AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThis. Trip. Must. End.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — The only perfect ending for this Braves road trip would be a three-game series on the Seventh Ring of Hell. Though Dolphin Stadium is close enough.
This three-city debacle of a road trip will end tonight, barring natural disaster. When it’s over, the Braves will have lost either six or seven of nine games since leaving Atlanta, including (at least) four one-run losses.
But that’s just the start of what’s made this trip one the Braves won’t soon forget (without therapy).
Catch your breath. Now here we go.
Since leaving Atlanta the Braves:
— Placed their two best relievers on the DL with elbow injuries.
— Lost their top prospect to a 50-game suspension for HGH.
— Watched Tom Glavine limp off the field with a first-inning hamstring injury.
— Learned that Braves legend Hank Aaron’s mother died last week.
— And Braves Hall of Famer Tommy Holmes died Monday.
— Brought up Chuck James, then sent him back to Triple-A 15 hours later after he lasted three erratic, hard-to-watch innings in one start.
— Had one game snowed out and another delayed 90 minutes by rain.
— Released troubled veteran Scott Spiezio for showing up at the ballpark in a state resembling me each morning during spring break, Daytona Beach 1984.
— Did I mention lost six of eight games (with one to go)?
To say this has been a rough trip is to say that commercial air travel has become slightly inconvenient (the Braves don’t fly commercial, but if they had to, they might just have called it a season after this trip).
What’s the mood in the clubhouse, some denizens of the Braves/Man In Black blog have asked.
Folks, it’s been somber. So quiet after most games, you could hear the sound of a pin drop (or blood pressure rising … or a calcium deposit scraping against a ligament).
Here’s what Chipper Jones, whose .404 average ranks second in the NL to former teammate Rafael Furcal’s .407, said when I asked whether he could even take any satisfaction from starting out hot at the plate, given the team’s struggles.
“Obviously I’m happy with the start individually,” Hoss said, “but it’s not a lot of fun, period, whether you’re producing or not, if you’re not winning games. We’re not getting it done. The injury bug’s hit us pretty hard here the first two weeks of the season.”
But he’s not one to mince words or make excuses. And he continued:
“We’re not consistent out of the bullpen. Our starting guys have done pretty well, but we’re just not consistent out of the bullpen. Our offense, it seems like we either score one run or 10. That, again, is inconsistency out of guys up and down the lineup.
“And one thing you try and stress is, each guy has got to go out there and try to produce a run a game, and get on base so that the next guy can do something productive. We’re just not getting it done, one way or another, through the course of each and every game.”
I asked if there was anything he or John Smoltz or other veterans could say to the rest of the team, to try to get things turned around.
“Obviously with the injuries we’ve had, we’ve got to have [other] guys step up,” Chipper said. “But I don’t think there’s anything we can really say until everybody gets healthy and everybody gets in there.
“The every-day lineup has stayed pretty healthy. But obviously when the middle of your lineup has struggled the way Tex and Frenchy — you look at Frenchy’s numbers and they’re not that bad. But he had one monster game. You take that game away and he’s struggled.”
(He’s right. Francoeur is hitting .281 with three homers and 12 RBI in 14 games, but he had two homers and seven RBI in one game at Washington. In his other 13 games he’s hit .250 with one homer and five RBI in 52 at-bats, including eight games without an RBI.)
(Oh, and Teixeira is hitting .204 overall including 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position, after hitting a ridiculous .509 in 53 at-bats with RISP for the Braves in August and September.)
“B-Mac [Brian McCann] has hit into some bad luck, hasn’t gotten a lot to show for it,” Jones said. “Whenever you have the meat of your lineup not producing runs and getting big hits, you’re gonna struggle. And that’s where we are right now.
“Those guys hopefully will run into some warmer weather here pretty soon and guys will heat up.”
Home at last: The Braves can only hope that getting home can help them snap out of this funk. They’ve hit just .237 on the road, while at home the Braves have a .312 average that ranks second in the NL to Arizona’s .327.
By the way, the Braves also finished the 2007 season mired in a road malaise. Going back to Aug. 21, they’ve now lost 20 of their past 30 road games.
A few stats: The home that Jeff Bennett gave up to Luis Gonzalez in the seventh inning Wednesday was the league-high sixth homer allowed by Braves pitchers in the late innings of close game. Meanwhile, Braves hitters rank last in the NL with a .196 average (22-for-112) in those situations…. Since going 24-12 to start the 2007 season, the Braves are 10 games under .500 (65-75) in their past 140 games. They’re 31-43 on the road in that period.
OK, now for something great: The new James McMurtry album Just Us Kids isn’t good, it’s terrific. Simply outstanding. My early candidate for album of the year, though it’ll make few best-of lists because not enough music critics seem to have a clue about his brilliance.
I’m not going to say this tall Texan is our generation’s Bob Dylan, because it’s a bit much to say anyone is the next Dylan. But McMurtry turns a phrase like no other artist to come along the last two decades, and he’s put out a string of provocative, intelligent albums that each contain more well-written songs than some more heralded artists of a similar genre produce in a career.
This one’s even better than 2005’s Childish Things. Though I should warn some of you, don’t even reach for it if you believe musicians shouldn’t express dissenting points of view. I’ll leave it at that, and won’t get into those particular lyrics in this forum. I certainly understand and respect that we have differing views among the motley assortment of good, opinionated folks here.
No need to let those views cause any problems in our discussions of baseball, movies, TV, BBQ (not enough of that discussion lately, by the way), etc.
Plenty of the songs on this McMurtry masterpiece are of the stuff he’s always written about, tales of blue-collar folks and hard-luck inhabitants of the American underbelly. Five-minute character studies that contain more depth and detail than most authors put in a book.
But some of these new songs are very much his reaction to the times we live in.
In this Braves/MIB forum, I just feel like it’s fair that I advise some of you not to spend your money if that’s not what you want to hear, because I don’t want anyone angry at me for spending money on something I recommended that they find objectionable when they hear the lyrics.
OK, that said, those of you who like such fare, run to your finer record stores (like Ella Guru, for instance) and buy it.
Now let’s go out with an older McMurtry tune, one of my favorites:
”LIGHTS OF CHEYENNE” by James McMurtry
Look off down the highway
at the glittering lights
Like windshield glass
on the shoulder tonight
As the diesels come
grinding on up from the plains
All bunched up like pearls on a string
And I guess time don’t mean nothin’
Not nothin’ at all
And out on the horizon
the broken stars fall
Old broken stars they
fall down on the land
And get mixed together
with the lights of Cheyenne
Well I’ve been up all night
and I’m down on my back
Workin’ the counter
to take up the slack
`Cause the money tree’s light
and the whiskey stream’s low
You ain’t worked a week
since July
You say the gravel pit’s hiring
After the first
But you don’t have the
nature for that kind of work
You might get hired on
But you won’t make a hand
And I’ll still be here lookin’
at the lights of Cheyenne
You stand in the sky
with your feet on the ground
Never suspectin’ a thing
But if the sky were to
move you might never be found
Never be heard from again
We go on good behavior when
our youngest comes home
She comes up from Boulder
but she never stays long
And that oldest still fights
me like she was 18
Stopped in for a six-pack awhile ago
And she’s got a cowboy problem
And this last one’s a sight
All dressed up like Gunsmoke
for Saturday night
And they were off to the bars
for lack of a plan
Racing the stars to the lights of Cheyenne
And you’ve kept all that
meanness inside you so long
You’d fight with a fence post
if it looked at your wrong
Well the post won’t hit back,
and it won’t call the law
I look at you right,
or I don’t look at all
Now take a crumpled up
soft pack and give it a shake
Out by the dumpster on a cigarette break
With one eye swelled up from
the back of your hand
And the other eye fixed
on the lights of Cheyenne
You stand in the sky with
your feet on the ground
Never suspectin’ a thing
But if the sky were to
move you might never be found
Never be heard from again
Now there’s antelope grazing
in range of my gun
Come opening weekend
you won’t see a one
They’ll vanish like ghosts
`cause somehow they know
But now they’re up to the
fence in the early dawn
And it’s warming up nicely
for this time of year
The creeks are still frozen but
the roads are all clear
And I don’t have it in me
to make one more stand
Though I never much cared
for the lights of Cheyenne
Services »
Comments
By Murphy
April 17, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB. Nice blog and quotes from Chipper. They have got to loosen things up! They were commenting on Escobar after the game and how loose he is and how he looks like he is having fun. These young guys need to have some fun again or it will be a self-imposed long season.
By brent a.
April 17, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Good comments from Chipper.
I found the, “each guy needs to go out there and try to produce one run a game” comment pretty interesting.
I don’t think I’d ever heard it phrased that way. Pretty powerful, when you think about the different talents and abilities each player has. Not everyone can produce the run the same way; but, if everyone produces a run, you’ve had a productive day.
Good stuff.
By Novice Ned
April 17, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
As we lose more games due to a complete lack of offense, we can all be comforted by the oft-said promise that “Tex will hit”. I mean, these April games don’t count toward the standings, so his missing production isn’t hurting the team, right? This is just an extension of spring training, correct? He is able to carry his team out of the hole and into the post-season, isn’t that what history tells us about this phenom? After all, aren’t his end-of-year stats pretty meaningless if he is sitting at home in October?
By CE
April 17, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
3rd
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Here’s a few more quotes, these from Matt Diaz after last night’s loss:
I”t’s not like our guys aren’t hitting the ball hard. Chipper squared up a ball off Tankersley and hit a laser. It’s just happening time and time again. I remember [Tuesday] night, Tex killed a ball to left field that was caught.
“We’re earning our breaks for late in the season. We just have to make sure we’re in it when we start to get our breaks.
“I don’t know how bad hell is, but I’d call it the trip from hell so far. It’s not been fun watching guys get hurt, getting Moylan, all of a sudden he shows up one day and he’s going to get checked out…. It’s been a crazy trip. A tough travel start to the season.
“It’ll be great to have it over with. We just need to get home with a little bit of momentum, hopefully win a game [Thursday].
“We’ve got Smoltzy going out there, so we have no reason to believe we won’t have a little momentum. We’ve got the ball in the guy’s hand you want to have it in when you need a win.”
By BravesFanChris23
April 17, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
It sucks about what is going on with this team, but I believe they can and more than likely will get better once the conditions get better. I’m optimistic about this team based solely that I know they can turn it around and that this string of bad luck can’t last for long.
If they can turn it around tonight and then carry the momentum into Friday’s game, they’ll be set and ready to go.
By j-school dropout
April 17, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
DOB:
McMurtry is one of the best. But some of this album reeks. “Cheney’s Toy” is some of the worst lyrics he’s ever written. I’m willing to listen to the other side’s POV, but not when it’s voiced as a high-school newspaper quality ad hominem attack. Brilliant writer. Poor effort. “We Can’t Make it Here Anymore” was a much better song.
By cw
April 17, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Whats up with Moylan?
By BillsNV
April 17, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Lets get it going Braves!
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Nice report. Thanks! I didn’t have time to check the last blog, but anything new on Moylan?
Good points from Hoss. Maybe this team needs a brawl, or Bobby to go grenade the umpire (Mississippi)? Somethings gotta give, or were going to start hearing the trade Tex talk come out!
By SR
April 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
It is discouraging to be sure- just as they have done the previous two years, this team finds ways to lose, whether its a bullpen that can’t stop the bleeding, an error, an inability to score runs, lack of a key two-out hit or all of the above. Is the season over? Of course not but no one can be encouraged by what they have seen to date.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Fifth?
I liked what Chipper said about Francoeur and McCann. But I don’t know that McCann’s struggles are so much “luck” as they are…well, just not doin’ what he’s s’posed to do at the plate. (Like, being patient, for example…)
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
J-school dropout, I refrain from putting any of the lyrics (or that song title) in the blog, but you feel compelled to do so? From a j-school graduate to a dropout, I suggest you learn tact.
And when you can carry James McMurtry’s jock in terms of the writing craft, you can compare him to a high-school newspaper columnist. Until then, I’ll form my own opinions of the man’s work.
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 17, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
WOW, it takes a James McMurtry record review to get something positive out of this blog!
I’m concerned with 2 things - other than the obvious ailing staff - and that is Jeff Francoeur and Matt Diaz. The corners are stinking it up big time. Watching Frenchy bat is painful. I see a confused hitter who is getting by only because he is so athletic. He may have a gameplan in the cages but it sure doesn’t look like he takes that to the plate with him. His outs are not even close to being productive ones. To quote the DBT’s, it’s a shame he doesn’t have much going on inbetween his sideburns - at least to the TV viewer.
Matt Diaz? Loved the guy in the platoon role and I lobbied on here to give him LF full-time. Maybe he turns it around but all I know is that LF major leaguers produce and prduce pretty well…we need bigger numbers from him.
Here’s to hoping a homestand breaks the Baby Brave curse…time to stop playing like babies.
By Randy S
April 17, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Like the lyrics today, DOB. May have to check this guy out.
By Lowermanor
April 17, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
DOB -
Couldn’t agree more with you about James McMurtry. I run a radio station in the Bay Area called KPIG, and he’s a staple of ours. The song “Ruby & Carlos” has the early vote for song of the year by our listeners.
When you make it to the Bay Area in August, here’s a BBQ suggestion for you: Memphis Minnies BBQ Joint in the Lower Haight. It’s about as authentic as it gets; sauce only served on the side because it’s all about the meat there. Their smoked brisket is the best I’ve had. And this is easily the best BBQ in the Bay Area.
As for the Bravos, lets not forget the Phillies started out just as brutal last year. Just trying to find a silver lining…
Keep up the great work. And if you ever had aspirations to be an overnight DJ on the West Coast…then please drop a line, as your taste in tunes is a mirror image of our playlist :)
By Stephen
April 17, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Why are the Braves being so tight lipped about this Moylan deal?
By Renegator
April 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Why is it that the Braves can’t perform in cold weather? Are the other teams not playing in cold weather too? I’m tired of hearing them use the weather as an excuse. Both teams in the game endure the same weather conditions.
Maybe the Braves should play some spring training games in cold weather climate so they can learn to perform in those conditions.
By matt_T
April 17, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
The one positive to take from last night was Campillo. He filled in admirably when he was called on.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Renegator, agreed on the cold weather. I can see why it would affect both hitters and pitchers, but the other team has the same conditions. And it’s been pleasant conditions in Florida, and for a couple of games in D.C.
But I don’t think Chipper was making an excuse as much as trying to express hope, a reason why a few Braves hitters might start performing better soon.
By Jersey Gil
April 17, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
RenegatorChipper coment was not an excuse, he just said that with the warm weather he hope the bat warm to. Let me ask you, Did you play Ball before? Did you tried to hit a 90MPH fast ball in the cold weather, the bat shake and hurt your hand.
By Randy S
April 17, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
I knew the Phils had been hit by the injury bug a bit as well, but check out the lineup they are tossing out there today:
Taguchi CF, Dobbs 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Burrell LF, Jenkins RF, Coste C, Bruntlett SS, Myers P
Not a bad trio in the middle (or quartet, Jenkins is a solid hitter), but not exactly their everyday lineup. I guess injuries and day game. Little from column A, little from column B.
By BosnianBaller
April 17, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Wow this season sucks so far.
By N8
April 17, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
DOB
When Chipper answered that way to the question of the mood of the club-house, didn’t you remind him that it’s a 162 game schedule, that it’s STILL early, that Bobby Cox is the manager, and that Tex ALWAYS starts slow, that Mike Gonzalez is gonna be “back” sooner than expected, that Hampton and Glavine threw “pain-free” the other day, and that Yunel’s family was in the crowd last night?
Dude, he sounds like he’s got a case of the “Mondays”, REALLY bad.
Tell him not to “give up” just yet. LOL!
Sorry. Couldn’t resist. That’s what I love about Chipper. He doesn’t sugar-coat a DAMN thing, and he also has the numbers (and this year the health), to back it up.
Dude just called out Francoeur, without insulting him. I’ll take THAT fire and leadership, over pointing to the stands after a meaningless HR any day of the week.
If Smoltz does what I think he’ll do tonight (which is STOP the frickin’ bleeding), you’ll hear much of the same from him, I’m sure of that.
What do 2006, 2007 and now 2008 have in common?
Well going into last night the ONLY guys that could be counted on to play ball were Chipper, Smoltz and Hudson. (You can throw McCann and Escobar into that mix as well).
Point Blank folks…….5 guys aren’t enough to win many games, much less the division, pennant and surely not the WS.
That much I know. Regardless of how “early” it is.
Kind of “sort of” (but not really) SARCASTIC PREDICTION of the week:
Tex has just as bad of a year as Andruw did last year, which causes us to NOT receive any compensation picks for him, when he signs a RIDICULOUSLY over-priced deal with one of the “rich” teams.
I might end up being wrong, but just remember where you heard it first. :-)
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
the braves are probably tight lipped about moylan because (a) they don’t know anything yet or (b) they know something and have been presented with various options on how to proceed and are doing their due diligence in mulling those options over before making a decision and rushing a diagnosis out to the media and public or (c) six thousand other reasons i can’t think of right now
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks. Great stuff, as always.
How’s Tex doing in the clubhouse - we know how he’s doing in the field? He’s not pressing himself too hard, is he? Happened to catch a word or two?
Interesting (but correct) way of interpreting Frenchy’s stat by Chipper. That is how I thought about the entire Braves’ offense’s stats in the last couple years - numbers inflated by certain high scoring games.
By Randy S
April 17, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Yeah, that Phils lineup is weak, only 8 of them got to the plate in the bottom of the 1st.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
So quiet after most games, you could hear the sound of a pin drop (or blood pressure rising … or a calcium deposit scraping against a ligament). DOB
Now that was very funny!
By Beach Dawg
April 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
I am surprised that no one has mentioned the hitting coach - I always thought it was his responsibility to add discipline to the hitter and thus avoid the current Frenchy approach of “see ball swing!” or Tex’s “gotta put it over the fence.” The Braves seem to have fogotten the approach of winning games by, “get him on, move him over and bring him home.” It appears that every batter is only focused on the long ball and that’s the hitting coach’s problem.
By Bubdylan
April 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
DOB (& all), I’ve fallen out of touch with McMurtry, gotta fix that. Years ago I remember thinking that to follow the line “Whiskey don’t make liars, it just makes fools” with “well, I didn’t mean to say it, but I meant what I said” was one of the best, most understated lyrical moves of all time. Think about it… that’s exactly the kind of mistake we make when we’re whiskey drunk: we say what we mean, but without much control. Anyways… he pieced that idea together with so little fuss that I bet most people miss it. By themselves, the two lines are okay… together, something special.
By Renegator
April 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil:
I have played ball before and in the cold and it is painful to hit sometimes. But doesn’t the cold weather effect the other team’s hitters as well? How come they can hit but the Braves can’t. That excuse just doesn’t hold water with me.
And I’m not saying Chipper was using it as an excuse but it sure was the excuse for the opening game in DC and the whole Colorado series. These players need to toughen up a bit.
By 'Hawk Head
April 17, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Moylan? Any word? Wasn’t he supposed to see Andrews yesterday? I’m thinking he’s out for the year. Caplillo’s performance last night might make that easier to swallow.
By Shamus Thacker
April 17, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Fine work DOB!
Speaking of barbecue; if the windows in a barbecue joint are perfectly clean, just keep on rollin. Folks who prepare barbecue the RIGHT way don’t have time to wash windows.
If you’re ever in Bremen, GA, try Bilbo’s. It’s been in the same location since the 1940s. Pictures of Elvis adorn the walls and their bloomin onions are fantastic. It’s a blast from the past and their windows are just a little bit hazy. On Fridays and Saturdays they serve prime rib, drawing folks from miles around. They still use those big-ole belly-washer tea glasses too. Their ribs and steak are heavenly also.
Log Cabin Barbecue, Kingston Highway in Rome, is GREAT! New owners have evidently hired a window washer, but the recipes are the same, so give them a try. Their sliced pork is as good as it gets.
We appreciate you DOB.
By william
April 17, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
what happened to speizio??? I missed that one.
By Chop Chop
April 17, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I’m willing to listen to the other side’s POV, but they usually make such crappy music. Give me folks like McMurtry any day of the week.
By Jim
April 17, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
**FIVE THINGS:
1) No patience across the board, swingling at the first pitch over and over.
2) Boras client free agent year: 2007-Andrew Jones
3) Boras client free agent year 2008-Texeira
4) Bullpen stinks
5) Old arms**
By dmsun
April 17, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Where is the attitud? We need to get our pen to stop wearing their skirts to the mound. First batters are hitting almost .750 against our guys. Just through strikes and if you can’t do that then throw high and tight. It is baseball, not girl scouts. We need a little of Bob Gibsons attitude. He hated the oposing batters and they knew it they were afraid of him. We seem to be more worried about golf than the other batters. Where is the ‘tude.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
DCBrave, Tex says he’s not concerned about his start. That he feels good physically, etc.
By J.D.
April 17, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Too early in the season but it is nice to know we have Tex as trade bait. The Braves will not make the same mistake they made with A.J. a couple of years back. At this pace they will be ready by mid-season to listen for some offers.
By N8
April 17, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Beach Dawg
You’ve got a valid point, about placing SOME blame on TP.
But here’s the thing. The BUCK stops with Bobby. Period.
Can you really see a scenario where TP is allowed to “discipline” a hitter, over-ruling Bobby’s command?
Not gonna happen, until TP is manager. THEN I think you’ll see TP “setting the tone” with the hitters.
As a baby-sitter” there is only so many times you can tell a kid to NOT do something, or to do something. When you “report” that information to the parents, if THEY don’t do anything about it, why on earth would the kids listen to you the NEXT time you instructed them.
That’s all it is.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Dude just called out Francoeur, without insulting him. I’ll take THAT fire and leadership, over pointing to the stands after a meaningless HR any day of the week. Neight
Hear hear!!
By KC
April 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
DOB: Is Hudson’s arm going to be examined?
I REALLY hate to bring this up, but isn’t this how Mike Gonzalez’s problems started… with a sudden mysterious loss of velocity?
This really, really concerns me.
By James
April 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Wow, depressing blog today, eh? Fair enough, I guess things do look a little rocky right now.
By James
April 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Wow, depressing blog today, eh? Fair enough, I guess things do look a little rocky right now.
By Tomahawkin
April 17, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Well D.O.B. Looks like we came out even on our little wegure we had a week ago about this East Coast swing…You had me in the Washington Series, but after that 10-2 game last Saturday, I think the team got complacent again, thinking that they we’re gonna wipe the floor with the Marlins…
I predicted that the Marlins were gonna play us tough down there in Fort Liquordale, as they always do ever since they came into the league 15 years ago…
By denizen 61807
April 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
How much of the Braves’ lack of hitting can we attribute to Terry Pendleton’s coaching? Seems like he gets little to no blame in the press. DOB - is it that he is preaching patience and simply not getting it from the players?
Brian - Denizen of the Day 6/18/07
By JohnGTfan
April 17, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
As I stated in previous blog…this is a mediocre team at best. Hate to admit it, but it’s true. At least Hampton and Tex’s contracts will be off the books (Tex by trade deadline b/c ATL will be all but out of serious contention by then). There’s always 2009 to look forward to. The future is bright…the present is not!
By UseTheBarrell
April 17, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, Diaz’s quote is dead-wrong regarding hitting the ball hard. With few exceptions, this lineup has been consistently hitting weak flys and routine grounders each game. Balls off the handle, balls off the end, few on the sweet spot.
They’ll improve but as of now, this lineup, especially Kelly/Frenchy/Diaz, are having some fairly worthless at-bats.
By jbutler
April 17, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
I think our beloved/road weary/MASH unit Braves hit Nationals Park a few days too early. I wonder if their luck would be any different hitting it after the Pope blessed his flock there. Why not toss the boys onto the field for some mass right before BP?? Can’t hurt!!
By Peter
April 17, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
When is Bobby Cox going to realize this lefty-lefty thing works against us? I mean Mark Kotsay can’t hit a lefty to save his life. Kelly Johnson maybe every so often and B-Mac looks like he is having a hard time against them. Play Marty Prado!!!! Get some right handed hitters in there to neutralize the lefty-lefty thing. Duh! Lefty on lefty matchups have killed just about every major rally during this road trip!
By Braves20
April 17, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
DCbrave - You hit it on the head. Stats that get padded in 10-2 routs. According to numbers posted here yesterday, in close games Chipper is at .355, Escobar not far behind - our clean-up hitter (.138) and the others are in the dumper.
By Chad
April 17, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
An interesting note on the failures of some of the Braves’ batters thus far in the season, and perhaps a reason not to worry!
BABIP: Batting Average on Balls In Play. Essentially a measure of hitters’ “luck” or “bad luck,” that is, whether balls that they put into play are turning into outs or hits. It’s almost purely a matter of randomness, and you can expect hitters’ BABIP to coalesce around their career averages, and more generally, around a league average of a bit over .300.
McCann’s BABIP in 2005, 2006, 2007: .300, .332, .282 McCann’s BABIP in 2008: .233
Teixeira’s BABIP in 04, 05, 06, 07: .293, .315, .304, .346, .336 Teixeira’s BABIP in 2008: .200(!)
Francoeur’s BABIP in 05, 06, 07: .337, .284, .337 Francoeur’s BABIP in 08: .265(!)
The only one we might worry about is Kelly, who’s BABIP of .314 in 2008 is smack on his career average. But other than him, I’d say the BABIP numbers indicate the Braves’ big hitters are going to bounce back just fine.
In less positive news, Chipper’s BABIP is a ridiculous .420, so if we didn’t know it already we can definitely expect him to come down to earth a little bit.
The other one who we might expect to come down to earth, Yunel? No worries. His BABIP is actually lower by 10 points than last year. He’s for real.
By James
April 17, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, if there’s one thing I love about Chipper, it’s his moxy. The dude is willing to tell it like it is, and I respect that. I was wondering though, do the players he “calls out” (more or less) respond well to his constructive criticism? I am hoping the answer is YES. Hit me back.
By Chad
April 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
An interesting note on the failures of some of the Braves’ batters thus far in the season, and perhaps a reason not to worry!
BABIP: Batting Average on Balls In Play. Essentially a measure of hitters’ “luck” or “bad luck,” that is, whether balls that they put into play are turning into outs or hits. It’s almost purely a matter of randomness, and you can expect hitters’ BABIP to coalesce around their career averages, and more generally, around a league average of a bit over .300.
McCann’s BABIP in 2005, 2006, 2007: .300, .332, .282 McCann’s BABIP in 2008: .233
Teixeira’s BABIP in 04, 05, 06, 07: .293, .315, .304, .346, .336 Teixeira’s BABIP in 2008: .200(!)
Francoeur’s BABIP in 05, 06, 07: .337, .284, .337 Francoeur’s BABIP in 08: .265(!)
The only one we might worry about is Kelly, who’s BABIP of .314 in 2008 is smack on his career average. But other than him, I’d say the BABIP numbers indicate the Braves’ big hitters are going to bounce back just fine.
In less positive news, Chipper’s BABIP is a ridiculous .420, so if we didn’t know it already we can definitely expect him to come down to earth a little bit.
The other one who we might expect to come down to earth, Yunel? No worries. His BABIP is actually lower by 10 points than last year. He’s for real.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Shamus, good point about the BBQ joints’ windows. And I definitely need to try Bilbo’s. Elvis and good BBQ, it don’t get much better than that.
By flange1
April 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
You know the worst thing about the Spezio deal is that it kept us from attempting to get Wes Helms..
By richbrave
April 17, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
william:
Scott had a relapse and the Braves cut him per their previous arrangement. Hope he pulls it together and comes back. He added hitting spice to the R-Braves line-up that’s for sure.
By ken
April 17, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Stop swinging at the first pitch! That goes for everyone!
By BillyBrave in Germany
April 17, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB…was wondering what your thoughts were concerning the tragic death of Sean Costello. He was a rising star in the Blues scene. Caught him live last year at a Blues fest here in Germany and he brought the house down.
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 17, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
All you have to do is listen to what Joe Simpson said on the broadcast last night about his conversation with Glavine…he asked him about how they pitched/scouted the Braves when he was a Met. Glavine said you basically go up there to each hitter like you are up 0-2 because they (us) would swing at pretty much anything out of the zone.
Pendleton…hello?
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
KC, if he’s got absolutely no pain in his arm, which Hudson says is the case, what do you examine? An entire MRI of the arm, maybe, the shoulder and elbow and forearm, everything? Come on, man.
Gonzalez had some elbow soreness before that injury last season, in the spring and the first weeks of the season. He just said in the couple of weeks before the actual injury, he wasn’t having problems.
But it can be a relative thing. He might have gotten accustomed to a bit of soreness. Hudson says he had no pain at all. And he just threw eight innings of three-hit, dominant ball at Washington last weekend. You think he hurt it between starts and didn’t feel anything?
Hey, bad starts happen. The velocity reduction is unusual, but he says he’s got no pain. Don’t you think he’d want to get checked out if he had any concerns or believed he might be hurt?
By Lauren T.
April 17, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Still no word on Moylan, eh? :(
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
DCbrave, Tex says he’s not concerned about his start. That he feels good physically, etc. - by DOB
Thanks DOB. Shoot, now I’m concerned that he’s not concerned.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Gotta love Chipper. I hope Frenchy has a 3 hit game and throws someone out at the plate tonight.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
How much of the Braves’ lack of hitting can we attribute to Terry Pendleton’s coaching? Seems like he gets little to no blame in the press. -By denizen 61807
I would say he should be blamed somewhat either way: Either he’s not preaching enough, or he could not get his preaching through.
By Shamus Thacker
April 17, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
You know, Tex SHOULD be concerned about his start! If I wrote a program that shut the whole system down, I don’t think bossman would like to hear that I’m “not concerned.” I’d then BE concerned, in the unemployment line…
Each time he says he’s “not concerned,” I reach a whole new level of p**-offedness…
By TennesseePaul
April 17, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Is it bad breaks and bad luck? Could it be quality advance scouting and execution by the opponent? Guys are squaring up on the ball. Squaring the ball right up to the defense. These hard hit balls, the defense isn’t hardly moving on a lot of these plays. It’s one thing to hit the ball on the screws and have an out come from a “web gem”. It’s another to line out to a guy who only needed to lift his glove. Maybe it is luck… but this team could stand to make some adjustments.
In the mean time Francoeur is doing a fabulous job of pushing his OBP back down below the Francoeur line. It’s hovering at .300 right now. His slugging is up, but he isn’t working the count all that well.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
When asked about his recent decline in velocity to the low 80s, Tim Hudson responded cordially, “Well, I was just practicing my Redman. I mean, you saw how effective he was against us in the Rockies series.”
When asked about the same decline in velocity, manager Bobby Cox was overwhelmingly positive. “With Petie and Raffy out for a while and Jeffie not pitching well, we need someone to step into long relief. So, we figured we’d only let Huddy throw 3 innings or so to get into that mindset…you know, the one where you come in around the 5th inning, throw in the mid 80s, get knocked around, and walk back to the dugout with your head hanging. Someone’s go to do that at least once a game for us, might as well be our ace, since we’ve got two of ‘em right now. No sense in having two aces and no one to screw up the game after they pitch well.”
Terry Pendleton, however, was not so enthusiastic about the previous day’s outcome. “If Huddy keeps throwing like that, Frenchy is going to get worn out in the outfield. That’s a bad thing. That means he can’t swing half as hard at those first pitches. And we don’t want him to lose his agression.”
By RelaxPeter
April 17, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Petey, it’s been 14 games, chill.
Kelly’s stats are much better vs. Leftys this year. Kotsay has hit Leftys better than Rightys over the past 3 years. McCann has a .794 OPS vs. Leftys since 2005. Much better than any other option available at catcher.
I’m sure you knew all this and are just frustrated. It’ll be all right.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Tim (NYC): This question has nothing to do with Moustakas’ slow start this year, but how did you feel he compared ceiling-wise to Jason Heyward at the time of last year’s draft.
Keith Law: (1:36 PM ET ) I had him ranked behind Heyward, who looks like a potential 3 or 4 hitter who’ll hit for average, post a great OBP, and hit 30-40 HR while playing great RF defense. I did not buy into Moustakas’ power - great bat speed, short path, but flat plane, and no physical projection. Plus I still don’t know where Moustakas will ultimately play, unless they decide to stick him behind the plate.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Yup, the hitting coach. I like TP. Going by the type of hitter he was, i almost have to assume he’s trying to get these hitters to bring an approach to the plate with them.
However, with that said, TP seems to be so inneffective in getting his message across to the hitters. AJ wouldn’t listen last year, and who knows how many won’t listen this year. If know one listens to a coach, then find a new coach.
That goes for the pitching coach too, but I’m afraid what he’s saying is garbage. It’s completely odd that Yates pitched so bad last year, admittedly pitched himself out of a job this year in ST, and then turns it around in Pittsburg. Has to be the pitching coach. Never did like the McDowell signing. Hated even more the extension they gave him last year.
By Tomahawkin
April 17, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Isn’t Furcal in the last year (or option year) of his contract? If so, then no wonder he has come out clowing
This team Flat out Sucks! Maybe we need to get away from these Jubroni tears and play someone who is expected to contend (like the Dodgers) to get these boyz pumped, I’m gonna be embarassed if we go out and get clowned again 2nite by a team that was expect to lose 100 games by many of the early season prognosticators…
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
BillyBrave, Sean Costello’s death is shocking. One day from his 29th birthday. My then-wife and I saw him at Fuzzy’s 4-5 years ago, and I was floored by his talent. Really thought he was poised to become a star. Has it been reported how he died? I’ve got a good idea, but I’ll keep my assumptions to myself until I hear something.
By kev
April 17, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, any updates on Moylan? Hudson?
With the way things are going, Huddy’s drop in velocity is a bit concerning…
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
TEX isn’t concerned because he knows AJ got a fat contract last year for not doing sh!t and they share the same agent.
According to Boras, Tex already put up his monster numbers, so he doesn’t have to be concerned about hitting .200 this year.
By monty
April 17, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
It’s painful to watch how many bad pitches our guys swing at. THese guys get paid fantastic money and they can’t even recognize the strike zone or they just don’t care. I don’t think Frenchy and Diaz care. Diaz never saw a pitch he didn’t think he could hit. I pitched through High School and American Legion and I would be licking my chops to pitch to someone who couldn’t recognize the zone. He wouldn’t ever see a strike from me.
By James
April 17, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Whoa! Let’s all take a step back and cool it on the Terry bashing. Any criticism of him at this point is pure speculation.
By Jersey Gil
April 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Renegator: Offense is not part of ours problem, Did you see DOB Stat…Also let me give you some additional:The Braves are 3 in Scoring , 4 in RBI, 6 in Slg%, But Pitching (75%) of the games is another story, special the Pen,also in pitching we are in the bottom of HR allow only 9 in the League. You have to count also LUCK, is part of the Games. And finally it only 15 games of the long season.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin…..furcal is streaky. Did you forget that? Oh ya, and injury prone. So his .407 start will soon be .280. Give it time. Maybe not after he’s done with our pitching this weekend, but probably after that.
By Hack
April 17, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I was wondering why Huddy didn’t plant a fastball in Jacob’s ribs for his dirty tag on Frenchy Tuesday night. Remember when he took care of Alfonso Soriano’s arrogance last year? How could he let this one slide? (Dead arm didn’t have the fastball for it?…I don’t know)
Also, regarding this years team…bottom line is if we can put a healthy team on the field, we will win, if we can’t, we’ll lose. Frank & Bobby put a great team together, even planning for an injury or two. But you can’t do much when your fifth starter is the only one without injury thus far, and your 8th and 9th inning pitchers are gone. Still, give it until June 1st to know how well this team can face adversity and rebound. It’s a loooooooong season.
By ernesto
April 17, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
what’s clowing?
Is that something you do with Jubroni tears?????
By Tomahawkin
April 17, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Seem like Borasshole has cursed this teams with his Clients, Sheffield in 03, J.D. Screw, Furcal, A. Jones, And Tex, I say we should ban this guy (Scott Borasshole) from our team…
By Harry
April 17, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Dang, DOB, trying to figure out why you jumped all over j-school for being critical of McMurty. I have to say that I don’t like him a bit, and it’s not because of his politics. Just don’t like him. The only cool think about him is his dad, Larry. Now, he’s a writer.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Yup, the hitting coach. I like TP. Going by the type of hitter he was, i almost have to assume he’s trying to get these hitters to bring an approach to the plate with them. -By Bobby’s Cox
Here’s TP’s BA for hislast 5 years:
1997 257 1996 248 1995 204 1994 251 1993 238
Apparently, since 1993, he’s forgot how to hit.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Kev, about right now Hudson’s probably packing and dressing before heading to the ballpark, like I’m doing.
No word yet on Moylan, but that should come soon as clubhouse is open at 3:30 or slightly before, depending when Braves release the news. Moylan hasn’t responded to a couple of e-mails, Braves PR people say they have no update yet.
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 17, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
DOB — a music rec for you: Vampire Weekend. I’m listening to their self-titled cd today, and it’s very enjoyable. I’d say that they sound a bit like poppy Talking Heads and Paul Simon’s Graceland. It’s worth checking out if and when you get the chance.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Keith Law with good things to say about Braves prospects?!?!?!
Brent (Atlanta): Tommy Hanson has been lights out at AA- how good could he be and when will could he make the injury plagued Braves’ rotation?
Keith Law: (2:07 PM ET ) He’s in high-A, actually. I thought I was being aggressive putting him at #66 on my top 100 prospects list, but if anything I was light. I don’t think he’ll be up this year, though, unless it’s very late.
Jason at school: Love the chats- whats up with this Teheran? Can he toss or what? I respect your opinion, and didnt know if you had seen him or not.
Keith Law: (2:00 PM ET ) He’s the real deal - better than Neftali Feliz, whom they sent to Texas last year. Up to 97, already sits mid-90s, with good command/feel and secondary stuff. Could move very quickly.
By chc4
April 17, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Dirty tag? Looked perfectly clean to me. I actually laughed at Frenchy for barking at him. Jeff looked like a tool.
By Tomahawkin
April 17, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
A cat Named Nick mentioned this in da Chop-Chick Blog, And Its a statement I been mentioning for the last 3 years
“Until Bobby Cox figures out how to put a lineup together to manufacture some runs, the Braves will continue on their downward spiral. This team can not sit back and rely on that big homerun to win the game. They need to steal more bases, do more hit and runs, and bunt runners over. The slumps for our whole lineup will not continue and sooner than later the Braves will score a lot of runs, but please manufacture runs instead of waiting until the 7th-9th innings to score.”
Its funny how I was watching a video of clips that I have of the 1999 Braves, who were picked to finish 2nd that year behind the mets because we didn’t have Galarraga due to his stint with Cancer that year…Other than Sick Pitching staff, “Hoss Clowing the Mets to get his MVP” our offese was one built on timely hitting a better emphasis on the run game, and we still wonud up with one of the better offenses in the league that year…
Point is, that when this team has high expectations (like this year)we dissappoint, and when we are not expected to do much we suprise everyone…
What The hell is wrong with this squad…?
By Mitchie-san
April 17, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Great work DOB, sometimes I forget to thank you.
Anyway, let me just saty this. My softball team sucks. I mean, we are bad. But you know what? We have fun. We are spunky and fired up. We try hard. I wouldlove to see more of this from the Braves. I know they try hard (maybe too hard) but I look at teams like the A’s, Rockies (last year) and even Boston. They seem to love the game more and play having more fun. I have never dogged Bobby and I have never been behind the scenes, but all I ever hear is he gives one big speech at the beginning of the season and then makes excuses. Again, I am not a Bobby Basher like most on the blog, but I wait for the day that maybe we get a younger, more hungry manger to take these young guys and vetrans to another level of ball. I will take Bobby over many, many other managers, but I kinda look forward to who is next.
Lets hope things area like Diaz said, and all of our bad luck is coming out now instead of later…
By Rip
April 17, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I think they need to burn the navy blue jerseys ..they have a hexxed the team
By jcmo71
April 17, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
DOB - Any news on Moylan?
By jcmo71
April 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
DOB - Any news on Moylan?
By jcmo71
April 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
DOB - Any news on Moylan?
By tkg
April 17, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
It’s way too early to panic on Francouer, Diaz, Tex, etc.
Francouer seems to lack a plan and I don’t think he’s as stubborn as Andruw. He will come around, maybe he just has to struggle a bit first (and not worry about hitting 30 HRs … they will come if he takes same approach he has last year).
Tex … he’ll be fine. He’ll get his 35-40 HRs, 110-plus RBIs.
Diaz … Let’s give the guy a month’s worth of at bats before we run him to the bench. Many have been clamoring for the guy to get the full-time gig in LF for two years now. Give him a chance to settle in and let him get in 80-100 ABs before he’s placed next to Chino.
I think the big problem is in this quote from Chipper:
“And one thing you try and stress is, each guy has got to go out there and try to produce a run a game, and get on base so that the next guy can do something productive. We’re just not getting it done, one way or another, through the course of each and every game.”
When ducks are on the pond many of the guys aren’t being productive, whether it’s driving someone in or making a productive out. All of that plays a part in scoring runs and putting together a consistent offense. I’m sure everyone is trying to do too much because of the early season struggles, too. They need a four or five game stretch of consistency to get on track … that’s my .02 cents worth.
By BillyBrave in Germany
April 17, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
DOB…I have friends at the Northside Tavern where he was to have celebrated his birthday this weekend. The word on the street is a drug overdose,so your suspicions are correct. I suggest you pick up his CD’s…His first one “Call the Cops” is just incredible, as his his last one. Lots of prophetic material on all of them , if you know what i mean.
By Jersey Gil
April 17, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
DOB…You ever tried a “CUBAN SANDWICH”…from LIttle Havana in Collins Ave…there are the Best Cuban Sandwich in Miami. I think you do, you work in Miami before ,did you?
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Eric (Atlanta): Braves 0-7 in one-run games 14 games into the season!!!! When will it end???
Keith Law: (2:20 PM ET ) Soon. It’s pretty hard to believe. I will say that I don’t know what they’re going to do about that pen if Soriano and Moylan are both out for a while with elbow problems.
By Tomahawkin
April 17, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox The Times I watched Furkey in Atlanta, he always got off to a slow starts, and got hot in June and carried it the rest of the way (usually tailed of in September though)…
I’ve never seen him start out hot as he is right now…
I think what Furcals issue is that he finally stopped swinging for the fences like he used to do when he was with us, since the Dodgers have a less powerful offense….In other words, he’s probably hitting like a leadoff hitter should
Hack Someone mentioned that Huddy should’ve beaned Jacobs… and I replied in an earlier blog…here is (anonymous poster) said
“Huddy will light a fire under the rest of the team tonight- whether it’s by throwing up and in to Jacobs-giving him a gut check in his first AB”
I told him that he needed to kill those thoughts, and I replied that…Bobby Cox’s teams over the years have been known as being teams that don’t retialiate against others…
By 'Hawk Head
April 17, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
HACK, agreed. The most disappointing thing about this series so far is that no one has put Jacobs on his @$$ yet.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
DCBrave
Thanks for the stats. I was going off of ‘91 and his clutch hits that year (plate discipline). But yeah, in his last years he had a hard time catching up to fastballs and was exponentially overweight. Don’t get me wrong, i’m totally ok with a new hitting coach and pitching coach. They’re a huge reason for this team’s lack of consistency and success. Like i and a few others have said, either his message, if he has one, sucks, or he can’t get it across. That equals replace caoch. IMO.
If chipper has more to do with getting hitters to do their job, then why do we need TP. It’s not Chipper’s job to do TP’s job.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Chad—
So…do you want BABIP to be low?
Later.
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Dude just called out Francoeur, without insulting him. I’ll take THAT fire and leadership, over pointing to the stands after a meaningless HR any day of the week.
Why, N8? Because Chipper called out a player in the media?
But then followed it up with: “But I don’t think there’s anything we can really say until everybody gets healthy and everybody gets in there.
That’s fire and leadership to you? Take a guy out in the media but not have a closed door meeting about some of your concerns is so much more preferable than a showboat?
That’s not aggressively assuming the heart and soul, fire and passion, leadership mantle of a team. That’s called passive-aggressive sniping.
As a fan, I appreciate Chipper’s brutal honesty in the public manner he does it in. But he’s never really been a leader. By his own admission, he was too intimidated by all the stars on the Braves for about a decade to speak up and become the heart and soul leader of the team a player of his caliber should be. That’s fine. Not everyone is meant for that. He shouldn’t try to do it if that’s not who he naturally is.
But this team needs a leader. This team needs a vet (or a kid in the absence of a vet) to grab this team, the opponent and the game by the balls and impose their will on it. Don’t ever mistake Chipper for being that type.
Busting balls the way he does in a passive-aggressive manner is great and all but more directly applying the nutcracker is preferable.
By monty
April 17, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
I know it’s early, the optimist are saying but a couple of things need to be considered #1 our current record of 5-9 would put us in last place in every division in baseball. #2 THE 0-7 in one run games is brutal, it stands out glaringly when compared with the record of other team’s records. All the teams at the bottom of every division have losing records in one run games. #3 I know it’s pie in the sky but if they had won all of their one run games they would be 12-2 and the class of baseball right now. I know some will say one run games are due to luck, well the Braves are the most unluckiest team in baseball right now and like an old coach of mine used to say I’d rather be lucky than good any day!
By Hack
April 17, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
chc4, When a guy has both arms extended, shoving a guy out of the way after he makes the tag, it is a dirty tag, and shows what a punk Jacobs is. He definitely deserves a fastball in the ribs to wipe that smart-a* smirk off his face.
By GT81
April 17, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
KC— I was thinking the same thing. Gonzo had a sudden loss of velocity, and that was it. Major league pitchers don’t drop 5 mph from one start to the next for no reason.
By JJ
April 17, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Is Huddy’s drop in velocity based solely on one ballpark radar gun or did more than one have him sitting in the mid-80’s? Watching on FSN South last night, I noticed whatever radar gun Joe Simpson was watching was about 3 mph slower than whatever they use on the broadcast display. The graphics on the broadcast had Huddy in the 89-91 mph range on a lot of pitches.
By Lou Vales
April 17, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Since 1966 with 4 pro sports franchises—-okay the Flames were away for a few years—-the good denizens of Atlanta have been awarded with ONE title—NO!!!, division championships do not equate to TITLES—Has there been another city in North America that can boast that level of inepitude?????? AND all the while hanging their hats upon those divisional titles that in actuality demonstate a level of futility that make the Buffalo Bills look positively Herculean.
My neighbor’s little boy across the street threw off a mound at a little league park. No soreness in the rib cage and he is looking forward to his first start which will be one more than you know who has had in the last few years. Wonder if you know who was the CEO of a major corporation and had a comparable record how he would be treated by the pundits at MSNBC?? Hell, could you imagine the shareholder’s meeting.
Remember!!! as they are so prone to tell us——-It’s A Business!! Unless they don’t perforn in which case you hear “All this fuss about a game!!”. Well, when the game is played by men making more in one year than cancer researchers and disease specialists will make in their lifetimes————
By Mike in LA
April 17, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I just want to hear that Moylan is done for the year so I don’t have to worry about it any longer
By Mike Jacobs
April 17, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Huddy could’ve beaned me, but it wouldn’t have hurt with him throwing 84.
By Mike Jacobs
April 17, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
p.s
then i would’ve stolen 2nd & 3rd. Everyone knows the braves couldn’t even throw out my grandma.
Then i would’ve scored on a sac fly, something your team can’t do with RISP.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 17, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is this. Jim Leyland exploded on his team about their play and the Tigers have won 3 in a row and all of them in dominating and impressive fashion! Cox just keeps sitting in the dugout rocking back and forth picking boogers out of his nose and the Braves have lost three in a row in less than impressive fashion. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?
By BossLady
April 17, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Sure, you are correct. If work performance was substandard and we shrugged and said I’m not concern heads would roll. The amount of money he is paid should stand for something. I have no money envy of professional sports players, it is just that I feel you have to earn what you’re paid.
By bobbymahlon
April 17, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB : All you talk about is how well Chipper is doing and how bad everybody else is doing. Let you not forget Yunel is on the team hitting for average,homeruns and batting runs in. Not only is Yunel hitting but he is also fielding probably as good as any shortstop in the league. I agree it is painfull watching Frency uppercut every pitch trying to hit it out of the park and when Diaz is not hot he looks awfull swinging at pitches outside of the strike zone. We are wasting money having a batting coach if he can’t get these two to correct the above mentioned problems. Look what happened last year when Andruw would not listen to anything Terry had to offer. Frency will never be a 300 hitter unless he levels off his swing (tell him to watch his buddy McCann’s swing).
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 17, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB — any word yet on Moylan? I’m just asking because I figured that you might’ve forgotten about it (I mean, it’s not that big of a story, right?) so you’d need CONSTANT posts on your blog to remind you.
By ChampDawg
April 17, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of lame-@$$ excuses. The facts are this team sucks! The top of the lineup is not getting on base enough and the middle of the lineup with exception of Chipper and Francoeurs one good game has done absolutely nothing. The bullpen is inconsistent and the Braves have lost on their gamble of putting too much hope on old and surgically repaired arms. The hope of winning the NL East will be over by the end of April. Hell, I am absolutely amazed at how the Braves pitchers sometimes don’t even bother to hold runners on 1B with 2 outs.
By Brent S.
April 17, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
DOB, Have you listened to the Bon Iver album? And what’s your thoughts on Robert Forester’s new one.
Brent S.
By Steeledawg
April 17, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
We need a classic performance from the Bearded Icon tonight, and for the love of all things holy can we please be patient at the plate.
DOB- Southern Soul BBQ in St. Simons Island. They are fairly new, but worth a visit next time you are in the Golden Isles. They serve everything from pulled pork, brisket, sausage, turkey, and all the usual sides to pimento cheese by the pound. Great stuff!
Also, Saturday is National Record Store day. So everybody in the market for some new tunes go support your local store while you still can. There have been a lot of excellent new music that has been released in the last few months.
Go Braves!!
By KC
April 17, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
DOB: I’m certainly glad to hear that Hudson has no pain whatsoever, and I SINCERELY hope it’s nothing more than a slight case of fatigue.
However… a 5-plus mph drop?? That doesn’t seem right at all. I’m convinced that Bobby or one of the coaches noticed that he was topping out in the mid-80s, and that’s why they yanked him early.
Sure, he was ineffective, but I think they might have tried to still get some innings out of him if it weren’t for the startling drop in velocity.
I’m not an alarmist. But, as a Braves fan, I just can’t help but feel a good bit of anxiety over this issue. Nothing that won’t go away with a few back-to-normal starts… but year, I’m nervous about this.
Needless to say, if anything happened to Hudson, it would be very, very difficult for the Braves to mount a serious post-season run.
By cityofdecatur
April 17, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not enough BBQ talk Why here in Atlanta we (for the most part) have to travel elsewere for great BBq. We’ve got some good ones here but great. tell me if you know I have to go to festivals and contest for GREAT BBQ. other than my back yard where once a month me and mama smoke something. In the big ole barrel with the side box. NOT IN THE PIPE OR THE PAPER. LOL OH by the way i’m a kansas city barbeque society certified judge. (my wife the one i call mama still says even though i’m a judge i’m still an as$. lol) Here in decatur Maddy BBQ and Blues is good. Mines better so when any of you are ready i’ll load up the smoker and come on over and if you can give me a spot it’ll take a full day and a 12 pack. i’ll smoke you up the meat or fish of your choice your meat my time u sit back and relax though u may have to drive me home after the 12 pack. enjoy and remember if it falls off the bone it overcooked.
By justin
April 17, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
D.O.B.
I have to disagree with you man about McMurtry man. While I think he’s a wonderful songwriter, I find that the new album is not as good as Childish things was. Also, how can you say he’s a better songwriter than Steve Earle, Todd Snider, or Robert Earl Keen! And that’s just staying in the country/rock genre! I’m sorry man, you’re losing it with the tunes.
On a baseball note, I know nobody wants to say this but it looks like Tex is doing EXACTLY what Andruw did last year. And I keep hearing people say “Well Tex isn’t a .200 hitter” but neither was Andruw till the last four or five months of last season. He keeps flying open and is swinging at bad balls and not swinging at good ones. Your thoughts on this?
By Dr. Mike Hessman
April 17, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Moylan has been put on the DL with Hamptonitis of the elbow. The Braves are concerned that it is spreading throughout the pitching staff(Smoltz, Glavine, Soriano, etc). To try and prevent further injury Mike Hampton has been banned from all ballparks where he might spread his various injuries.
By flange1
April 17, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Just want to chime in Sean Costello, have seen him hundreds of times and even sold him a guitar.
It is a terrible for him to be dead right now.
No cause of death published at this point, but I think we all know the cause of death.
It is a shame the music community keeps getting these hits for the same reason. Don’t any of us learn by other’s mistakes?
I was going to list those who have died from the same cause, but I don’t have the energy.
At least we still have his albums….
By N8
April 17, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
First of all, let me preface this comment, by stating that you are one of my favorite bloggers, so NONE of this little “tizzy” we’ve been having over Escobar (and now Chipper) is personal, or changes that.
“By his own admission, he was too intimidated by all the stars on the Braves for about a decade to speak up and become the heart and soul leader of the team a player of his caliber should be.”
Why would he have spoken up? He saw how quickly Kenny Lofton got run out of town, didn’t he?
How about David Justice? The MOST VOCAL BRAVE ever (that could back it up on the field). He calls out the fans. Hits the game winning HR in the Braves ONLY world series victory in 1995, after one more season, he’s shipped off.
Ron Gant often talked about how he didn’t think the Braves respected him enough, and he got shipped off too. Having said that, if he didn’t rip his knee up in the dirt bike accident, he likely doesn’t get released.
Smoltz speaks up and gets BLASTED for it.
Bottom line, IMO. It’s on Bobby. The players play the game, no doubt about that. But the manner in which the play the game, is a reflection of the manager.
It’s a “what have you done for me lately” world. Especially in sports. Lately Cox’s teams have been anywhere from mediocre to horrible. Period.
Boyer got blasted for pumping his fist after a K to end the inning (against the opposing pitcher), and got ripped for it.
Escobar hits a 2-Run HR (that didn’t tie the game), after throwing his bat 10 feet in the air, he stared at it ALL THE WAY down the 1B line….oh wait….check that. He didn’t stare at it the whole way, 2/3 of the way down the line, he pointed into the crowd and pumped his fist.
You’re right. What leadership he’s showing. I can’t wait until my 9 year old does that this year in little league. I’ll get RIGHT ON teaching that leadership comes with THAT responsibility.
To sum it up. Had Escobar’s HR been a “game-winner”. I would have posted a simple comment saying that he better watch himself a bit. Getting pumped up is one thing. I’m all for it. Getting pumped up after you ACTUALLY do something that helps the final result be a victory, is another.
We lost. So it looks rather silly.
By Murphy
April 17, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Hamptonitis…awesome.
By flange1
April 17, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see that Miggy Tejada has been lying about his age? He is not 31 but 33 going on 34.
And he can opt out of his contract after this year.
And he can’t play SS any more!
What a great deal for the Astro’s!
By Tomahawkin
April 17, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Looks Like the Mets and Phillies (Who are Beating the crap out of Houston right now…)are starting to get it together against Jubroni temas. “Will the Real Braves Please Stand Up!”
Good thing Is I hope The Mets and Phillies beat the Crap out of each other at CBP this weekend, because we definitely need to take 2 of 3 from the Dodgers, other wise we will be in a world of hurt…
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Justin, I can say it like this: He’s a better songwriter , in my opinion, than Snider and right there with Robert Earl Keen, and they are two of my absolute favorites. I also him right there with Earle at Steve’s mid-career peak.
I’d put Shane MacGowan, Lucinda Williams and Greg Brown in that highest tier, too, for guys (and girl) who’ve come along in the last couple of decades or so. That’s just thinking off top of my head. There are others, obviously. It’s splitting hairs and a matter of opinion.
And I ain’t losing anything, my man. Except you in your agreement with me. Which doesn’t bother me, I gotta say. I like what I like. And McMurtry is the no-compromising, no B.S. hardass that I like most. He doesn’t sing about parties. Sorry but that’s not him. You might like a mixture, some of that levity thrown in. That’s great, too, but he doesn’t do it much, ‘cept for Choctaw Bingo in a twisted way.
Keen and Snider do that absolutely perfectly.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I believe I’m going to disagree with you on Chipper as a leader. I didn’t see his comments as publicly calling out either Francoeur or Teixeira, but a statement that too many guys (including the aforementioned) aren’t getting it done. Whatever he’s doing in the clubhouse, not the interviews, is the true nature of his leadership. I don’t know what that is, but I doubt it’s passive-aggressive. That kind of veiled-reference, “leadership”-by-newspaper-quote is more up Smoltz’s alley.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Brent A, I love that Bon Iver CD. just picked it up Tuesday at Ella. Good stuff….
City of Decatur, great call on Maddy’s, for BBQ and blues. You’re right — we’ve got a ton of great BBQ places in Atlanta, along with every other kind of restaurant worth having. It’s one of the best eating towns in America, no doubt about that.
Have you tried the ribs at Daddy-D’z, by the way? on Memorial?
By Dawgs2008
April 17, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
This team just SUCKS!
By MGL
April 17, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
What Chipper meant to say — “If that expensive prima donna at first was carrying his load and the gadfly in right was consistant, we would be 12 - 2 right now even with the crappy luck and sloppy work of the pitching staff.”
By bruce
April 17, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Dave, I bet page hits are at a high waiting for news on Peter…. I’m holding my breath it is not cancer.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Flange1
Ed Wade is the worst GM in sports. The Tejada trade is further evidence that the man shouldn’t have a front office job in MLB. He gave up what little talent he had in the farm for a guy that can’t play SS, like you said.
By rupert
April 17, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
a fewpossible moves…..
move yunel to leadoff, kotsay 2, kelly to 8 atleast until he figures something out
call up anderson and platoon with matty
send bennet down call up stockman
not necessary all these right away but something to spark the malaise
By i cant take it anymore
April 17, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
I am goning to take a shot at what is wrong with moylan. He has bursitis in his elbow that has caused stress fractures in his elbow. the stress fractures have caused calcium deposits in his elbow, resulting in the inflammation and fluid in his arm. He will need the bursa sac in his elbow removed, resulting in an out at least four months to season dl stint. hope i’m wrong.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
The press release from Braves: Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Peter Moylan was examined by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., yesterday. Dr. Andrews confirmed the diagnosis made by Braves team physicians in Atlanta, which found that the ulna collateral ligament in Moylan’s right elbow has been compromised by a bone spur. Moylan, who presently has some swelling and limited range of motion, will continue treatment to rehab his elbow over the next two weeks. He will then be re-evaluated, with UCL reconstruction an option at that time.
OK, I’M GOING DOWN TO CLUBHOUSE TO TALK TO FOLKS
By lynnie
April 17, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I’d rather see these pitching injuries happen now than later of course. That way something could be done about it via trade IF we had the flexibility to do it. The lineup has the POTENTIAL to be very good. If the lineup stays in tact, you gotta think that Wren would pull the trigger on getting pitching help if need be
By Jersey Gil
April 17, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Last comment about Cold/Warm Weather. Look what happen in Phillis today, it Warmer today and the ball is flying out the Park. Hey Pat Burrell Is a free agent next year, how about the Braves get him.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Rupert
Kotsay hasn’t been much better than KJ.
Kotsay’s line: .220/.291/.360 .651 OPS
Kelly Johnson’s line: .261/.292/.348 .639 OPS
Give Kelly some more time. We have a lot of hitters struggling at the moment. Basically everyone except Chipper and Yunel.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Anyway, let me just saty this. My softball team sucks. I mean, we are bad. But you know what? We have fun. We are spunky and fired up. We try hard. I wouldlove to see more of this from the Braves.
Couple things:
By flange1
April 17, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I agree with you on Wade. That was a terrible trade. If they wanted Miggy to play 3B or DH maybe, but there was no reason to get him on THAT ballclub to play short and totally deplete their minor leagues…
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
For those trying to read between the lines, it does sound like reconstructive surgery will be necessary, more likely than not certainly.
Just got off the phone with Frank Wren, who gave me this:
“We’re diisppointed, for both Peter and our club,” the GM said. “Because he was an important part of our bullpen. We hope that the rehab in two weeks will improve his chances of returning this year, but understand that they may not be possible.”
I asked him if Braves have the relievers to pick up the slack and fill in or if they’ll look to make a trade, and he said:
“I think we do have depth in our bullpen, but we’re continually looking to improve that area.”
Folks, it’s just not easy to replace a guy like Moylan, especially not this early in a seaeson. Teams aren’t looking to move top-flight relieivers like him.
“Lot of innings, and tough to replace a guy like that,” Wren said. “You don’t worry about matchups, because he does well against righies and lefties. Valuable guy to a team.”
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Poor Peter Moylan. Hopefully he doesn’t need complete reconstruction, but it doesn’t sound good. All the best to the guy.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
From last blog:
Bobby has been using the “we hit balls hard right at somebody” defense a lot lately. But my question is this. At this level, aren’t batters supposed to be attempting to aim their shots at the holes? Or is getting a hit really just a matter of chance?
to some degree you can aim your shots. You can hit the ball to the right side to move over a runner, hit up the middle, pull the ball, hit a fly ball with a runner at third, etc… you do this by manipulating your swing a bit on the ball. And in pre-roid baseball, pitchers would pitch you to avoid you from doing so (pitch inside to a right hander so it’s harder to move the runner to 3rd etc…)
I see your point. I’ve said this before, but if you watch braves games then other games right after, you’ll see a huge difference at the plate. As braves hitters swing as hard as they can, other teams more or less try to make contact to get a base hit. The “we hit balls hard right at somebody” approach is what’s entirely wrong with this team’s hitting mentality. For god’s sake put the bat on the ball with purpose like chipper.
Besides, i don’t see what BC and Diaz sees. I don’t see hard hit outs. I’m seeing weak grounders, pop ups, and lazy fly outs. What am i missing?
Also from last blog:
By BA April 17, 2008 4:10 AM | Link to this I’ll pre-empt this by stating up front: I know you guys KILL with the anti-stolen base stats. However, I’m a throwback, way back before ‘roids in MLB, and I LOVE speed and basestealing. How great would it be if MLB really is clean and baseball reverts back to the eighties type speed game. Not all teams, but more than now. And not this year with the Braves, it’s just not practical. I know I’m in the minority. But you have to admit it would be a blast to see more teams with two or three guys that have perpetual green lights and steal bases at a high percentage clip. It’s like “Nellie ball” in the NBA, it reaks havoc on the opposing defense.
Baseball is much more exciting when there’s a stolen base threat on base. We need Anderson up here hitting leadoff. He’d probably hit .280 with a .325 OBP, but if he can steal 35-40 bases in front of Escobar who has no problem hitting the ball to the right side, then we don’t always have to wait for that home run with runners on 2nd & 3rd that we never get. I would rather get 1 run, or a 2-run homer than nothing, or put pressure on the opposing pithcer, get our 2-4 hitters more fastballs to hit, etc..
Those anti-steal stat bloggers are still stuck in the boring roid era waiting for their homeruns while runners get stranded to prove us wrong. But until there’s legitimate HGH testing, baseball will never fully revert back to the small ball days, and that’s unfortunate.
This team is victim of waiting for the HR, and it’s a tribute to Cox’s managerial strategy at the present time.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil
Pat Burrell is a nice bat, but he will probably command at least 12 million on the open market. I say we pass. Nice player though.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Plus, you’ve got to get it out of your head that this pitch could hurt
That’s Mike Hampton commenting on his current situation. And that, coincidentally, is exactly what’s wrong with Hampton. At this point, he’s had so much stuff go wrong that he’s just waiting for the next thing to pop up.
It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and one that’s probably going to haunt him for the rest of his career. I’ll be surprised if the guy ever pitches more than two games in a row again…because if he regains his form and starts pitching well, he’s still going to be wondering when the next injury’s coming.
Feel bad for the guy, but I’m totally writing him off for the rest of the year. Heck, maybe he could close….
By flange1
April 17, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Well, the Moylan news is not good but expected.
I don’t think we will see him again this year.
Time for the rest of the guys to step up.
Boyer, Ohman, Acosta are you listening? It is your time to shine.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 17, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Yeah Andruw wasnt concerned about his start last year either…..look wheres he at.
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
I’m just hoping that what happened with Hudson last night is what happens to me when after I drink or party all night.
After getting drunk and staying out all night, I can perform great drunk or hung over the next day but then, 5 days later, my body seems to suffer and I am really dragging - especially if I did not sleep away the drinks the next day. Sometimes, it seems to take a week or so for the body to recover from that.
SO that’s what I’m hoping with Hudson. He got terribly sick. He performed well while initially getting over it like someone who is drunk or hungover. But he overtaxed his body too early after destroying his body with the flu like someone destroys their body after getting hammered. His body then suffered from the combined effect of being sick and overtaxing his body too soon after being sick. Hopefully, he’ll be fine by the next start
Sounds crazy but I’m sure a few people know what I am talking about
By keylargo
April 17, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
It has been my view for several years that Dave Dombrowski, current GM for the Tigers and former GM of the Marlins, is the best GM in baseball. He was given the task of dismantling the Marlins world champions after he built the team that won it. They are still reaping the rewards of the trades he made.
With about a $22M payroll the Marlins are playing great ball, even with Josh Johnson, Sergio Mitre, and Anibal Sanchez, their top 3 starters, on the DL. Wes Helms and Luis Gonzalez are on the bench. And they had to trade Miguel Cabrerra and Willis who would be their best pitcher and position player if they could afford to pay them.
I guess I am just tired of excuses from the Braves for the crummy baseball they are playing when they have so much more as an organization. Maybe Tex is just in deep thought wondering if he is going to make more than all the Marlins combined next year.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
By DAVID O’BRIEN dobrien@ajc.com
Miami _ Braves reliever Peter Moylan might require reconstructive elbow surgery, but will wait two weeks to determine if that season-ending procedure is necessary.
The Braves’ top setup man was examined Wednesday, who confirmed the diagnosis made earlier by Braves doctors: Moylan has a bone spur pressing against the ulnar collateral ligament, which has “compromised” the UCL.
He will continue treatment for two weeks before he’s reevaluated to determine if UCL reconstruction is necessary.
We’re disappointed, for both Peter and our club,” general manager Frank Wren said. “Because he was an important part of our bullpen.
“We hope that the rehab in two weeks will improve his chances of returning this year, but understand that they may not be possible.”
Wren was asked if the Braves have other relievers to pick up the slack and fill in, or if they’ll look to make a trade.
“I think we do have depth in our bullpen, but we’re continually looking to improve that area,” he said.
The difficulty in adding a top-flight reliever is that few, if any, teams are interested in moving such pitchers at this early point in a season. Especially not ones who do what Moylan did.
The sidearming Aussie gave up three runs in his first appearance of 2007. Since then he’s posted a 1.51 ERA in 86 appearances, and last season he ranked third in the NL with 90 relief innings.
“Lot of innings, and tough to replace a guy like that,” Wren said of the Braves’ top setup man “You don’t worry about matchups, because he does well against righies and lefties. Valuable guy to a team.”
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
So, this will be the Tommy John surgery if he has it, which means at least a year … Oh, no… let’s keep our fingers (and maybe toes also) crossed (shoot! I’m having a cramp!)
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Are you insinuating that Hampton took too much NyQuil in Denver? That darn NyQuil and it’s high alcohol content.
Oddly though it makes sense.
By jbutler
April 17, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Pretty much expected with Moylan…not great - but what do you do. I think Boyer could be the guy to step up- seems like a little seasoning and he could shine. N8 I think you’re spot on with some of your assessments as to why some guys (Justice/Lofton/Gant) get the heave-ho. I think as long as you go balls to the wall 110% of the time that will carry you a long way w/BC. Any of the guys w/attitude problems/lack of effort were shoved out by BC. I think there’s a big difference in firing up your club w/being excited over a play, out- etc. If you look like you just won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse over a routine play..than you look pretty rank.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Just saw the news that Tejada told the Astros he’s 33 not 31. Made me wonder if it is possible (Nah…)that the Dodgers got an Andrew that is actually older than 30? Pure speculation of course, but who would have thought of that for Tejada?
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Quite a story, Drunk! Oh, sorry, Dr.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Those anti-steal stat bloggers are still stuck in the boring roid era waiting for their homeruns while runners get stranded to prove us wrong.
Earl Weaver will be glad to know he was the equivalent of an “anti-steal stat blogger”. A man before his time, it would appear. And before ‘roids.
Guess ole Earl just wasn’t much for that “excitement” thing. Just a dumb ole three-run homer guy who enjoyed winning more than being excited.
By BA
April 17, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Ron Gant deserved no respect. He violated his contract by riding a motorcycle and then breaking his leg in a wreck. He was never worth a crap after that. What happened to Lofton was as follows: he showed up, faked his way through injuries for a year and generally showed his azz.
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
DCBrave, you don’t have to be drunk. Have you ever worked all through the night without any sleep and then went at it all day the next day without any sleep? If you have, you know that you can perform quite well the very next day but a few days later it catches up to you pretty darn bad. All I’m saying is that maybe that is what happened with Hudson. He was sick but was able to perform well while getting over it like someone who went sleepless the night before but then the body really suffers a few days later. Hey, I’m trying to be optimistic here. Hearing that someone’s fastball dropped down to the mid-eighties ain’t ever cool to hear.
By i cant take it anymore
April 17, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
i missed that one on moylan. i thought his ligament was reported as “fine”. you can count him out, but there is always hope. it’s time for acosta and boyer to put on their big boy pants.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
haha nscoots! You pick one hitter. Bet at least one or two of the hitters in Earl’s lineup could swipe some bags or bunt runners over. Bet when Earl didn’t quite get all of one he had a runner walk home from third as he ball was caught on the track…since his runners were moved to 3rd with < 2 out.
It’s frustrating we’re losing these 1 run games when we get 2 runners on 1 inning and don’t score. But, i bet you’re happy with the 10 run blowout every now and then, or enjoy seeing these hitters free swing. You must’ve hated the braves of the 90’s and the whole NL.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Neight—
I hafta agree with you on most of your 3:18 post. Escobar needs to take a chill pill and get over himself just a tad. There’s no need for that kind of showboating.
You’re right. What leadership he’s showing. I can’t wait until my 9 year old does that this year in little league. I’ll get RIGHT ON teaching that leadership comes with THAT responsibility.
Exactly. If I had a kid, and that kid was in little league, and he behaved the way Yunel did, I’d sit him down and have a talk with him, telling him to knock it off!
IDK. Escobar’s prob’ly a pretty good kid otherwise. But he just needs to cool it—especially at someone else’s stadium. And yeah, we were losing—by one run, no less—so, so what? It wasn’t his first homer…
It’s like Manny Ramirez—in the playoffs I think it was. He hit a homer, and stood there for a few seconds with his arms spread out like he was about to take off. It was like, “Dude!”
Plenty of guys have hit their first homer in the playoffs (World Series, too) without acting like that, so why should Yunel?
Oh well. That’s all water under the sinking bridge now. (Wait…do bridges really sink, per se?)
By Jersey Gil
April 17, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Efrim Pat will Make 14m this year, that was the fabulous contract that Mr.Wade give to him and cost him his job here in Phillis. Pat next year will have good competion in the free agency, Raul Ibanez,Bobby Abreu,Manny Ramirez,Adam Dunn.He is putting some number so far this year, today he has another Hr. and 2 rbi, i think he is on Top in the NL today.
By LT-AA blogger
April 17, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Man, really sucks for Moylan and the Braves!
By brent a.
April 17, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Our bullpen in June:
1) Gonzalez (closer) 2) Soriano (set-up) 3) Acosta (7th) 4) Campillo (6th, 7th, long-relief) 5) Ring (lefty specialist) 6) Ohman (lefty specialist) 7) Boyer (take one for the team guy)
If healthy, I can deal with that.
Personally, I still believe Hampton will contribute and take some pressure off of everyone. We can/should be thankful that his arm is still holding up. (Or, so we hear).
By Lew
April 17, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Braveheart-I know exactly what you mean and I don’t even drink. It’s like having a bad cold or the flu. The first day you actually feel better, you go out and resume your normal activities at your normal pace and then relapse from pushing too hard. You feel like you crashed and ran into a wall. Let’s hope that’s all it is in Hudson’s case.
By Dr. Jung Bong
April 17, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Thank God it wasn’t Hamptonitis, that would have taken Moylan over 2 1/2 years to recover.
By brent a.
April 17, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Okay, here’s a question (that raises other questions, but still a question):
Is there any chance that we could trade Teixeira this season and actually improve our chances to win this year?
Could we get real major league talent that would help us fill needs that would make us more competitive?
Consider this: Last year, Andruw stunk, but we were still a pretty good team until about the end of May (I consider the Gonzalez injury to be the moment when I sort of felt like our 1/2 month slow-down might become something more).
Anyway, this year, we have better starting pitching, and have basically the same offense, because Tex is doing his best Andruw impersonation.
By Lew
April 17, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Can’t Take It-You got that right, Dude. It’s time to strap on the Old Leotard (or a new one, for that matter) and deal with it like they did in ‘05 with the Baby Braves. Considering the Baby Braves are still here, somewhat grown up, it shouldn’t be a difficult concept.
Jersey Gil- The problem with Burrell is you never know whether you’ll be getting the Good Pat Burrell or his Evil Twin, the Mediocre To Lousy Pat Burrell.
Good talking to you and your wife the other day.
By Andy K.
April 17, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, why doesn’t Wren take a chance on Bryan Corey? He refused assignment for the BoSox, and opted for free-agency.
By BossLady
April 17, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Escobar had a group of friends and family that lives in Florida who came to support him for that night. He was celebrating doing something well for his company where he lives off season. That has never been his way of acting. He was just having fun with his friends and family that does not get to see him in person. The game was so boring, I listen to Joe Simpson and look into the crowds too. He had 90 people rooting for him.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil
Ibanez is a free agent?!?! I know he is 35? right now, but he can swing the bat. Would be a nice pickup.
By Lew
April 17, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
BrentA-Don’t write Gonzo in quite yet. June will barely be a year since his surgery. If you were here winter before last, you’ll remember that we discussed at considerable length that the general recovery time for TJ surgery is 1 1/2 years ( if you weren’t here then, I just told you).
Gonzo might not be back to normal in June and ready to take over the closer’s duties. Better wait and see before you count them Fighting Chickens.
By ernesto
April 17, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Just remember 2004. We started f’ugly, almost unwatchable, but it came around. We were 17-21 in the middle of May before the bats warmed up. Way to early to be concerned about anything.
Other than the ‘pen.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Braveheart - I was just kidding. Of course I know what you mean and certainly hope that is the case for Hudson, which is quite possible given his having the flu, then taking pictures of Diaz etc. in the snow, and then pitching a stella game lasting 8 innings, then God knows what … but that creepy Gonzales no hurting no feeling but no speed sort of memory is hard to let go.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 17, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
OMG! Shut the hell up about Escobar already! Big damn deal. He flipped his bat into the air. The kid was excited because he hit a homerun in front of his family some of whom he might have been playing in front of for the first time.
The kid was excited. What the hell was wrong with that?! Good Lord! I wish more of those stiffs on that team would show some excitement. I’m quite sure Cox or TP told him in the dugout that he might have went a bit overboard and killed the issue right then and there. You clowns are acting like he pulled a “Manny” and stood at the plate admiring his shot!
Cut the kid a break. This team has a helluva lot more pressing issues than Escobar flipping his bat and pointing to his family-HIS FAMILY- in the stands!
By Jersey Gil
April 17, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew..Just a thouch win Pat, Nice to see you again here.Tax season is over, i have more time to blog. My Wife was jumping all over today when i call her about 4:00PM, sorry i have to go home to listen about the Games, see y later.
GO BRAVOS
By chase
April 17, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
The long and short of it is this:
Its time for these guys to man up, suck it up, and start playing how they are capable…We are going to see what these guys are made of
By Reid in EAV
April 17, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Because blogging about the Braves depresses me right now, I’ll talk BBQ. Yes, I love Daddy D’z on Memorial, and often grab their stuff right before games in order to cart it into the stadium. It certainly beats anything inside the turnstiles. I usually have to ask for extra sauce, though, because I often don’t get enough. But that’s a good thing.
My all-time fave ATL BBQ joint, though, was Aleck’s BBQ Heaven, which was on MLK near the Atlanta University Center. It got torn down for that Publix thing that’s there now (though it still had the same booth where MLK himself used to sit and hold strategy sessions! Probably not dusted since he sat in it, either. Er.) The pit was built out of the cobblestones that used to compose the street! The BBQ was absolutely amazing, and I miss it.
The owner, Pam Alexander (daughter of the original owner) was an at-large Atlanta City Council member who got defeated for re-election some time back. After Aleck’s disappeared from the AUC area, it was supposed to pop up again in Decatur, but that never happened. Wish I knew where I could get a few gallons of that “come back” sauce. Sigh.
Lastly, though I loathe Tuscaloosa, Alabama and am not too fond of UA either, the original Dreamland there beats nearly all comers. Mmmmm.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Bet at least one or two of the hitters in Earl’s lineup could swipe some bags or bunt runners over
Sure. Absolutely. Weaver’s teams usually had a low stolen base total, and a high success rate. He knew when the tactical situation called for bunting, stealing, or whatever. But he strived mightily to NOT put his teams in situations which called for such tactics.
The point is that lots of bloggers here call for “small ball” all the time as a STRATEGY, not a tactic. They seem to think that a team full of roadrunners bunting, moving the runner over, and generally investing a lot of outs for fewer runs means winning baseball.
And maybe if the mound were still 6 inches higher, and parks were a lot bigger, and players were a lot smaller, that might be true. But today? Sorry, son, that kind of offense is a roadmap to misery.
Weaver’s “big inning” philosophy vs. Mauch’s “first run” philosophy is more about investment of outs per run scored than it EVER was about simple slugging. It happens to turn out that big flys are the most efficient way to turn baserunners into runs. If that happens to not tickle your “excitement” meter, well, guess that’s just the way it goes at the old ballpark.
By Dale Murphy
April 17, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
andruw is actually 46 years old…. and showing it…
By poorbrave
April 17, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
BA You are totally wrong on what happen with Loften. I was there and that was not the problem but when I have time I will tell it all. N8 Why do you believe PT will be next Mgr? PT is not even a good hitting Coach can’t relate to players.( AJ Ex.)Brian Snitker has minor league Mgr. exp. plus relates great with players while demanding they produce. N8 I love to read your blogs, just disagree on TP. DOB great job and the night DJ job might be fun.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN:
I think this is news a lot of you guys will appreciate. Very unusual for Bobby Cox. He’s called a team meeting. 5:15 p.m. They just closed the clubhouse and booted us out.
It was on the announcement board when the players arrived today. Again, I can’t stress to you how unusual this is for Cox. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I really think they’re determined, or he’s determined, not to let this thing get away from them.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
dcBrave: correct, UCL surgery is “Tommy John” surgery, and it’ll probably be 12-13 months before he’s back, barring some miracle recovery the next two weeks….
OK, meeting is over. I see players coming on field. It was short and sweet, obviously.
Maybe Bobby just reminded them they can’t bring Cuban cigars back on the plane.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Ten to one that Cox says something along the lines of “We’re not playing poorly, we’re just waiting for the right time to strike.”
Sure hope it’s more motivational than that.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Food for thought.
1991 Braves 141 HR’s - .258 BA - 165 stolen bases - 3.49 ERA
1992 Braves 138 HR’s - .254 BA - 126 stolen bases - 3.14 ERA
1993 Braves 169 HR’s - .262 BA - 125 stolen bases - 3.14 ERA
1997 Braves 174 HR’s - .270 BA - 108 stolen bases - 3.18 ERA
1999 Braves 197 HR’s - .266 BA - 148 stolen bases - 3.63 ERA
2000 Braves 179 HR’s - .271 BA - 148 stolen bases - 4.05 ERA
Of course, thats just six out of the last seventeen seasons where the Braves cracked the century mark in stolen bases.
My point is , those teams won with pitching, defense, power and speed.
Cox knows how to play small ball, it’s just that he hasn’t done it in recent years. Primarily because every since Furcal left, the Braves have not had that type of catalyst at the top of the order.
Our competition as of last season within the division consists of :
Florida’s Hanley Ramirez, 51 stolen bases.
The Met’s Jose Reyes, 78 stolen bases.
The Phillies Jimmy Rollins, 41 stolen bases.
Make of it what you will. I don’t like it, at all.
By Beach Dawg
April 17, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Like someone said time to burn the blue/black road “shirts” Nothing good has happened while wearing them — could be the fact that it does not say Braves!!!
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
You see, now that is what I mean. Hilarious. DOB thinks he is this cutting edge music guru. He always has. And hilarious as it may seem, the denizens treat him as if he actually is some kind of authority on music. Like the other day he throws Zevon at us. Are we supposed to be impressed? Now today, that poor j-school fellow simply says, “hey DOB, just don’t like that album/artist and here’s why,” and Dave becomes completely indignant. And what is really funny is that the denizens just all nod their heads. Hilarious!
By ernesto
April 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Reid, shame on you for badmouthing Ttown, and the mighty Capstone.
But good call on Dreamland. Damn those are good ribs.
By Tomas
April 17, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Dob,
I just read in an unofficial website that Turnbow is unhappy and the tigers and the braves are interested in him. Do you believe this is true or pure BS, because now that we have learned that there is a very big chance moylan is done for the year, is there a chance turnbow has now become a target?
By Rick M
April 17, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Bad news for sure on Moylan. It further illustrates why the “forum” were exasperated to see Tyler Yates dumped for nothing. He had a BAD spring. Lots of POSITION players have BAD springs, too. Pitching is the area you can least afford to be short in and we dropped him as if we possessed the Murderers Row of Pitching. Hampton will never be back, Gonzalez will never be back and Soriano will probably always be iffy at best. It’s a long season but these injuries and the fact the Braves will never play fundamental baseball to win the close games means decent stats padded by the blowouts but we will be reading the same “should of could of” of years past because we will never steal wins we had no right winning. Instead, we will lose the majority of the 1 run games bc we don’t play yo move the runner to 3rd with no outs, etc.
By Bama
April 17, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Maybe he’s hangin it up! no such luck. If not kicking some a*.
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Now this is funny too. Chase wrote, “Its time for these guys to man up, suck it up, and start playing how they are capable.” This is a very funny statement because that is exactly what the Braves have been doing for just about a year now: playing slightly below .500 ball. THAT IS their capability. ALso up there on the laugh-o-meter is that none of the denizens really seem to notice.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Team meeting behind closed doors???
YESSSSSSS!!!
I hope it does some good for these guys! Matbe Bobby’ll even yell…
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
DOB - Thanks. That was short: 15 mins, but again, what did he have to say to these professionals anyway that he could not tell them before and after each game? Got to hit? Got to pitch? Didn’t they know that? A players’ only meeting might have done more.
By Murphy
April 17, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
re: Turnbow. Didnt the last reliever we got from Milwaukee kinda blow? Not to say Turnbow isnt an exception, but I am just saying!
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I think Braves will be talking to any and all teams with available, proven end-of-game guys, that Turnbow is such a pitcher. There aren’t many available, and he might one of the few.
By iowabrave
April 17, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Closed door this early in the season is way off of Cox’s radar. I wonder if BC is a little more impatient this year knowing that the light at the end of the career tunnel is getting bigger. Might be a good thing to have BC a little more frisky than usual. After all, he hasn’t been thrown outta of game for a few months.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 17, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
OH THANK THE HEAVENS! THANK YOU, SWEET JESUS! Cox has seen the light! No, meetings shouldn’t be held every week but sometimes they are needed. Cox needs to get in some asses and call some folks out and let them know that nobody’s job is safe and they better start playing like it!
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
anti, you keep using that word - hilarious. I do not think it means what you think it means.
By poorbrave
April 17, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the PT instead of TP at 5:18 blog. Must not been much of a meeting, I like the cigar joke.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
ALMOST FORGOT: Jeff Bennett is starting tomorrow, not Carlyle. Bobby just told us while ago.
Bennett didn’t even know until I asked him about it. He honestly didn’t know.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
re: Turnbow. Didnt the last reliever we got from Milwaukee kinda blow? Not to say Turnbow isnt an exception, but I am just saying! -By Murphy
Hope it is not Turnbow’s TURN to BLOW for us, but he does have a TURBO arm tho … whatever…
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Sounds like Bobby had his Major League like “There’s Only One Thing To Do” speech:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0gGX-Fxx52M
Think of Terry “Many Millions More” McJerk as the lady they strip down.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
anti-brave, nothing “cutting edge” about most of the artists we’ve mentioned, including Zevon, Earle, Townes Van Zandt, James McMurtry, Robert Earl, etc. Nothing at all.
it’s hilarious, though. The whole thing. Hilarity abounds.
Or maybe they are “cutting edge” to you. I don’t know.
By the way, didn’t “throw” any Zevon out. I simply put the song lyrics at the end of a blog.
That’s just something we do here, put song lyrics at the end of the blog. Hilarious touch to the hilarity.
Maybe you’d prefer some good Journey lyrics, or Bon Jovi. I don’t know. But the blog is a reflection of the blogger’s personal opinions and hilarious experiences. I live Zevon. Sorry if you don’t.
Actually, not sorry. Don’t care. So now you can rant that you, too, have felt my, as you put it, indignation.
Go be anti-whatever somewhere else if you don’t like it, man. Nothing personal. No need to get all indignant about someone’s blog.
By the way, you wrote: ‘that poor j-school fellow simply says, �hey DOB, just don�t like that album/artist and here�s why,� and Dave becomes completely indignant.’
Actually, he wrote: ‘Some of this album reeks…. I�m willing to listen to the other side�s POV, but not when it�s voiced as a high-school newspaper quality ad hominem attack.”
Your version of his statement was, well, hilarious.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Well, Jeff Bennett will get his chance. We shall see if the right hander can take advantage of the opportunity.
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
How about some sort of package dealing with Pena to play catcher for the Yanks and Farnsworth or Latroy Hawkins coming back here? Farnsworth and Hawkins both stink but, hey, so do many of our relievers.
Campillo has looked good so far. He looked great last night.
Gotay has been good off the bench as well.
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
dave, you don’t need to apolgize to me. it is j-school that really deserves to hear an apology. If you go back and read that post you left for him, if you are really objective about it, i think you would agree, that j-school really did not deserve the condescension. He was just sharing with you what he does and does not like in music. isn’t that what you just lectured me about?
By TJ
April 17, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Pretty good article in Forbes about the Braves ownership/management (careful, it’s generally pretty positive!). One quote:
Malone says he has set no limit on the payroll: “We won’t be cheap. We’d like to win. If Terry calls up and says they need something, they’ll get it.
By Ken
April 17, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Why did the Braves release (trade?) Tyler Yates? I can’t believe all the current relievers outperformed him in spring training.
By Steve McP
April 17, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Time to dump the Roo Nads as soon as possible
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Why did the Braves release (trade?) Tyler Yates? I can’t believe all the current relievers outperformed him in spring training By Ken
Because he had a really bad spring, especially toward the end, and everybody thought he changed his name to “Tyler Yikes.
By mark
April 17, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Love McMurtry….Ruby and Carlos is a great song. Need some fire on this team! And learn to do the basics again instead of everyone swinging for the fences
By Overlord
April 17, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Time for a new name for our team
THE ATLANTA TOMMY JOHNS
What about
THE ATLANTA SURGEONS
By McFann
April 17, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Turnbow is such a pitcher. DOB
Turnbow? I remember a great 8th inning that started against Turnbow…
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
ken
you answered your own question there buddy.
the bigger question is why couldn’t McDowell correct him when it looks like Pittsburg’s piching coach is faring much better.
Obviously it was a mechanical issue with Yates that McDowell failed to point out.
By Lew
April 17, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
BeachDawg-Dude, all road shirts say Atlanta. All Home shirts say Braves. The away teams have their city’s name on the shirts. Home teams have the team’s name.
By cityofdecatur
April 17, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
antibrave * Now today, that poor j-school fellow simply says, “hey DOB, just don’t like that album/artist and here’s why,” and Dave becomes completely indignant.*actually DOB got on the j-thing for gettin’ into the POLITICAL slant of the lyrics NOT the disagreement writer. POLITICS FOR THE MOST PART ARE OFF LIMITS AND I THINK DOB WAS PRETTY CLEAR THAT COMMENT ON THE MUSIC LEAVE THE CONTROVERSIAL PROTION ALONE. hell a couple of years ago after a political warning by DOB i made a red state blue state joke and found i could n’t get a post up for a couple of weeks And actually DOB’s musical analysis is pretty cool. though i don’t always find his suggestions to my liking his suggestions HAVE BEEN GOOD to experiement with new artists. I thank him for Lucinda and #Earle personally i’m not a DBT fan or REM for that matter. And the Mcmurtry i know and found interesting is Larry. so anti- there’s a bus leaving for queens at 7:10 from the greyhound station at garnett street be on it.
By Ed Glennon
April 17, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Has anybody noticed that Bobby likes to put a .220 hitter in the fourth spot during April and May? I know Tex is not at .220 yet but I think he will get hot. It is his walk year you know. It is going to be great on Friday watching Tex go up against Andruw.
By Hack
April 17, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Yates was only reliable 50% of the time last year. How many times did he show dominating stuff in garbage innings during blowouts, then come in the next night and blow a hold by walking guys and tubing fastballs? If you think he would have helped the pen this year, you haven’t been paying attention.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Talking to some down on the field, sounds like Bobby’s meeting was a calm reminder for all of what needs to be done, that it’s a long season, etc. Basically to remind everyone that it’s up to them all to pick up the slack, do their parts, and that every game is important.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Obviously it was a mechanical issue with Yates that McDowell failed to point out. by Bobby’s Cox
Can you think of pitcher who became a good-excellent pitcher influenced by McDowell. I cannot think of anybody. On the contrary, Davis was really good for some games after he came to Atlanta and Cox was saying he is the real deal, and then after some tutoring by McDowell, look at what he had become. Then, chucky, Tyler … on and on. I believe he’s got to go.
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
I was blogging with Obrien
I really got him p**
Send lawyers guns and money
Stinky, get me out of this
hey!
send lawyers guns and money
yeah get me out of this
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Clubhouse meeting? AWESOME! I called it last night
By Bobby’s Cox
April 17, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this
I think it’s time for one of cox’s midseason clubhouse meetings. Maybe even an ejection. Dirt needs to be kicked, cooler’s batted, and tempers flyin’. It’s long overdue.
For all you who say, it’s still early and there’s no need to worry, small sample size, it’s still april, etc…Bull. If you’ve watched this team play, you know there’s something seriosly wrong.
Hopefully Bobby will implement some small ball now to get things going.
Nscoots i’m not saying live and die by the small ball. i’m just saying, a hit and run here, a stolen base or a bunt there, might get these hitters refocused. But i’m definately saying don’t live by the long ball either. This team needs someone speedy at the top of the order. Someone like Anderson whether it’s him or not. Anderson over Kotsay is a fair compromise.
By GentlemanJack
April 17, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Tigers RP Yorman Bazardo clears waivers, sent outright to Triple-A. What would the downside have been to picking up a guy like that?
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
BTW, (and this may be hilarious, but I’m not really sure anymore,) the Paul Thorn, A Long Way From Tupelo is outstanding. “It’s a Great Day…” is, well, hilarious. And if Bobby allowed music to be blasted in the clubhouse, it would be the perfect song to play before Smoltz takes the mound tonight. That would be hilarious.
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
He came down to dinner in his sunday best, excitable Dave they all said. And he rubbed the potroast all over his chest, excitable dave they all said. Well he’s just an excitable dave. Now that is classic zevon.
I can’t say that I really cared much for The Wind, but “My ride’s here” was actually very powerful considering that Ole Warren was already ill. Listen to the words, and don’t get distracted by the reference to Chuck Heston, becuase we of course can’t get political.
By FloBrave01
April 17, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
I wonder if there’s any correlation to running a reliever out there 80 games for 90 innings and having his elbow blow out early the next season?
Too bad Vegas didn’t give odds on that one .I wonder who the next overworked reliever will be?
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
I love those navy road jerseys. They should not get rid of them. They just need to hit and pitch better.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
I still think it would have been better for a players only meeting, which usually helps more than a meeting called by the manager. But we’ll see. Hopefully Smoltz can pitch much much better than his last three contests here because we really really need that.
By William
April 17, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to point out some of the other “predicted” playoff caliber teams records……..Detriot 5-10, Cleveland 5-10, Seattle 8-8, Mets 8-7, Philly 8-8, Dodgers 7-8, Colorado 6-8. My point is we have many injury issues, it’s not time to throw in the towel. Good teams work their way through hard times. Time will tell………
By Thrillhouse44
April 17, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Okay, I’m coming to ATL the first weekend of May for the bachelor party. 2 nights, 1 day. What’s the BBQ place I HAVE to hit up?
I agree on the jerseys, Braveheart. It’s too bad when a bad streak ruins a nice set of threads…just ask Monica Lewinsky.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Man, sure would have been nice to pick up Cliff Lee when his stock was low during the offseason.
Oh wait, that was a stupid thought of mine. What do we need him for with all this pitching depth?
By McFann
April 17, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Calm reminder, eh? Oh well…I was hopin’ for some hollerin’ Ward Cleaver style…
Well, I guess Ward doesn’t really “holler” either, so maybe Bobby did do it the Cleaver way.
; )
By BosnianBaller
April 17, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB how big does not trading for B.Fuentes look now.I remember you sayin in the offseason Braves were look for a possible trade if I remember correctly.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
It’s endlessly entertaining that Moylan and Soriano are Dled, Boyer’s mediocre, Manny Acosta is a mystery, Resop blows, Ohman’s is a poor version of Mahay, and, dah dah dah dahhhhhhh…..
Tyler Yates has pitched 9 innings, is 2-0, has a WHIP of .89 a BAA of .107 and an ERA of 1.00.
Yes, folks. THAT was a wise move. Why keep a guy who was a workhorse for you the previous year and had a few rough outings in spring training, when you could trade him away for nothing and entrust the back end of your pen to Will Ohman?
I mean, spring training numbers say it all. Well, unless you’re named “Texeira” and then everyone just chalks it up to a slow start.
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
I wonder if there’s any correlation to running a reliever out there 80 games for 90 innings and having his elbow blow out early the next season?
Flobrave I often wonder that myself. I often think it would be better for relievers to make less appearances but pitch more innings per appearance like Goose Gossage and Sparky Lyle used to do. I just think more damage is done with more appearances than is done with more innings stretched out over less appearances. I think 90 innings in 80 appearances is more harmful to a pitcher than 120 innings in 60 appearances.
By ncgary
April 17, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
time for the kangaroo court to collect a 100 dollars everytime someone swings on a first strike and fails to get a hit use it to start feeding the homeless or something
set a goal , score 6 then have fun the rest of game
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
More typical blog front-running and hind-sighting re Yates. I’ll make a donation to the charity of choice for the person who can drift through the archives and pull a post in which the poster said after March 15, “I want Tyler Yates on the club instead of [pick a player].”
Just…one. But I’m pretty sure my money is safe.
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
See, Saltywoody sees humor in all this.
By Goodoleboy58
April 17, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
i like the start of this game… fastball pitcher and we are getting some good cuts… lets keep it rolling
By BillsNV
April 17, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Whoo Hoo Way to go Yunel and Chipper! More meetings I say!
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
More typical blog front-running and hind-sighting re Yates. I’ll make a donation to the charity of choice for the person who can drift through the archives and pull a post in which the poster said after March 15, “I want Tyler Yates on the club instead of [pick a player].” Just…one. But I’m pretty sure my money is safe.
Scoots, you are gonna owe me and Wayne from Utah a donation if we hold you to that. We were the only ones. The bottomline though is that Yates was both serviceable and expendable and we both understand that so I don’t think either one of us would hold you to that. :)
BTW, loved your dig at Smoltz. LOL!
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Back-to-back doubles by Yunel and Chipper to start the game. McCann produces a run with a double too. Are the bats finally coming to life?
By McFann
April 17, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
OK, that’s what we like to see!! Wayda go, RBI guys!!
I would’ve logged on sooner, but that third 2B put me in shock!
; )
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Great hitting by Yunel and Chipper. More importantly nice to see Tex continue to put good swings on the ball. He’ll be just fine, though he did look a bit frustrated after that lineout. Let’s go Smoltzie!
By TrboDawg
April 17, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Anyone else having problems with the MLB.com webcast? I got some idiot screaming to me about the Pirates and Braves from a two weeks ago… while the box score says we’ve scored 2 runs already…. what gives???
By TrboDawg
April 17, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Hot DAMN! Smoltz strikes out the side!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Talk about a total conspiracy ! Every single game on MLB.com is working except for the Braves game.
F U mlb.com !
C’mon, all the games with the exception of one. It’s no accident.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
great movement on all on his stuff early. i’d honestly love to win this game by about 20 and get the taste out of everyone’s mouths
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Diaz needs to be trying to make contact rather than going for the 8 run homer right now…especially in front of the pitcher’s spot.
By Steve from OH
April 17, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
I’m getting that with the mlbtv too…It’s really p*ing me off, too.
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
MLB.com webcast working fine here.
By William
April 17, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Ok, the Marlins are playing the infield in also in the second inning……Are we going to criticize them also?
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Someone needs to tell KJ and Diaz where they’re hitting in the lineup, and what that means…
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Looks like John is going to try to end this pursuit of 3,000 strikeouts by his next start (he only needed 14 more entering tonight).
Kelly came very close to hitting that ball out in straightaway center.
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson: two swings, eight hundred feet, two outs.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
The mlb.com customer support number is 1-866-800-1275
Call the AZZHOLES and give them an ear full.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
mlb.com is working for me, but the marlins broadcasters keep referring to Josh Willingham as Hammer, which is, needless to say, pretty infuriating. DOB if you get the chance, let them know that nickname’s taken…
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
scoots I’ve always liked Yates. I liked Yates when I saw him pitch a few times live in San Francisco last year. He’s got an intensity about him that you don’t see in the other guys when they warm up.
I think he got hit hard in spring training and wondering if that would carry over to the season was/is valid. But, he pitched a lot and pitched pretty well for us last year…and I thought it was silly to let one of your most reliable arms go.
Granted, I’m not sure I ever voiced it on the blog because, well, I’m a sissy and everyone else was busy lancing him and calling him Yikes. And I think he’ll come back down to earth a little and probably have his usual bad outings in tight games down the line.
Even still, I consider him better than some of the nonsense we’re trotting out there right now…aka Buddy Carlyle and Chris Reslop.
By Salt Lake Brave
April 17, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
When you get a man on third with no out and can not get him in you don’t deserve to win.
By Dutchie
April 17, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Having trouble with the mlb.tv, then you’re probably watching it over the 400k. On some p2p groups it’s discovered the 800k connection is working fine. Try it. (here in Holland it’s working beautifully).
GO BRAVES!
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Scoots, you are gonna owe me and Wayne from Utah a donation if we hold you to that. We were the only ones.
Is that right? Damn, guess I missed it. Doesn’t surprise me that two of the righteous bloggers might have actually made some sense in the midst of all the other bush-wah. How the heck am I supposed to spot THAT, huh, LOL?
Guess I should have qualified the offer to anyone who was bashing the trade TODAY. Oops.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 17, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
John’s got it working tonight
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
i’d honestly love to win this game by about 20 and get the taste out of everyone’s mouths
That’s the last thing we need. We need to win this thing by 1 run, with Boyer, Ohman, and Acosta pitching sequentially and not giving up a single run. That would be much better for the psyche of this team than another 20 run blowout against a mediocre team after getting our butts kicked by them two days in a row.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
walking the 8 hitter probably will pay off, but i don’t like it. show some confidence from the guy who’s struck out five, no? i just don’t like smoltz wasting pitches and messing with his rhythm like that. i’m sure many will disagree, just my two cents…
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
the marlins broadcasters keep referring to Josh Willingham as Hammer, which is, needless to say, pretty infuriating.
Have you ever trotted out the Frenchy thing in front of fans of other teams? I have. It often infuriates them to no end as well. Just makes me say it more.
By andy
April 17, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
is there something wrong with my tv, because the game keeps going on and off here ?
By Huddy Going 9
April 17, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Ah William,
Your baseball IQ is showing. There’s a difference between being tied up or down by a run in the second and already being down by 3 in the second. If you don’t know the difference, between having to score a run to tie a game up or having to have a grand slam to tie a game up, then perhaps you should read “Baseball for Dummies,” then get back to us.
By Bill ladd Smith
April 17, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Dave- I love the Braves/MLB stuff, but let’s get real here. If I wanted to read about, or discuss music I’d go to MTV or VH1, or CMT or something. I’m here because my enthusiasm is baseball, and my passion is the Atlanta Braves. And, not coincidentally your blog is in the sports section. Let’s keep it there, OK?
By brian
April 17, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Braves need that meeting today. If Braves could just go .500 in one run games they would be rolling this year. Braves have been unlucky - best example is Chipper’s liner yesterday to Cantu.
Chemistry though is a concern. If that continues to be a concern offensively then adding Anderson to platoon in LF would be a good idea. He would hit leadoff, dropping Kelly to the 7th spot. Bench would be strengthened with diaz off the bench for righties. Lefties we are stuck where we are because I do not see Cox moving Escobar out of 2nd in the order.
By bigchiefrg
April 17, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
anyone else having problems with comcast sports south or is it my cable?
of course it happens when smoltze pitches beautifully out of trouble
By Choppin' at the bit
April 17, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Good point Salt Lake Brave, so I guess the Marlins will be losing tonight huh…? (2nd & 3rd no outs!) It is foolish to make such a blanket statement.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody, I actually made the Yates post before I saw yours about him. I assure you, mine wasn’t aimed your way. You’re neither a front-runner nor a hind-sighter, in my book.
And stop being a sissy, LOL. Unbecoming to a Wurlitzer winner. :-)
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
There are six games currently being played and the Braves /Marlins is the only one not working at mlb.com.
It totally blows !
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 17, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Bill ladd Smith,
Hmmmmm….just stop typing.
By bigchiefrg
April 17, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
chipper straigth RAKIN’!!!
where would we be right now without him?
By HP
April 17, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is a hitting machine!!!!
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
HR by Chipper!
By AGTFan
April 17, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Sure would be nice if that Chipper fella would learn to hit.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Jesus, that Larry Jones can hit. Saltywoody you’re definitely right about that being the best case scenario, but I might say a 20 run win isn’t quite the worst thing that could happen. I guess I’m just a little frustrated, and right now see putting up that many as more likely than getting quality outings from those guys all in the same night. Here’s hoping, though…
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Come on, Dave, you have to admit that the lawyers, guns, and money bit was pretty funny.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
a little “leadership” from Hoss.
By Tomas
April 17, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Chipper is just so good from the left side, I wonder how would he hit lefthanders from the left side.
By William
April 17, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Ok Huddy Puddy, I wasn’t naming names, but since you barked……as they say, the guilty dog always barks. I’ve been watching/playing baseball since you were wearing diapers.
By Gator
April 17, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
The braves game was blacked out for a couple of minutes on tv too. It wasn’t mlb.com’s fault
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Seriously, Bill ladd Smith, check out Paul Thorn, A Long Way from Tupelo.
…and remember, you heard it hear first.
By William
April 17, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
I have Direct TV and mine was going in and out also.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Nelson Figueroa set down 9 Nats in a row, then Zimmerman infield single and Nick Johnson just crushed a pitch. 2-1 Nats in the 4th at Shea
By Overlord
April 17, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Chipper is cheating…. he is something like the terminator or robocop.
I think (i know tons of people have said this before, but here is the reason why) KJ has to be more patient at the plate, not only because he is the leadoff hitter. Thats not the biggest issue. He has something maybe only 10% (if any)of the rest of the leadoff hitters have. He has a 2-3 punch with a combined .375+. Take advantage, be patient #2 and #3 will take care.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Even now, I would love to see Luis Gonzalez in a Braves uniform.
By bigchiefrg
April 17, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
smoltzie is my ALL-TIME FAVORITE player…goodness I sure hope his shoulder doesnt fall off. He is really beginning to make me nervous…Anyone know what this is all about?
By Dutchie
April 17, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Bill ladd Smith….
Just leave? You’re comming here, not DOB landing on your desktop!
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
a little “leadership” from Hoss.
I disagree Scoots. Chipper should have ran around afterwards like Cuba Gooding in Jerry Maguire. That would have been leadership. :o>
Yep, I just went Vampire Serbok nose with a Paladin smile on ya.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Chipper hit a home run?
Gee, I wouldn’t know, missed the first two and a half innings.
And the feed just died again. So much for technology.
By robdawg08
April 17, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Maybe if Teixeira,McCann,Kotsay,Diaz,and K.Johnson could hit things would be much different. How can all these guys be in slumps at the same time ?
This is embarassing to watch. The Marlins with a payroll a third of the Braves is dominating the division early…
Go Braves ! I mean go hit the damn ball when I say Go Braves !
By MEB
April 17, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Bill ladd Smith… new to the blog, aye?
SportsSouth is having problems here in Lower Alabama as well.
Chipper is not having any problems stroking the ball tonight.
LETS GO BRAVES!!!
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Anybody feeling the cycle for Kotsay tonight?
By cityofdecatur
April 17, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
814 and i’m just getting off work this has been my only tie to the game sh*t. i’m going to Maddys and eat a slab all by myself and listen to the game on the car radio. see ya later.
By Huddy Going 9
April 17, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Willam
I’m guilty of only stating facts. YOU’RE the one who seems to lack the knowledge of the difference in trying to keep a game from getting out of hand by pulling the infield in and trying not to go down by 4 in the second inning, and pulling the infield in, in the second in a 1-1 game!
And since you mentioned it, you must be in your 70’s if you’ve been watching baseball since I was in diapers. I think the “huddy puddy” thing makes me think differently.
Just goes to show you that some people can watch baseball for half a century and STILL not learn anything!
By niaccm
April 17, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
How does a hitting machine like Diaz,(not meant tongue in cheek, I really believe that) struggle as much as he is right now? First time in the last two years I’ve seen him look totally lost. He does look totally lost.
By Murphy
April 17, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
SS was having trouble with their feed in Charlotte as well. I had to go to my emergency on-line radio.
By Risingstar
April 17, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Braves needs to bring Anderson up to shake this lineup, what about a line up
1 Josh Anderson 2 Mark Kotsay 3 Yunel Escobar 4 Chiper Jones 5 Mark Texeira 6 Brian McCann 7 Jeff Francoeur 8 Kelly Johnson 9 Any pitcher
Somethign different must be done to change the course of this season and better now that there are plenty of time
By William
April 17, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
I could be wrong, because I am old, but wasn’t the score 1-0 last night when Bobby brought the infield in?????? Either way, the night before they were shutout, so obviously Bobby was trying to limit the damage, because the offensive was struggling. Also, we are winning so far tonight, so find something else to complain and be critical about.
By TennesseePaul
April 17, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
I love Smoltz. 1st inning, 3Ks. After 3.1 innings, 8Ks. He could match his career high (I think) and reach 3,000 all in one game.
By anti-brave
April 17, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
uh oh, Bill Ladd Smith has done it now. I can’t bear to look…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Smoltz pitching hurt?
Thats like putting a wounded grizzly bear on the mound and watching him eat the Marlins for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Smoltz doesn’t look happy out there tonight. His shoulder/neck/trap/whatever must be killing him. He’s had a miserable look on his face.
By Stephen
April 17, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
omg chipper
By William
April 17, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Yes, Chipper is RAKIN!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
hey, these old guys for the Braves, Smoltz and Jones, are pretty good.
37th career multi-homer game for Hoss
By Tomas
April 17, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
second homerrrrrrrrrrrrrrr for chipper yeahhhh….
By chippewa
April 17, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
DOB Rush or Porcupine Tree???
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones > Chuck Norris. It’s settled.
By Stephen
April 17, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
TEX
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Do you guys realize there are fewer pitchers with 3,000 strikeouts (15) than there pitchers with 300 wins (23), players with 500 homers (23), and players with 3,000 hits (27).
And as I wrote that, Tex just blasted one to the RF seats.
By Lew
April 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Apparently the Braves’ meeting shook something loose. Chipper goes deep twice and now Tex launches one.
By HP
April 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
DOB: Why don’t Braves go sign the free agent Akinori Otsuka for bullpen help? Last year stats: 32.1 IP 11 Holds 23K 2.51 ERA. I know he is 36 years old, but he did not show any sign that his body is wearing down. He has a career 2.44 ERA in majors. He also has 39 career saves. I think braves should immediately go after him.
By TennesseePaul
April 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Slugging the crap out of the ball tonight.
I can see where a 1-run win would be rewarding for the team. But not tonight. That’d require a melt down from the pitching which I’d prefer we avoid.
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Chipper and Tex just hit back to back homers!!!!
By Goodoleboy58
April 17, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Back to Back… way to get em going Hoss
Good job Tex
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Chip and Tex go back-to-back!
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Atta boy big TEX!!!
By Stephen
April 17, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
THREEE IN A FREEKING ROW BABY
By William
April 17, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Ok, Frenchy, watch out for one under the chin……….
By Lew
April 17, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Damn-Now McCann too.
By TennesseePaul
April 17, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
OOOOOLHHHHHHHHHH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep it up boys. Keep it up.
GO BRAVES!!
By DCbrave
April 17, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Chipper and tex and B-mac back to back to back hooooomers!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
three consecutive homers by Chipper, Tex and Mac have brought out a couple dozen folks doing tomahawk chops and the war chant, most of them wearing Braves jerseys or T-shirts.
in a crowd this small, they’re noticeable.
By HP
April 17, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
back to back to back home runs!! When did that happen last for Braves?
By bigchiefrg
April 17, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I think Bobby made them watch the Fred McGriff instructional video during the closed doors meeting.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
The Braves are swinging the sword tonight and cutting the Marlins to ribbons. Three home runs and eight extra base hits so far.
Check that, McCann just went yard too.
Back to back to back jacks.
I love it !
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Chip, Tex and Mac go back-to-back-to back!
By Murphy
April 17, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I love having Chipper on my fantasy baseball team!
By Interested Observer
April 17, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I love team meetings!!
And I hate those beer league softball jerseys. They’re bad luck, too. I say burn them now!
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Marlins announcers are saying it’s batting practice at this point. Hey Saltywoody, I might just get my wish. And maybe we can compromise, win by a ton, set Smoltz down to rest, and get some good relief work. Whaddya say?
By TennesseePaul
April 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
9 extra base hits. Not a single single given up. What a bad line for Nolasco. Sheeeeesh.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
And, as the song goes:
GONE LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN!!
GONE LIKE YESTERDAY!!
GONE LIKE A SOLDIER IN THE CIVIL WAR,
BANG BANG!!!
Oh yeah! What does anti-brave say? HILARIOUS!!
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
scoots :) Fair enough. What can I say? I’m going to feel like a sissy until this team plays the way we all know they can.
Speaking of which…this Chipper character is not bad, eh?
By StingerSplash
April 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Don’t dig in, Frenchy. They may earhole ya.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Last time the Braves had three consecutive homers? That’d be May 28, 2003, in Atlanta vs. Cincy, the trio of Rafael Furcal, Mark DeRosa, Gary Sheffield.
By brian
April 17, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
can you say Hall Of Fame?
By Robin
April 17, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie is hurting baaad. Maybe they’ll sit him with a big lead. Sure, he’s a competitor but, we need him later.
Forget about the 3k.
By HP
April 17, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Never mind just read somewhere that Akinori Otsuka under went elbow surgery in January. Maybe thats why his not pitching.
By StingerSplash
April 17, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
I was a tad concerned when the Braves failed to get Kotsay home in the second — it seems like every time they do that, it comes back to bite them in the hind parts later in the game — but, uh, after the fifth inning, I don’t think I’m that concerned anymore, Wally, especially the way Smoltz is rolling through the Fish. I know the Braves are running thin on pitching, but giving a start to Bennett? Was that his last request?
By brewdawg
April 17, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
I wish Smoltz would just shut the shoulder down at least for 15 days. However, I understand that with the state of our starting pitching health, that might not be an option.
By flange1
April 17, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Smoltz’s results are great tonight, but is anyone else sensing that he is hurting?
Lots of side arm pitches?
I hope they pull him after 5
By matt
April 17, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, What is your feeling about Arthur Lee and Love. I just say his special on Jools (on demand). He still has a great voice.
By kev
April 17, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
They need to clone Smoltz.
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Smoltz’s 44th double-digit strikeout game.
But that’s gonna be it. Ohman’s up in the pen.
Good move by Cox. No sense pushing Smoltz with a six-run lead. He can get four more for 3,000 at home on Tuesday.
He also needs 35 to catch Pedro.
By matt
April 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
DOB, What is your feeling about Arthur Lee and Love. I just say his special on Jools (on demand). He still has a great voice.
By matt
April 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
DOB, What is your feeling about Arthur Lee and Love. I just say his special on Jools (on demand). He still has a great voice.
By Goodoleboy58
April 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is my hero… DOB tell him not to get hurt so I’ll be able to see them live in May when I come home for leave.. I need a Glavine/Smoltz back-to-back outing
By Contra
April 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Can anybody tell me what’s been up with Smoltzie? I just turned on the game and he looked really uncomfortable out there, even throwing from a 3 quarters delivery and such…
By Dutchie
April 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
4 more to go…. It would sooooo rock to see him get them allready tonight!!
By scott boras
April 17, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
smoltz : what a warrior. he changed his pitching angle once he got a good lead to ease the shoulder issues.. he has a .o56era! 10ks in 6 innings.ya STUD
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Smotlzie is the man, but he really seems to be in pain. Maybe if Hampton can come back and contribute Smoltz will be able to rest up for a week or two. That wouldn’t be so bad…if all those other starters are healthy. Big if.
By fastasballs
April 17, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait until Chipper feels confortable from the left side of the plate, lol.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 17, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
If it’s game seven of the World Series, I want Smoltz and no one else on the mound.
Ten K’s in five innings. And he pitched in pain.
Mike Hampton, are you paying attention.
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Is John Smoltz 28 years old again?
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Good ol’ Bobby Cox has a way with words and his players. He should do whatever he did more often.
I wonder if he had more pep talks in the early years (91-93), then tapered them off a bit.
I remember a clubhouse meeting he had one year before an interleague game in Detroit and the team responded pretty well. This team could use more of those pep talks.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 17, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
alright naysayers is Cox making a good mover taking smoltz out?
By Stephen
April 17, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
KELLY
By StingerSplash
April 17, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Smoltz done after five? Not. A. Good. Sign. I was hoping he could go two more innings to relieve the torn and tattered bullpen. There you go, KJ. Atta boy.
By Contra
April 17, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
And can anybody say feast? This offense either scores 10 or nothing.
Nice swing Kelly.
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
KJizzle Sizzle!
By Robin
April 17, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
5 bombs! All no doubters! Save some for the week-end boys!
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
11 out of 12 hits have been for extra-bases after Pena doubled and Johnson homered. Way to go Braves!
By Pete H.
April 17, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
I know this will be controversial, and I’m donning my flameproof suit, but I think this Jones kid can play and we should hold on to him.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
chipper jones….wow.
By Mark in PA
April 17, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable. The Marlins clown announcers are suggesting the Braves might want to pick up Mark Redman, who is now 2-1 with a win last night over San Diego. “Didn’t he play for the Braves, last year, Doofus?” “Yes, Bozo, I believe he did.” Not a trace of sarcasm.
By William
April 17, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
anyone notice the “Border Patrol now Hiring” add behind home plate?? Seems funny to my since we are playing the Marlins……do the marlins want to have anyone at the game???
By beachcomber
April 17, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Vintage Smoltz. Vintage Chipper.
By TexasBrave
April 17, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Smoltz threw just 81 pitches, could he not have gone another inning? For those of you watching the game was there any indication that he was hurting?
With an 8 run lead I have no doubt the pen can hold the lead, but would have like to have had the pen go one less inning.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 17, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Whether Cox was calm or on a tangent it appears the closed door meeting worked. Sometimes these “come to Jesus” meetings are needed!
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s first four-hit game since Aug. 14, 2006, the three-homer game at Washington.
He had 19 three-hit games last season, but no four-hit games.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should trade Chipper while his stock is high.
Huh?
Huh?
(wry smile)
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Still 2-1 at Shea in the middle of the 8th. Lannan pitched great for the Nats and Figueroa made one mistake that Washington’s bullpen is trying to make stand up. Pretty good game. I figure if i’m stuck watching the Mets all the time I can at least give you guys updates when they’re losing…
By brent a.
April 17, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
So DC Brave, do you have the stats on those players only meetings, where you can verify that they work better than a team meeting?
I’ve gotta hunch you don’t.
And Lew, believe it or not, I can learn things about Tommy John surgery, or anything else baseball-related, from sources other than this board. Regardless, while Gonzo may not be the closer when he returns, all accounts are that he will be returning by June, so that’s really where my focus was. He’ll close when he can close.
By William
April 17, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Seems like some real consideration should be given to moving Smoltz back to the closers roll. Of course that begs the question of, who do you replace him with in the rotation. Just doesn’t seem like his arm will last the whole season as a starter. He was awesome tonight though.
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Chipper is hitting .443 That is just preposterous.
By chase
April 17, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
DOB
What are the chances the Braves would consider moving RESOP? Releasing, optioning, whatever?
This guy HAS DONE NOTHING….
8-0 Game, he comes in and IMMEDIATELY starts WALKING PEOPLE!
How has he earned the right to still be here?
By BosnianBaller
April 17, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
I remember that ‘03 back-back-back.They started the game off w/the homers
By StingerSplash
April 17, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
*Chipper’s first four-hit game since Aug. 14, 2006, the three-homer game at Washington.
He had 19 four-hit games last season, but no four-hit games.*
Uhhh… What?
By Robin
April 17, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, yeah I noticed it in the second inn. but then, I’m an old fan. He only threw 12 pitches in the first yet his body language still hinted that things weren’t A-OK. Kudos to the offense tonight.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Probably 19 3-hit games, stinger. Ohman and Resop did well…how bout Boyer then Acosta then we get the f*** out of Dodge…
By Braves Fan in PA
April 17, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
We have three long men in the bullpen now when we get through the rotation and see how is health any chance we drop one (or two) of the long men and give someone like Stockman a try? I can only go by his stats at Richmond and they look pretty good (9 in 4 hits, 4 bb’s 11 k’s). A couple of years ago when he had the brief look (before getting hurt) he seemed impressive. So replace one aussie with another :)
By Steve McP
April 17, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
All is well with the world
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Texas Brave
Yes, he looked like he was hurting…..
but the guy is a warrior and was dealing tonight. 10 Ks!!!!!
By Reid in EAV
April 17, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Bill ladd Smith — yeahhhh, that’ll work. Just like all the other times.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
I know it’s just a pet peeve of mine, and I’ve always refrained from mentioning it, but, for some reason, I can’t let it go tonight.
Smoltz is an admirable pitcher, a very strong-willed competitor. But the use of “warrior” to describe any athlete grates on me. In my world, that word is reserved. Reserved for men and women who carry weapons and stand the wall so that bloggers can watch ballgames in comfort.
I know that those who use the term in other ways mean no slight by its use thereof. I know that. And perhaps I am too sensitive about it. But this blog is frequented by more than one of the folks who have earned that appellation in a much harsher arena than a ballpark. And maybe some of those folks think nothing of the word’s use to describe ball players. Maybe it’s just me.
In any event, like I said, just had to get it off my chest tonight, for some reason. Feel free to ignore it, or not, as desired.
By William
April 17, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Ok Chipper, lets not pull the hammy going for the Triple to complete the cycle.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Delgado drives in Church to tie it at 2-2. I never liked Ryan Church…
By scott boras
April 17, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
chipper jones is not human.
By William
April 17, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
I spent 21 years in the military and 3yrs in Iraq……I have no problem with the term warrior, but I understand your point.
By N8
April 17, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Hey EVERYBODY! (spoken in Harry Caray “tone”), guess what?
If tonights score holds up (or the Braves tack on more runs), we will have “outscored” the Marlins in the series, yet walked away with a series loss.
Which will lead to the homers and “our offense is fine….look at how many runs we’ve scored and our runs scored vs. runs allowed is in the PLUS”, will start there nonsense again.
I just got home. It appears that Smoltz didn’t let me down. He stopped the bleeding, as I predicted he would. Chipper with 2 HR, Tex with a HR, and KJ with a HR.
I haven’t looked at the boxscore yet, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and take a guess that without the HR’s we wouldn’t have many runs, right?
Anyhow. Solid night for the road team tonight. Can’t really complain. But couldn’t help but drop my sarcasm on the blog. I had a feeling you guys were “missing” my absence. LOL!
Nice. The announcers just said that Smoltz had 10 K’s in 5 innings? ROFLMAO!
Great. So two weeks into the season, Smoltz (the bulldog that he is), has abandoned his “I’m gonna make hitters make contact so I don’t use so many pitches and can go deeper into the games” approach, and is back to mowing em’ down like he always does?
June 15th. That’s how long he’ll last this year, (with the way our injury “luck” is going), if he feels that it’s necessary to do that every time out.
How can something so GREAT from one of the GREATEST pitches to every where the tomahawk across his chest, (You know what? Check that. He’s one of the Greatest to ever strap on the leotard. Period.), loom to be a dangerous sign of things to come?
I hope come June his arm is actually still attached to his shoulder.
By Braves Fan in PA
April 17, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Link:TOMMY">http://www.wikio.com/news/Tommy+Hanson?wfid=52719435">TOMMY HANSON, RHP Anyone know more about him? Seems impressive. Another sight has him throwing in the mid 90’s and now in 16 in has 26 k’s and only 4BB’s and 4 hits!
By fastasballs
April 17, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Why in an 8 run game is a pitcher an inning used by Cox? Buddy is the designated long man, isn’t he? Who cares if he pitches two or three innings. You save the arms for the next series.
These are the moves that make absolutely NO SENSE. Finally a game that’s a laugher & some guys can get the night off, but most of the pen will still pitch tonight.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 17, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
DOB It looks like Chipper’s chances of getting in the Hall of fame have gone from dicey to likely since this time last season.What do you think he has to get to stats wise ? I’m thinking 1500 or so rbi and at least 450 hr.The quality numbers are plenty good enough,it’s quantity that needs a bit of work imo.
By Bobby's Cox
April 17, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
I’m assuming Scoots is not a Golden State Warriors fan.
By Braves Fan in PA
April 17, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Link:Hanson
Here is the link again
http://www.wikio.com/news/Tommy+Hanson?wfid=52719435
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
That Hammer talk by the broadcasters was insulting, but the more I hear them say it the more it sounds like Hamster.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
NcScoots
I feel ya man. No baseball player is a “warrior”. People who risk their lives everyday are. I agree with you. I just meant Smoltz is a tough son of a gun to be pitching through tons of shoulder pain. Didn’t mean anything by it.
By Steve McP
April 17, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
How does Hanson find time (or the need to pitch) surely the music business is taking up all his time?
By Roper
April 17, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
ncscoots perhaps you would prefer the term “Brave” to “Warrior”?
By William
April 17, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
AMAZING!! We are winning and people are still b***!n.
By Reid in EAV
April 17, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
And there’s the final out. Let’s get back to the Ted ASAP!! (But, um, let’s make sure those pre-flight checks are THOROUGH, ok?)
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
I’m assuming Scoots is not a Golden State Warriors fan.
Well, LOL, I never really thought it about it, but I guess you’re right. :-)
By BravesFanInRockies
April 17, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Nice offensive show and the pitching’s not shabby either.
If I must complain (and I must), however, was it absolutely necessary to use FIVE PITCHERS in an 8-0 game … with a worn-out pen?
BTW, DOB, McMurtry’s politics and mine are maybe a 180 in a lot of areas, but the guy can flat write songs. Don’t have to agree with all the sentiments to appreciate the craftmanship and admire his talent. “Holiday” is wonderful, wonderful music.
By N8
April 17, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
OK! I’m gonna RIP on the Marlins announcers (you know….the same ones that I allegedly plagiarized last night). What a couple of idiots.
Yes. David Wright won the GG last year at 3B. But Chipper SHOULD HAVE. Anybody who paid any attention (including Mets fans), would agree with that statement.
Yet after the ball hit off Chipper’s glove and Escobar got the deflection and threw out the runner, the Marlins announcer said something along the lines of:
“You know, watching Chipper at 3B you got the feeling he might be over at 1B as soon as next year”
How do these guys get jobs on TV.
Coach and I would do a better job than that. Of course I’m not sure how well we’d work together, if he was still ignoring me.
Come to think of it, that would be quite awkward. LOL!
By LuisGuillermo
April 17, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
N8:
You’re right with your 9:53pm comment about the runs scored without all those homeruns. If not for all those blasts the game would’ve been 2-0 Braves (Chip and Mac each drove in a run in the first with RBI doubles)
By Saltywoody
April 17, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
the use of “warrior” to describe any athlete grates on me
Agree 100 percent. People give their lives for paltry monetary compensation to merit this term. We shouldn’t label millionaire athletes who play a game for a living with the same word…it devalues the strength of it.
And with that said, let’s go ahead and call Buddy Carlyle, our new closer, a true 9th inning warrior.
By cityofdecatur
April 17, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Now to win some one run games. This was fun good nite and enjoy. those ribs from from the aformention blues joint umm music was playing Braves were bashing the top was down and the game on the radio. may tomorrow be so good
By Bowie
April 17, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Great game by TEAM and Mr. Braves’ Smoltz & Hoss. Hope they saved some for tomorrow, Still want to see Josh Anderson in Atlanta. God Bless the USA.
By McFann
April 17, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Chipper with 2 HR, Tex with a HR, and KJ with a HR. Neight
Ya forgot one! ; )
That was a great game!!
By Mark in PA
April 17, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Okay, N8. One down, forteen to go, and without Moylan.
BTW, the subject of the pre-game meeting: kangaroo stones from DOB’s blog on 25 Feb.
By ncscoots
April 17, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
N8, the post from Luis caused me to go back and read your 9:53. Couldn’t help myself.
I haven’t looked at the boxscore yet, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and take a guess that without the HR’s we wouldn’t have many runs, right?
So, I guess it’s your position that the team should NOT score by means of HR, correct? That unless the runs are scored in the correct fashion, that the scoring only masks the underlying mediocrity of the team? I’m finally “getting it”, right?
Or I could have just dropped into the Twilight Zone, too, I guess. Holy Cornelia.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Great game, all. Headed out to enjoy the night. Mets and Nats are still going in the 10th, if anyone cares.
DOB, you ever listen to Damien Jurado? Lots of great albums that you’d like. I assume you are familiar, since you’re up on Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Bon Iver. I’m scowering my iTunes to pay you back for that Black Keys recommendation. Unlike some, I view all the music talk as a major plus, and one less website to visit!
By Greg in TN
April 17, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
With five innings of Smoltz as the prescription tonight, it seems as if the bleeding has indeed stopped for this one night as the rollercoaster ride this offense has been on seems to be back on the upswing against the lads of Miami Garden. The bearded one registers ten strikeouts, surrenders only three hits and earns his third win of the season. 2996 in route to 3K K’s folks. He did everything he usually does aside from a little conversation with Paul Nauert about his strike zone at one point, however Smoltzie exited stage right. Some artists are good with oils like Lew, some are good with clay, Chipper’s true artistic medium is maple. Been busy lately with work and such, so pardon me for taking this opportunity to catch up with some thoughts.
I love Yunel’s attitude, I love his passion for the game. But the other night wasn’t the first time he’s tossed the bat a little far from the dish. Other teams do notice that, and if he continues, it will be an issue before long. Enjoy the hit, show enthusiasm, have fun, just drop the bat.
Disappointing to hear about Moylan’s elbow and while I hope it isn’t as serious as it could be, we’ve likely seen the last of the Aussie for the year. The bullpen needed to step things up when Soriano went to the shelf, and other than Moylan and at times Will Ohman, nobody else has. Resop and Ring have to raise their game several notches now. Resop pitched a scoreless frame tonight as did Manny Acosta, so that is good to see.
Brutal road trip, something out of either ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, ‘Vacation’ or ‘The Twilight Zone’ depending on how you look at it. Maybe all three and then some. Not much has gone right, but we did get out with a win which makes the charter to Atlanta a little more bearable.
AJ, Furcal and Joe Torre await in Atlanta. My favorite two ways to beat the Dodgers are by 14, or by having them lead until the bottom of the ninth, then ripping the win away from them during the last at bat. We haven’t had luck with one run games this year, so here’s hoping for two or three of the former rather than the latter.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 17, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Really too bad about Moylan. He’s a great story and sounds like an interesting dude.
By MattyRoss
April 17, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
One last thing: Mets fans have taken to flapping their arms “Angels in the Outfield” style every time Angel Pagan comes to the plate. I loved that movie when I was younger. Suddenly I have a bit of a distaste for it.
By AGTFan
April 17, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
I remember a stretch during Chipper’s MVP season, where he basically picked up the team and carried them on his back. He won the MVP as much for that stretch as for his numbers. I think he’s gotten tired of losing and is going to do it again. I hope the young guys pay close attention to Chipper. He’s showing them how to be a team leader.
By TexasBrave
April 17, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
fastasballs & BravesFanInRockies I agree with you guys. With the pen getting so much work the last few games and having a good lead, why not have Buddy come in after Smoltz and take it most, if not all, of the way home.
I was actually rooting for Smoltz to go 6 or possibly 7, but as a few of you had said John didn’t look to comfortable out there so I guess five is enough. Just have to wonder how long John is going to hold up.
Another question for those who watched the game. Is John getting strikeouts on the stuff he worked on during Spring Training or is he reverting back to the old John of fastball, slider and split finger?
By N8
April 17, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Mark in PA
“Okay, N8. One down, forteen to go, and without Moylan.”
I knew that post would get a rise out of you. It was essentially directed at you, without naming you. LOL!
As for the Moylan part? Odds are, if Smoltz was in “shape” (shoulder), to go 6 or 7 innings, and we had an 8-0 lead, Moylan wouldn’t have been in this game, even if he was healthy.
But then again, Cox did use 11 different pitchers tonight, right?
TOTAL sarcasm tonight people. Regardless of my “we outscored the Marlins in the series” rant, tonight was a good showing by the Bravos.
Maybe Tex was about to snap out of it, with that foul ball HR last night.
If Tex gets hot and Chipper stays in the lineup, we’ll score runs. No doubt about that. But with the pitching injuries (and Resop - how come THAT GUY can’t get hurt? - OK, that wasn’t nice, I’ll take it back), can we stop the other team from scoring on the nights that Smoltz DOESN’T pitch?
Time will tell. I smell a trade in the works. Don’t know for who. But Wren has a something up his sleeve.
Any “takers” (with Smoltz NOT pitching in this series with the Dodgers), that Andruw comes to life in this series?
It’s the ultimate game of “chicken”. You’ve got a guy that CAN’T lay off pitches out of the strike zone, going against a bunch of relievers that CAN’T keep the ball out of the middle of the strike zone. Somethings gotta give, right?
By Kevin
April 17, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
McCann is on baseball tonight if anyone is interested. They are interviewing him.
By Chop Chop
April 17, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Psssssssssssst. Brian McCann was just did a cell phone interview on Baseball Tonight. Don’t tell McFann.
Oh, crap.
By Efrim
April 17, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
NcScoots and SaltyWoody- Sorry if I offended you guys. Didn’t mean too. See ya.
By Murphy
April 17, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
McFann— they just talked to your boy on baseball tonight.
By Chop Chop
April 17, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I knew I was too late. Dammit.
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Even better than Smoltz’ work and the 5 taters tonight, was the job the bullpen did in shutting them down. Of course, it is just the fish, but it’s a start.
Let’s hope Jeff Bennett is up to the task tomorrow night!
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 17, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
DOB: He had 19 four-hit games last season, but no four-hit games.
Wait…huh? Sounds like a Yogi-ism right there.
And just in case anyone isn’t sold on Escobar yet, Karl Ravech just asked Peter Gammons if he’s seen a better group of shortstops in one division on Baseball Tonight. Gammons said that this group (Escobar, Reyes, Rollins, Ramirez) is probably the best group of shortstops in one division that he’s ever seen.
By JC from UT
April 17, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
RICHBRAVE:I was wondering if you could give a scouting report on Rowenhurst. His #’s look pretty good.
What other pitchers down there do you think could contribute for the big club out of the pen
By keylargo
April 17, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Can someone verify the gametime tomorrow? AJC says 3:55. MLB.com says 7:30. McFann, I know you are up to date on this. 8)
By N8
April 17, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
“So, I guess it’s your position that the team should NOT score by means of HR, correct? That unless the runs are scored in the correct fashion, that the scoring only masks the underlying mediocrity of the team? I’m finally “getting it”, right?”
Nope. Didn’t say that. But I’ll go out on a limb and predict that in the next game, they’ll score 1 or 2 runs and have NO homeruns.
Just making a point that of our 6 wins this year, 3 of them (off the top of my head) have been blowouts with HR’s flying all over the park, and in the other games we haven’t hit any (or only 1) and fail to come through with men on base.
Quite simply put…Unless this team currently hits HR’s, we’re about worthless outside of Chipper and Escobar).
Again. Not ragging on them. Stating FACT. Deal with it. If you don’t like reality, keep thinking this is “the game” where it all gets turned around.
Don’t believe me? In our 6 wins we have 12 HR, in our 9 losses we have 8 HR.
If you’d rather that I twist my statement around to be positive, I could state it like this:
MAN! This team kicks azz when we hit HR. Just WAIT until it “heats up” in the ATL and we’ll be on a roll!
Or I could use this simple generalization.
When we hit 3 or more HR we are 2-0. When we hit 2 or less, we are 4-9.
Still feel like arguing with, or mocking reality?
By bfan54
April 17, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Ncscoots (9:40) - I am with you on the use of the term “warriors”. Also,react in the same way to the term “hero” when referring to any sports figure.
But then it seemed that maybe 10 years ago the word “awesome” meant “AWESOME” - and not what it means today, which is something akin to merely noticeeable or remarkable.
By N8
April 17, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
“Can someone verify the gametime tomorrow? AJC says 3:55. MLB.com says 7:30.”
Half past a donkey’s azz (is that a “double negative”?), and a quarter to Bennetts balls (out of the strike zone, that is).
Sorry. couldn’t resist. The “inner” 12 year old took over my keyboard for a minute.
By Mark in PA
April 17, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Here’s the trick for Bennett to pitch to Doughnut. He’ll pretend he’s coming on in relief, with the Braves leading (or close), and then he’ll find it impossible to hit the strike zone. Andruw being Andruw, he’ll chase them all, and be wearing the golden sombrero by the end of the evening. If Torre doesn’t’ pull him first.
(I signed off on Andruw after his first press conference in LA- remember? “All I needed to do was watch some video of me batting, and I spotted the problem in about 10 minutes. It’s all behind me now.”)
By Shamus Thacker
April 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
What a needed win!
On the AJC homepage it says “Smolts Closes In On 3000th Win.” lol
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
keylargo, tomorrow’s game is 7:35. The Saturday game is 3:55
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Dave, any rumblings about who the Braves might be making a play for on the trade front.
Personally, I am hoping for Rocco Baldelli, Chone Figgins, and Ryan Freel! Or better yet, maybe Carl Crawford!
I know, Wayne: your and idiot!
:-)
By Braveheart
April 17, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Coach and I would do a better job than that. Of course I’m not sure how well we’d work together, if he was still ignoring me. Come to think of it, that would be quite awkward. LOL!
N8, Don Sutton & Skip pulled it off for years
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Daybed, thankfully I didn’t write it in my story. He had 19 THREE-hit games, no four-hit games in ‘07.
By AuburnBrave
April 17, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Glad the awful road trip ended on a high note, especially for the offense. A little concerned about Smoltzie’s shoulder and if he can hold on for the entire season, but we’ve got enough injuries on the team now to speculate about further injuries.
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
CC Sabathia sure looks clueless this year! And I think this is his walk year.
Any thoughts or musings about who the Braves might want to pursue next year. I will assume we will have Hudson, Jurrjens and James. To be honest, I am not sure if Smoltz will come back. I hope he does, as he is a true gamer.
I heard the Fish Broadcasters talking tonight on XM that wouldn’t it be incredible if Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz all retired together, so they could go into the Hall together.
As much as I would love to see JS come back, I too think that would be an awesome event.
As for 2009, I wonder who of the JoJo, Morton, Lerew, Hanson bunch will be ready to contribute.
Hanson and Gorkys are both having a good start in their respective leagues. That pitcher we got from the Pirates for Yates, Redmond is also throwing well in Mississippi.
Any other thoughts? I really think we missed the boat by not going after Haren or Bedard last winter. Will Harden be worth pursuing? Or maybe Cain? Could the Giants, who have SOOO many needs, pass up a good package of youngsters?
By David O'Brien
April 17, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
As a blog bonus tonight, I’ll give you unfiltered Chipper and Smoltz interviews that I taped for WSB after the game:
SMOLTZ:
“Thanks to Chipper and the guys, again. It was a game where, for me, I�m just trying to get out of trouble. If I get in trouble, I�m just looking at one inning at a time, one hitter at a time. And tonight, certainly five was enough. But the offense was outstanding again.”
On the 10 strikeouts:
“They had a lot of right-handers, so I knew if I had a good slider tonight and could put my fastball where I wanted to, I could keep them on the defensive a little bit. Certainly coming out of the gate, after we scored two runs, I wanted to be able to establish something.
“I felt in command until the third inning, then the third ining on I was just a little … not as good, but made enough pitches. The big inning for me was the second inning, because I just didn�t want them to get back in the game.”
On coming out after five innings:
“Absolutely, there�s no argument whatsoever from me at this point. This is the most I�ve ever grinded at the start of the season, and it�s worked.
“Chipper and everybody else provided the runs. It�s easier to pitch when you�ve got runs, and it�s easier to hit when you�ve got runs. All that worked today.”
He raved about Bobby and how he always says or does the right thing at the right time (when asked about the pregame meeting).
Smoltz also said he’s never seen Chipper start a season this hot, and that Hoss is carrying the team, and that when the rest of the guys get hot, Braves are going to be tough to pitch to.
now, CHIPPER JONES:
I asked Hoss how big this win was, given the circumstances:
“Every win for us is big right now. We�ve had a lot of tough breaks, had to persevere through the first couple weeks of the season. Had a lot of injuries and whatnot. It was nice to come out and get a solidly pitched game, and the offense kind of break loose in a big way.”
And about him and Smoltz leading them to a win when they needed it most:
“I think it�s apparent that whenever Smoltzy is out there on the mound, we need to win his starts. Just like Huddy. The guys down at the end of the rotation have pitched pretty well, but we�ve had trouble winning their starts and scoring runs for them. So it�s imperative that we play well when Smoltzy pitches.”
Bobby told us that he’d told Chipper before that last at-bat to not try to leg out a triple if he hit a ball to the gap (obviously because of his hamstrings and quads, etc).
Told what Cox had said to us, Chipper smiled and said, “He told me [that]. I told him right before the fifth at-bat, ‘Skip I�m not thinking about a triple, trust me.’”
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
And just think, if AJ had watched that same video last May, he could have signed for about 30 million per for 5-6 years! Oh the humanity!
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
What is the latest on Chuckie James?
By Shamus Thacker
April 17, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
I just thought about Buzz Capra and his one year splash as a Braves Phenom back in the 70s. He was like 5’8” and had a 90+ mph heater. He went something like 8-0 outa the gate. Course his arm self-destructed the following season, but… I fondly remember a camping trip with Dad and a buncha drunks back in the seventies. Somewhy I remember hearing the song Monster Mash on one radio, while listening to a Buzz Capra pitched Braves game on another. And I was fishing at the same damn time! Wow, if I’d realized how coordinated I was, I’d have become a cat juggler or something…. Don’t tell PETA I said that.
By ron hoovbe
April 17, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
When will the braves lock up Yunel long term? Are we in the market for a left fielder? By the way, Great blog!! I live in charlotte and read your blog daily.
By Shamus Thacker
April 17, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the interviews DOB
Smolts is amazing. He’s what the Hall Of Fame should be all about, player/person wise.
By BravesFanChris23
April 17, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
I got a chuckle when the Marlins’ announcers said it was batting practice after McCann’s blast. I am glad Braves won tonight as it was much needed. I believe they can build off of this and keep the momentum going. I know the track record after blowout wins, but maybe just maybe this is a sign of more consistency and it changes for the better.
By the Stranger
April 17, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Classic U Know Who right there. Thanks for the interview, DOB.
By AGTFan
April 17, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
But then it seemed that maybe 10 years ago the word “awesome” meant “AWESOME”…..or maybe we’re all getting old.
By Wayne in Utah
April 17, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Shamus Didn’t know you were multi-linguistical what with those two radio’s and fishin’ and all!
Remarkable…
As for myself, I have E.S.P.N
extra sensory perception network
By mets fan in atlanta
April 17, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
I’m totally sold now that the Braves have turned the corner. I mean, the Braves won a game that Smoltz pitched in, the Braves hit 4 homeruns in pressure situations after they were already up by 3 runs, Bobby Cox pitched 4 different guys for an inning apiece after they were up by 6 runs, and each of those bullpen arms threw a scoreless inning in a pressure-packed situation with the lead on the line.
Yep, the Braves sure looked different tonight.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
I’m sorry, it’s just that some of you seem to really think that this is a sign of good things to come…I think not. I think its what they’ve done about every 4 or 5 days so far this season. Most teams do, it’s what they do the 3 or 4 games in between that will determine if anything is different.
Cause right now it looks like the saying is “Smoltz and Hudson…(wait, he’s losing velocity and its kinda weird)…Smoltz and Glavine…(wait, he pitched 0 innings the other day, what if it flares up again?), so Smoltz and Hampton….(wait, oh yeah)…..so, Smoltz and Jurrjens (crap, the Braves are down to a rook? This is what it has come to?) and pray for rain????
At least they can go to the bullpen….oh, never mind.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Mets fan in Atlanta Now, how many did the Mets take from the Braves a while back???
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 18, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
All is well in Bravo land tonight. Braves are winners and “Hoss’s” is batting average is at sky scrapper levels. Hope Tex can get hot while chipper is on fire. If that happens pitching wont matter. Can you imagine if you cant get Tex or Hoss out how many 1st Pitch fastballs Frenchy gets? Or B-Mac.
All is well indeed…for tonight anyways.
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Just throwing this out there but since the Rockies could use a 2nd baseman what are the chances either KJ or Prado could go there for Fuentes.. think that would be a good trade on both ends? I don’t want to give up on either KJ or Prado but our bullpen could use some bolstering… Just seeing what yall think…
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker
I posted in Hudson’s prior start that he reminded me of Goood Ole Buzz. How they both threw hard and kept EVERYTHING down. Buzz had about, about now don’t crucify me if I’m wrong, 9 complete games and 5 complete game shutouts. We got him from the Mets and that was his only great year (I think he was ERA king that year).
My memory goes all the way back to Tony Cloninger and Willie Stargell. Cloninger went 13 on opening night and lost when Stargell took him deep.
But I’m sure my memories are no more special to me than any longtime Braves fan. I’m hard on’em because I am giving tough love, maybe like a father. (And if any of the Baby Braves need a Daddy to take care of, call me!)
By GeorgetownKid
April 18, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien,
Thanks for the mid-blog bonus. My two favorite Braves uncensored. Well, maybe you sensored them. I don’t really know. They both seem like guys who might let an F-bomb fly from time to time - which would require some tasteful editing on your part.
About tonight’s game, while on the one hand I am thrilled about how well everyone played, I cannot help but be annoyed by the fact that, once again, the Braves score run after run when the outcome is already assured. Where are the big hits when we’re down 2 in the 7th?!
Thanks Dave!
By nolie
April 18, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
If you’re ever in Bremen, GA, try Bilbo’s. It’s been in the same location since the 1940s. Pictures of Elvis adorn the walls and their bloomin onions are fantastic.Shamus
Man you got that right. Their BBQ is to die for.I used to eat there 3 nights a week.
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
I keep contending Prado is not a MLB player. I have seen his instinctive reactions to balls scalded right at him and he gets the hell out of the way!!! I have seen this 3 separate occasions and that is not the Johnson,Giles, Treadway, Lemke, Veras, Hubbard, Davie Johnson, Felix Millan, Boone, Lockhart, or even Jerry Royster would play it.
But if you can trade him for Fuentes, I will vote for you to be an advance scout.
By mets fan in atlanta
April 18, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
I’ve never seen fans get so much mileage out of two wins before—I would rather highlight the fact that we just swept the Nationals, what is your record against them so far this year?
For the record:
Braves record against Mets: 2-0
Braves record against rest of league: 4-9
Mets record against Braves: 0-2
Mets record against rest of league: 8-4
You know, two games isn’t going to mean much in a few weeks when the Braves can’t beat anyone else. BTW, mets bullpen looked pretty good tonight….7 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs
By Cherokee
April 18, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
Going by the type of hitter he was, i almost have to assume he’s trying to get these hitters to bring an approach to the plate with them.BobbysCox
The type of hitter he was , was a hacker with a very poor OBP. Gee I wonder where the Braves’ get it from?
By MurphyRules
April 18, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Great blog (as always), but I have to needle you a bit:
Please don’t ever use the term “added bonus” again. It drives us copy-editor types crazy!
Carry on!
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
GeorgetownKid, you’re welcome. And I can assure you that Smoltz does NOT let an F-bomb fly in any interview. Ever.
Chipper might on a rare occasion, but not Smoltz….
Mets fan, is the Mets blog slow tonight? Or you’d just rather discuss a Mets win with people who’d much prefer discussing THEIR team’s win? I never quite understand that reasoning.
By BA
April 18, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Some booger eating Mutt’s fan is on here bragging about sweeping the Nats? Please. This god awful team choked it up and peed their pants at the end of last year, and these Mutt’s fans are bragging? I predicted last night Smoltz would dominate (I know, I’m not exactly Nostradamus)and Glavine will take his turn and go six on Saturday. You can count on these guys, it’s called stability. Something the Mutts have never had…Hey, Mets in Atlanta, does Alou pee on himself during rehab, or only on game days?
By Lew
April 18, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Brent A-Don’t go getting all p!$$y, Dude. I was just pointing out that Gonzo may not be himself for a while, even if he does get back in June. It may take a while before he’s lights out again and you shouldn’t pencil him in as closer just yet.
If he does get back early, he may not be available but a couple innings a week for a month or so-remember, he has a very strange and stressful motion. It would be much better if Boyer or Acosta could step up and fill the role and work Gonzo in slower.
By uga-brave
April 18, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
4-9 against the fish, nats, pirates, and the rockies.
so much for the soft part of the schedule.
this is what this team is, looks terrible for a couple of games, then looks like world beaters.
a trend is a trend.
reseach last year’s #”s, when we score 5 or more we win.
score 5 or less we lose.
By AGTFan
April 18, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
mets fan in atlanta I hate to resort to a NASCARism, but at this point you’re just the first place loser. If the season ended today, both our teams would be going home. None of us have any thing to brag about….yet. You take your positive signs where you can get them and so will we. Bragging or even getting too excited (or too depressed) 14 or 15 games into the season is just silly.
So, if you insist, go ahead and be silly.
By N8
April 18, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
Am I the ONLY one on this blog that LIKES the Braves, that is willing to admit that mets fan in atlanta’s 10:58 post isn’t THAT far off?
By uga-brave
April 18, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
DOB,
f’bombs. the king was maddawg.
he could work a umpire better then anyone.
if you had the privilidge of sitting aisle 105 row 6 seats 1-4. i was lucky enough to work for a company that had no interest in the braves.
i worked for barclay’s, people from the U.K. really dont get baseball.
but they love posh spice.
By nolie
April 18, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
That kind of veiled-reference, “leadership”-by-newspaper-quote is more up Smoltz’s alley.scoots
I agree. I never have thought much of Smoltz’s PA mouthiness
By BA
April 18, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
What a cheap shot, Cherokee. Bobby’s knees were all messed up when he played. The best thing they had for that back then was leeches. Anyway, how the guy played has nothing to do with what has been a hall of fame managerial career. I’m afraid a lot of folks put too much stock in Bobby’s control over these guys. If Ron Gant(HAHAHAHA), Terry Pendleton, Earl Weaver, etc. was the manager, I think the Braves have the same record right now. If anybody can right this ship, I’ll take my chances with Cox.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
The exchange about Gonzalez reminded me of something that slipped through the cracks tonight (in other words, I forgot to mention it in my notebook or here). And that is, Bobby Cox confirmed today that Gonzalez might be back SOONER than expected (and remember, by mid-winter his ETA had already been moved from last year’s All-Star break estimate to a first week of June estimate. Now Bobby’s saying sooner than that.
I’m not surprised, as I said last week that I thought they might move that up a week or so because he’s had no setbacks at all, and because they have a clear need.
Bobby didn’t give a date, but now I’m expecting him to return no later than the last week of May….
uga-brave: Oh, yes. Mad Dog’s an entirely different story when it comes to the F-bombs.
By uga-brave
April 18, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
DEREK LOWE tommorow, whats the over under on runs tommorow?
this team can rake at times, but put them in a close game, who knows.
how about the fact that the N.L east has reyes, rollins, hanley ramirez, and now escobar. all are great ss, and they play in the same division.
sorry jeter, the N.L. EAST has the best shortstops in baseball.
as for tejada, who knows how old he is now.
By mets fan in atlanta
April 18, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this
Some of you have already forgotten, even though its in my name, I live in the atlanta metro area. I have lived here the last 4 years, and 5 of the past 6 years. I have had my own season tickets to the Braves the last two seasons, and the two years before that i went in with other people and we split season tickets. Trust me, I know the braves, I just don’t like them. I’ve been a die-hard mets fan for over 20 years now, but i’ve never been friends with another mets fan. But i have been friends with hundreds of diehard braves fans. I used to go on the nytimes website (they had a great posting page for years), but they shut it down about 2 years ago. I never bothered trying to find another one, especially once i found this one. I read this one the last season or so, but never posted. Now I am—i guess its because its no different than the good natured ribbing i give all my friends every night who love the braves.
I’m at the local bar down the street tonight playing poker and the game is on. We’re all watching, and Chipper hits his second homerun. They all cheer, then Tex hits his. I of course, give a fake cheer and yell, “of course he hits it, the game isn’t close anymore”. Then McCann hits one, I throw up both arms, jump out of my chair, and yell “YES, the braves hit em when they count the most.” Of course, i get a few hahas, but the guy right next to me says, “Man i wish they had hit some of those the last couple games.”
These people all know i’m a mets fan, but we get along because i can talk rationally about both teams and they know i know what i’m talking about—and they know i’ll bring them to a game if they want. And it’s all in good fun.
So that’s why i post on this here page.
By BA
April 18, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
Anti Brave, of all the people you could crap on, why pick ‘ole DOB? “Indignant”? “Cutting edge”? What I was trying to say was, is Anti Brave the Dwight Yoakam/Slingblade character from a couple of weeks ago? Sounds just like him. Hey AntiBrave, go look at the other beat writers at these other papers, and tell me who’s better. I don’t like every song on here every day, so what? I don’t like coconuts either. I wouldn’t go to the store and attack people with coconuts in the cart.
By BA
April 18, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this
I find it hard to believe there are NO Mets blogs anywhere on the net. Maybe the five or so of them on here could start one…
By BA
April 18, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Sorry about the technical difficulties, denizens. Happens all the time on the Hawks side, but it’s much more embarrassing over here in the big boy room…
By uga-brave
April 18, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
mets fan in atl,
no worries, i just like baseball.
it was easier to hate the mets when bobby V., WAS AT THE HELM.
as for now, wright is great player, reyes, beltran, and santanna are all good, but i think the team to be worried about is the phillies.
By GeorgetownKid
April 18, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien,
This has piqued my curiosity….who else is in the Braves clubhouse is good for an F-bomb or two in an interview? Bobby must drop a few from time to time. He certainly does on the field!
I bet Escobar drops the Spanish equivalent of an F-bomb every now and then. He’s a pretty firey dude.
By tampabravos
April 18, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
ya this isn’t the season I’ve been expecting. It’s nice we won tonight but I mean we score a lot of runs one game like chipper said or we don’t score them when we actually need them. It’s been this way since the 1996 world series when the first two games we beat the yankess by what 14-2 something like that I forget the scores then we get beat 4 games in a row. It’s like were a broken record. Same things happen to us all the time. Injuries or no consistency.
Come on Braves!!! Stand up!! This season is just beginning!!! Lets go out there and show them what were made of!!!!!! GOOO BRAVES!!!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 18, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this
Morning bloggers, wasn’t that fun last night !
Well, I have been doing some digging and as usual, my fears have been confirmed.
Last nights game wasn’t about the eight runs or five bombs that the Braves hit.
It was about the zero runs that the pitching gave up.
The rotation’s ERA is 3.57
The bullpen’s is 4.67
The offense has scored 80 runs in 15 games played averaging 5.33 per game.
I took a look at last seasons overall numbers and compared them to the first fifteen games of 2008.
The 2007 starters went 58-58 with an ERA of 4.45 while the bullpen was 26-20 with an ERA of 3.54 and 36 saves.
The 2007 offense averaged five runs per game both before and after Mark Teixiera joined the team.
I said all that to say this.
The Braves have the offense and the starting pitching needed to win.
What concerns me is the bullpen and overall health of the starters.
Moylan is gone and I expect that Soriano will be next. Rafael has had to many elbow issues already and I will be shocked if he lasts the season.
Mike Gonzalez will be back sooner than expected, but we have no idea of how effective he will be right out of the gate.
Kelly Johnson is healthy and playing everyday which has helped to stabilize the infield and other than Diaz I can live with the rest of the defense.
All in all , the two keys that I see so far are:
the health of the starting pitching.
the effectiveness of the bullpen.
Atlanta had the offense to win last season and they have it right now.
By nolie
April 18, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this
What is it with the whining about Yates? All spring everybody screamed about how bad he was and that the Braves had to get rid of him.
The guy can be lights out sometimes. He had spells last season when he was unhittable while pitching for us. He had spells when he was a dog. More than likely given his history, he is in one of his great spells right now and it has nothing to do with pitching coaches or any other such crap.
With very few exceptions, guys are relievers for one basic reason, because they are not good enough to start. They are mediocre unreliable throwers who are streaky for one reason or another, often lack of regular command. Yates will come back to earth and be the same guy he always has been.
Turnbow is much the same way. He has a great arm with crappy control that often gets him into a lot of trouble. When he’s on he can be lights out and when he’s not he’s gonna cost you games. He might be a slight improvement on Yates or Resop, but his ERA of 6.87 two years ago and current terrible outings show him to be the same kinda guy.
By BA
April 18, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
Earlier somebody said McDowell had made no improvements to any pitchers. I’m hardly a McDowell advocate, but it’s only fair to point out that he had a hand in developing Moylan. McDowell’s idea to make him a side-winder. And I also saw the classic “let’s send Smoltzie back to the ‘pen”. It was like a dodo bird, soon to be extinct along with some many others ( like pre-Tex “they should move Chipper to first…”. Hey DOB, are you on that cheezy Charlie Steiner show every week? I love that show but I never seem to catch you, but I know you’re on it because guess who they use for the commercial?
By Dan Kolb
April 18, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this
Hey Nolie, that’s not fair! I could’ve been a HORRIBLE starter. I just CHOSE to be a horrible reliever!
By Coach Dennis Green
April 18, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this
Nolie is right. Turnbow and Yates are who we THOUGHT they were.
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
Too bad you’re all in bed on the east coast. The Rocks & Padres are tied in the bottom of the 20th inning 1-1.
Both teams scored a run in the 14th inning and they’re still playing.
Maybe this game will still be on when “y’all” wake up.
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
Speaking of usual baseball stories, check out this story.
A japanese high school team scored 66 runs in 1 1/3 innings before their opponent surrendered. The starting pitcher for the losing team pitched the whole game and threw 250 pitches. At least we have a bullpen here in Atlanta.
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 3:52 AM | Link to this
21st inning. The poor Rockies aren’t gonna get any sleep tonight. They have to travel to Houston from San Diego sometime after this maddness ends.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 18, 2008 4:27 AM | Link to this
2-1 Rockies win in twenty-two innings.
Insane.
By cherokee
April 18, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this
What a cheap shot, Cherokee. Bobby’s knees were all messed up when he played. The best thing they had for that back then was leeches. Anyway, how the guy played has nothing to do with what has been a hall of fame managerial career. I’m afraid a lot of folks put too much stock in Bobby’s control over these guys.BA
I’m afraid that you lost me, what does Bobby have to do with it? The post referred to Terry ‘s hitting career. He was a hacker thus no surprise that he has trouble getting the Braves’ hitters to act differently. I do agree that coaches really don’t have a lot of influence on hitters or pitchers for the most part. And all this junk about disciplining a player for not doing what the coach advocates is silly. No team has enough quality spare players to sit a starter down for any amount of time because of that. A guy is a starter because he is better than what ever other option that you have. What manager in his right mind is going to replace him with an inferior performer ? Get real guys.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:05 AM | Link to this
Unbelievable, that Rockies-Padres 22-inning game on getaway day. Now I know some people who got less sleep than I did (I’m up to catch my flight back to Atlanta).
By the way, Peavy’s stuff in the first eight innings of that game was absolutely filthy.
Then again, so was Smoltz’s in the first five innings of the Braves’ game. But wow, does Peavy have some voltage popping off his pitches….
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
BA, Steiner’s producer calls me every few weeks, I’d say. A little more often than that in spring training. Not a regular weekly thing.
Didn’t know that about the commercial. What do they use on it?
By ncgary
April 18, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this
lowe is one of those pitchers where swinging at first pitch might not be so bad, he sems to get stronger or at least his sinker does the longer he throws
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
Hey BA. No, I am not picking on ole Dave. I have just noticed that here on the blog freedom of speech means “freedom to agree with Dave.” If you don’t, as in j-school’s case, you are belittled. In my case, it was even worse, with Dave accusing me being a Journey fan. That was really below the belt. (See folks, anti-brave is trying to contribute to the hilarity on here.) ANd when I try to demonstrate goodwill with a good natured Warren Zevon serenade, Dave has nothing to say. So, as I say, I am not picking on him, I just believe that he is a bit dictatorial about the content here.
ANd no, I am not slingblade. but i do love po-taters…
By FEAR
April 18, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Released troubled veteran Scott Spiezio for showing up at the ballpark in a state resembling me each morning during spring break, Daytona Beach 1984.
By TampaBrave
April 18, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
Who did not see the injury to Moylan coming? It all in the mechanics. FW should have expected this.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
DOB good morning. Hey have you talked to chipper about this hot start? Everything seams soooo easy and smooth for him right now. Its not only his bat. His glove looks so great, he has caught up with almost every ball hit toward 3B. It even looks like a joke. His concentration looks way above average.
About Moylan, i suppose the hit is devastating to our bullpen, no secret there, but i think there is hope. Why??? because we dont know how much time the damage has been there, i mean, maybe he has been able to pitch injuried for more than a month, and maybe this time inflamation caught up with him. my personal opinion the chances are so slim, i already consider him as OFS, but there is little hope, we just have to hope for the best.
I still think is not the end of the world and that our depth can pick moylan, but for that to happen, we will need hampton to come back, as well as soriano and gonzo. And keep bennett and james as relievers. Maybe this is james chance to make the team, he can take moylans spot and join bennett there. Or maybe james will need to be shipped away on a trade to replace moylan.
About TEX, i think his slump is not a big deal, i have been watching him close, and he is not missing by much, he is hitting the ball hard, he is hitting it all over the field. Too many inning rally ending ground out. He will get better by next week. Im 100% sure, not just a hunch.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
How will we know the pitching is really in trouble this year?
If Andruw Jones gets a hit.
The rest of the league has figured him out.
If the Braves haven’t or are not good enough to execute against Andruw, then the Braves pitching really stinks.
I’m calling it the Andruw test.
If they fail the Andruw test, it is time to hit the panic button and abandon ship.
By Thrillhouse44
April 18, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
That’s a great test, Braveheart. Anyone know how our pitchers have faired against Andruw in the past? I know it’s going to be in limited AB’s, but it’d still be interesting.
I know things have worked out for the best, but it’s going to be strange seeing #25 patroling CF at the Ted in Dodger Blue.
By chuck
April 18, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Why is Smoltz’s era of o.56 not listed amoung the leaders as of 4/17.
By JimD
April 18, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I keep reading these ridiculous comments people make about the Braves bats scoring runs only after “the outcome has been determined.” That logic shows a complete lack of understanding of the game of baseball.
First of all, NO OUTCOME is ever determined until the final out. What do you think they should do? When they get three, four, five runs ahead, say “Oh well, that’s enough for now. Let’s no use all our runs, save some for tomorrow.” YIKES! How ridiculous can you get?
Second, for a team that is inconsistent in hitting, a big offensive game could be the thing needed to get them going. Ever since Abner Doubleday came to the plate for the first AB, hitting has always been streaky. I’ll take an offensive outburst whenever we can get it in hopes that it is an indicator of better things to come.
And finally, (gosh, this post is getting to be as long as one of N8’s) hitting a baseball is still very difficult. It is no less an accomplishment when the score is favorable. After all, even the best make an out 65% of the time.
I am glad my life is not so miserable that I have to grumble about things going well!
By Josh H
April 18, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
So wait, Bennett is starting tonight. Didn’t he pitch when Hudson came out (and gave up that two run shot to Luis Gonzalez).
I’m not one to criticize Bobby, but he is expecting way too much out of Bennett.
By brent a.
April 18, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Today is a new day, and tonight begins a new homestand.
I’m already tired of the Nationals and Marlins but, hey, they are very beatable, so let’s do that.
But first, let’s get healthy against the Dodgers. Keep Furcal off-base and we can sweep.
If Furcal wreaks havoc this week-end, and Kelly only gets on base once a game, the sweep could go the other direction.
This will be a very telling week-end in Bravo land.
Go Braves!
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, it’s too bad Andruw did not stick around another year. He would have looked svelte in those navy road jerseys. They actually make McCann look slim.
It is gonna be weird to see Andruw in another uni.
I want Andruw and Torre to make a deal with one another. Andruw will agree to lose 25 pounds if Torre will agree to let Andruw bend Joe’s damn brim.
Why does Torre wear his hat with the brim so tophat-like stiff and straight? Bend that sucker up, Joe. DOB, get working on brokering that deal.
If Joe bends the hat, Andruw will lose the fat.
If Joe bends the brim, Andruw will get trim
By Shaun
April 18, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Josh H, this may surprise you but sometimes even good pitchers give up two-run homeruns.
By Shaun
April 18, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
brent a., I doubt one weekend will be all that telling.
By Thrillhouse44
April 18, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, Joe is used to NY City, where bending the brim is not what’s hot in the streets. Joe just wants as much West Coast street cred as he had on the East Coast. Although, I’m sure he’d take that deal if he knew Andruw would keep up (or down) his part.
If Joe’s hat gets a crease, Andruw’s overeating will cease.
If Joe bends the brim, Andruw will join a gym.
By i cant take it anymore
April 18, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
mets fan in atlanta- if you like baseball so much, why dont you give up your tickets and go support local little leagues teams. It sounds like you just like to talk trash and bring down people that you are around? only a mets fan would pay money for season tickets to a team he doesnt like.
By KC
April 18, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Mark Bowman - atlantabraves.com:
“…With John Smoltz taking the mound in the series finale, the Braves have one of their few healthy starters going. They’re hoping to keep Hudson, who had gone 6-1 with a 2.47 ERA in his previous 11 career starts against the Marlins, in that category.”
“But after seeing him muscle up and muster only an 85-mph fastball that Mike Jacobs drove over the right-field wall in the fourth inning, there has to be reason for concern. Hudson, who had surrendered a total of just 10 homers since the start of last season, is hoping that some of the weakness was just a product of the flu bug he encountered last week.”
“Unfortunately, since overcoming that bug, he’d already taken the mound last Friday and provided eight scoreless innings in a win against the Nationals.”
Folks, I really hate to say this, but I think Hudson’s last outing is serious, SERIOUS cause for concern.
I am nervously awaiting Hudson’s next start, as it may tell us all we need to know about the Braves chances this year.
If we lost Hudson (or if he just has to keep pitching with a serious loss of velocity)… it’s still possible for the Braves to make the post-season, but pretty much EVERYTHING else in the rotation would have to go right.
We would have to get Hampton healthy and have him make 20-plus starts.
We would for Smoltz not to miss too many starts this year.
And we would need Glavine, Jurrjens, and Bennett (or James, once he gets his stuff together down at AAA) to pitch well this season.
If all else goes right in the rotation, the Braves would still have a shot… but it obviously makes this a steep uphill climb.
I hate to say it, but I fear we’re in store for some very bad news in regard to Hudson.
By Lee in S. GA
April 18, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Maybe Joe is into “being cool” with his brim in style. It appears the bending went out about 2 years ago. Of course this is baseball and I suppose bending never goes out of style. I am also pretty sure if players starting wearing their brims like Joe, MLB would probably take action with appearance.
By jrjags
April 18, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
DOB,
When will Hudson throw again?
By McFann
April 18, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
He would have looked svelte in those navy road jerseys. They actually make McCann look slim. Braveheart
(Flippantly) Haha. Good one.
McCann is on baseball tonight if anyone is interested. They are interviewing him. Kevin
Psssssssssssst. Brian McCann was just did a cell phone interview on Baseball Tonight. Don’t tell McFann. Chop Chop
McFann— they just talked to your boy on baseball tonight. Murphy
Darn the Braves’ new website!! They used to post replays of interviews, but not anymore!!
}: [
By Shaun
April 18, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
mets fan in atlanta really is a Braves fan. He just needs validation, attention and desires to be “different” so he’s convinced himself that he’s a Mets fan. Otherwise, why would he invest so much time and money on Braves season tickets. I know his kind.
By KC
April 18, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Star-telegram.com:
CLEVELAND — On his walk from the bullpen to the mound, Joe Borowski already knew he was in serious trouble. With Cleveland clinging to a one-run lead, the maligned closer was about to face the Boston Red Sox without his best stuff.
“It was like I went out there with an unloaded gun,” he said.
Borowski, who has dodged so many ninth-inning jams since joining the Indians, couldn’t escape a trip to the disabled list. He was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday, a day after blowing a save and giving up a two-run homer in the ninth inning to Boston’s Manny Ramirez.
Borowski, who led the AL with 45 saves last season, has a strained triceps - an injury he first felt in spring training and one the Indians have kept a secret for weeks. He had been puzzled by a significant loss in his velocity before being examined by doctors, who recommended he stop pitching for a while.
Indians manager Eric Wedge said Borowski could be down as long as one month. Borowski isn’t going to throw for several days, hoping the rest will allow his arm to recover. He was puzzled by a sudden drop in velocity. The pitch he threw to Ramirez registered only 83 mph on the radar gun.
Hudson’s not the only one, apparently. But I suspect, as is the case with Borowski, that Hudson (best-case scenario) may need to rest his arm for a little while.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, LOL
I could never stand people who didn’t bend their brim. I also couldn’t stand the people who bent it too much. It has to be bent just so.
He’ll cease to be obese if Joe gets a crease.
Shape it like an egg and he’ll join Jenny Craig
By AGTfan
April 18, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
I have had my own season tickets to the Braves the last two seasons Trust me, I know the braves, I just don’t like them. mets fan in atlanta
I’m sure that Braves management wishes that there were more Braves fans who disliked them enough to buy season tickets.
By Thrillhouse44
April 18, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, I can’t keep up. You’ve taken it to the next level (as usual).
Wrap the brim around a ball, and Andruw’s weight will fall.
Lose the flat hat, and Andruw will hack the fat.
KC, what happened to your never ending optimisim? You’re depressing me dude.
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
CANIZARES (.442) almost matches CHIP JONES (.444) in hitting for average. I suppose he’s trying to say something to Atlanta’s management. Anyway, he loves the game of hitting that’s for sure. It continues to be ALL-WORLD. Or maybe he just likes Rochester’s and Buffalo’s pitching Richmond’s two opponants in 15 games this season.
CLINT SAMMONS had his nine game hitting streak broken in Wednesday’s game, but was back on the hit parade yesterday. He continues his great defensive work and bat discipline.
SCOTT THORMAN is trying to make up for lost time since breaking into the hitting department going 10-27 (.370) in the past 9 games.
By Josh H
April 18, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Shaun:
I was in no way suggesting that Bennett is not a good pitcher. It just seems that Bennett is making his way into a lot of games, and then is expected to start either a day or two days later.
Now that I’m looking at the “game log” on SI, it doesn’t look nearly as bad as I’m making it out to be. He did throw 2 out of the 3 games before Hampton’s injury spot start, but that was pretty unexpected. He then had 6 days of rest before filling in for Chuck, and ended up pitch 2/3 of an inning in Washington before filling in for Glavine. 3 days after a long relief stint for Glavine. But still, I don’t know why he had to pitch an inning for Hudson if it was expected that he would start tonight.
I could be wrong, but Villareal last year was pretty much used only for long relief and spot starts. Bennett has that same role, but he also seems to be Bobby’s guy to get out of a jam, since he does throw sinkers
Really, I only brought up the homer as a reference point to the fact that he was just on the mound 2 days ago, and that he is expected to start tonight.
I’m just hoping he doesn’t end up getting his arm thrown out.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
metsfaninatlanta, you’re becoming a braves fan. trust me. you are resisting it. but in about 5 years, you will look up and realize you love the braves more than the mets like most transplants end up doing.
By patrocket
April 18, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
DOB-
Any chance they find a spot for Canizares? The guys is killing it at Richmond as he did last year.
By Lew
April 18, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
DOB-I have no doubt whatsoever that given Gonzo’s competitive nature and the Braves’ dire need for an effective closer (or setup Man for that matter), that Gonzo will be back just as soon as they can get him back out there. However…….I’ve just got serious concerns about how effective he might be and how often he can pitch at first.
Many bloggers seems to think he’ll be his old self right out of the gate and will be our closer in mid season form after a year off. I’m just not so positive (this is me, I remind you, Mr. Eternal Optimism, too) he will hit the ground running and be going from 0-100 in one appearance like some here think. I sure as hell hope he is back that soon and pitching like we know he can (or could-we know nothing of the sort right now). I’ll just take a wait and see attitude in the meantime and hope for the best.
Nathan-It’s much easier, for some reason, to listen to reality from your own family than it is to hear it from that crotchety old b******* down the street, no matter how many season tickets he owns. You also tend to wonder why he keeps crashing your family reunions, too. Maybe he just likes the beer even if he can’t stand your brother and cousins. Nothing unusual about that-just pitiful.
By SNIPER-69
April 18, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Smoltz and Soriano won’t make it through the season without a trip to the DL. Moylon is gone. Glavine is showing his age. Keep your fingers crossed with Hudson and Larry…Hey, it’s only April 18th.
By jbutler
April 18, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
DOB I was up late..late w/one of my kids and turned the tv on while getting her to go back to sleep. The Rox game was on- I thought it was a replay for about 10 minutes…until I saw the 22nd inning come up on the TV. Unreal. Reminds me (a little) of the streak last year when you had to watch till the end- cause you truly didn’t know what was going to happen.
Fun stuff.
By Thrillhouse44
April 18, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Lew, good point. Hampton has to go on a minor league rehab assignment before he’s ready (hopefully) for the bigs. Who knows how Gonzo will be? But, the good thing is, we know what a healthy Gonzo is capable of. The sooner we get him back, the better.
By DAP
April 18, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
the win last night has many of us braves fans rolling our eyes. it was expected, right? i mean weve just lost 3 close games, it was time for a blowout!
the win is good, gives us a chance to get back on track, but i want to see this team struggle for 9 innings and come out on top. i really think that if we get tex hitting, it is going to change the way our offense clicks completely. hopefully last night was him coming out of his slump.
im worried about hudson to. its scary when there’s just no explanation. we are in serious trouble if he goes down. this team would really have to catch fire to win without him.
hey, braveheart, let me try one…
if torre bends the bill, andruw skips a meal!
oh well… it was fun anyways :-)
By McFann
April 18, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
this team would really have to catch fire to win without him. DAP
So true. Because if Hudson goes down, I think they’ll just burn down Turner Field!
: >
But seriously, I’m a little nervous about this whole “velocity drop”, too.
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 18, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
SNIPER-69: Smoltz and Soriano won’t make it through the season without a trip to the DL.
Joke’s on you - Smoltz started on the DL and Soriano’s on it now. Ha! What else are you going to predict - that the Braves will lose 9 of their first 15 games?
You’re good, Sniper. I’ll have my bookie call you for future predictions.
By Yars
April 18, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Braveheart….perhaps Joe Torre wears a brand new cap for every game.
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
The finest athletes have days when things aren’t quite right. Not an injury or anything else, just the fact that we’re human and not machines.
Huddy is the least of our worries, he’s fine…
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
perhaps Joe Torre wears a brand new cap for every game.
Yars If he does, then he really was a Yankee Doodle DANDY
By TennesseePaul
April 18, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Just saw this: Bobby Cox confirmed today that Gonzalez might be back SOONER than expected
Bummer to read. I had a fear they might panic and bring this guy back early. I’d rather him be back late and healthy than early. May 31st, 2007 was the date of the surgery. At least 12 month recovery for good results.
By N8
April 18, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Question for anybody out there with the Extra Innings package.
This is my first year having ordered it. I notice that the Braves/Dodgers game isn’t listed on their “menu” today.
Do they not show all the games everyday? To my knowledge, this is the first Braves game (besides opening night on ESPN and the Saturday afternoon games, when FOX has the exclusive broadcast rights from 12:00 - 7:00), NOT to be on the package.
Just curious at how many games a year are not televised on the Extra Innings package.
Thanks
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Either Mets Fan In Atlanta likes the Braves, or he’s a masochist.
Here’s how you can find out, Mets Fan. Drive some 10-penny nails completely through one end of a 1 X 4. Now, get somebody to beat your azz with it. If you enjoy it, you’re a masochist, if not, you’re a Braves fan…
By McFann
April 18, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Get ‘im, Daybed!! Haha!
By BravesFanInRockies
April 18, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
N8,
As you noted, no MLBEI games available during the exclusive Fox window.
If it’s on Peachtree TV, it should be on MLBEI; they’ve telecast all the previous PTV games. Unless you’re considered to be in the “home” market, and then you’ll have to get the game from the originator.
By TennesseePaul
April 18, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
I notice that the Braves/Dodgers game isn’t listed on their “menu” today.
Wow. I feel special now. The only game of the year I’m going to get to watch that Extra Innings folks might have to miss… Only trouble is I’ll be watching surround by cell block C. If I cheer at the wrong time I could get shanked. I dislike Dodger fans.
By Yars
April 18, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Man Hudson is gonna be ok. I’m more worried about Smoltz, yet he’s 3-0 with an era under 1.00! KJ would have hit 2 HR last night if he weren’t playing in Dolphins Stadium. Hoss is a freak at the plate right now, Tex average is over .200 finally, & Resop pitched pretty good last night, except for that walk. Diaz seems to be pressing at the plate, whereas Kotsay looks more comfortable. now playing: Bound For the Floor by Local H
By Lee in S. GA
April 18, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I have had my own season tickets to the Braves the last two seasons Trust me, I know the braves, I just don’t like them. mets fan in atlanta
Smoltz and Soriano won’t make it through the season without a trip to the DL.
These are the type of things that really makes one wonder about the intelligence of Mets fans. I am sure both of you are a hoot to be around during a game.
By Lew
April 18, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Nathan-No they don’t show every game. Be glad you’re not a Rays’ or Royals’ fan. This is one of those games that last year would have been on TBS. I was afraid with them out of the weekday equation we would miss some games on Extra Innings. Other than the Saturday games before 7 in the evening (which Fox has exclusivity to), this is the first game NOT on Extra Innings so far, though.
I would suggest XM Radio as a backup. They DO broadcast EVERY game and they’ve got some great musical programming, too. Check out Channel 41, The Boneyard. Best Hard Rock radio station I ever heard. I’ll be listening to the Braves on XM both Friday and Saturday this week (the upside there is that you do get to listen to Skip and Pete for the Braves’ home games on XM).
Damn you, Fox Game of The Week. They are the cause of most non televised games on EI.
By i cant take it anymore
April 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
did anybody see the story that beltran asked reyes to go back to “his old ways” of handshakes and smiles?
By MGL
April 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
N8 et al - I also have Xtra innings package and cannot figure out the blackout strategy. I live just north of Orlando and the Marlins series was BLACKED out. Anyone know the rules???
By etownbrave
April 18, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if PTV is being made available in the “home” area for those of us with DISH? Have tried email and phone but get no response from them. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By etownbrave
April 18, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if PTV is being made available in the “home” area for those of us with DISH? Have tried email and phone but get no response from them. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 18, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
While I share some of the fears that others have about Gonzo coming back to soon, is it not possible that he is just a quick healer. Full recovery from TJ surgery is anywhere from 12 to 18 months. It has been just about 12 months. Besides with him only having to pitch an inning or so every other day it may not be as much stress on his arm as pitching five plus innings every other four days.
By TennesseePaul
April 18, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Bound For the Floor by Local H
Sheeeeeesh. Haven’t listen to that in a long while. I’ll have to go put that one on. Thanks for the reminder Yars.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
patrocket, i don’t know how canizares would fit in this year, long as teixeira is healthy. because canizares plays one position, and doesn’t play it well defensively. he’s a hitter, period. tell you the truth, i’d expect some AL teams might be interested in trading for that dude.
but if Braves believed he could play defense well enough, i’m sure they’d consider him for 1B next year if tex leaves (which he probably will). But I don’t know that they believe Canizares can play even serviceable 1B defense on a daily basis.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Jrjags, and everyone else who’s asked about Hudson: He reiterated yesterday that he felt perfectly fine physically. Arm had no pain whatsoever. In fact, he told Cox he felt like he hadn’t even pitched the night before (only pitched three innings, after all).
There is NOTHING changed in his schedule, his between-starts routine, etc. He will make his next start on Monday, as scheduled, barring some unexpected new development.
By Immortal Yankee Clipper
April 18, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Now Braveheart you don’t really believe that transplants give up their loyalty to their original home teams, do you?
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
metsfaninatlanta, you’re becoming a braves fan. trust me. you are resisting it. but in about 5 years, you will look up and realize you love the braves more than the mets like most transplants end up doing.
I have lived outside of Atlanta for most of the last 25 years and just moved back in the last 18 months. I have always been a Braves fan and always will even with the Giants, Cardinals, and Rays in my other home markets. While I did not have season tickets, I considered it because I love baseball and the Braves and the Giants, Cards and Rays were a means to an end.
Make sense?
By TJ
April 18, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Speaking of defense, anyone notice that the Braves are tied for 2nd in the NL in fielding pct and least errors (with 7, after committing 4 in the first 3 games)? We haven’t had an error by anyone besides Smoltz (who has 2 - what’s up with that?) in the last 11 games.
I don’t think we have a great defense, in terms of overall range, but it’s proving to be solid.
By Andruw's Back
April 18, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
it would only be fitting for Mark to rob Andruw on a nice play and have the superman tune come on
i don’t hate andruw at all, appreciate his years in atlanta, obviously he thought he deserved fair market value, which is obviously not 18 mil tho
By northBeach Scott
April 18, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
OOOppps! Not IYC anymore. nBS
By Jersey Gil
April 18, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Lew Also i want to add that additional to XM Radio as Back up, if you go online to MLB Daygame, is wonderful, the other day i was listen to XM and Follow the game online and they was just at the same time.
By Jersey Gil
April 18, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
DOB What future Vladimir Nunez has with the Braves, he is pitching Good in Richmond this year,he save 20 games onces with Florida, i know he didn’t play in 2006 with Elbow surgery.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Moylan (gone), Hampton (who cares), Glavine (Needs Stationary Bike In Dugout), Hudson (Marlins playing mind games with low radar gun readings), Smoltz (WARRIOR), Soriano (how do you say sore elbow in spanish). THE SKY IS FALLING. Everyone needs to relax we still got 145+ games to play. Hudson will be fine and Smoltz will pitch until his arm falls off (Smoltz will accept his possition in Cooperstown 2013.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
it would only be fitting for Mark to rob Andruw on a nice play and have the superman tune come on
I think the Superman tune needs to go. That was Andruw’s song. It should not be used for anyone else. It cheapens that tune and cheapens how great Andruw USED to be. Dude was Ozzie Smith out there for the longest time. Royce Clayton did not become the Wizard of Oz just because he played short in St. Louis.
Mark Kotsay should not be treated to Superman music just because he plays center. I like Kotsay but the Superman tune does not come on when Jimmy Olsen puts on the suit and cape.
This is the song they should play if Kotsay dives and robs a hit from Andruw:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_b4FFNOfnh0
I’m on it, straight up on dat Kryptonite.
By Jersey Gil
April 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
OH$HIT Se Dice en Espanol(We said in Spanish sore elbow) “Dolor en el codo”
By Saltywoody
April 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I’m still a little confused as to Smoltzie’s malady. Does he just have a contusion of sorts in his neck/trapezius area?
Sorry, I was trying to sound smart. Did he basically sleep on it funny or something? Or is this a tear or rupture or something that might need surgery eventually?
Cuz it’s not like he’s been throwing 8 innings every week for half a season now. He only threw a little in spring training and he hasn’t gone very long in any of his starts…and the fact that even with all that rest it’s still bothering him is concerning. Warrior or not, something’s gotta give eventually, right?
By KC
April 18, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: Don’t they play the Superman music whenever any Braves outfielder makes a diving catch?
By AuburnBrave
April 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
ugh.
Thanks to DishNetwork and P-TV and/or Comcast not playing nice I’ve already missed the season home opener, Tom Glavine’s first game back with the Braves, and tonight I’m going to miss Andruw’s return to The Ted.
By RC
April 18, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
The only way Kotsay is going to “rob” Andruw on a nice play is if Bobby gives Kotsay a couple of innings at 3rd or catcher, which are the only places the ball ends up when Andruw swings these days.
By Jersey Gil
April 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
DOB What it the status of the Frenchy contract extension. I just hear that Langoria the Rookie third Base of Tampa signed a lonterm contract six year.
By Lauren T.
April 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
SaltyWoody, it’s just a knot in his muscle. I’m a massage therapist, and that’s one of the most common places for muscle stress to “hang out”.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
KC, I just think the Superman tune should be an Andruw thing. 90% of the time it was played for him because he was the one making the exciting catches.
It’s time for some fun changes at the Ted. Andruw leaving should be the perfect opportunity to make those changes in some of the song selections. The same ole, same ole gets awfully tiring. There are so many songs and potential themes to use out there, why do they stick to the same tired soundtrack?
That Superman thing will always be about Andruw to me. Playing it after he left cheapens the memory and meaning of why it was played. Can’t stand hearing it played for anyone else. And never could. Even when it was played for others. But that’s just me. But I do understand your point.
By Nate
April 18, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Why did Buddy pitch last night? And why is Bennett starting tonight? I’m not saying I would prefer to have buddy starting, but they have both pitched in the last couple of days. Maybe Cox is expecting three innings out of each of them. If they can each get through the lineup once without getting torched maybe the Braves can hang in there tonight.
By J.T.
April 18, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Yep, with Andruw and McCann around the plate at the same time the ump may have a hard time seeing the ball for the bellies.
By Lew
April 18, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
MGL-You’re blacked out because you’re in Marlins’ territory, even though you are technically in the Rays’ blackout area.
The same thing used to happen to me here in Vermont. I live in the Red Sox area for blackout purposes, but when the Braves played the Expos (even TBS) was blacked out up here. Didn’t really help the Expos, though.
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 18, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Peterbilt
Peterbilt
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
JC from UTAH:
Sorry I missed your post last night. Just happened to catch it on the rebound this afternoon.
JoJo REYES has looked good. A couple more outings like his first two and he should be ready. But as Dave has pointed out, not proved anything positive for Atlanta - yet. Has he learned anything here? Who knows.
JONOTHAN ROUWENHORST did not do well in his first start(last time out), but was strong in his previous relief stints. I would say not ready for prime-time as of now. Possibly later after more work. Mid-summer maybe. He has pitched both as a starter and reliefer in the Pacific Coast League.
PHIL STOCKMAN shows a good trend. Up and down in his first four relief appearances, he looked very strong his last time out. If that trend continues for a month or so, he might be available to give Atlanta another go.
BASNER continues to fight it. Up,down.
NUNEZ is fairly steady. More good than bad, nothing spectacular. Probably not ready for prime-time.
DAMIEN MOSS is slowly coming back. Not ready yet though. Mid-summer.
CHARLES MORTON has been steady in his three starts. I think with lots more work here, he’ll be up by early call-ups, maybe a bit sooner.
CHUCK JAMES you know is a major rehab job. Just begun that one. No help yet.
FRANCESLEY BUENO too soon, too soon. Maybe late this year. Probably next.
By BA
April 18, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
My bad, Cherokee. I thought you meant Cox. DOB, they use a clip of you talking about Smoltz. However, I think that commercial is out of rotation now. That show is one of my guilty pleasures, along with the Rob Dibble/Kevin Kennedy show in the afternoon. These shows may not be award winning radio, but at least they deviate from conventional sports talk shows.
By Andruw's Back
April 18, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
RC that was pretty funny
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
new BLOG IS UP. and it’s a long one.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
DOB im pretty sure this link will interest you. Braveslove
By MGL
April 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Lew, thanks, doesn’t make much sense to me though. It is a four hour plus drive from my house to see a marlins game. People won’t even drive ten minutes to see them.
By Chris Kringle
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
If you want to watch the braves game tonight or any other day:
http://www.myp2pforum.eu/mlb/19330-mlb-today-april-18-a.html
Click on the link next to the Braves. The link isn’t up yet today, but will be closer to game time. You might have to download the software at the bottom of the page.
You don’t have to hassle with corporate and big media decisions that decide whether or not to broadcast games, carry channels, etc. It’s sad that a home market team can’t see their team play without paying $100’s for a DirectTV Baseball Package or an Mlb.tv service that barely works. Like Mlb.tv, the game will be delayed about a minute, and may stop from time to time. But hey, at least you don’t have to pay.
It’s Christmas in April,
Merry Christmas
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
If Andrew robs a Braves this series the master of sound needs to pull out the Chili’s Franchise tune….”I want my baby back baby back baby back. CHILLLLEEESS baby back ribs. Andrew will be seen jumping the center field fence and headed out the gate. Face it, I loved Andrew toooo, but that guy’s average is showing a sharp decline in athletic ability. The guy hits the buffet better than a baseball. If I were the Dodgers I would have put in the Andrew contract one slim fast, to substitute for two meals.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Very good link explaining throwing elbow injuries
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
AJC Braves Blog with Dave
denizen #1 - “chipper rocks!” denizen #2 - “yes, chipper rocks!” denizen #1 - “smoltz rocks!” denizen #2 - “Oh, yes, he does rock!”
DOB - “Smoltz and Chipper rock, and Johnny Cash is awesome! Abide!”
denizens #1 and #2 - “DOB, you are so smart! We abide!”
Independent thinker - “Cash depresses me, sometimes I get the feeling that chipper only cares about his stats, and smoltz can’t last much longer.”
DOB - “You ^&!}> idiot, didn’t you hear me? I said abide!”
denizens #1 and #2 - “yeah, you idiot, didn’t you hear DOB! Go away, we want to have meaningful dialogue about baseball”
denizen #1 - “chipper still rocks!” denizen #2 - “yes, chipper still rocks.”