we are at that dreaded plateau.
He simple does not make the players the best they can be.
We need someone to light a fire, someone that HATES LOSING.
I know he is not elligible but that moron Bud Selig should realize it would be good for baseball.
We need Pete Rose to manage this team!
By BUSHWACKER
April 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Players glad they canceled the game” thats’ not a good sign.
If I’m on a losing streak I cannot wait til the next game.
NO GUTS, NO FIRE IN THE BELLY!!
Bobby has been the best mgr in baseball the last 15 years, but we are at that dreaded plateau.
He simple does not make the players the best they can be.
We need someone to light a fire, someone that HATES LOSING.
I know he is not elligible but that moron Bud Selig should realize it would be good for baseball.
We need Pete Rose to manage this team!
By DAP
April 11, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
N8 i know the point im going to make is arguable, but maybe chuck to good to be a spot starter/long man? maybe hes good enough to warrant pitching every 5 days.
i think he is, when hes healthy, which, who knows, he may never be again…but i know not everyone feels that way about him. despite his obvious shortcomings, he has had good results in the majors as a starter.
By KC
April 11, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Workinlkeadawg:
Where exactly is your head, and how’s the weather up there?
Yes, there are questions in the bullpen right now…
Is this a passing issue with Soriano’s elbow, or something more ominous?
How will Mike Gonzalez look when he returns (presumably) in early June?
Can Manny Acosta handle the pressure of being a go-to late 8th/9th inning guy?
There are questions in the pen, but that’s exactly what they are… questions. We don’t know the answer to them yet. Things might not roll the Braves way in the bullpen… but then again, they very well could.
It’s too early to say.
And if we do wind up having a serious need or two in the pen, what’s to say the Braves won’t get something done to plug the hole? They certainly have the talent pool to deal from right now.
Anyway, what we know for certain (or as certain as anything can be) is that we have as good a rotation as there is in the NL, and one of the best offenses in the league.
So to say the Braves will be lucky to finish ahead of the Nats and Marlins (which is what you’re saying by suggesting they will be “lucky to finish third”)… is beyond asinine.
But if you feel strongly that you’re correct about this team, and if you live in Atlanta… I would be more than happy to a wager.
The Braves have as good a rotation as there is the NL, and they have one of the best lineups in the league.
By fullcount
April 11, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
If they crawl home at .500 I’ll be happy. Problem is, with the bullpen in such chaotic disrepair, beating the Nats and the Marlins is not guaranteed. And I fear another Francoeur redux: he does nothing while the team heeds it, but piles up meaningless stats when the situation gets out of control. If these guys get 8 or 10 games out, the season will be gone.
By JC from UT
April 11, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
N8: agrree 100% about CJ being the long man. I would feel moe comfortable with Bennett s the 5th starter. I also would like to see Josh Anderson brought up or Blanco re-start the platton in left. I like Matt alot but feels as though he is better served as a 4th outfielder/pinch hitter.
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
AGTFan:
Not a problem man. GO BRAVES!!!!
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Oh ye of little faith. The Braves will out. They’ve been slow out of the shoot many times in the past seventeen years. If they’re 10 out after a month, then start to sweat.
By Bravesfan79
April 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Im still p** we lost to Mark Redmen!
By N8
April 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
DAP
I think Chuck CAN be a good starter in this league. But until he learns a 3rd pitch, he’s ALWAYS gonna be hit and miss the 3rd time through the order.
Just my opinion.
Though I agree with you on the health thing, and as I said before, pitching every other day, is probably NOT the place for a guy with a shoulder issue (or past shoulder issues - when he becomes healthy).
But I’m gonna go out on a limb here (later I’ll check his other seasons in Atlanta) and say that he’s ALWAYS had the issue later in the game, save a few gems he’s thrown.
Plus, he’s no spring chicken anymore. Not that he’s old. But he very well may have “capped” out on his ability.
I guess he’ll always be ok as a 5th guy, until he can go deeper into games.
L8r.
By FEAR
April 11, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Neight—
I agree! Chuck should swap places with Bennett! Bennett start for us, and Chuck as long relief!
that is really a novel idea!
By Yars
April 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I think worrying after only 10 games being played out of 162 is rather silly. That being said, it does prove that there are a lot of hard core Braves fans that frequent this here blog. now playing: 24 Ghosts III by nine inch nails.
By bert
April 11, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
The Braves need a turnaround, sure.
But are we really in panic mode? Come on people. This is not a 13-game college football schedule. This is baseball, with a 162-game regular season. One hundred and sixty two. We’ve played nine. Do the math. There’s pleny to play.
And, in case we forget, the Phillies were 2-7 after the first nine games of last year (the Braves are currently 3-6), they finished the month of April with an 11-14 record, and went on to win the NL East.
Do I want the Braves to win? Sure. But is it time to panic? Nope. Not close. Is it turn around now-or-never? Not at all.
It’s a long season, boys and girls. Sit back and relax.
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
A sweep in D.C. would be just the tonic this blog and these denizens need. GO BRAVES!!
By Braves lover
April 11, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Tex is a threat behind Chipper so Chipper is going to have a monster year. No one is a preceived threat much less an actual threat behind Tex so pitches work around him. Tex may have his worst year ever because if this. Switch Chipper and Tex and one would still get the same results with Tex having a great year and Chipper seemingly struggling. JF is a huge disappointment. He seems to have learned nothing the past two years. Is someone in the dugout yelling “pull, Jeff, pull” every time he comes up? I thought he was suppose to have defensive back speed but he’s s-l-o-w. Maybe move Kotsay to 5th to protect Tex a little. JF still just doesn’t get it.
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
Enjoy. There’s some great spots to hang and magnificant food. There’s a place in Great Falls, but I can’t spell it properly. “La chez Francese” or something like that. And Georgetown. My favorite was TIO PEPE’S but its gone. Uncle Pete went home to Spain. Lots of other great places in Georgetown though. Havent’t hung there in twenty years. Enjoy - Bully, bully, bully, ah, ah, ah!!
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
N8 Chuck, when healthy the past two years, is a heck of a 4th or 5th starter. Not one you would want as your third (last year).
I also like the work Bennett is doing. Either way, it’s 6’s. Who starts and who is the long man, is irrelevant. That we have them both is the big point!
I am just pumped to get him back on the staff in a few weeks. He looked good and terrible to alternating hitters on Wednesday. I think he just needs to get a few innings under his belt.
AND, if Hampton (yeah, I know it’s a big IF) gets back to anywhere close to his 2005 form, we will be killer this year.
No way does Tex continue below the Mendoza line. Also Frenchy will eventually pick it up, even if he never satisfies uga-brave and BraveDave!
IKEA dawg Man, with your posts, you are vying for the “your and idiot” award of the day! You need to get off the computer, and go back to your job there at Burger Queen!
Carroll How have you been? I can feel a sweep coming on! Thanks for your work.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 11, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Denizens have every right to be concerned because of the health of several pitchers.
Can Smoltz pitch 180-200 innings?
Will rest heal Soriano’s elbow?
Will be get a meaningful contribution from Chucky in some role?
Can a 22-year-old Jurrjens who pitched 140 innings last year carry the load of a #3 starter?
(And I’m not even mentioning Hampton.)
If we get good answers to all those questions, everything else will take care of itself.
Also, consider our key rivals. The Phightin Phils have closer issues (Lidge hasn’t been lights out). Da Muts are relying on Jorge Sosa as their bullpen workhorse. Aaron Heilman has been lit up his last three outings (2 runs apiece). Wagner’s fastball is down to the low 90s. Oh yeah and there’s Pedro.
If the health of the pitching staff is sound, we’ll be fine over time.
But a sweep of the Nats would be cool!
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
BRAVES LOVER:
Don’t you have to move McCann behind Tex for a few games just to get everybody going?
By pat
April 11, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
So Baseball modified its drug testing policy today….does this particular change (below) mean that Schafer will not be suspended?
• an automatic stay for an initial suspension will be expanded to players disciplined for conduct unrelated to a positive test.
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
pat:
Oh wow. Maybe we DO get to see SCHAFER this year after all.
By JC from UT
April 11, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
If the lineup were to change at all, I say let Blnaco leadoff and put KJ 5th.Blanco can add a little speed and possible stolen base threat and KJ isn’t trying to hit everything out of the park like BMc and Frenchy. I think KJ is more apt to drive in both chiiper and/or Tex and keep the inning moving even if he only draws a walk.
By Varoadrunner
April 11, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
The Braves have had time to thaw out from the frozen tundra of Colorado. Tonight they really begin their quest for the East title. Huddy, Smoltz and Glavine - I suddenly have reborn confidence in this team of IF’s. Time for the IF’s to become reality. If they lose even one game this weekend, I’ll get p** again, I just know it. Man I hate p**!
GO BRAVES please.
By GermanBravesFan
April 11, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Geez… 9 games played out of 162 and people are panicking already! Even the Detroit Tigers are not panicking yet and they are 1-7!! Everybody calm down!!!
By mo in the boonies
April 11, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
BA Nice to see some fellow REAL baseball fans on here today sticking up for Cox.
Guess it’s a hard day for the Cox haters, an off day presents no moves to compulsively second guess. I’m sure they’ll be back with bells on after the next loss.
You think someone can’t be a real baseball fan, or a real Braves fan without sticking up for Cox after every game? On the contrary, real fans are not blinded by the “homer mentality” that can never see anything wrong with their team or manager. You guys get so upset about the Met’s fans thinking their team is so wonderful all the time, try turning the mirror around and looking at yourselves, and how naive you look always thinking that Cox walks on water, and the team is always going to win the WS, when every game you see all the ludicrous stuff he does.
And remember the team has only won one world series with him at the helm. And division championships don’t matter if you can’t at least make it to the WS, even if you don’t win. And the last few years he can’t even win a division let alone the NL playoffs. For the last couple years he is lost without Pat Corrales being his bench coach, and telling him every move to make.
I think this team has a lot of talent, and I am just as big a fan as you or anyone else on here is, and it makes me mad to see how he screws everything up. I had hopes that he would retire last season, but no…he keeps hanging on, and evidently since he hired himself, he must have put a clause in the contract that he could stay as long as he wants. Either that or the front office is just plain stupid. How many other teams would have hung onto a losing manager as long as the Braves have hung onto him?
And who’s fault is it that they didn’t make some changes in the coaching staff last year, after they saw how bad a job they were doing? Everyone on here could see it, how come Cox couldn’t? Because they were some of his buddies, and lord knows his buddies are untouchable. The only player I’ve ever criticized on this blog is Texeirra because it appears to me, he is either unprepared to play or just plain lazy. But if the manager does stupid stuff that causes the team to lose, then he is fair game. And if you or any other “homer” on here doesn’t like it… tough!
There is that enough of off-day b*** for you? If not I can do a lot more. And now all you homers can jump on me like you do Robert all the time.
By What's up ??
April 11, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Carroll a little birdie (often wrong) tells me something may be up with DOB.It’s just a hunch but is he looking at other pastures ?
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
richbrave I think Schafer is covered under the minor league drug deal.
JC To do your lineup, you would take who out? Diaz or Kotsay. I don’t think you can take Kotsay out, with the way he is playing. I have always thought Diaz should be a part timer. I was willing to give him some extra AB’s, but I still think he thrives in the roll he played the last two years.
My thoughts for a lineup would be:
Escobar Kotsay Hoss Tex McCann/Frenchy Frenchy/McCann KJ Diaz/Blanco
I don’t see KJ being any better support for Tex than the Georgia boys, personally. Also, I don’t think a great hitter needs too much protection. Who protected him all those years down in Texas?
Bout time to get all “political” tonight!! Conservative on the mound, and liberal at the plate!
By AGTfan
April 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
A different question The suspension of Schafer and some of the conflicting reports I’ve read about it have me wondering. How much power does the investigating committee have and what level of evidence is required for a minor league player to be suspended? Is there any kind of due process for a minor league player? Is any of this actually documented somewhere?
OK. Those are my questions. You can now return to panicking over 9 games out of a 162 game season. Except for you rational posters who aren’t panicked, who probably will be the ones who can answer my questions.
By Andy K
April 11, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Line-Up’s already posted on mlb.com…same as usual…kelly and esco…with kotsay hitting eighth
By King521
April 11, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Carroll…
I nominate YOU to set fire under this team this weekend and bring us a sweep!
AND…if Bobby pitches to Zimmerman in the 9th and we lose again to a teams best player…YOU take over as skipper of the Braves at least until order is restored.
Thanks for your good work and enjoyable reads!
By LivininAL
April 11, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
This may sound off the wall but I think it will be real difficult to sweep a team that has lost 7 in a row
By Tigerman
April 11, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
First time blogger, long time lurker
Got to say that I am truly impressed with the baseball knowledge displayed by many of you. To some of the others, WOW, talk about left field.
I was at the first game against the Mets and my observation was that the Braves were hyped up about the series and they were having a great time. You could feel the energy in the park.
Next thing they know they have a long trip to play some games in 30 degree weather. From my own experiences that will “freeze” up your p1$$ and vinegar and take the wind out of your sails.
I am not trying to make excuses for the guys. They surely need to turn it up a notch or two. However, I am not on this doom and gloom bandwagon either.
Let’s see how this week goes and then we can start firing shots or start start beating the war drum.
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Mo Got to call you on a few points. If you read back, nobody is saying the BC is perfect, far from it. What we are saying is that he is a players manager, which has worked well for him over the years. It also seems to exacerbate some problems, like the one with AJ last year. He is such a players manager, he sticks with his players too long on occasion. Live by the sword, sometimes die by the sword.
How many other teams would have hung onto a losing manager as long as the Braves have hung onto him?
I ask you to go and check his record.
And remember the team has only won one world series with him at the helm. And division championships don’t matter if you can’t at least make it to the WS, even if you don’t win.
Bull$hit: Go ask a Pirates fan, or a Royals fan if winning doesn’t matter if you don’t go to the WS. The World Series is great, but it is 10 days out of the year. I would rather NEVER win the WS and have 15 out of 20 winning seasons, than win it once in 20 years, and have 15 years of losing records. I am a fan for 162 plus games per year, not for October only.
and it makes me mad to see how he screws everything up.
Many of us believe that he is not as good a tactical manager as someone like Tony LaRussa, but he certainly doesn’t screw everything up as you say. Again, it is damn easy to judge a guy from your keyboard. How many times have you heard guys mention what a great manager BC is? I have heard it many, many times on sports/baseball talk shows. You don’t hear them saying that about all managers, but anytime the Braves or BC comes up, they are lauding the praise on the man.
Hey, I am as big a homer as there is. Have been for 42 years, since they came to Atlanta. I also at time am frustrated at some of Bobby’s moves. BUT, I do realize that what we have had for the past 20 years is somebody who is special. Do I get frustrated with some of the Braves players or some of the managerial moves. You bet. Do I fuss and cry about it like a bunch of folks do on this blog. Heck no! I am positive, and I will always think the best of my team, and hope the worse for the other team. Lucky for me, the past 15+ years have given me more times to be happy, than frustrated.
And now all you homers can jump on me like you do Robert all the time.
Sorry to jump you Mo, but this time, you are all wet. Robert who is rarely reasonable, is a pain in the a$$ normally (he has had his good moments, I will admit, though they are few and far between). Normally, your posts are enjoyable, but I gotta take issue with you today.
I will be out for a while, but I look forward to your reply.
Go Braves!!!
By JC from UT
April 11, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
WAYNE: I would take Diaz out of the lineup. To me Diaz is the bat off the bench that we areooking for. He (Diaz) is a good pinch hitter and I think he is a little exposed as afull time player. As far as the 5 hole I like Mac but I like KJ there more than Frenchy. To lead off I would want Anderson up from AAA. In a perfect world I would send Gotay down to make room for Anderson, but in the world of no options I would have to send Corky out.
By Varoadrunner
April 11, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
In reference to the blog stating that even the Tigers aren’t panicking yada yada yada… the point being, the Tigers aren’t a team of if’s - they are a team with proven players at every position. They don’t have a rookie shortstop (Yunel’s great but can he overcome rookie mistakes and it seems that pitchers are figuring him out. Is he good enough to adjust to the pitches?) They have a third baseman that stays healthy (nothing against Chipper - he’s great but becoming injury prone.
As for pitching - I love our staff, but would anyone be surprised if our starting four (including Hampton) went down? Of course not, maybe with the exception of Hudson, he has some youth left, but Hampton’s already on the DL for a strained boob.
Matt Diaz seems to be a constant but he is another IF - hasn’t played a full MLB season against righties and lefties - I think he’s up to it. Kotsay has been close to perfect based on my initial expectations. Frenchy needs to cut back on the testosterone - Go back to trying to JUST GET A HIT. The swing for the fences ain’t doin it.
KJ, McCann, and Tex will be fine….maybe - all IF’s.
So back to the point, Detriot has seasoned players that will rebound - Can they win a title? Time will tell. We, as Braves fans, want to see our team play with the ability they have on PAPER. IF they do, we have absolutely nothing to worry about. IF not, it’ll be a long, depressing season.
Love to all
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
If we don’t sweep the Nats and the Fish, lets just trade Chipper, Tex, Hudson and Smoltz; and blow up the team and start all over again!!!
:-)
By mo in the boonies
April 11, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Wayne I will reply to you tomorrow. Have to leave the house soon for the evening. Can’t see the ballgame anyway. But sure hope they win.
By jbutler
April 11, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
N8 Great point about CJ. That may be his niche…have to hope some innings will work the rust off. At least the team feels confident enough they have enough rotation to send him down while he gets some AAA work. Last year…he’d still be working it out in the big leagues… Wayne in UT How’d the trip to CO go? Hope you’re on the mend. Still lousy weather here…selfishly glad they have to come back for one more game so I can take a few of my kids to it. Carol Glad to have another female voice hitting the ‘ol blog. You seem like someone that would be fun to grab a cup of jo with. Enjoy the capital/new park
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
roadrunner Have you looked at the Tigers relief pitching? If’s: Can Sheffield stay healthy? Can Renteria go back to the AL and play at his last years level? Can the Willis become the pitcher again that he was 3 years ago? Does the pitching staff beyond Verlander pitch consistently all year?
Man, all teams have question marks, even the Bosox and the Indians.
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
AGTFan:
Drug policy not my area of expertise, but it must be available to be read on the web somewhere. How stupid would it be to NOT post the policy so much in question in baseball today? Unless the UNION doesn’t want it know for several particular reasons.!! Got a soiree tonight otherwise I’d look it up. Gonna’ miss the Braves at Washington. Maybe if I fain illness…….
By jbutler
April 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Heard an interview w/Buster Olney on ESPN radio today - basically saying that he didn’t think the Dodgers were going to do anything this year. That AJ looked out of shape, unmotivated and that Torre would have him on the bench in a matter of time. He said the team w/the “buzz” was the Indians. I think everyone has a bunch of question marks…I guess that’s why they actually play the season!! :)
By David-ATL14
April 11, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
cecil34, How do you explain the Braves 24-12 start in 07?.
Kind of shoots your theory in the foot.
Braves have had plenty of slow starts, and plenty of fast starts over the years.
The biggest problem are the blog denizens who equate football and it’s season as being comparable to MLB.
It’s not even close. A completely different animal.
If you think the Braves don’t work in ST or need “fire in the belly”, just excuse yourself from the blog and find yourself a blog pertaining to High School football where “local Johnny” can want it bad enough and work hard enough to make his dreams and yours come true.
By Chop Chop
April 11, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
jbutler,
It’s only my esteemed opinion, but I think they play the season because we need stats for our fantasy baseball leagues and video games.
By McFann
April 11, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
.333: Great for batting average, bad for W/L percentage.
By McFann
April 11, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
If we don’t sweep the Nats and the Fish, lets just trade Chipper, Tex, Hudson and Smoltz; and blow up the team and start all over again!!! Wayne
Better trade McCann, too. Wouldn’t wanna blow him up.
8 )
By northBeach Scott
April 11, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah Well said in your 5:55 regarding Bobby Cox. Cox’s strength is his eye for talent and his ability to create an environment that enables players to get the most out of what they have and to be happy about it. He is an average in-game or tactical manager, thus he frustrates many of us junior managers, especially when we Monday-morning quarterback situations.
With Cox sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. I personally hate how he handles relief pitchers, but some of that is driven by the poor performance (read < quality starts)of his starting pitchers.
Let’s kick the sorry butts of the Nats, tonight and for the series.
By Epinephrine
April 11, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Varoadrunner,
KJ is hitting .280 and Mac is hitting .333. What do you mean they will be fine…maybe? They are fine now.
And the Tigers? No Ifs? Thanks for making it clear that you are not really familiar with their team at all.
By McFann
April 11, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
GREAT post at 5:55!! I am so sick of people saying, “Oh, he stinks! He only won one World Series!” Who cares? Winning Division Titles for 14 straight years is something even the Yankees cann only dream about, and any team who hasn’t sniffed the playoffs in years would take one of Bobby’s 14 years any day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Here’s hoping for 1991 all over again!! GO BRAVES!!! GO BOBBY!!!
By jbutler
April 11, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop Got me on that one :)
By Matt
April 11, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Is SportSouth having tech difficulties or is it just me?
By DonCoburleone
April 11, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
In reading recent things about the Braves bullpen, I’ve noticed that now with Soriano down, Chris Resop will be forced into a much larger role… All I can say to that is, NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
The guy is gasoline and the mound is a match. Actually, he’s more like rocket-fuel and the mound is a bonfire. I really think this team needs to just try and hover around .500 until June-ish when Gonzo comes back and Soriano is (hopefully) fully recovered from his elbow surgery. Cuz lets face it, this team is too inconsistent offensively to sustain a 7 or 8 game winning streak (which is what you have to do if you want to get well above .500)!
By weston
April 11, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
can someone post another link to the radio broadcast? The one I have always has Clemson baseball on Weds, Fri, and Sat. Thanks
By 22oz
April 11, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Its just you, my SS is fine. Yay, blue jerseys!
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
jbutler
Now, how do you know I am not a female too!! Oh, maybe the name is a giveaway. :-)
Had a nice time at the game on Tuesday night. Had a sweatshirt, heavy coat and gloves (that I didn’t have to wear). Game was a bit of a bummer, but anyday at the yard is a good day!
I would love to come back on the 16th, but I really only get out to Denver 2-3 times a year. My regional office is there, but I don’t cover Colorado.
I have been taking some really good drugs, and am feeling much better these days. Nancy Reagan had it all wrong on the drugs thing.
I am gonna miss about half the game tonight. Got family obligations. But I will check in later on, to help close out and fend off the “Negative Nillies”.
Go Huddy! Get right wing on them Nationals tonight! Tex, it’s time to show your liberal side at the plate tonight against those danged politicals!
By SandyB
April 11, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Wayne, I agree with your comments. I may have to turn the channel for a batter or two, or scream at the tv, but I’d rather be a Braves fan than support any other team out there….
You can make it to the WS and still lose (as we well know)….so is your whole season a waste because only one team can win? I’d rather have a great season as a whole (yes, of course, I’d like to have more WS wins, if I had the choice).
I just turned over to the pregame show, and the screen is black. Anyone else having that problem?
By DonCoburleone
April 11, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Another thought: If I had known that it was either going to be Chris Resop or Tyler Yates in the bullpen for the Braves, I much rather would have had Yates…
By brent a.
April 11, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Here’s a peculiar stat:
While the Braves have only 3 wins so far this season; the bullpen has a combined total of 12 “holds”.
Peter Moylan himself has 4 holds, one more than the team’s entire win total.
This begs the question: How important are holds?
By SandyB
April 11, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
OK, deep breaths….it came on.
Lew, I haven’t seen any posts by you today, so I don’t know if you are out there, but I wanted to publically thank you for the GREAT Marcus Giles print you sent. It came today, and it is wonderful!!!!!
McFann, time for you to take some deep breaths…he interviews well!!
By DonCoburleone
April 11, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Correction, didn’t mean elbow surgery, meant elbow problem…
By Wayne in Utah
April 11, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
DonCo You might be right about Resop. The dude looked good in ST though. Maybe he could learn from some of the others. As for the other bullpen arms, most have been OK, excepting for a lapse or two. Acosta needs some more consistency, and Boyer had that one bad game.
It sure wouldn’t surprise me though if the Braves didn’t make a deal for one more arm. Problem is, there are lots of teams out there that could use another bullpen arm. (Detroit comes to mind.)
A question for the blog: Who is out there that is attainable, and affordable for bullpen help?? It might be too early in the season for some teams to be giving up already, but for somebody like Oakland who is in rebuild mode, maybe.
Maybe the answer is in our guys on the mend or in Richmond.
By jbutler
April 11, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Brent A…your question begs my question..(sorry for not knowing something I guess I should..but toss me a softie) what is a hold? Thanks for going easy on me!!
By Andy K
April 11, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Nice…Wearing the blue jerseys!
By BillsNV
April 11, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
3 up, 3 down, 9 pitches. Lets go Huddy!
By geauxbraves2000
April 11, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
This team has got to be near or at the bottom of pitches seen per AB.
I’m just talking off the top of my head, I have no stats to back that up, it just seems that way.
Geaux Braves!!
By TBraveFan
April 11, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Think of a Hold as a Save but not in the 9th inning….
By BillsNV
April 11, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Very nice at bat McCann! Lets get some runs!
By Epinephrine
April 11, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Nice piece of hitting there by Frenchy
By uga-brave
April 11, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
yea, matt diaz is an everyday player.
By McFann
April 11, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Heh heh…McCann didn’t swing at anything after he threw his bat!
GREAT catch by Kotsay (again)!!!
By Epinephrine
April 11, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Huddy is cruising but they are not hitting groundballs. Could be cause for concern.
By Shamus Thacker
April 11, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Back in the old, 100-loss days, the Braves had every possible promotion in the book. They had everything from “get married at home plate night,” to “run for your lives from the miniature bats night.” Course nobody would show up, so the ticket-takers would give you 10 hats, umbrellas, fake dog poo, or whatever the promo of the day happened to be. It would be so quiet that Mama could hear me cussing-out each and every Brave on National TV.
You could get sloppy falling-down drunk in those days, and they WOULDN’T throw you out. They were just happy to have a fan, no matter the intoxication level or language. Nobody there then but a buncha old folks and drunks anyway. I wasn’t one of the old folks.
Aloha from Cedartown…
By Epinephrine
April 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Ok, get through this inning and I’m predicting some runs.
Carroll wasn’t kidding about the attendance eh?
By McFann
April 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
SandyB—
Do you know where I cann find that interview???
By Shamus Thacker
April 11, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Somebody used their noggin when they got Kotsay and let the Curacao Fat Boy go!
By Dutchie
April 11, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
They’re playing well. Luck will turn. Good defense and pitching so far. Nice play by Kotsay, good double play.
Batting is all decent. Lots of bat to ball. Good hit by Frenchy. Great linedrive, but straight at 3rd.
Be patient boys and girls, it will turn!
Go Braves!
By jbutler
April 11, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Shamus Hilarious story. You actually described Coors Field here last year until beginning/mid Sept. We went to a game labor day weekend, had terrible seats, but they let us sit just to the left of home cause no one was there, and she said she would rather have my son (4 at the time) sit there than have it be empty.
By uga-brave
April 11, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
well steve carlton is in control tonight, has the braves guessing.
just bad luck running into this great string of starting pitching.
By Carroll Rogers
April 11, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
not a whole lot of buzz around the yard this afternoon, just guys happy for a change of scenery, i’m thinking.
hampton did play a little catch this afternoon and the pectoral muscle didn’t hurt him. so it’s a step. he’ll do that again sunday and if it goes OK, he wants to throw a side session tuesday.
and i asked about the blue jerseys tonight, which the braves are wearing for the first time since opening night. apparently it’s the choice of the home team and then if it makes sense for the braves (didn’t with the rockies where black) it’s up to the starting pitcher. so i’m thinking huddy must like the navy blues….
thankis jbutler! could probably use a little jo tonight in fact.
and yeah, i like the ballpark well enough. i like that i can walk to it from the hotel where i’m staying. the press box is up in the nosebleeds, like pittsburgh, so i’m feeling a little dettached from what’s going on down there on the field. but i think i can make out that tim hudson is throwing lights out….
By SandyB
April 11, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
McFann: it was during the pregame show…I don’t know if they will show it again at some poin