Braves

By brent a.

April 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Just a quick FYI for those still not completely in tune with this new age of Atlanta Braves telecasts:

This week-end the Braves TV schedule is as follows:

Friday Night: Peachtree TV Saturday: Fox (National Network) Sunday: TBS (National Telecast)

And to think, in the old days, before the major networks televised any games before June 1, all three games would’ve been on (W)TBS.

Happy Birthday Greg Maddux. Enjoy getting to face Andruw Jones 2 or 3 more times this year.

By T-Bone

April 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

First.

But does it count if it’s not a Dob blog?

By RRR

April 14, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Thanx for the update CR, and please, keep up with the Minor’s updates. That’s a great feature, and needs to become permanent. After all, they R our life blood, and our future…and present.

By THE BEAR

April 14, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Carroll, there is a lot of bad news today. Hope Tommy’s strain is nothing serious. Too bad you are missing the trip to South Florida. The weather is perfect for this time of the year with sunshine and temps in high 70’s, low 80’s.

Finally I’ll get to see the Braves on the Marlins TV, MLB is getting a little old. It is good but no replacement for the big TV.

I see Andruw hit .100 yesterday. I am beginning to wonder if he will ever get another hit. That is a sad story, too bad he refuses to listen to those who could likely help him.

By AGTfan

April 14, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Nicely done Carroll. Sometimes I forget that Glav brings that old hockey mentality with him.

By Caleb

April 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

How’s this for a conspiracy theory: the Braves find their centerfielder of the future (Schafer), who supposedly needs only a year or so left of seasoning in the minors, yet trade for 3 other centerfielders in the off-season. Could they have had any ideas back then about Schafer’s HGH use?

(Of course, any and all reasonable people will say Schafer only had one good year in the low minors, is still a prospect, and cannot be counted on to succeed at the major league level. It is interesting to think about though.)

By lil john

April 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

ok!

By Josh from Columbus

April 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

It only counts if it’s a DOB blog, but you’re still not first though!

By Braveheart

April 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Here are the first three months of 2006

By Braveheart

April 14, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Here are the second three months of 2006

By RRR

April 14, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

What’s up with the juvenile “first” crap. All of a sudden this is a big deal on blogs? Yahoo mentality I suppose…

By BossLady

April 14, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Tommy will be okay.

By Kentavo

April 14, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I’ll have a Myrtle Beach Pelicans update after tonight if anyone’s interested…Saw Gorkys win the game Friday night at the Pelicans’ home opener.

By Renegator

April 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Carroll or DOB

Any news on Hampton? Did he throw again yesterday? If so, how did it go?

By TomahawkMatt

April 14, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday Maddog! What a pleasure it was having the great Greg Maddux as a Brave for so long.

For those that don’t remember, check Maddux’s stats for the 1995 season… 19-2 , 1.63 ERA , 209 innings, 10 complete games, 3 shutouts, gave up only 8 HR and 23 BB.

God bless those good old days!

Go Braves!!

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Looking forward to going to South Florida when the temperature and humidity aren’t both at 90. Going to actually be very comfortable (high 70s) down there….

After two listens, I’ll say the new Raconteurs is very good, but not as good as the first one. The Gutter Twins CD is outstanding….

Does anybody ever mention Furcal? No! Be fair, your hypothetical situation doesn’t exist here…Its only an AJ bashing party!Chase

OK, here’s your update: Furcal’s hitting .391 (18-for-46) in 12 games with six doubles, two triples, one homer, four RBI, 11 runs, a .491 OBP and a .674 slugging percentage.

Andruw is 4-for-40 with one double, one RBI, six walks and 14 strikeouts.

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

RRR i appreciate the feedback. i’m not planning to do a minors thing every week, but i do need to do a lot more this year than last. going to try to be smart about it.

By AdirondackDave

April 14, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog, Carroll. Your work has been excellent here and really appreciated in Dave’s absence.

It looks to me like Tommy is likely to miss a turn, but as you say, this a resilient dude. But not foolish either so that’s why I think he’s more likely to miss one than not.

That was a great story on Maddux somebody linked on yesterday’s blog. Good stories I’d never heard before. I think the entire baseball world will be applauding when he passes Clemens on the all-time list later this year.

What a strange irony in the Dodgers-Padres game yesterday. Maddux at 42 near perfect again in doing his thing for 5 innings including fanning 30-year old Andruw twice and ending his day at .100. That may be the lowest BA in baseball for a guy who’s played every game. Meanwhile the other Jones, our U Know Who, finished the day at .408 which is the highest BA in the majors for a guy who’s played every day.

For what it’s worth, I’ve come to the conclusion that Chipper may well be the best pure hitter of his generation. His consistency, patience, and combination of power and average certainly rank him near the top and, in my mind, at the top of the list. Certainly right there with Manny, Puhols (sp?), and A-rod.

By DAP

April 14, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

alright mad dog! he should catch clemens before the all-star break.

i dont think glavine will miss his start.

jojo dominates in AAA. its unbelievable. 8 Ks in 4 IP? thats awesome! when will he be able to do that in the majors? is it his control thats the issue, or is it minor league hitters swing at balls? hes got good enough stuff, that if he locates, he should be pretty tuff. is he like a left-handed jurjens?

By LMAO

April 14, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Flash…Hampton sprains both wrists eating breakfast at Denny’s. Placed on the DL for remainder of the season.

By RRR

April 14, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Thanx CR. Looking forward to it. We’ll trust your “being smart about it”.

…. Two further points: Thank goodness that nobody in our division is running away with it. In fact, only the D’Backs are playing up to expectations in the NL. Yeah, it’s about the long haul. IOW: a tortoise v hare thing.

….. Chipper is amazing. Over the last two years is anyone better or more impressive? The stats would be interesting. Every time I think of him I think of The Matrix: “Neo is doing his superman thing again”. ;) Imagine if we didn’t have Chipper? EEEEK. Yeah, we’ll need him for 150. Now, if only the pitching doesn’t break down.

By ELAYNE SHMUCKLER

April 14, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Two Straight Starts

Where Maddux & Glavine started

On Opposite Coasts

Two Straight Starts

Where

Maddux was Victorious

Glavine should have won in Colorado

In DC his Hamstring tightened up

Glavine & Maddux

Need to be together again in Atlanta

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 42 GREG MADDUX (30) You’ll always be # 31

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Mad Dog shares a birthday with Loretta Lynn. Very cool.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Chase, no comparison between Furcal and Andruw since Opening Day of 2007. To make matters worse for AJ, compare Furcal’s numbers to other shortstops then compare Andruw’s numbers to other centerfielders.

Don’t know if we should bash Furcal (he’s been a solid player) but I do think he’s been slightly overrated going back to his days with the Braves.

His career OPS+ is 95. He’s never finished in the top 10 in OBP or SLG. He’s overrated by some, I suspect, because of his speed and his arm. He’s been pretty good but nothing overly special.

By richbrave

April 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

poorboy:

Thanks for the boost. Not sure what trade you mean, but we do have three new faces. Reggie Taylor, Mike Rozema, and Ray? Serrano. All position players. Taylor’s been playing outfield, and Serrano is a catcher? I believe. Rozema played here a few last year if I remember correctly. He’s second base.

KENTAVO:

Bring it on. The more we get the better. Guess I’d better familiarize myself with Class A as that’s what’s in store for Richmond’s future. And local ownership, if the newspaper can be believed. No more tied strictly to one ML team business. Richmond’s had enough of that.

Did any of the three new guys I mentioned to poorboy come from the Pelicans? Was there last year for a Cal Ripkin tournament. Took in a night game, fireworks and everything. Good venue. My grandson’s team lost the Championship game in extra innings by one.

CARROLL ROGERS:

Mind if I keep posting some Richmond info like I have been doing????? I like to use Chop Chick’s blog for all the data because it takes up less space here, and I promised her I would continue feeding info on AAA. If that’s not kosher with you and Dave just let me know.

By LMAO

April 14, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Lets not forget Smoltz. Career ending injury…goes to bull pen…becomes save champion….fights his way back to the starting line up and is successful. Younger players take note…that is character.

By AdirondackDave

April 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Richbrave — I’ve always read and appreciated you R-Braves posts. Hope you’ll keep them coming.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, also Pete Rose, David Justice and Steve Avery. Just notice Maddux and Justice were born on the same day.

By flange1

April 14, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Did you see Mike Ness coming the the ATL?

By Jersey Gil

April 14, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Braves fan from other Cities that subcribes to the Extra Inning MLB Pkg. I been having problem in this area with Comcast with MLB Pkg…they not showing the whole complete schedule. I finnaly contact one of Comcast supervisor and there explanation is that because NHL and the NBA pkg still running until this week, next week everything will be normal. Let see what happen…in the mean time they give me a credit for this month. If anyone have the same problem in other cities? Comcast just have 10 channel in this area for the MLB Pkg.Every Games after game 10 is not showing in this area, i miss two of the Braves Game this weekend.

By Ron_Paul

April 14, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Just read mlbtraderumors.com and a lot of Braves speculation on that page.

First, the Reds and Yankees are in need of a catcher. I sure would like to see Scott Hatteberg on the Braves bench!

Second, the mention that Dave Bush might be available. Granted, Hampton could be back soon, and Tommy may make his next start, but…doesn’t Bush seem like the classic Braves’ REBOUND pitcher, in the molds of John Thompson and John Burkett?

By RichmondBrave

April 14, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Glavine will be fine. 21 years without the DL is just amazing!

I am glad to see that Tex has finally climbed over .200 for the season. If he can get hot and everyone else stays the course we will have an awesome offence this year. The defence is looking good as well. We will be in 1st within a week! Go Braves!

By James

April 14, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, how’s Smoltz feeling these days? I’d feel a whole lot better about Hampton and Glavine if he were back at 100 percent (or as close to it as possible). Granted, he did say it’d be a nagging thing, but he’s still on track for his next start, right?

By James

April 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

DOB, what would you say Chipper’s chances on making the HOF are? I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic switch hitter EVER!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 14, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

DAP Aside from facing minor league batters, the lighting in minor league parks tends to be dimmer than that in the majors. Thus, advantage to the pitcher. Another factor is Guy Hansen, the pitching instructor for the Richmond club is excellent at picking up flaws in the delivery of pitchers.

Of course, some guys get the “yips” when the pressure is turned up. If everyone could close games, they would not pay the ones that can so much money.

Jo Jo is going to be a major league pitcher someday soon. he is going to get better but he is still pretty young and has much to learn.

And wow, is Barbaro really tearing up the league or what?

By Jersey Gil

April 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

So far every team has there issue with injuries this year. I not real concern with the Braves, i prefare having injuries now than later in the summer.Not all the National league east team has there deep in there farm like the Braves have.Will be fine, and enough with Hampton jokes, if he can’t pitch fine we bring some one else from Richmond to replace him. I will start a campain for “HUDSON FOR THE CY YOUNG” This year and “CHIPPER FOR MVP”….”HOW ABOUT THAT” To Early? Well if the Braves win three in a road from the Fish, we be in First Place by Friday…Phillis will win 1 out 3, Mets 1 out 3 and Wash 2 out 3. and from there easy schedule in May, except Arizona(May 23-25).

GO BRAVOS

By James

April 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Morton killing it in triple A as well? Any chance that he and Jo Jo end up in Atlanta in the next couple weeks? Thoughts? Anyone?

By Bay Area Steve

April 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

yes, sir; same problem here in California. I called Comcast about a week ago and got the same response as you.

This last week is bad though….almost all the games are on channels higher than Game 10.

Suprised to see you here….I think April 15 is close.

By geauxbraves2000

April 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

The new blog is up! The new blog is up! Johnson, Navin R, I am somebody!!

Geaux Brves!!

By Duke

April 14, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Carrol or DOB, dont you think that Bobby should just push Smoltz back to friday and let someone else fill in on thursday? That way we give Glavine an extra day and we give the spot starter the Marlins instead of the Dodgers. It makes total sense to me.

By Gene

April 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

It appears that the worst thing that happened to Glavin was riding in a NY Taxi Cab. I hope he recovers quickly and has a great year.

By Jersey Gil

April 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Gil…i saw your Richmond Braves here in Lehigh Valley the other Day, there are looking good ball club…yeah what wrong with Canizare, he is hitting well, oh well we can use him as DH if the NL decise to change the rules.

By James

April 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Gil, you are one optimistic dude. While I certainly feel for Hampton (I’m sure his frustration level is through the roof), I kinda think the denizens need to rant/joke about him. It helps ease OUR pain.

By N8

April 14, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers

“DAP and N8, I wouldn’t hold your breath on Lofton. He’s one of the guys you can count on one hand who absolutely did not fit in a Bobby Cox kinda clubhouse. I don’t see the Braves bringing him back.”

But Pete Orr, and Chris Woodward are?? Not to mention taking a “chance” on Speizio??

That’s just ridiculous. I’m sorry, but until the team spends money on the bench, and the bullpen, I can’t seriously believe that JS, Wren and Bobby are putting the team together with WINNING as the main objective.

Winning with THEIR KIND OF GUYS is the objective.

All personality issues aside (like playing loud music in the club-house), can ANYBODY out there (DOB and Carroll included), HONESTLY come up with a GOOD reason why a guy like Lofton wouldn’t help this team, more than he would hurt it?

I’m not trying to be an azz. I just want somebody to give a good reason (on the field), as opposed to just saying he’s not a “Bobby Cox” kinda player.

That’s not good enough for me…..the fan.

We had Bonilla, Sheffield, Fick, Caminiti, Prime Time….all guys with attitude. Yet one of the GREATEST leadoff hitters of all time, was THAT big of a jerk???

By James

April 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

FLASH: Hampton tears cheek muscle brushing teeth. Will be out another 3-5 weeks. May need surgery.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Jersey Girl and Steve, Comcast is awful. I had them a few months back and when I moved I switched to DirecTV first chance I got. Their cable kept going in and out, my internet connection would go in and out, their customer service was horrible. When I went to return my equipment they had the trashiest office I’d ever seen. Obviously making an impression on their customers is not a priority.

By DonCoburleone

April 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Looks like Dave Bush of Milwaukee may be available for the right price. This guy is a legitimate end of the rotation starter, but I don’t see the Braves wanting to give up what it would take to get him. DOB do you think the Braves have (at the very least) had internal discussions about trading for a starter? I’m not saying they absolutely need one, but for the right price they would probably pull the trigger wouldn’t they?

Also, I’m hearing that the Yankees are looking at Brayan Pena as a potential trade target because Posada and Molina are both on the DL. They like Pena’s versatility in the field and his switch hitting bat (but then again, thats the same reason why the Braves like him)… I think if we could get a serviceable reliever (to replace Resop for christ sake) and maybe a B level prospect the Braves should make that deal, do you think Pena will get traded this year DOB?

By richbrave

April 14, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

GIL in Mechanicsvill:

My grandson is going to have an exibition game at the “Diamond” with the RBI Nationals( I believe) on the 25th. It’s prior to an R-Braves game. He plays on so many different teams I’m not exactly sure which one, but either them or an AAU team. Will you be there? Gotta’ run now. Powhatan Junior High vs.Goochland tonight. He was just named Captain of his Jr. High team. Grand-dad is proud. Sorry denizens. I had all girls. This havin’ boys to hover over is GREAT!! The MRS. wants to go also. Post me up.

By Jersey Gil

April 14, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Bay Area Steve Yeah Tax Man going to Visit you tomorrow…..wow tax season over…going on Vacation Next Week.

By Biff Pocaroba

April 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

I’ll apologize in advance for wasting space on such a trivial matter but I have to point out your use of the phrase “couple this” or “couple that”. It’s wrong. Perhaps “a couple of this” or “a couple of that”. You wouldn’t say “a trio starters” would you? Of course not. It would be “a trio of starters”. So why drop the of with couple? This started as a lazy way for (mainly) Northeasterners to speak. Slowly it crept in to print (and I even heard it on NPR the other day). It will inevitably gain traction pretty much everywhere. No matter, It just grabs me every time - because it’s wrong. Please, please stop doing “couple anything”. What’s another two keystrokes? Right?

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

i’m trying to decide which stat i like better, the Jones boys being on the opposite ends of the batting average spectrum or maddux sharing a birthday with loretta lynn, david justice, pete rose and steve avery….

Renegator, Hampton was supposed to play catch yesterday and probably did. I was running around doing other things before the game and then afterward by the time i got done with glavine stuff, Hampton had packed up his locker and headed for the bus (or the meal room or something). but I’m sure DOB will talk to him tomorrow. He is supposed to throw a bullpen to test the pec.

RichBrave, I’m cool with your updates, especially if they’re interesting, you know? not just spewing numbers. and they seem like they are to me.

By richbrave

April 14, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

JAMES:

Go into the archive to the last blog Carroll had up before today. I posted near the end on JoJO and I believe Chop Chick’s is still up and has more on Morton from three days ago and JoJo today.

Funny. Here’s hoping he doesn’t choke from swallowing all that money.

By N8

April 14, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Biff Pocaroba

How about find a COUPLE OTHER blogs to correct grammar on?

:-)

By gotigers72

April 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Before the season started, KJ said he was going to cut down on his strikeouts. He said he was going to do that by not taking as many strikes. When does he plan on starting with that plan? One at bat yesterday, he took the first two pitches for strikes. Not borderline either, right down the pipe, “cookies” I believe the players call them. Then he had to swing at a bad pitch because he was in a hole. Ended up popping up, and the subsequent replay showed him blasting himself verbally as he ran to first.

Taking less strikes seemed like a good idea to me for KJ. He got into that habit late in the year and it knocked about 20 points off of his average. Follow through buddy. You can be an above average hitter when you put your mind to it!

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

N8, I don’t know about the personality stuff. But I think I can give a good reason why the Braves shouldn’t worry with Lofton.

Lofton made $6M last season. He’s made over $3M every year since 2004. He could probably still be a solid player but why pay him even a million or two to ride the pine most days?

Lofton’s OPS+’s the last four years starting with 2004: 95, 109, 95, 105. Is he really worth a million or two more than someone like Prado or Gotay or someone else that they can get off the scrap heap or call up later in the year?

If they can sign him to a minor league deal, I’m for it. Anything more is too much.

By Shamus Thacker

April 14, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

This is a blog, it ain’t no term paper! And if I have to, I’ll say it a couple more times!

By Shamus Thacker

April 14, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Biff, you’re a couple blocks shy of a load…

By Jersey Gil

April 14, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

If any of you plan to Visit Philadelphia this days…don’t forgot to visit the African American Museaum, they have a good exhibition of the Negro League.It Wonderful, i saw a couple player that i used to watch in my Native Puerto rico, Thurman, Satchel.

By James

April 14, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

N8, I think you are missing the point. You can’t evaluate a player’s potential to contribute to a given team without considering that player’s character. Lofton is, plain and simple, not a team player. Lofton is in it for Lofton. He is notorious for burning bridges and he has done so plenty in his career. He has played for eleven major league clubs during his career. Now, granted, guys may switch teams because of things they can’t control. But eleven teams? To me, that speaks volumes. Heck, we might as well bring Bonds in! I imagine that he’d help us more than hurt us if we could use him as a late inning pinch hitter. But again, we’d have to ignore all the negativity he’d assuredly bring to the clubhouse? His negativity will spread (Lofton’s) and WILL eventually effect the rest of the team. You are being somewhat shortsighted here, you have to think about the trickle down effect, otherwise you aren’t getting the whole picture.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

gotigers72, remember last season? Kelly Johnson was at .167/.302/.389 through April 13. He was hitting .167! Kelly Johnson will end the year right behind Chase Utley as the best second baseman in the league.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

gotigers72, remember last season? Kelly Johnson was at .167/.302/.389 through April 13. He was hitting .167! Kelly Johnson will end the year right behind Chase Utley as the second best second baseman in the league.

By brent a.

April 14, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

One major difference b/w AJ25 and Furcal is that we wanted to keep Furcal, we just couldn’t afford him.

With AJ, we were actually afraid that he might get arbed, and we could get sucked into signing him into a large (> $15 million) one year deal, which could have been devastated our team for at least 1 year.

Furcal was a table setter; whereas Andruw, despite the fact that he seemed to spend a lot of time at the table, lost all sense of what to do when standing at the plate.

By Cecil34

April 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

It surely does appear that the Braves are “dancing on the razor blade” with the senior members of the starting rotation.

I hope Glavine and Hampton bounce back and Smoltz stays healthy as we obviously need them all.

Wouldn’t it have been interesting if we could have got Maddox back in the offseason?

It would have been all or nothing; either we would blow away everyone in the East, or watch the carnage of crashing and burning if the vets can’t hold up.

I hope they can do the dance for the next 5 months!

By Kenny Lofton

April 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I dropped the dime on that Schafer dude, and still ain’t heard from Wren!

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Happy Ruination Day!!

By N8

April 14, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

James

How many times have those Eleven teams gone to the playoffs?

It means one of two things.

1) Lofton is so frickin good that he ELEVATES the team he joins to a playoff caliber team.

or

2) GOOD TEAMS that are headed for the playoffs feel that a guy like Lofton is PERFECT for their team, come crunch time in the playoffs.

Shaun

I should have stated to leave the money out of it as well. Even though in reality the “attitude” and money have a LOT to do with it.

Though I do believe that I specified my question to a reason ON THE FIELD.

As for the money? Dude. It’s the middle of April. I’m guessing if the guy really wants to play, he could be had on the cheap anytime soon.

As for the riding the pine part?

Not may plan at all, if you were keeping up with the start of this topic on the other thread.

I’m BACK to wanting a platoon in LF. I absolutely love Diaz’ bat. Once he heats up, he’ll be fine with the stick. Unfortunately, he’s painful to watch in LF.

My point, was simply to either give Blanco (or Anderson) some regular AB’s, (via a platoon), because I don’t think we can reasonably expect a kid like Blanco to “produce” when asked, if he’s getting 1 AB per week, do you?

If Bobby is NOT gonna platoon, then we need a veteran LH 4th outfielder, on the bench. Not a kid.

Lofton just seemed like a logical choice.

A) he’s a veteran.

B) He’s LH.

C) He’s an outfielder.

D) A guy like Lofton can help the team in more ways than one.

What exactly is Gregor Blanco’s role on this team right now?

We might as well have another relief pitcher up, rather than waste that roster spot, like it’s being wasted right now.

“Is he really worth a million or two more than someone like Prado or Gotay or someone else that they can get off the scrap heap or call up later in the year?”

I know you don’t buy into “clutch” or “experience” playing a part in what a guy can bring to the table.

But you tell me:

Extra innings, game on the line, runners at 2nd and 3rd, down by a run, game 7 of a playoff series….

You want a guy like Prado or Gotay at the plate? Me, myself? I’ll go with a veteran in that situation any day of the week.

So what’s a “couple million” (sorry Biff - there’s that phrase again), “worth” to a team, if it’s the difference in winning a playoff series in the end?

If there is another un-employed, LH, outfielder out there that has plenty of experience (including post-season), I’m willing to get off the Lofton horse. But until somebody comes up with a better “option” than Ruben Gotay in response to my question, I’ll be patiently waiting.

LOL!

By McFann

April 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

DAP, in response to your 11:27 post (on the other blog)—

I almost see your point. But when a team brings in a new pitcher—especially one whom the batter has had no success against—I like to see the batter take at least one pitch before flailing away. Wait and see what the pitcher is throwing. Maybe he stinks that day and will throw nothing but balls (like Bennett).

Yeah, McCann “put a good swing on the ball”, but it wasn’t good enough, apparently.

Anyway, that’s the way I feel—not disagreeing with you entirely, BTW—and perhaps it’s time to move on now. Players are never going to completely ignore the first pitch (especially not the Braves’ batters).

But I will tell you this: McCann said, and I quote, “I just shouldn’t have swung at that pitch.”

Maybe now he’ll consider not being as trigger happy as he has been in those spots lately. At least, that’s what I’m hoping…

By cricket

April 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil (Girl?)

I have MLB Extra innings in Tampa, FL. Provider is Brighthouse and they are showing the complete set of games. You will off course miss some games, typically the day games on saturdays if they are on Fox, as MLB contract with them does not allow the games to be shown on extra innings or MLB.TV - this does not make sense as e.g. in Tampa, the local Fox affiliate will most probably choose some other game, like AL clash of yankees and red sox, over a braves game. But as per the contract, one has to watch whichever game local Fox station selects or go out on the saturday and enjoy the outdoors.

By Dead Weight

April 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

One of these days, the Braves are going to get a clue that older pitchers are like all older adults, they get hurt, they get hurt often, and they get hurt badly enough to not be able to perform. Glavine is as fat as Andruw Jones. They are relying on 40+ year old starters, unproved middle relievers, and a closer who had arm problems when he was in Seattle. They have youth in some places, but a lot of age elsewhere. Big Tex cannot hit Andruw’s weight right now. And, don’t say it is early yet, because ALL LOSSES COUNT. Whether you lose in April or October, a loss is a loss. Just ask those 2-10 Detroit “could score a 1,000 runs this year” Tigers. The Braves are toast. Get ready for summer of swimming and early football camp. Thank God that football starts in July and August now. At least we only have to suffer for 3 months.

By DAP

April 14, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

shaun He could probably still be a solid player but why pay him even a million or two to ride the pine most days?

because hes better than gotay, pena, corky, prado, and he has a winning track record. plus, no one has signed him, which means he could probably be had pretty cheap right now.

and james think about this. thru 2001, lofton had only played with three ML teams in his 10 year career. 1st at houston, where he only played 20 games, and then was traded…kind of like a josh anderson thing…so its safe to say THAT wasnt because he was a bad clubhouse guy. in the next 9 years, he played for the indians 8 years…they must have hated him, hunh? and the braves on year. so weve heard he wasnt a great personality to bobby. ok.

in the next 6 years of his career, he played for 9 teams. for 6 of those teams he was traded at the deadline…cause teams wanted him to make a push to the postseason.

my point is, its not really fair to say hes bad in the clubhouse based on how many teams he has played for. doesnt it say something that everybody wants him?

the guy isnt a clubhouse cancer, or he wouldnt be as successful as he is. more than likely it was a thing with him and bobby, not him and the braves, to which i say, get over it, bobby, and do the job. not everyone has to get along perfectly.

he isnt the exact guy i would want. i would rather have morgan ensberg, but since lofton is the guy who has no team yet, and is a free agent, he is the easier target, and hes a vet who would do our bench good.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

James, if his attitude is that bad, couldn’t you ask why other teams keep giving him a chance? Doesn’t it work both ways?

I don’t know what about Lofton’s personality didn’t mix with the Braves but I doubt he had major personality issues like Bonds or someone like that.

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Biff, have you been talking to my editors? They catch me trying to do that in copy too. I thought it was my southern charm, or at least tryin to be a little more relaxed and conversational in blog land. A lot of times I don’t even capitalize either.. but i hear what you’re saying. my dad would surely agree with you…meanwhile, how bout coupla as a compromise? ha.

By James

April 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

N8, what about Ted Lyons (P) and Nap Lajoie (2B)? Both are hall of famers, both played 21 seasons in the majors, BUT neither ever played in a postseason game.

BESIDES, he is a career .244 postseason hitter. Not bad, but not exactly what the Braves need to “make it back over the hump.”

You are jumping the gun on this, there is nothing wrong with Diaz in left field. If he can’t get it done, Blanco will. If Blanco can’t, Josh Anderson will. If Anderson can’t, Brandon Jones will. We have depth and this is position isn’t going to be problematic for us. Have you even looked at Diaz’s stats over the last two seasons?

You want changes? Let’s talk about the bullpen.

BOOYAKASKA!

By chase

April 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

DOB

Will you ever stop taking me to task over my RESPONSES to someone else’s idiotic post?

Furcal was an example I used when someone else was trying to justify the daily crucification of AJ by saying that everyone talks about all of the former Braves the same way they do about AJ!!!!!!

Sheesh! At least read to check and see where I am coming from before attacking!

By chase

April 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

TO EVERYONE

before you start on me WITHOUT the whole stor you should know..

I was not in ANY WAY SHAPE or FORM comparing AJ and Furcal as players. Not their numbers or anything!

By mo in the boonies

April 14, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

AGT I disagree with BC during a game as much as any BC basher, but at the end of the season, I have recognize that he must be doing something right.

And you thought that last year and the year before?? BTW, I don’t throw nerf balls or anything else at the screen either. So maybe you are bothered by him even more than I am.

And I’m not hyper critical of the team at all, just the manager, big difference. And I’m hyper critical of TBS, thanks to them, I’m not going to see very many games. It is like a dope dealer getting a guy hooked, and then cutting off his supply. :-( Apology accepted. And I’m sorry you aren’t happy where you are.

Wayne OK, you may not have called me an idiot, but I sure got the impression you were thinking it. :-) In a game “tactics” are important, one wrong thing can lose the game, and through no fault of the players. The wrong batting order, or the wrong bull pen guy in the wrong situation. Where the infield and outfield are positioned each inning…and when to bring them in or put them out farther. Whether to bat or bunt. No stretching before games, no on going fitness program to keep them in shape, so they aren’t going to pull an oblique or hamstring at the rate that his teams do. Even to picking which players to bring up from spring training Look at who he chose last year. People are still complaining about them.

Someone asked DOB if the team might have to take infield practice after one of their bad games, and got sneered at by DOB. Just because other teams don’t do it, doesn’t mean it isn’t necessary. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Might cut into the card playing time in the clubhouse, or golf talk, and ruffle a few feathers, and heaven knows a player’s coach wouldn’t want to do that. Cox isn’t there to be a father figure to the players, they all have a father.

Chipper goes to his father for help when he gets into a batting slump. He wouldn’t have to do that if the batting coach was any good. And who picks the batting coach? Maybe they should hire Chipper’s father.

Sure no one is perfect, but I’ve watched a lot of other team’s games over the years, when I can’t get the braves, and before I started being a brave fan, and I’ve never seen anyone make the kind of blunders he does in a game.

Compared to other managers, who do you think is worse than Cox? (I expect you to say all of them.) And who, if you would admit it, is better than Cox?

I caught onto the “your and idiot” thing the first week I was on here. I’ve been told I have a great since of humor, but I don’t find that little mockery either clever or funny.

I haven’t said anything before, and I don’t even know who the guy was, but I pity the poor guy that made that grammar mistake. To have it rubbed in his nose every day. Perhaps he just had a brain drain that day, we all do on occasion, or perhaps he hasn’t had the opportunity to have as much schooling as some of us on here. But that doesn’t make him an idiot neither, nor did it deserve the treatment his mistake has cause him. Some people may not be book smart, but they are world smart. No matter what, no one deserves it to continue day after day.

I think the onus was imposed by a departed member of the intelligentsia that left to form their own blog, and therefore should have been buried and forgotten by now. Arguing about baseball is one thing, insulting some one continually for an innocent mistake is another.

Geauxbrave funny! In our house whenever someone gets over excited about something we always say: “The new phone books are here, the new phone books are here”…grin.

Looks like April 14th is a good day to have a baby born if you want a baseball player! Better than April 1st.

Anyone know what channel is carrying the braves tomorow night? (Please let it be Fox.)

By Yars

April 14, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Being that KJ is only in his second full season, every pitcher has a chart on him now. Haven’t you noticed how pitchers are coming right at him? He tends to take the first pitch, & it seems most of the 1st pitches are strikes. Kinda hard to work the count. Sure his walks aren’t where we want them to be, but we need to remind ourselves that KJ isn’t your typical lead off hitter. KJ will change the way we normally look at lead off hitters. I still say he’s off to a pretty good start. His defense has been solid, & his knee/hammy have been cooperating, so far. now playing: Suffer Well by depeche Mode.

By MGL

April 14, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see the news reports that the Mets fans were booing Santana over the weekend? That Honeymoon did not last long.

By Novice Ned

April 14, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Biff, a grammar professor on a blog seems as useless as a DEA agent at a Willie Nelson concert. Sure, you’ll find many offenders, but do you have the facilities available to house all of the guilty? Irregardless (pun intended), it’s just a bad idea to try to champion the proper use of the language in a blog. And isn’t the very word “blog” an abbreviated b******* of a word? And I vote to couple Glavine with Hampton and have them play catch to each other on the DL for the next 10 days. Or maybe a couple of weeks.

By gayle

April 14, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

An observation on the Braves’ pitching staff.

The Braves’ rotation………

Tim Hudson - solid #1 starter

Tom Glavine - 42 years old - headed to the DL

John Smoltz - a month shy of 41, resilient, but fragile. He never should have left the bullpen.

Mike Hampton - He’s still pitching? Has not thrown a pitch in a regular season game since August of 2005. In the last year of his contract.

Chuck James - “A little wild” in his only start - shipped back to Richmond

Jair Jurrjens - a total of 43 major league innings.

This is the rotation of a championship team?

I really wish some writer or broadcaster in this town would have the stones to call the Braves’ on this charade. So far, none has.

By Shaun

April 14, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

DAP, he’s $1M-$2M more valuable than the Braves best bench guy?

Winning track record? What does that mean? David Justice has a winning track record. Does that mean the Braves should sign him tomorrow?

He’s an average hitter at best that is over 40.

After August 1st last season, here’s what he did: In 48 games and 138 plate appearances he had exactly 12 extra-base hits, 2 steals and was caught stealing 3 times.

By mo in the boonies

April 14, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

BTW, I do know how to spell Tomorrow. There was a twenty pound cat standing over my keyboard when I was typing.

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

N8, i hear what you’re saying, that a good player is a good player, clubhouse demeanor aside. the guys you mention, though, none of them were signed for another time through, were they? most of them got their one chance here, and that was that. (and if the braves had it to do over, i bet they don’t sign spiezio or caminiti).

this would be a second time for lofton, so the braves have a pretty good idea of how he’ll react in atlanta.

last time here, he just didn’t seem to click on the field, either, do you recall? i don’t have the numbers in front of me, but i’m pretty sure he all of a sudden stopped stealing bases when he became a brave. granted he hurt his hamstring, but he wasn’t anywhere near the baserunner he’d been before and since.

maybe 10 years removed from his year here, the braves would feel differently. but i’m not putting my money on it. and hey, maybe it’s just personal for me. from a media standpoint, he’s in my top 3 of guys not good to deal with. top 2. so if he comes, N8, I’ll step aside and let you talk to him day in and day out. cool?

By scott boras

April 14, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

so is today’s main story on BLIFF?? how about Ajones ? who will struggle to hit his weight in Batting average..hahaha..but we sure got a nice contract..hahaha

By timmy

April 14, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll, any chance we make a run at Mad Dog, and make 1 last run with the 3 of them in the rotation again? Serious injury risk but nostaglia side. You think he’d consider coming back?

By TomaHawkMatt

April 14, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

We’ll all be having fish for dinner Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.

Braves Ahoy Marlin!

Go Braves!

By scott boras

April 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

hey gayle,

you have got it all wrong its the braves powerful offense that will help rise them. Sure there is a hiccup on the starters but this bad luck of injures has to get better at some time. Plus if we get anyone “servicable” they too can help. braves are only behind DBacks in runs scored and get this they have scored way more than given up We all know braves are going to improve the 1run luck and DOMINATE

By Yars

April 14, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

gayle….right now, every team in the NL East stinks. Sure, the Fish are in 1st place. How long do you think that’s gonna last? The season is still in its early stages. Can’t judge a team based on 10-15 games. Look at the Tigers. They really stink right now. I still see them winning the AL Central. MLB is a long season. 162 games! I’m not at all worried about our starting pitching. I think we’re gonna be ok. now playing: down in it by nine inch nails.

By N8

April 14, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

James

While talking about Diaz being fine in LF you stated this:

“Have you even looked at Diaz’s stats over the last two seasons?”

Have YOU read my previous posts? I’ve stated his BAT isn’t the problem. The guy IS a liability in LF. Period.

Or haven’t you watched any games this year, either?

Carroll

While Lofton’s injury SURELY played a role in his SB numbers going down in 97 (he had 11 SB’s in April that year - and 16 the other 5 months of the season), he did rebound to have 54 the next year.

Last year he had 23 for Texas and Cleveland. We had 64 as a team last year.

As for it being personal with you about Lofton? I can respect that. You guys do have to “deal” with them on a daily basis. But excuse my honesty here, since I love what you and DOB do for US (the fans) on the blog, if adding Kenny Lofton makes us a better team, while making your job a bit more difficult, I’m not gonna lose any sleep over it. LOL!

No offense to you or DOB.

By flange1

April 14, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Gayle,

WOW! What a post! Calling out all of the Atlanta media to see through the “sham” of the Braves starting rotation.

I am surprised that you felt Hudson was an acceptable starter.

It is true that Smoltz is 40+, but what are you talking about should have stayed in the bullpen? His last could of years as a starter have been great.

Glavine to the DL. Maybe so, maybe not, but show me a better pitcher the Braves could have paid $8 million and picked up for a short contract. That’s OK I will wait.

JJJ, only 46 innings pitched. Eh, you don’t like experience and now you don’t like youth either? The kid has looked good so far.

Hampton has been hurt and was not counted on.

James is recovering from an injury.

If you are so bright, then what would you have done???

By ncscoots

April 14, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I’ve been told I have a great since of humor, but I don’t find that little mockery either clever or funny.

Then I would suggest that those doing the telling are either being gratuitously kind or lying to your face.

Blog staples, like YAI, become such because they resonate among the bloggers, not because someone here chooses that a phrase fall into high use, or because they wish to flail another blogger. Who remembers the originator? Not I, not for any of the phrases that gain currency here. Wait, I’m dead sure DOB coined “Holy Cornelia”, but, other than that…

Perhaps we should turn to more inflammatory invective? Yeah. Good tip. I’ll settle for getting a benign YAI tossed my way, thanks. Despite the phrase not tickling your “since”, I’m pretty sure the rest of us can shrug off such condemnation with a smile and a wave.

By OrlandoFan

April 14, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I think when Lofton was with the Braves the first time that he had his head up his rear because he had been traded from a team/city he really liked, and a contender, of course. He played that way with the Braves.

He hit for a decent average, but he never seemed to be in teh game, part of the team. Plus, he wasn’t really wanted.

Some didn’t like that the Braves traded Justice and Grissom for him. Grissom was a favorite. Justice was a hero. Grissom played hard. Both helped with a World Series. Lofton was from the team they beat.

It was — in a smaller sense — kind of like when the Yankees lost to the Cardinals in the 1964 World Series. They turned around and fired Yogi Berra and replaced him with the manager of the Cardinals, Johnny Keene. The mystique was broken, and the slide began. Then they traded Roger Maris to the Cardinals. He was in decline, but he was solid and part of the aura.

Grissom and Justice weren’t Berra and Maris, but they had good karma. Lofton did not. And when he arrived, he did nothing to help improve the situation. He just sort of went about his business, played OK.

The Braves won, as usual, but that something wasn’t there. Bad taste for longtime Braves fans such as I, who only derived what I just wrote from watching and not from anything happening in the clubhouse.

The Braves are good at keeping their business as their business, so the clubhouse relationships weren’t really known until, well, blogs like this came into vogue. We learned more behind the scenes and realized the Bobby saw the same things some of us fans had seen.

The Braves had established a reputation for the kind of players they had and wanted, which hastened the departure of Deion, who was every bit as talented as Lofton. He just couldn’t apply himself all the time, and Cox didn’t tolerate that.

For all his new-age relationships with players, Cox is still an old-school guy when it comes to how he wants his club and clubhouse to be. Lofton was not the do-your-work-well-and-don’t-break-the-rules guy. At least he didn’t seem to be.

All this is to say that I think the onus on whether Kenny Lofton ever were to return to the Braves lies with Lofton. He has to say he wants this, wants to show people he’s better than some of us think, wants to redeem a spot in his resume that might have ended better.

If you’re the Braves, you don’t reach out to Kenny until his hand is proffered first.

By DEE

April 14, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

IT’S TIME TO LET GO OF THE PAST. THOSE PITCHERs & CHIPPER WERE GREAT BACK IN THE DAY.

By DAP

April 14, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

shaun DAP, he’s $1M-$2M more valuable than the Braves best bench guy?

yes. who is the braves best bench guy, by the way?

By DAP

April 14, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

hey shaun howd he do in october? nevermind, i gotcha…

in 11 games he hit .279 with 2 doubles and a homer, stole two bases in three tries, and drove in 6 runs.

not like he owned the postseason, but he definitely did his part. for the record, let me say…id rather have ensberg. but lofton would help this team.

By Duke

April 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Why is anybody even bringing up Kenny Lofton in this blog? There shouldn’t even be talk about acquiring anything but bullpen arms or maybe even a starter. But I see no reason for their to be discussion about another outfielder. I think we are just fine there.

By DCbrave

April 14, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I’ll apologize in advance for wasting space on such a trivial matter but I have to point out your use of the phrase “couple this” or “couple that”. It’s wrong. Perhaps “a couple of this” or “a couple of that”. You wouldn’t say “a trio starters” would you? Of course not. It would be “a trio of starters”. So why drop the of with couple? This started as a lazy way for (mainly) Northeasterners to speak. Slowly it crept in to print (and I even heard it on NPR the other day). It will inevitably gain traction pretty much everywhere. No matter, It just grabs me every time - because it’s wrong. Please, please stop doing “couple anything”. What’s another two keystrokes? Right? By Biff Pocaroba

Biff - I’ll apologize in advance for wasting space on such a trivial matter but I have to point out your use of the “a couple of this” or “a couple of that”. Perhaps “a couple of these” or “a couple of those.” You wouldn’t say “a couple of cat” would you? Of course not. It would be “a couple of cats”. So why drop the plurals? This started as a lazy way for (mainly) Biffers to speak. Slowly it crept into (not “in to”) print (and I even heard it on AJC’s blog today). It will inevitably gain traction pretty much everywhere. No matter, It just grabs me every time - because it’s wrong. Please, please stop doing “a couple of anything”. What’s some relevance? Right?

By Lew

April 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Extra Innings is working fine in Vermont with Comcast. I have no ide why they are screwing it up in other areas. Is their a lack of available channels? Get rid of HG TV or maybe the Game Show channel.

MO-Maybe Chipper goes to his father for advice because his father has been familiar with Chipper’s swing since Little League. Seems he went to his Dad when Don Baylor was hitting coach, too. It has nothing to do with Terry Pendleton.

By Drew

April 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to start playing with a little more p** and vinegar

There. I said it.

By Jeff R

April 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Does Glavine’s hamstring woes and Smoltz’ minor shoulder flare up really surprise anyone? Players over forty are going to run a greater risk of injury.

These guys are getting dinked now. What happens come July and August, after they’ve pitched the better part of the season? Hoepfully, they’ll hold up.

By David-ATL14

April 14, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Braves have promoted Buddy Carlyle.

He will join the team in Miami on Tuesday. Forthcoming roster move to be announced.

By brent a.

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

Carroll, I wouldn’t care if no one in the clubhouse ever spoke to you again, if we started winning again.

As much as we enjoy the info you and DOB provide, it pales in comparison to the joy of watching the team win.

In fact, there is really no comparison.

By scott boras

April 14, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

really carlyle???is glavine on dl??

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 14, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

From what Ive read and heard, Kenny Lofton and Bobby Cox did not see eye to eye.

Besides, the Braves have plenty of outfielders already.

Glavine and Smoltz are proven winners. They are also Warriors. Count on both of them.

84 percent voted yes in the latest poll concerning the state of the starting pitching.

My answer was NO and this is the part where all of the bandwagon fans get off.

By Overlord

April 14, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Jeff R glavine is a surprise even if he was 50, just as julio franco and greg maddux would be. There is something like 100 tons of players injuried, and they are not old.

Jeter

Chuck james

Soriano

Mike lowell

Granderson, polanco and willis

hunter, lackey, rodriguez, escobar

ETC………..

Its clear glavine injury could be related to age….. but it could be more that

By Epinephrine

April 14, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

I see a few other people think Molina’s injury could mean a Brayan Pena trade. DOB, thoughts?

By Edd

April 14, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

It would be nice if Greg Maddog could retire as an Atlanta Brave !!!! Just a thought !!!!!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

April 14, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Mo Wanted to respond to your 4:07pm post on a couple of points.

I saw the smily face after your first statement. You are right, I do not think of you as an idiot.

My only thoughts are that you are a passionate Braves fan, that for whatever reason, is h3ll bent on finding some sort of fault with every move the manager makes. (maybe that is a slight overstatement).

Who is better than Bobby? Not Torre. I don’t know well some of the younger guys, but on my short list of those I am familiar with, maybe Leyland and LaRussa would be on a par w/ BC at top flight major league managers.

Again, the moves Bobby makes that make a big difference in games, are not always going to be seen on the field. Did Pat Corrales going away hurt Bobby? You bet it did. If Pat was that great though, wouldn’t he be a manager somewhere now?

You can watch any baseball game, pick a perspective, and find fault with something in almost every game played. Should this guy bunted? If he didn’t and he got a double, it was a great call. If he flew out to the warning track, then the call sucked.

What I am trying to say is that a myriad of things happens in a game, all having some small affect on the outcome. Some days it’s easier to say “this caused us to lose, or that player blew it for us”, but more often than not, it is a compilation of events that determines who wins, and who loses. Most of the time, it has nothing to do with the manager or a coach.

As for Chipper, he has NEVER used anybody but his dad. If the greatest hitting coach was on our staff, I can almost guarantee he would still call his dad for pointers when he needed them.

As for Bobby being a father figure: Haven’t you heard of the times when he has taken players to the woodshed in his office. No, you haven’t? That’s because 99% of that stuff happens away from the press and the outside world.

Same reason I discipline my sons in private. It is our business, and not anybody else’s. Word is, that Bobby can come down as hard as anybody, when the situation calls for it.

When he doesn’t do it, it is probably because he is certain that nothing positive will come of it. I remember last year when Chipper and Smoltz had their little flap. You can be there was a meeting or two behind the managers door.

Bobby got a lot out of McCann and Francoeur when they were raw rookies. Would LaRussa had the same good fortune? Maybe, maybe not.

How many times have players had extremely good year(s) while in Atlanta, then gone on to mediocrity elsewhere. (JD Drew comes to mind)

So, I gotta tell you that being a players manager is NOT letting them get away with anything they want. It is instilling confidence in the players.

Last Tuesday in Denver, I was at the game and early, and I saw a lot of individuals working on their stretching before the game. Does an infield have to field a few grounders to stay on their game? They all have between inning warmups.

Bottom line mo, is I think you over-react to the management of our team. I think you are looking for the negative. My dad is an ornery cuss, and he totally dislikes Chipper and Bobby, thinking they are the worst. How can that be????

Yes, I am a very positive Braves fan, although I just tend to keep my b***’ to myself, when I think BC has screwed up. I do it for two reasons now: 1) It does no good for me to complain. 2) If I did complain, it would just add fuel to the fires on this blog.

As for the “your and idiot” thing. I can’t even remember who coined that phrase in the first place. I don’t get my marching orders from any past bloggers, and if someone is making a point counter to my logic (remember, BravesDave said I was the smartest person on the blog!), then I feel obligated to nominate them for the award for that night. If that is too harsh, then folks gotta get some thicker skin!

Whaddddyyyya think?

By William

April 14, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

DOB Do you like all genres of music? I must admit most of the stuff you mention I’ve never heard of. I’m a country guy I guess. George Strait is my fav.

By McFann

April 14, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

your response to Mo was very good.

Talking about Bobby not letting his players get away with anything brings Andruw Jones to mind. No, it was not the AJ of ‘07 (I don’t know what year this was, but my mother’s talked about it before). But he missed a fly ball and acted like he couldn’t care less about it. Bobby called a time out, walked out to center field, and yanked AJ’s sorry little rear outta the game.

And I agree with your two points about keeping the complaints to yourself. Seriously, what good is it to whine about something that no one on here cann fix, anyway? To a certain extent, there is a place for, “Oh! Why did that guy swing?!” But what’s done is done. Ya can’t go back and change it.

(“Your and idiot” might have come from Anders, but I’m not entirely sure.)

By Overlord

April 14, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Coach, i think it depends….. If injury woes continue…. you couldnt tell me you are not concerned. Injuries look very simple as we speak. But what would your answer be if Smoltz goes into DL for a months, same for soriano. Gonzo never makes it back, nor hampton, and Glavine makes a trip to DL net saturday?

As for this very moment, ill agree with you, there is not much concern. But it could get very awful, it could be prettier than christmas as well.

By Go Braves!!

April 14, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Shaun: as someone that has sold Direct Tv, Dish Network, and Comcast service i gotta disagree with ya! Dish and Direct TV are ripoffs! U gotta buy equipment that will be outdated and un usefull in no time, because of the Dish u get rain fades and sometimes no picture at all!

The only pple that should have direct tv or dish are pple that live far away from their home and wanna get channels cable dosent offer: (mexicans, puerto ricans, asian and indian pple come to mind).

Plus with Comcast you get all the local channels (for FREE), and more HD! Not to mention the Internet is 3 times faster than DSL. Its really no competition, thank God i was able to get my job selling cable back because i honestly felt like i was ripping pple off selling them dish!!!

Im not really one to argue for big corporations, but theres no doubt comcast offers better service.

If anyone needs a good hookup on Comcast Internet, Cable or Phone, my email is DH2000_78@hotmail.com

By Wayne in Utah

April 14, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Hey, McFann, thanks for the support. I think the “your and idiot” comment might have come from somebody EVEN denser than Anders!

:-)

On one or two ocassions, Bobby has shown his frustrations with a specific player.

We can sit here and analyze a point (McCann not taking a pitch the other night, comes to mind), but your point is dead on. What good is it for us to rag on that sort of thing? The player is probably beating himself up about that stuff already. Most of us know when we mess up.

Personally, I don’t mind folks bringing stuff up on here, but then they take it to the Nth degree, and start getting all emotional about a game, or an AB, or a series. As much as some don’t like to hear it, it is a long season.

I know we need for our team to capitalize early, but hey, sometimes it just ain’t gonna happen!

Hey, if your still a big Braves fan in 10 years from now, and you haven’t gotten all “big city” on us, then maybe I will introduce you to my youngest son, who will be 16 in a couple of months. He is a great kid, and is a big Braves fan!

:-)

By Choppinmama

April 14, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Didn’t want to go into baseball withdrawal on our off nite, so I’m watching a little Yankees/Rays. Da Yanks have hit 3 solos in 1 1/3 innings.

By Wayne in Utah

April 14, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Overlord Can I comment on your comment to Coach?

Any team with a good mix of players, like the Braves, are always limited by the injury bug. A team like the Braves could withstand losing some folks, and maybe even for significant amounts of time. But, at a certain point, you just say, “It wasn’t our year!” and move on to planning for next year.

In that scenario, that would be when you trade Tex and the deadline maybe.

So, if we lose enough important players, then that is just the way the cookie crumbles.

Smoltz is one of those guys we probably couldn’t afford to lose for very long, but if Hampton came back, then it would soften that blow.

With our depth (which doesn’t look as deep today), I still say that in the early going, you dance with the one you brought.

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

DonC, I’ve said since late spring I think Pena will get traded. Still do….

Flange1, where and when on Mike Ness in Atlanta?…

William, pretty much everything except hair-metal or new “country” that’s nothing but overproduced pop by guys in perfectly formed hats (and some with shell necklaces and bare feet).

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

As for Chipper, he has NEVER used anybody but his dad.Wayne

Chipper actually worked quite a bit with Don Baylor in 1999, Hoss’ MVP year. I talked to him a little about it the other day.

By Wayne in Utah

April 14, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Is Buddy coming up?

By Jeff R

April 14, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Overlord, older players are just more injury prone. Not to say that younger players don’t go down; just the odds are higher the older a player gets.

Still interested in July and August for Glavine and Smoltz (much more so for Glavine, who, I don’t think, was in great shape to start the season).

By William

April 14, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

DOB I’m with you on the new “country” for sure. That’s why I like George Strait and Alan Jackson. They are more traditional country and not the pop country crap.

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Just checked with Glavine again to see if anything’s changed with him through the course of the day. It hasn’t. I asked him if he knew if the Braves were planning to disable him, he said “Better not be.”

I haven’t been able to get anyone with the Braves to call me back to confirm if Buddy Carlyle is coming up. At this point, I’m just saying it sounds like it’s news to Glavine if a move like this is in the works so the Braves can disable him. There’s also a need for a fifth starter this coming weekend.

By William

April 14, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Talking about Bobby not letting his players get away with anything brings Andruw Jones to mind. No, it was not the AJ of ‘07 (I don’t know what year this was, but my mother’s talked about it before). But he missed a fly ball and acted like he couldn’t care less about it. Bobby called a time out, walked out to center field, and yanked AJ’s sorry little rear outta the game.

I remember that very well. In fact I was never a big Andruw fan after that day. I don’t want to start that Andruw bashing, because I know everyone will bring up his numbers before age 30 blah blah blah…..The guy was a awesome defensive player in his day. Yes, I said in his day, because I think he has lost a step or two. Plus, he always seemed lazy to me. I think he showed what kind of player he is by showing up at 250 lbs to start his 2yr/36million contract. In my opinion he was VERY rarely clutch for the Braves. Even the most diehard Andruw fan can’t convince me that when Andruw came up late in the game with RISP that you felt confident he was going to come through. To me that’s not bashing the guy……..it’s just true.

By Overlord

April 14, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

If Escobar has a .436 OBP and KJ has a .282 OBP, why is he leading off?

This flip flop is as obvious as the McCann for Jeff……Jeff should never be dropped to the 6th hole even if a righty is the SP.

By Braveheart

April 14, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

(“Your and idiot” might have come from Anders, but I’m not entirely sure.)

Oh the humanity!

By McFann

April 14, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Wayne—

You’re very welcome. You made points worth supporting.

The player is probably beating himself up about that stuff already.

You’re right. McCann said he was disappointed in himself for what happened, and said he shouldn’t have swung. Talking about it on here isn’t going to change the past.

Sitting around sulking about one AB doesn’t get you anywhere—it just wastes your time. Huh, I oughta know…

10 years from now…I should still be a fan!

: )

By flange1

April 14, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Mike Ness at the Variety on Friday May 9 with his “solo” band….

Should be slightly hot…

By David O'Brien

April 14, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Flange1, I’ll be in Pittsburgh. Damn. That’ll be a great show (Ness, I’m talking about).

By McFann

April 14, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Oh the humanity! Braveheart

Why do people always say that to me? 8 )

William—

AJ seemed kinda lazy to me, too. But yes, let’s not get on the subject of him again.

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Right on, N8. I feel ya, as - hey - Bobby Bonilla used to say. (And he was one of the good ones of the seemingly “bad” ones. Apparently he’d mellowed by the time he got to the ATL. So hey, maybe Lofton has mellowed too. But nah, don’t care to see if he has.)

And guess what? Don’t think the Braves care too much what I have to say about Lofton either! But it’s a blog, so I can say my peace like you guys, eh?!

By Choppinmama

April 14, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Wilson Betemit on the 15-day DL for…….dat da da dah…..conjunctivitis.

Pink eye is not to be trifled with. Without isolation and meds, the whole team and associates could be looking a bit pink-eyed in no time.

By Chop Chop

April 14, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

I’d rather the Braves disable Glavine than risk him aggravating the damn thing in his next start. No matter how durable the man has been, he’s too old to take chances on because he’s too stubborn/proud (his comments aside) to go on the DL.

By dunwoody in denver

April 14, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Too bad the Braves couldn’t have played here this week; it was 78 today and will be 82 tomorrow. Combine that with 10% humidity and you have absolutely perfect weather for both golf AND baseball.

Sure beats rainy, cold Atlanta!

Just kidding…

By keylargo

April 14, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Glavine could just miss a start if the injury is minor, which is what I think will happen. No need to make him unavailable for two weeks if he can come back in a week. I think a catcher will be traded or sent down if Carlyle comes up.

By Greg in TN

April 14, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Evening denizens…

Wayne Your 6:48 echos a lot of my thoughts about BC. Hear, hear.

N8 I understand where you’re coming from in terms of Lofton, however his last stint here didn’t work out on the field or off. It takes a certain mindset to come off the bench in the late innings and I just don’t think he’s cultivated the team concept even at the age of 40.

Thoughts and prayers for this denizen goes out to the family of former Boston Braves outfielder Tommy Holmes, who passed away today in Boca Raton FL at the age of 91. Holmes was a career .302 hitter and hit safely in 37 consecutive games in 1945, an NL record surpassed by Pete Rose in 1978 (whose streak ironically came to an end one night in AFCS at the hands of Larry McWilliams and Gene Garber). Holmes came in second in the NL MVP ballot to the Cubs’ Phil Cavarretta. Rest in peace Tommy and thank you for everything you did for the franchise.

By Maury

April 14, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB wake Glavine up in a couple of hours and find out how his hamstring is doing!

By Metropolitan Man

April 14, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Your stubborn guy Glavine may not go on the DL but it will only hurt the braves in this aspect. Going on the DL gives the player time to heal while giving another roster spot to a guy who can then fill in and possibly give a spark to a team. You then get a peak at another pitcher or whoever and get to see if he can contribute at a big league level or not, instead of waiting until the Sept. callups. I understand it would be great to play as long as Glavine has and be able to brag that you did it without being on the DL. However the entire time you blocked some young kid from getting his feet wet in the bigs for a couple of weeks or whatever the timetable calls for. Either way, Glavine needs to do whats best for the braves and not him for a change.

By richbrave

April 14, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Chuck James gives up 3 and loses by 2. Iron Pigs win. Braves now 8-3. Josh Anderson not in Atlanta. Got 2 hits tonight. Lines tomorrow.

By Chop Chop

April 14, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Metro Man, your reverse psychology will not work.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 14, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

CANIZARES NAMED BATTER OF THE WEEK 04/14/2008 11:53 AM

“The International League announced today that Richmond first baseman Barbaro Canizares has been named the League’s first Batter and Pitcher-of-the-Week for 2008. The period covers the first eleven days of the season, from April 3-13.

Barbaro Canizares established himself as one of the International League’s top hitters to begin the 2008 season, posting a .400 average (14-35) with two homers and 10 RBI to lead the defending Governors’ Cup champions to the best record in the League so far (8-2). Canizares started things off the right way on Opening Day against Rochester, going 3-5 with 3 RBI. It was one of five multi-hit efforts for Canizares in his first eight starts, placing him among the IL leaders in several categories. He is in the top ten in RBI (T-2nd), hits (T-3rd), average (6th), and home runs (T-6th). Canizares went deep in each of Richmond’s games over the weekend at Lehigh Valley, and yesterday added a RBI single in the 7th that put the Braves in front for good. It was his third 3-RBI game already this season. Canizares, who has been used as both a first baseman and designated hitter for Richmond, has failed to get a hit in only one game so far – Friday, April 11 when he was used as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning.

28-year-old Barbaro Canizares is in his third season in U.S. professional baseball. The 6’3”, 210- pound player defected from his native Cuba before the 2005 season. Last year he hit .344 with 34 RBI in 49 games with Richmond, but he missed three months of the season while experiencing immigration paperwork issues. He played in six playoff games for the Braves as Richmond stormed to the 2007 Governors’ Cup championship. Canizares is a native of Havana.”

The above is shamelessly taken from the Richmond Braves site. It might be of note that he bats right handed and played as a catcher for 10 years for the Industrials in Cuba. I believe it is the same team for which Pena and Escobar played.

By N8

April 14, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

To all of those wanting to argue with me about Lofton. If you haven’t figured out that my stance is LESS about Lofton, and more about how Blanco/Diaz is being used.

I really don’t have anything to complain about, since we just took 2 of 3 from Washington, and almost won the 3rd game, even though Glavine didn’t record an out.

But if our pitching is gonna take a “hit” like Glavine being out (maybe he is - maybe he’s not out for his next start), to ME the most logical thing to do, is to go with your BEST DEFENSIVE team in the field, to help the pitching out.

We have plenty of offense, even if Diaz is not in the lineup, IMO.

I know it’s only two weeks. Believe me. I’m NOT worried about Matt Diaz hitting this year. Just like Tex, when the weather warms up, so will his bat.

However, I’m on eggshells damn near EVERYTIME a ball is hit Diaz’s way in LF.

To me it makes NO SENSE to have a kid like Blanco (by kid, I mean relatively in terms of big league experience), on the bench, NOT getting to occasionally start, and being expected to PH and come through.

It’s a WASTE of a roster spot, IMO.

One of the FEW things I’ve stuck up for Cox over the years for, has been the way he handles youth on the 25 man roster. Never letting anybody get “stale” or bored, and keeping them involved.

A guy like Julio Franco can sit on the bench and be expected to hit in 8th inning after riding the pine all night.

Gregor Blanco has NO POWER, his “eye” and pitch recognition and ability to put the ball in play, is his ONLY offensive asset (along with the speed he possesses). Having that guy enter a game or two a week, and doing so while cold as hell, is just silly.

So Lofton, is more of the “token available” veteran, than that of the the guy that I actually want the Braves to go get.

I’d be just as “content” for now, if Cox actually let Blanco play once in a while to see what he can do.

Other wise, with this bullpen (and Diaz’s defense in LF), Blanco’s spot might be better served on another bullpen guy.

Just my opinion.

Carroll

I hope you realize that I was just giving you crap before. That’s not to say that I didn’t mean what I said, just that there wasn’t as much “malice” intended as the way it read in text form.

Also, I should mention that not all of the guys that I “lumped” into the Lofton pool of “character” issue guys, was fair.

Some of them had different issues, that are definitely different than a NON team player.

But if I recall correctly, Bonilla was a model citizen while in Atlanta.

What I think is funny is that so many people RAG on JS for dumping Grissom and Justice for Lofton. They say that Lofton wasn’t a “Bobby” kind of club-house guy.

Yet NOBODY seems to bring up that the 97 Braves (who finished with a 101-67 record - .623 winning percentage), actually went 79-43 when Lofton was in the lineup - .648 winning percentage) and were a sub-.500 team (22-24) without him in the lineup.

So, clubhouse “cancer” or not. NOBODY can say, that the team “suffered” because of him. Period.

In fact, before he was injured, the team STORMED out of the gates to start the season, going 19-6 (.760 winning percentage), in April, led primarily by Lofton’s .395 batting average (.434 OBP), 11 SB’s, 26 runs scored and 13 RBI, and secondly by Michael Tucker’s, .418 average (.446 OBP), 13 runs scored, and 20 RBI in the 25 games the Braves played that April.

I will ALWAYS remember that month of baseball, being the most exciting April of any of the 14 years that we won the division. But that’s just me.

I love the speed game. It was nothing but pressure on the opposing defense. That along with with Neagle, Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux combining to go 63-28. LOL!

Anyhow. If Andruw gets bashed too much, for all the “good” he did, getting overshadowed. I also think that Lofton gets a “raw” deal, when what he did for the Braves in 1997, is being discussed.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 14, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Richbrave I am going to the game on the 21st with my youngest son. I will see what my schedule looks like for the 25th…

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

On Kenny Lofton… You will see him on a Bobby Cox team when Robert Fick is resigned to play for the Braves. Both wore out their welcome with the skipper the one year they were here.

On the comparison of Furcal to Andruw Jones. Ralphie was hurt the last couple of years. Now that he is back to 100% his numbers are headed north.

I don’t know if hardheadedness is considered an injury but it sure can affect a lot of a player’s stats. Joe Torre is use to managing prima donnas. I expect he will get Andruw’s attention somehow.

By Bops

April 14, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Not sure you everyone else feels, the Braves at 5-7 isnt exactly where I hoped they be but there are some really good signs. They NEVER have thrown in the towel no matter how far behind they are. That in itself is much different than years past. Though their starting pitchers have been banged up, they are still putting up great numbers and Hudson is proving that he is a #1 guy. The bullpen has been bad but in time, they will get their act together. I’m still not sold on Soriano as the closer (even being healthy) but Moylan can do the job until Gonzo comes back. And the most inportant thing is that nobody in the East is playing well (Florida will wake up VERY soon) Each team has injury problems but the Braves have the most depth the compensate for the injuries. When Tex gets hot, this team will go on a roll….mark my words!!!

By Overlord

April 14, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Metroman you are just kind of jealous that glavine is gonna help us win another flag and maybe an NL flag….. Better check on your Superstar Santana, he is not doing so well…..and he is healthy and young. Last time i checked there is no braves pitcher with as many losses as him.

By N8

April 14, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Carroll

Earlier, you stated that Lofton was in your “top 3” of not so friendly people to deal with, then amended it to say that he was “top 2”.

If you don’t mind me asking, who are the other 2? I’ll assume that a guy that wore #25 for the SF Giants since 1993, is one of the others?

By Carroll Rogers

April 14, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

N8, i got your light-heartedness. And that’s a good point you make about gregor blanco sitting - tough on a kid. You know the Braves wanted a guy who was totally comfortable in center field as the backup, since nobody knew how Kotsay’s back was going to hold up. But Kotsay’s doing so well has kept Blanco on the bench.

Maury, it was me bugging Glavine today, not DOB. At the rate I’ve been going, I’m sure Glav would not be surprised to hear from me again. But I’m guessing I can make it a couple more hours without feeling the need to report on his hammy again.

By Shamus Thacker

April 14, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Hammy’s chest hairs any better?

By Overlord

April 14, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

But Kotsay’s doing so well has kept Blanco on the bench.

I think thats saying too much about Kotsay, id say he is doing well, but what i dont understand is why a manager that loves platooning so much, has not given the kid more playing time. Kotsay has been OK, but come on, at least 1 start by now and some situational PH would be nice. That guy will not be sharp when needed.

By AdirondackDave

April 14, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Gil — How would you rate Canizares defense at both first and behind the plate? Thanks.

By Connie

April 14, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

leave his hammy alone! I think the AJC writers are just out to get the Bravos. Wonder why Bobby never reads ya!? Carroll, yeah he is an old man…god send him to old folks home @ 41! Poor Andruw! LOL The Braves know how to turn loose of losers! Batter, Batter, Batter……SWING! God I am so glad Andruw….AWNDdruw according to Fox, Espn…they never could pronounce his name……..is a looooseeeerrrrr! Hey Torre, have fun!

By uga-brave

April 14, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

i would love to see escobar at leadoff and kotsay in the two hole.

that would enable kelly to hit seven. i think he would be more productive down in the order.

i think kotsay would be a perfect two hitter. he has good bat control and puts the ball in play.

escobar has proven he can flat out hit, so i dont think hitting him leadoff would bother him a bit.

By Im

April 15, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Carroll can i just say how cool it is that you can text tom glavine? I would not leave him alone either. But thats one of many reasons i dont have his number.

By midtownBrave

April 15, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Why can’t we go back to a platoon in the LF? That was working so well in the past for Matty. He KILLS lefties. Just look at what he did to Santana.

Why can’t we platoon Matty and Blanco in the left? That ought to boost the defense too. Kotsay is as accurate as it gets, Frenchy has a hell of an arm, why not bring Blanco’s range and speed into the OF also? Plus that’ll give us some speed around the bags too and get near-regular ABs for Blanco (possibly lure some offers before the trade-deadline).

I just think it is a win-win situation for the team. As much as I have grown to prefer Matt, I just don’t see him as a regular LF. And that has very little to do with his current average or some sloppy plays in the LF. Maybe he will raise that average to 300+ given the time, but the defense will stay the same you guys. He IS decent, but not a whole lot of arm or range.

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this

I think we should reward Julio Franco for his 50th bday and bring him back for at least a few weeks!! He had alot of big hits for us, and had always been one of my favorite players.

Anyone else remember the famous “backwards” baseball card of Julio with the Rangers in the 90’s?? It showed him hitting left handed.

I think the idea of sitting Smotlz and Glavine for 2 weeks wouldnt be bad as long as we could play .500 ball without them. All i know is if we get the postseason, i want Smoltz healthy enough to pitch a deciding game!

Honestly as a long time Braves fan…nothing id like more than to see Smoltz make 1 more start in a game 7 in the playoffs!!

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

Kotsay needs to get more rest. He is playing well but why everyday? He should be getting a day or two off a week. Backs usually seem to flare up when you wear yourself out. Once the back acts up, it is hell getting rid of it.

Like ugabrave, I would also drop KJ down in the order. I would put Escobar at the leadoff spot and Kotsay at the 2 spot. KJ should hit seventh. KJ is not getting ahead in counts right now because pitchers are being aggressive with him because Escobar, Chipper, Tex, Frenchy and McCann are behind him. Maybe if he was dropped down, pitchers would pitch him less aggressively. That would work to the advantage of his immense patience. He’s too often finding himself behind in the count.

Overlord Why do you keep insisting that Frenchy should bat 5th against righties instead of McCann?

For his career against righties, Frenchy has a .264 AVG with a .300 OBP and a .431 SLG

For his career against righties, McCann has a .303 AVG with a .360 OBP and a .504 SLG.

It’s clear McCann should bat 5th against righties and that Frenchy should bat 5th against lefties.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 15, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this

The Yankees are having problems with their catchers.

Posada and Molina are trying to stay off the D.L. and they just called up Chad Moeller.

They just might be in the market for another backstop.

By ncscoots

April 15, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

It’s too early to make a determination on Diaz in LF. Yes, I know, cats and dogs living together, ncscoots defending Matt, LOL. But, if it becomes apparent later that a platoon is order, you certainly don’t want to pair a no-walk, no-power Diaz with a no-walk, no-power player such as Anderson. Or even Blanco, for that matter. Brandon Jones is the logical candidate, if he’s playing well at AAA, and only after Infante returns healthy.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

AdirondackDave I have not seen Barbaro catch but I would say his defense at first is average. Certainly not as good as Tex but far superior to Thorman. Chris Chambliss has been very impressed by his hitting.

Jersey Gil caused me first take notice of this guy. His downside is his age, who knows how old he really is but I think he would make an excellent right handed bat off the bench.

What I am most impressed with him about is he is not trying to pull the ball every time. he takes what the pitcher gives him and will hit to all fields but he does have power too.

My biggest disappointment this spring has been Brent Lillibridge. I want to know who screwed up his swing?

By nolie

April 15, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

but what i dont understand is why a manager that loves platooning so much, has not given the kid more playing time.Overlord

Bobby’s probably been reading this blog and got convinced over the winter that Matt should be the full-time LFer. Ah we reap what we sow I guess.

I’m not for a regular platoon but I do agree that he should be giving Blanco some more playing time. Maybe he will if we get a winning record going?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

scoots Besides money, What do the Yankees have to give in return?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

I am sad to report the retiring of the best basketball coach most of you have never heard of. Dave Robbins of Virginia Union Univ. This man has been a phenomenal leader on and off the court and will be sorely missed by those of us who follow basketball.

[coach Robbins]{http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-04-14-0207.html)

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

On Blanco…. By the time he gets to play, he will likely go 0-4… You just cannot ride the pine that long as a young player and not have it adversely affect your hitting eye.

That is why veterans are a better choice as bench players and pinch hitters.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

And oh by the way… The Times Dispatch is reporting that Buddy Carlyle has been called up to Atlanta…

By richbrave

April 15, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

GIL in Mechanicsville:

The 25th is NOT an exibition game. Its a photo op evidently.

Did you hear CANIZARES scoop out a low throw from TIMMONS game before last. Then throw the ball over the second baseman’s head the next inning for an error?

I have read a number of on-line accounts about the man. He is variously listed as 28 to 36, with 28 in the distinct minority. I think this is his draw-back and the visa issue problem.

I say who cares. If he can back-up 1b and catch adequately why keep his bat here.? He’s needed in Atlanta. BTW he got a double and single last night, double with two out in the ninth.

And of course who should follow but Josh ANDERSON with a sharp single, but CANIZARES ran too slowly to score from second.

By Alan

April 15, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

If he has a strained hamstring he’s done for at least two weeks. It would be lunacy to risk turning it into a tear or more serious strain.

By Jersey Gil

April 15, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Gil I was listen last night a live feed of the Games between Richmond/Iron Pig and they mention Buddy was called up, there was his turn last night instead Chucky James Pitch last night, he lost the Games 3-1.

By Efrim

April 15, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Tommy Hanson struck out 6 in 5 innings while walking one and giving up 3 hits. He didn’t allow a earned run which brings his season totals through 3 starts to:

16 IP 4 Hits allowed 0.00 ERA 26 K’s 4 BB’s 1-0 W-L Record

He should be in Atlanta by the end of next season considering he already got 60 innings at High A last year. If he grabs another 60 this year and gets a taste of Double A the second half of this season, he should find his way to the majors by mid season of 2009.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

hey shaun howd [Lofton] do in october? nevermind, i gotcha…

in 11 games he hit .279 with 2 doubles and a homer, stole two bases in three tries, and drove in 6 runs.

Yes, he had a good 11 games. Still doesn’t change the fact that after August 1st last season in 48 games and 138 plate appearances he had exactly 12 extra-base hits, 2 steals and was caught stealing 3 times.

I doubt he can keep up with the young whipper snappers for very long. His only skill at this point is his on-base ability. He can get on first base at a decent rate but he’s no longer the speedster he once was and the little power he had is now nonexistent.

I wouldn’t be opposed to signing Lofton to a minor league deal. But at this point he’s not worth a million dollars or two, not for a player with basically one useful skill.

By Jersey Gil

April 15, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Efrin again in the Games last night Richmond/Iron Pig the announcer also comment about Tommy Hanson, he say we better start looking are this kid, soon he will be in the AAA rotation.

By Braves20

April 15, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

The KJ situation bears watching. A .285 OBP is not lead-off material but last year it was more like .375 - about fourth best on the team.

It would be interesting to watch the dynamic of having Kotsey in the two hole and Kelly down at seven.

Knowing Cox, it will be awhile before he makes that move - probably the right decision this early in the season.

By Joe Sheehan

April 15, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

My biggest disappointment this spring has been Brent Lillibridge. I want to know who screwed up his swing?

Many fans blame me.

By McFann

April 15, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

It’s clear McCann should bat 5th against righties and that Frenchy should bat 5th against lefties. Braveheart

Very true. I think we cann safely assume that Bobby knows what he’s doing on that one.

; )

Tonight is another lefty the Braves will be facing! It seems our everyday lineup is the version used against lefties instead of the norm where the vs. righty lineup is the most common.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Braves20, through the first 12 games of last season Johnson wasn’t leadoff material either (.306 OBP, .150 AVG). Good thing the season is longer than 12 games.

By Braves20

April 15, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Shaun - Your 9:13 post. My point exactly.

By KC

April 15, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

PLEASE God let Glavine be ok to pitch Friday. We’ve got to win Friday to have any chance of winning the Dodgers series this weekend.

If Glavine can’t go on Friday, that would mean that Jeff Bennett and probably Buddy Carlyle will pitch on Friday and Saturday.

Don’t know if Bennett would pitch Friday or Saturday… but either way, we’re likely screwed on Saturday, as D.Lowe will be on the mound for the Dodgers.

Of course, there is one alternative scenario… If Glavine is about ready, they could easily have Bennett go on Friday, and pitch Glavine Saturday to give him an extra day.

That would be cool as it would pit Glavine against Lowe on Sat. and Hudson against Penny on Sunday.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

overlord what i dont understand is why a manager that loves platooning so much, has not given the kid more playing time.

if bobby platooned with blanco, it would be diaz sitting, not kotsay. kotsay and blanco are both left-handed. that doesnt fit into bobby platoon formula.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Braves20, oh, your point was it is way too early to assume Kelly Johnson is not “leadoff material”?

By ncscoots

April 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Gil, that would be Coach nattering about Yankee catchers, not I, LOL. Good to see your name, though. I’m hoping to get a chance to say hi when I swing through Richmond this summer. I’ll let you know.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

so who would the yankees trade us? id take arod for pena. he’d be a good bat off the bench. :-)

i think this is a good chance for us to get betemit or ensberg, hopefully ensberg. and say what you want about betemit, he would be better off the bench than the guys we have.

By N8

April 15, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

nolie

“I’m not for a regular platoon but I do agree that he should be giving Blanco some more playing time. Maybe he will if we get a winning record going?”

No malice or ripping intended here, but did it ever occur to you (or Bobby), that maybe we would start winning IF Diaz wasn’t out there everyday?

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I like your point in your 9:13. I’m not hitting the panic button on KJ. I think he will be a fine top of the order hitter. I also happen to agree that he will be a poor man’s Chase Utley. I think he and the lineup will be very strong with him at the top of the order.

However, I also think he and the lineup can be even stronger if he hits lower in the order. I think he will be pitched differently. I think he will provide McCann and Frenchy the protection they have rarely had. I don’t think KJ needs much protection because of his patience. My thinking is that he might be the type that is even better with less protection because of his patience. I also think Kotsay would be even better at the top of the order being fed fastballs he can drive.

I think there might be obviously be a resultant dropoff in OPS from KJ to Kotsay. I expect KJ to have a .830 OPS this season. I expect Kotsay to have a .750 or so OPS by the end of the season at the bottom of the order. If Kotsay is put at the top of the order, I think his OPS could be pushed to .770 to .800.

I dunno. Just wanted to make sure people did not think I am hitting the panic button on KJ. I just think what makes him so great for this lineup is that he can be either a run creator because of his OBP or a run producer because of his SLG no matter where he hits in the lineup.

I just happen to think that putting Kotsay up higher in the lineup might increase his OPS 20 to 30 points and dropping KJ lower in the order to protect McCann and Frenchy might increase McCann and Frenchy’s OPS 20 to 30 points and that KJ’s OPS itself might increase 20 to 30 points lower in the order.

My thinking is that the OPS dropoff caused by flip flopping Kotsay and KJ would be offset by a combined OPS increase from KJ, Kotsay, McCann, and Frenchy of 60-120 OPS points.

I dunno. Just thinking out loud and putting that out there for people to think about. Nothing is static about their numbers. Their stats are influenced so much be the dynamics of where and when they hit and how that causes changes in how they are pitched.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Braveheart I also happen to agree that he will be a poor man’s Chase Utley.

leave out “poor man’s” and youve nailed it. i think kelly will be just as good as utley. next year (2009) i think hes really gonna turn it on, and give him two years and he will be considered one of the best players in the league.

By Thrillhouse44

April 15, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I agree, Braveheart. How diesel would this team be with Kotsay, a natural #2 hitter, batting 2nd and a bat like KJ’s hitting 7th? That’s a luxury not many teams have.

By LM

April 15, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, I agree with you on KJ. I think he’s hit the nail on the head when he’s said (and you’ve mentioned as well) that pitchers are coming right at him and pitching him differently because they know what a selective hitter he is and threat he can be. It hasn’t showed yet, but I think he’s getting used to the pitchers giving him different pitches. He also said he has to be selective because of the situation and he doesn’t always want to kill the ball, he would rather put it in play and get on base.

He’s obviously getting frustrated and I think you might have a point in moving him down in the lineup sooner rather than later. Maybe try Escobar at leadoff because of his ablilty to get hits and because of him being unpredictable. I think they should try to put KJ in different spots in the lineup to see where he does best, but he’s proved he can be either type of hitter, even though not a true leadoff hitter. I think he’ll come around though, he can’t not hit the entire season or let’s hope not anyway. He’s too good of a hitter to not hit at all.

By richbrave

April 15, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Two bats ready to go. I was surprised that JOSH ANDERSON was not called up yesterday. Management is obviously not ready to call an end to the full-time status of MATT DIAZ. And really, I agree with that decision. This was an important ingrediant in the construction of this year’s team, and Matt has done too well the past two years to give up on him this soon. He’s pressing at the plate because he wants to show well and get the monkey off his back once and for all.

With a days rest, ANDERSON picked-up the stick and undeterred pounded out a 2-5 night including a single which plated Richmond’s only RBI. Another single with two out and one on second in the ninth should have plated another. A scorching line drive, the ball came in from the outfield too quickly for CANIZARES to score.

And CANIZARES is now again about .400 (15-37). Offensively, what a bat, but slow on the base-paths. Defensively he’s uneven. He can be both an asset and a liability. But if he hits well off the bench, he could be a real boost for BC’s offense. Too bad he’s not with an American League team.

And speaking to that point. Either both leagues should have the DH or not have it. But not as it is now. Its creating an imbalance between the two that needs to be rectified.

By AdirondackDave

April 15, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Gil — Thanks for the info on Canizares.

Pena for Betemit? Yup, I’d do that… I suppose also Ensberg but I’m not as familiar with him and Betemit’s versatility is a real asset. I think the Yanks have been also working him out at first. A bench player with a good attitude, a stick and who can play every infield position sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, I don’t think KJ is really a poor man’s Chase Utley. I think he’ll be the second most valuable second baseman in baseball behind Utley by season’s end and probably for the next few years, and I have a hard time calling that kind of player a poor man’s anything. In fact, he may be better than Utley in 3-5 more years for a couple of years. But I understand what you were saying.

I don’t know about moving KJ down and Kotsay up. I think you want KJ’s on-base ability (and other offensive abilities) high in the order so he comes up often and in front of the sluggers. I just don’t think Kotsay will get on base enough or slug enough to hit to be as valuable high in the order. I see Kotsay around .320-330 OBP/.400-.420 SLG at best.

By AdirondackDave

April 15, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Richbrave — Thanks for the info on Canizares and Anderson. Right on the button on the DH, it certainly isn’t fair or appropriate that one league uses it and the other doesn’t. Indicates what a weak Commissioner baseball has. Not since the Giamatti and Vincent years have we had a commissioner acting in “the best interest of baseball”. Now it’s the owners and their bottom line, forget everything else. I guess that’s an indication of just how great the game is, in spite of, not because of its leadership.

By flange1

April 15, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Excellent post on KJ. I think you might be right that the team would be better with Kots hitting second and KJ seventh. That would give a real strong group of hitters from 3-7 with Diaz a fairly strong hitter in the 8 hole.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

LM, putting it in play doesn’t necessarily equate to getting on base at the major league level. I think hitters should wait for a pitch they can nail and then nail it. Lay off of everything else unless there are two strikes. Weak or normal contact is basically worthless at most pro levels and especially at the major league level.

By Original Jon

April 15, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Bobby should really think about switching Kelly and Yunel in the batting order. That would change the way pitchers pitch to him because he would have Chipper batting behind him. And Personally, I think Yunel is a better leadoff hitter than Kelly. At this point in the season, Yunels OBP is much higher than Kelly’s

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 15, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Matt Diaz has 13 strikeouts and 0 walks.

Wilson Betemit is on the D.L.

Barbaro Canizares doesn’t catch anymore, he can hit(current AVG is .405) but his defense is atrocious.

Josh Anderson has 4 stolen bases, he is hitting .364 with an OBP of .391

The entire Braves roster has 3 stolen bases.

Tyler Yates has an ERA of 1.00

Willy Aybar is hitting .294

Happy Happy, Joy Joy !!!!!

By DAP

April 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

shaun right on about about kelly.

kelly johnson will be batting third for the braves when chipper etires…maybe next year, if we dont get a cleanup hitter. kelly could hit third and we could bat chipper cleanup. kelly’s gonna be a good one.

By Carroll Rogers

April 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Richmond Braves confirmed Buddy Carlyle is on his way to Miami to join the Braves. Braves PR tells me an official roster move has not been made, but I would imagine one is pending. Carlyle could be going to be there as backup plan, just in case they decide to disable Glavine, but I doubt the Braves would interrupt his start last night (he was scheduled to start in Richmond) if they weren’t going to put him to work.

So it’s either for Glavine - though Glavine didn’t know that was coming yesterday - or for a fifth starter’s spot. Perhaps Carlyle would be available in the bullpen for the next day or so then make a start on the weekend vs. LA. We will have to see. DOB will keep you posted from Florida.

By AGTfan

April 15, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I guess that’s an indication of just how great the game is, in spite of, not because of its leadership.

Right on! Not since the Giamatti and Vincent years have we had a commissioner acting in “the best interest of baseball”. I couldn’t agree more. As much as I HATE the DL, I’d rather see it adopted in the NL, than continue the disparity. I’d really prefer to see the DL done away with once and for all and both leagues return to playing “real baseball”.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

KJ will post better on-base and slugging percentages and have a higher homer rate than Kotsay. So, over the course of the season, having KJ and Kotsay switch will mean a few less baserunners and probably a few less runners in scoring position and a few less homers in front of Chipper, Teixeira, etc.

By Lew

April 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Gil In Mechanicsville-I was not overly impressed with Lillibridge’s hitting or plate approach this spring, either. I really wonder if he is as good a hitter as many have thought he was to this point. Time, I suppose, will tell.

Efrim-At the rate we’re losing pitchers right now, do you really think we’ll wait until next year to see Hanson in Atlanta? I see him moving up a level in the next week or two if he continues outclassing A ball like he has. Maybe he will end up in the land of numerous streets with Peachtree in their name before much longer. Have you ever heard where Rohrbaugh is and how he’s doing?

Now Diaz-All last season, all throughout the winter, all we heard here in MIB/BBQ land was how Diaz had definitely earned the right to play on a daily basis. These bloggers yammered incessantly about how he was a great hitter and how he had radically improved his defense. He had EARNED the right to play every day.

Now despite these outcries of how Bobby relies on a platoon system WAY too much, some of us sat here and told y’all that since the Diaz/whomever platoon had performed so well and that Matt had indeed earned the epithet “Magellan” for his adventures in left field, we were shouted down and so many were thrilled when BC went with Matty as the everyday starter in left.

Now here we are less than two weeks into the season and the hue and cry is to platoon him with a totally untried rookie. Even worse, is the outcry to go get Kenny Lofton.

Y’all-WTF????????????? Need I ask if so many here have lost their flipping minds (Kenny Lofton)? Need I say “I told you so”?

Twelve games is hardly more than a random sample. Maybe he really has earned the shot to play everyday. Maybe not (I personally liked the platoon system-why experiment when you already have success?). However, let’s give the guy a bit more than a two week opportunity to succeed after so many clamored for his chance to begin with.

By LM

April 15, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I see what you’re saying and I agree.

By Workinlkeadawg

April 15, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Tommy isn’t the one to worry about. The guy has mental toughness and composure that’s infinite. Hampton is probably one of the big reasons the Braves didn’t make the playoffs the last 2 yrs. Is there anyway the Braves can download this money wasting, zero discomfort tolerant waste of a P’s slot?

By cricket

April 15, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Being a baseball manager, you just can’t satisfy everyone. I remember last season (and many seasons before that) people ripping Bobby Cox for being too platoon-happy and many denizens questioning his baseball intellect for not letting Diaz play everyday. Now Bobby is questioned for letting Diaz play everyday !! I wish I could experience the exalted feeling of being perfectly assured of my own superior knowledge of baseball, compared to the people who spend their lives in the business and do it for living.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Coach Have you seen Barbaro play or are you going on hearsay?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 15, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Scoots Give me a heads up when you are planning on coming and I will make it happen…

Lew Lillibridge looks completely different from last year. Not in the field but at the plate. Maybe everybody is throwing him “sliders”… I think young players go through spells like this. Time to call somebody’s dad I guess….

By DAP

April 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Oringinal Jon Bobby should really think about switching Kelly and Yunel in the batting order. That would change the way pitchers pitch to him because he would have Chipper batting behind him.

how? pitchers are already going right after kelly, throwing strikes early in the count and trying to get ahead. how is this different than how they would pitch him if he was hitting in front of chipper.

kelly johnson can hit anywhere in the order, but he isnt right for the 2-hole. KEEP HIM AWAY FROM #2!!!

i like johnson leadoff, but if we need to move him, i think its a good idea to put him 7th, which is a spot without as much pressure on it. he would likely walk more down there, because THATS where pitchers would pitch him different. and he’d be in a good spot to drive in mac or frenchy, or pick them up if they fail to get a hit.

so id say right now kelly belongs batting 1st or 7th, but DEFINITELY not 2nd.

By ernesto

April 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

What’s up with Buddy’s 7.04 ERA in RICHMOND? Somebody who’s been following the R-Braves please tell me this is a misleading stat. Please.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

One reason why I called KJ a poor man’s Chase Utley is the same reason Jimmy Key was once called a poor man’s Greg Maddux. Key, like KJ now, was darn good. But Key was never close to being as good as Maddux and I don’t think KJ will ever be as good as Utley has been the last few years.

Utley and KJ are different hitters. KJ draws walks once every 7.5 plate appearances. Utley draws a walk once every 10 or 11 plate appearances. Utley is more of a pure hitter. Utley can match KJ in OBP because he is a great hitter who can hit for a high average. Utley’s AVG makes up in OBP what he gives up in walks to KJ. Being a good hitter and having a higher AVG also enables Utley to gain 30 to 50 points on Kelly in SLG just based on base hits alone. When you account for the extra base hits added, his SLG will always be 50-70 points higher than KJ. That’s why I think KJ will always be a poor man’s Utley much the same way Jimmy Key was a poor man’s Greg Maddux.

It could also be argued that KJ is a rich man’s version of Mark Bellhorn. They both have similar approaches at the plate. They both take lots of pitches and take walks and strike out alot as a result and drive balls for extra base hits. KJ is a better hitter than Bellhorn however because he does not strike out even close to the rate Bellhorn whiffed. That is why Bellhorn at his best was nothing more than a poor man’s KJ. If you look at Bellhorn’s 2002 season with the Cubs and his 2004 season with the Red Sox, you can see alot of KJ in his numbers.

I just think when it is said and done, KJ will end up being a slightly better version of Todd Walker. There’s no shame in that. Look at how much trade demand there was for KJ. Look at how Billy Beane and Theo Epstein both obtained Walker and Bellhorn. The same reasons those two wanted Walker and Bellhorn are the same reasons KJ was the most sought after Brave this past offseason. KJ is a rich man’s Todd Walker, a very rich man’s Mark Bellhorn, and a poor man’s Chase Utley. There is no shame in that.

By Scuba-Steve

April 15, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Will everybody give Diaz and Bobby a break!!!!!! I mean come on! I guess we should go ahead and bring Thorman up to replace Texiera as well…Diaz has come through in a few key situations and has two more RBI’s than Texiera…his strikeouts are a concern but he will get though that.

By Efrim

April 15, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Lew

I see Hanson getting at least another 5 starts at Myrtle Beach. If he keeps the current trend going, yes, I think they will bump him up to Double A. He won’t be in Atlanta this year though. Braves push their prospects more than any other org., but that would be a little rash on our part.

Rohrbough has had Biceps Tendinitis and hasn’t pitched yet. I believe they expect him to be ready by end of April. He’ll report to High A Myrtle Beach when ready. I have heard many different opinions on what the kid’s problem is. Biceps tendinitis, Elbow infalmmation, sore shoulder. It isn’t all of the above, but it’s one of those. Anyway, all I know is they targeted late April. Not sure if that is still the timetable.

DOB or Carroll, have either of you heard anything from the Braves higher ups about Rohrbough’s status?

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 15, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

I’m hoping they send Bennett down and let Campillo take the role of long relief/spot starter if needed for the time being. Cox has been riding Bennett hard: 13.7 IP in 6 games, with the first 3 coming in 4 days of each other, and the last 3 coming in 5 days of each other.

Let Bennett get some rest and regain his control in the minors — 5 walks (9 total) in his last 4.2 IP.

By Steve-O

April 15, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Carlyle has made two starts in Richmond, going 0-0 with a 7.04 ERA.

Gee, that’s encouraging…..

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart because to me, frenchy is a much better RBI man than McCann, AVG and stuff could say one thing, but go check on RBI against lefties and righties and whatever (i have not done it) and im pretty sure, jeff will come on top.

nolie i was not referring to matt precisely, but to kotsay or both…. i meant the kid could get some playing time now that matt and kotsay are not really hot.

DAP it wouldnt be a lefty righty platooning, thats not what i meant, but just some playing time for blanco.

I would also give more playing time to prado, everybody is getting hurt, KJ is not 100%, why not give prado a start like twice a week, or 1 every 5th game, not the same game brian rests of course.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, your argument seems to assume that their career paths remain parallel for the remainder of their careers, which is not likely to be true.

Utley is three years older than Johnson. Utley is likely just starting the decline phase of his career while Johnson is just starting the peak phase of his. I think next season or the season after Johnson has a good chance to be as good or better than Utley. (Of course, it’s possible a lot of people won’t notice because Utley will play half his games in Citizens Bank Park.)

By David O'Brien

April 15, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Just got checked into my hotel down here in Florida. I’m going to the beach for a few hours….

(kidding, folks, kidding. Getting to work on a new blog)

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I’m sure the Braves are pleased that Scott Olsen is on the mound tonight:

Career vs. Atlanta: 1-4 (7 starts), 8.54 ERA, 1.99 WHIP in 32.2 IP.

Kelly: .200, 1 hr, 1 rbi, 3 k (10 AB) Escobar: .200, 0 hr, 0 rbi, 0 k (5 Chipper: .615, 2 hr, 11 rbi, 3 k (13 AB) McCann: .385, 2 hr, 5 rbi, 2 k (13 AB) Frenchy: .278, 1 hr, 5 rbi, 4 k (18 AB) Diaz: .467, 3 hr, 4 rbi, 3 k (15 AB)

By flange1

April 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Daybed,

While I like Bennett in the long role, I have a feeling the Buddy C. move is going to include someone other that Glavine going on the DL.

I hope it is not Smoltz to the DL or Bennett to Richmond, but it is a trade/release of Ring/Resop.

How about this for a trade:

To the Yankees Resop, Ring, Dan Smith, B. Pena to the Braves: Farnsworth, Ensberg

Wishful thinking on my part….

By chuckw/deadjournalist

April 15, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Maybe it’s been covered, but unless Glavine is hurt a little worse than it sounds, I wonder if Bennett, he of options, won’t be the one heading down to stretch out his arm.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 15, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

I’m sure the Braves are pleased that Scott Olsen is on the mound tonight:

Career vs. Atlanta: 1-4 (7 starts), 8.54 ERA, 1.99 WHIP in 32.2 IP.

Kelly: .200, 1 hr, 1 rbi, 3 k (10 AB) Escobar: .200, 0 hr, 0 rbi, 0 k (5 AB) Chipper: .615, 2 hr, 11 rbi, 3 k (13 AB) Tex: .333, 0 hr, 0 rbi, 1 k (3 AB) McCann: .385, 2 hr, 5 rbi, 2 k (13 AB) Frenchy: .278, 1 hr, 5 rbi, 4 k (18 AB) Diaz: .467, 3 hr, 4 rbi, 3 k (15 AB) Kostay: 0 AB

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I can see why people think KJ is the next Utley. I hope he is myself. I just don’t think KJ in his prime will be as good as Utley was/is in his prime. I understand your point about Utley being in decline 4 or 5 years from now. We can’t ever know that for sure these days, however. Look at Jeff Kent. He was far better throughout his thirties than he ever was in twenties.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

lets hope they see olsen well again tonight, and jair some early run support. if we can get into that marlin bullpen by the 5th, its all over.

By KC

April 15, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Not Buddy Carlyle!!!!!!

If Glavine can’t go this weekend, I would much rather see Campillo (who threw extremely well the other night), or even JoJo Reyes (who is inconsistent but talented) make the start. ANYONE but Buddy Carlyle PLEASE GOD!!!!!

I know he has plenty of experience starting for the Braves. But that’s just it… we already KNOW he sucks. Give someone else a chance. I’d rather roll the dice than to nearly guarantee a loss.

By Steve-O

April 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Want to say it again Dave?

By Carroll Rogers

April 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

efrim, when i spoke to kurt kemp a week or so ago about rohrbough it was biceps tendinitis and he would head out when he’s ready in a few weeks. i think there’s a chance they’ll give him a few starts maybe in rome but he’ll end up in myrtle beach. we’ll see how they play it.

By Steve-O

April 15, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Want to say it again Dave?

By McFann

April 15, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

go check on RBI against lefties and righties and whatever…and im pretty sure, jeff will come on top. Overlord

Yeah, considering Francoeur has more RBI in his career than McCann does, but here you go:

Jeff Francoeur

vs. RHP: 1206 PA, 172 RBI (.264 AVG, .300 OBP, .431 SLG)

vs. LHP: 502 PA, 93 RBI (.320 AVG, .363 OBP, .551 SLG)

Brain McCann

vs. RHP: 938 PA, 158 RBI (.303 AVG, .360 OBP .504 SLG)

vs LHP 357 PA, 58 RBI (.280 AVG .331 OBP .475 SLG)

So, the flip-flopping seems to be the best idea. (Did you notice that McCann’s AVG, OBP, and SLG against lefties are better than Francoeur’s against righties. But I understand, you’re looking for RBI.)

By JimD

April 15, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

flange I think we have had our bait of Farnesworth here in the ATL. And Pena for Ensworth would be a wash to me without throwing in all those other players. NOW … if we could get Ensworth for Resop and Ring, then I would be all for it! But that ain’t gonna happen. Cashman is not an idiot.

By McFann

April 15, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

McCann: .385, 2 hr, 5 rbi, 2 k (13 AB) Frenchy: .278, 1 hr, 5 rbi, 4 k (18 AB) Daybed

Scott’s an LHP, BTW. Can’t wait! The whole team has great numbers against him, it looks like! (Not counting Kotsay.)

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Here are their numbers with RISP:

Frenchy: .336 AVG, .383 OBP, .543 SLG, .926 OPS with 204 RBIs in 483 plate appearances. THat’s an RBI every 2.37 plate appearances w/RISP

McCann: .295 AVG, .382 OBP, .549 SLG, .931 OPS with 167 RBIs in 376 plate appearances. That’s an RBI every 2.25 plate appearances

If you take those numbers and then consider their righty/lefty splits, Frenchy is better hitting 5th against righties and McCann is better hitting 5th against lefties.

By KC

April 15, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Carlyle was shelled late last year.

He was shelled in the spring.

He’s been shelled in 2 starts at Richmond.

He is a junk dealer with inconsistent control, which means there’s little chance of his ever making significant strides.

Yet, for some reason, BC apparently thinks he can help this team.

WHY????

By N8 (Coach is still ignoring me)

April 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Coach

Your 11:02 is DEAD ON.

But the homers will reply back that “everything will be alright…..it’s still early”.

Then in August, they will still be saying the same thing, while scratching their head wondering WHERE it all went wrong.

Lew

Rag on me, for the Kenny Lofton reference all you want. I was one that LAST YEAR thought Diaz should play everyday, because he was scalding the ball on a daily basis. Defense be damned, we were going with the “all offense to make up for our lack of pitching” theory.

Why else would we acquire Tex when we were already a great offense without him (as many have stated numerous times)? Add to that, it was OBVIOUS to everybody other than Bobby Cox, that the clock had struck midnight on Willie Harris’ season in about mid-July.

When will you figure out that, all I want is for Bobby to play the best lineup of the CURRENT 25 man roster, based on recent results?

Matt Diaz, hasn’t been hitting like he was last year (yet). His defense looks WORSE than it did at ANY point last year, (no matter how many times DOB says it’s improved - maybe it has, but he’s done NOTHING to show that to me early on).

So if 1+1=2. Then Diaz + Weak Defense = Blanco or Anderson getting some time in LF, right? I mean, if we’re NOT gonna get stellar hitting from Matt Diaz out in LF, please tell me that you don’t disagree that we should put a defender out there that can help us defensively and or on the base paths?

Worst case scenario for Diaz, is Bobby goes to a platoon UNTIL Diaz starts pounding the ball.

This is the third time I’ve stated this, (yet everybody keeps acting like I’m saying Diaz’s offense is the problem), that if Gregor Blanco is not gonna get regular playing time in the OF (whether it’s spot starting for both Diaz and Kotsay or a straight platoon with Diaz), him being on the 25 man roster is silly. We would have been better off keeping Javy Lopez. At least he would occasionally hit a mistake pitch for a HR.

NOTHING can be expected of Blanco, if he’s not getting AB’s on a regular basis. Which bears the question of why he’s up in the first place.

Is it for his 5 plate appearances in the 7 games he’s played out of the 12 games that the Braves have played? For the record, the Braves are 1-6 in games he’s appeared in, so he is PURELY a mop-up guy right now.

Talk about Cox utilizing the 25 man roster to his 5-7 team’s advantage, huh?

Bobby does know that ALL 25 guys are allowed to play and contribute to the team, right? Or did Selig make a new rule that says only 24 guys can participate?

As for Lofton, Lew? If you read my post to Carroll last night, you’ll notice where I stated my “rant” had LESS to do with actually wanting Lofton, as much as we need a VETERAN on the bench. And with the way the team is currently constructed, we could use a LH, 4th outfielder on our bench. Lofton just happens to be available, thus the “mention”.

The reason I went “OFF” with my Lofton stats last night, was because everybody wants to point out Loftons character flaws, and that he would NEVER be seen in a Braves (Bobby) club-house again. I just wanted to point out how GOOD the team was when he played in 1997, and how bad (under .500), in the 40 games he missed, in 1997.

So character issues or not, the TEAM ON THE FIELD did not suffer by his presence in 1997. In fact they shined, while he was in the lineup. I think the guy’s a pompous jerk, from what I’ve read, and heard about him.

But who cares? I don’t have to interview him or ride on a plane with him.

DOB, ask Chipper if he would rather have Kenny Lofton or Chris Woodward as his “veteran” off the bench? That should pretty much sum it up right there.

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

When I asked Santana after the game if he had ever gotten that type of reaction from Minnesota fans, he calmly offered this honest answer: “If they boo, that’s fine. That’s the history they got from not being so good, I guess.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, true. You never know. My point is KJ has a good shot at being better than Utley maybe as soon as next season and through perhaps 2011 or 2012 or beyond, if we expect both players to age as a typical player ages.

As far as which player is better at their peaks, it may be closer than you think. We’ll see because KJ is probably still has two or three peak years left while Utley may only have one if any.

Looks like through a similar point in their careers it’s fairly close:

Utley through 982 PA - .274/.344/.481

KJ through 981 PA - .264/.357/.432

(I had to do 982 PA for Utley because I couldn’t stop mid-game with Baseball Reference.)

If we take ballpark into account, it’s probably even closer than it looks. So KJ could end up being just as good or better. Of course, as I say, his numbers may not look as good because he won’t play half his games in the type of park in which Utley played his home games.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

KC, the Braves were 11-9 last year when Buddy started. You know what you’ll get out of him. An ERA of 5 or so on a team that scores 5 runs a game doesn’t guarantee a loss. You are guaranteed a record of .500 or slightly higher when you consider that the bullpen themselves should pitch 3 innings at least in a Buddy start and have an ERA under 5.00. You never know with this bullpen this year. They have been more of a blowpen thus far.

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones is on a pace of hitting 250 hits if he plays 150 and keeps current pace.

That would put him tie for 6th alltime.

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Black players drop to 8.2 percent of major leaguers WHO CARES! Can you blame baseball for not wanting the problems that hip hop led idiots will bring? Who wants a Pac Man Jones…someone dumb enough to take 80 grand and “make it rain on them hos” when in reality the strippers pimp told them to pick up the money and keep it, and ended up being a gun fight because of it. Not to mention a innocent person is now paralyzed because of this idiots actions of trying to show off.

The last thing MLB needs is more young rich idiots like Lasting Millidge trying to make rap albums degrading women and bragging about what they supposidly got.

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Chippers highest total ever… 189 in 2001.

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Chippers highest total ever… 189 in 159 games in 2001 .

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Since Francoeur had more RBI last season (even per AB), should he be batting ahead of Chipper? Isn’t it kind of silly to determine batting position by RBI?

By BossLady

April 15, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Hey, you got here just in time. They are gonna call up Kenny Lofton, fire Bobby Cox, Switch Yunel & Kelly also sit down Diaz.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

N8, do you think Kenny Lofton will settle for sitting behind Mark Kotsay? I don’t think so at all. He couldn’t stand sitting on the bench behind Bernie Williams a few years ago.

By Shaun

April 15, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz has 13 strikeouts and 0 walks.

Josh Anderson has 4 stolen bases, he is hitting .364 with an OBP of .391

The entire Braves roster has 3 stolen bases.

Tyler Yates has an ERA of 1.00

Willy Aybar is hitting .294

Happy Happy, Joy Joy !!!!!

Someone save this post and re-post it in mid-September.

By KC

April 15, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: Most of those wins came during a successful stretch he had not long after being called up. But the clock struck midnight.

Carylye’s August/September ERA was 6.75.

And he hasn’t looked any better, either this spring, or at Richmond.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Shaun, that’s a really good point about Utley and KJ through similar ages and ballpark effect.

By Original Jon

April 15, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

DAP Ok, Maybe not bat Kelly 2nd, how bout Kotsay 2nd?

By AGTfan

April 15, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79

You are an embarassment to all Braves Fans.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

overlord thats interesting…can you cite your source?

By KC

April 15, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: To follow up on my last post…

By saying you “know what you’re going to get out of him”, with that being a 5.00 ERA… you’re suggesting that we can be confident that he’ll allow no more than 3 runs through 5 innings.

We cannot be confident of that at all.

His ERA was close to 7.00 over the last couple months of last year, and that’s about what he’s been doing at Richmond.

I think we can expect something close to what we saw from Mark Redman in a Braves uniform.

By Efrim

April 15, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79

Get off this blog. You sicken me.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Since Francoeur had more RBI last season (even per AB), should he be batting ahead of Chipper? Isn’t it kind of silly to determine batting position by RBI?

Shaun, it is silly but that’s why I put up the RISP OPS splits and their lefty/righty OPS splits. Provided the same opportunities, it seems a smarter bet to have Francoeur 5th and McCann 6th against lefties and vice versa against righties.

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

AGTfan: why dont u take off your little pink polo shirt your mom bought for you and come to Bowen Homes with me one day when im working. Then you’ll see what that culture and mindset is all about.
I didnt say anything racist, i just stated the obvious truth. Your a idiot.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79 i dont think thats fair. there are plenty of black players in every sport who are great role models and great citizens. and, there are plenty of white guys in baseball and other sports who beat people up and get DUIs ect. id like to eliminate bad people from baseball altogether, not just bad black people.

i dont think its a tragedy that more black kids dont want to play baseball, because people make their own choices on what they want to do. but why DONT more black kids choose baseball?

By KC

April 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: Don’t mean to beat a dead horse, but I wanted to point out one more thing…

If Carlyle starts, it will likely be Saturday against D.Lowe.

We’re not likely to score enough against Lowe to cover for Carlyle’s inadequacies.

Roll the dice, and give someone else a shot. Carlyle gives us 85% odds of losing against Lowe, in my opinion.

By DonCoburleone

April 15, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Here we are barely in mid April and we already need Buddy Carlyle… OUCH. Hopefully he can come in like he did last season and do good right out of the gate (cuz he didn’t start struggling until like his 4th or 5th start last year). One thing is for sure though, the Braves MUST take 2 of 3 (or sweep) the Dodgers this weekend; living in So Cal surrounded by Dodger fans I need the bragging rights!

By Chop Chop

April 15, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79,

I’ve got three words for ya (feel free to join in, bloggers):

Your and idiot.

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

DAP do you mean source on chippers numbers?

myself, a calculator and www.baseball-reference.com

By Philliesuk

April 15, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Getting Lofton would be a horrendous idea. The chemistry in 97 was terrible when we had Lofton. I guess I’m one of those old-school guys who thinks chemistry on a team is a big deal - look no further than the Rockies in 07. But please, no Lofton. Kenny Lofton and JD Drew are my least favorite Braves of all time.

I have a better solution: Josh Anderson. Probably faster than Lofton at this point, and I doubt he would be a cancer in the clubhouse.

By Billy (TBFnB)

April 15, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79,

Put this in context for you…If DOB wrote what you wrote…He would be fired and never work as a journalist agian.

Do me a favor and look up racist and stereotype and then try and defend your comments as anything but…

Some opinions should be kept to yourself. That was probably one of them.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

KC Those are good points about Carlyle at the end of last season and in the spring and at Richmond. The D. Lowe point was real good too. I guess the hope would be that Carlyle throws 5, gives up 3, D. Lowe goes 7, gives up 3, the Braves pen pitches 4, gives up 2, and the Dodgers pen pitches 2 and gives up 1. Would be yet another one run loss but he keeps his team in the game over the first 5 and you never know how it plays out over the last 4 innings.

By N8 (Coach is still ignoring me)

April 15, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

More than likely Lofton (as I’ve said a BUNCH of times now - ANY veteran LH 4th outfielder that can come off the bench effectively), would NOT like to play “behind” anybody.

But if he would rather sit at home and NOT PLAY AT ALL, then he must be as big of an azz as Carroll says he is.

For the UMPTEENTH time I’M NOT DEMANDING WE SIGN KENNY LOFTON!!!!

IMO, Bobby needs to do 1 of 2 things:

1) Play Blanco more often, since he is young and more than likely is being “wasted” to rot away on the bench, by never playing - yet being expected to produce with 5 AB’s every 12 games.

or

2) Sign a veteran OF (or hell…Bring up Borchard - who probably doesn’t play much better defense than Diaz - while he’s hitting well), to come off the bench. Veterans seem to do better when NOT given regular AB’s.

Do you disagree?

Shaun

“Someone save this post and re-post it in mid-September.”

Uh…. I vote for YOU to do that, since it’s your idea. LOL!

Also, you said:

“Since Francoeur had more RBI last season (even per AB), should he be batting ahead of Chipper? Isn’t it kind of silly to determine batting position by RBI?”

That’s a silly question. The number 3 spot in the order is often reserved for the BEST hitter (power, average…..OVERALL), on the team.

NOBODY in their right mind, would argue that when healthy Chipper is not only the best hitter on the CURRENT 25 man roster, he is likely the best hitter we’ve had in Atlanta since the 14 year playoff run began.

You want a guy in the 3-hole that can not only drive guys in that hit ahead of him, but can also get on base for the guys that hit behind him to drive in.

Once you get beyond the clean-up spot (which is usually designated for the best POWER hitter on the team - yet I’ve contended that it should be for the 2nd best hitter - that ISN’T a lead-off type hitter), THEN you should determine batting order, based on batting average with RISP. Which Francoeur has been very good at.

Unless a manager wants to put another “leadoff” type hitter (like a KJ) in the 5 hole. Since he would be capable of driving in Tex and Chipper ahead of him, AND starting rallies since he’s capable of being a leadoff hitter as well.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

The last thing MLB needs is more young rich idiots like Lasting Millidge trying to make rap albums degrading women and bragging about what they supposidly got.

Yeah, what MLB needs are more Scott Spezios and Tony Larussas.

By GeorgetownKid

April 15, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

KC I agree. It would be better to try an unproven youngster and hope for lightning to strike than to go with Carlyle, who is a VERY safe bet to lose, especially against Lowe, off whom we would be fortunate to score more than 3-4 runs.

By Overlord

April 15, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Sorry DAP i guess you were talking about the Santana article about him getting booed at Shea. IT was a foxsports article. Here is the link

By KC

April 15, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Don C: “Here we are barely in mid April and we already need Buddy Carlyle… OUCH.”

Hopefully not. Let’s see what happens with Glavine this weekend.

As soon as Chuck James gets a couple of Richmond starts under his belt, he’ll be ready to help if Hampton’s still out.

Chuck had only thrown a couple of innings at Richmond after coming back from the shoulder trouble, and just wasn’t ready last week. He is a flawed pitcher, but he’s much better than that.

Hopefully JoJo Reyes can soon show enough consistent control to leapfrog Carlyle in the pecking order too.

By Braveheart

April 15, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

If you take those numbers and then consider their righty/lefty splits, Frenchy is better hitting 5th against righties and McCann is better hitting 5th against lefties.

obviously, i meant the other way around in that sentence.

By KC

April 15, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: The odds will be against us with Carlyle, but anything can happen I suppose.

I just hope (if Glavine can’t go) that Bennett is sharp on Friday. A win in game-1 would mean that even if we lose game-2, we send Huddy to the mound Sunday with a chance to win the series.

By beachcomber

April 15, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Ahhh back from a not so pleasant visit to a medical facility and catching up on the blog. I am beginning to appreciate what Bobby Cox went through with his knees.

Don C. - Your 1:41 is spot on. We had all hoped maybe Buddy could be used in some meaningless Sept. games after we clinched.

Gil - Thanks as always for keeping us up to date on Richmond doings. Appreciate it more than you know.

Braves20 - Learned long ago that you can’t reason with an a*****. Don’t even try.

By Original Jon

April 15, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop You should probably double check what you write before making yourself look like an idiot by telling someone: Your and idiot. Which I suppose you meant: You’re an idiot.

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

So a black man can go on nation tv and say something about white pple “when a white players on the court we black players know we can dominate him” (Charles Barkley) on TNT.

and NO ONE says anything to him about it? Because hes black!??
Yet i come on a blog and say something and get attacked? Yes theres plenty of good blacks out there. But unfortantly because of the hip hop culture (they value money and greed over everything else) there making society go downhill.
Dont tell me music dosent influence little kids, its not jesus loves me i hear the little kids singing in the streets!!

Look fact is…theres bad pple of all races, in metro Atlanta and New Orleans most of the bad cats ive met happen to be black. Call me racist, but i wasnt the one that put the gun to their head and tried to rob them. No i HAVE values and do whats RIGHT instead of having to take advantage of others in life to get by! If that makes me a looser than so be it, but if you were walking in a dark alley youd shure want me by your side.

I guess im just a idiot that dosent know what hes talking about, thats why everyone is just dying to move to Clayton county and Dekalb huh??

By N8 (Coach is still ignoring me)

April 15, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

“Yeah, what MLB needs are more Scott Spezios and Tony Larussas.”

VERY well said. Also, let’s not forget that the ultimate “good guy” Bobby Cox had an incident in the spring of 1995.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

original jon batting kotsay 2nd is ok with me. thanx for checking first! :-)

thanx, overlord

By Sir Stealth

April 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Bravesfan79, yes, you are a racist. No one wants to talk to you. Hopefully you are just an annoying troll - but the fact that you have Braves fan in your name makes it that much more annoying. We would all be better off without you. Just shut up and go away.

By JasonInMaine

April 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Roster Question: If a player gets suspended, is he still on the active roster taking up a spot or can the team call someone up?

By David O'Brien

April 15, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

new BLOGGAGE IS UPPAGE

By Chop Chop

April 15, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Your right, Original Jon. You got me. I’m and idiot for that one.

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

DAP: I agree man, i miss the days of Strawberry and all the great players i watched in the 80s and 90’s.
As someone who played college basketball and soccer i think most young american blacks are into basketball and football, while most african blacks are more into soccer and could care less about basketball.
I think the real reason is because its hard to play baseball by yourself, or just with a couple of friends, unlike basketball.

yall trip me out, sucks im “and” idiot …. lol..

By AGTfan

April 15, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I said I think Bravesfan79 is an embaressment to Braves fans. Let me amend that. He’s an embaressment to the human race.

I suggest we ignore Bravesfan79 and hope he goes away. Let’s talk about baseball.

By DCbrave

April 15, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Have we exhausted our so-called pitching depth already two weeks into the season by bringing up a pitcher with an ERA of 7.04? Or the Braves just never had a decent depth in pitching in the first place? Is this not Deja vu? We need Glavine back quick.

By DAP

April 15, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

original jon You should probably double check what you write before making yourself look like an idiot by telling someone: Your and idiot. Which I suppose you meant: You’re an idiot.

i wish i didnt have to say it to you, original jon, but your and idiot.

you wont always be and idiot. your smart enough to catch on.

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Drugs can hurt anyone, Ken Caminiti, Strawberry, Doc Gooden, and Spezio are great examples of that. Ive seen enough addicts in person to know its a sad state to be in.

Im not talking about addictions, im talking about choices people make and their value system. Ive seen women get the CRAP beat out of them before while working apts off Clevland Ave, those women WISH it had just been a one time thing like supposidly what Larussa or Cox did!

Common rappers arent afraid to talk on their records about smackin a ho or putting them “in their place” why should i be afraid to critize them on a blog when were talking about race? You have any idea how many more black men ive met that thought it was ok to beat women than white guys!? And its because of their society, their mentality.

If im so wrong then how why did a BLACK sportswriter write a article about how the best NFL teams had more white players than most other teams…(Colts and Patriots) and that teams were sacrificing 40 yard dash times for white players that might be a little slower, but work harder and played smarter!

Its because of the Hip Hop culture and that “all about me” attitude!** I was so proud that someone had the balls in the national media to stand up for the truth!

By Bravesfan79

April 15, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Sir Stealth: It might help if u took the stick out your a$$$ You got it in there pretty good obviously buddy.

Yes…clearly any white man that says anything nagative about black culture is an “embaressment to the human race” i guess you can add Bill Cosby and that Atlanta Judge and anyone else thats been affected by violent crime to that list as well!

By Sir Stealth

April 15, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

I’ve never been prouder to be told that I have a stick up my a$$

By mark

April 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

This team each day looks forgetable after so much promise in the spring…Things need to turn around soon , I am reminded of last year already too often ..look at the 1 run games and bull pen is a mess at best.

By jimelyyes

May 2, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.

By jimelyyes

May 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.