AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow will Andruw be greeted?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, they’re home. The aftertaste of that Braves trip wasn’t as rancid following last night’s resounding 8-0 win fueled by the old dudes, Smoltz and Hoss (and Bobby, in a pregame closed-door meeting the boys called perfect).
So now they’re back at Turner Field, where the Braves have hit .312 in five games (compared to .252 on the road, even after last night’s 15-hit, five-homer blitz at Miami).
It’ll be interesting to see how last night’s win carries over to tonight’s opener against Andruw Jones, Rafael Furcal and the rest of the visiting Dodgers from Chavez Ravine.
Oh, yes, Andruw. Once again we’ll witness the return of a longtime Braves star wearing a different uniform. The man who won 10-time Gold Glove Jones and racked up 368 home runs and 1,117 RBIs in 12 seasons for the Braves.
And we’ll ask again: What do you think the reaction is going to be? Will it be something like the huge applause the Turner Field customers give Greg Maddux? Or the warn reception they gave Julio Franco?
Will it be a mixed reaction, like Tom Glavine got in his latter visits with the Mets? Certainly it’s not going to be anything like the nasty receptions that Glavine got when he’d return during his first seasons with the Mets. No way.
If I had to guess, I’m going with big ovation. Big standing ovation, even. I really believe that’s what the reaction will be.
After all, it’s not like he turned down a Braves offer to return. Not like he’s bad-mouthed the organization or anyone in it since he left.
And, oh yeah, he did provide a hell of a lot of big moments for Braves fans during the past decade.
Jeff Francoeur told me yesterday that he’s talked to Andruw quite a bit, and Brian McCann said he talks to him all the time. McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.
I used a McCann quote in my Braves notebook in today’s paper and online, but here’s one I got from Francoeur:
“I’ve talked to [Andruw] a couple of times, and he watches us sometimes out there before their games,” he said. “And if they have a day game he’s watched some of our games at night. You know, he misses being here.
“He misses being part of the team and having everybody around. But I know that’s part of baseball and it’s what you’ve got to do.”
On Andruw’s slump, he said, “Hopefully he’ll get it going for them. I think he will.”
Hitting coach Terry Pendleton said of Andruw: “That’s my boy. It hurts me to see him struggling. I want to see him have success, but not necessarily against us. We’re all hoping he has success, because we love him.”
I asked Frenchy about the impression many fans have that Andruw doesn’t care much because of the smirk or smile he has after so many strikeouts.
“He cares,” Francoeur said. “He’s going to do everything he has to do to help the team. I always said, he came to play every single day. You’ve got to give him credit for that.
“I’d like to see our fans give him a good standing ovation and then give him a hand for what he’s done for Atlanta for so long. It’s not like he wanted out. It just kind of happened that way. So, it’d be nice to see them do that.
“He loves Atlanta. He’s still got his house here. It’s not like he’s leaving. He’s staying with his family. He loves Atlanta, and just happens to play somewhere else now. Hopefully the fans will give him what he deserves.”
Me talking again now: All that said, it’d be a stretch for anyone to suggest the Braves would be better off with him right now.
Andruw signed a two-year, $36.2 million contract with the Dodgers, more money per season than anybody but Scott Boras imagined he’d get after hitting .222 with 26 homers and 94 RBI for the Braves last season.
He’s hitting .157 with no homers, two RBIs and 16 strikeouts in 51 at-bats for the Dodgers, including 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. In six road games he’s hit .095 (2-for-21) with two singles, one walk, eight strikeouts.
Uh, yikes.
Andruw (and his girth) have become a target for acerbic, relentless (and quite witty) L.A. Times columnist T.J. Simers. That is not a good thing, if you are Andruw Jones.
If you haven’t read any of Simers’ recent work directed at Andruw, all I’m going to say about that is, the center fielder will not want to read the L.A. Times for the rest of the season if he doesn’t start hitting. Soon. Seriously.
Speaking of slumps, you might remember this isn’t a recent thing with Andruw. He’s hit .184 (25-for-136) with two homers, 12 RBI and 32 strikeouts in 39 games going back to Aug. 31 with the Braves.
His batting average really began to plummet in late July 2006, though he kept hitting plenty of homers for the rest of the ’06 season.
In 231 games dating to July 21, 2006, Andruw has hit .219 with 40 doubles, 43 homers, 137 RBI, 202 strikeouts, a .322 OBP and a .429 slugging percentage in 835 at-bats.
For some comparison: Chipper Jones has played 50 fewer games (181) in that same period, and hit .339 with 52 doubles, 44 homers, 143 RBI, 97 strikeouts, a .421 OBP and a .622 slugging percentage in 685 at-bats.
Andruw hasn’t given home crowds a lot to appreciate at the plate during that span. He’s hit .200 in 435 at-bats in 124 home games since July 21, 2006, though he does have 27 homers in those games (only 19 fewer homers than singles).
He’s got to be eager to face old friend Tom Glavine on Saturday. Andruw is 16-for-43 with four homers against the old lefty.
Speaking of Chipper…. He’s hitting an otherworldly .443 to lead the majors by a wide margin after last night’s 4-for-4, two-homer game at Florida. The only other hitter in either league with an average higher than .385 is none other than Rafael Furcal (.407), who has 11 extra-base hits and a .500 OBP.
Chipper, at 35, is on a seemingly unlikely career surge. He leads the majors with a .338 average since the beginning of the 2006 season, ahead of Seattle’s Ichiro (.333). Chipper has a .421 OBP and .606 slugging percentage in that span.
That’s .338/.421/.606 for Chipper, compared to Ichiro’s .333/.380/.419 and, just for curiosity’s sake, Alex Rodriguez’s .303/.405/.584 in that span.
The knock on Hoss, of course, is that he’s only played 259 games in that period, while Ichiro has played 339 and A-Rod 329.
Chipper has 73 doubles and 59 homers in 985 at-bats in that period, A-Rod has 63 doubles and 93 homers in 1,223 at-bats.
But the most amazing stats with Chipper began in the middle of the 2006 season, after he got over some early injuries and hit a hot streak that really has continued pretty much unabated, save for a cool week here or a DL stint there.
It began after a slump in which he batted just .222 with four homers and 11 RBis in 29 games during May 21-June 23, 2006.
Here’s what he’s done in 200 games since then, and no, these are not typos:
In his past 200 games, since June 24, 2006, Chipper has hit .358 (273-for-763) with 61 doubles, 6 triples, 52 homers, 167 RBI, 113 walks, 104 strikeouts, a .437 OBP and a .658 slugging percentage.
And in 102 road games during that period he’s hit .376 (153-for-407) with 36 doubles, 5 triples, 29 homers, 86 RBI, a .445 OBP and a .703 slugging percentage. That’s a 1.148 OPS in his past 102 road games. Astounding.
Top and bottom of it…. The NL’s two highest and two lowest batting averages belong to former Braves teammates. Chipper (.443) and Furcal (.407) lead, while Andruw (.157) and Adam LaRoche (.143) bring up the rear.
Against right-handed pitchers, Chipper (.441) and Furcal (.439) also lead the majors, ahead of Albert Pujols (.417) and Derrek Lee (.404).
Andruw (.086, 3-for-35) is last in the NL against right-handers.
Chipper has hit .444 with one homer in 27 at-bats against lefities, .441 with three homers in 34 at-bats against righties. He’s hit .455 at home, .436 on the road. He’s hit .324 with no one on base, .593 (16-for-27) with runners on.
He’s hit .409 (9-for-22) after an 0-1 count, and .485 (16-for-33) after 1-0.
Folks, he’s flat-out raked.
Speaking of splits… Mark Teixeira has hit .400 (6-for-15) with a homer and four RBI in four day games, but just .136 (6-for-44) with two homers and three RBIs (and a .191 OBP) in 11 night games.
He’s hit .119 in the first through sixth innings, and .412 after the sixth. Hey, it’s early. You can get some crazy splits early in a season.
Smoltz’s fast start: Heard the guys on ESPN mention that this is the first time Smoltz has won his first three starts in his entire major league career. Yes, the first time.
But while that is a surprising stat, Smoltz is still a very, very long way from coming close to matching his best starts. He’s had a few stunning ones.
In 1996, he lost his first start when he gave up six earned runs in 6-1/3 innings against San Francisco. Then Smoltz went 11-0 in his next 11 starts with a 1.76 ERA, .163 opponents’ average and two complete games. Wow.
He went 14-1 in his first 16 starts that season.
More recently, he went 4-0 in his first six starts in 1998, and 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA in his first six starts in 1999.
One last stat: In his past 53 starts, since July 2006, Smoltz is 29-12 with a 3.05 ERA and 336 strikeouts (with 81 walks) in 342-2/3 innings.
And he’ll be 41 next month.
”FURTHER ON UP THE ROAD” by Bruce Springsteen (and covered splendidly by Johnny Cash)
Where the road is dark and the seed is sowed
Where the gun is cocked and the bullet’s cold
Where the miles are marked in the blood and gold
I’ll meet you further on up the road
Got on my dead man’s suit and my smilin’ skull ring
My lucky graveyard boots and song to sing
I got a song to sing, keep me out of the cold
And I’ll meet you further on up the road.
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Where the way dark and the night is cold
One sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know
And I’ll meet you further on up the road.
Now I been out in the desert, just doin’ my time
Searchin’ through the dust, lookin’ for a sign
If there’s a light up ahead well brother I don’t know
But I got this fever burnin’ in my soul
So let’s take the good times as they go
And I’ll meet you further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
One sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know
And I’ll meet you further on up the road
One sunny mornin’ we’ll rise I know
And I’ll meet you further on up the road.
Services »
Comments
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
First! And cheers for Druw. No reason not to.
By TrboDawg
April 18, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
No time to read the blog, gotta try to be FIRST
By Train Wreck Bystander
April 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I hope he gets a big rousing ovation, but I am damned sure glad that anemic batting average is not on the Braves side of the ledger this year.
Now, if he was hitting his weight, I might feel differently.
I envy those of you who will get to actually see the game, either in person or TV (damn you Peachtree TV).
By kev
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, you ain’t kidding about Simers…he’s downright rude…
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers13apr13,1,2434351.column
…a professional writer consistantly calling someone a “tubbo” publically—isn’t that a bit too much? and perhaps a bit childish?
By Please let me be…
April 18, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
First!
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 3:21 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.
Hope Andruw is greeted warmly.
By Mike S
April 18, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
No question, cheers.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
first
By Jo
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was hoping you’d do some Bruce today. RIP, Phantom Dan Federici.
By Lee
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I vote on a standing ovation for A.J. also. The Braves were not going to pay him that kind of money and you cannot blame him for taking it. A.J. had some exciting catches and yes, even some clutch hits for this team during the years, but nothings lasts forever.
McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the off-season.
Now that explains a lot.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
first damm!!!!t it!!!!!!!!!!
By Robert
April 18, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
DOB
WIll we see Phil Stockman soon
By Thrillhouse44
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I hope it’s the big O.
You set me up for this one: “McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.” It shows…
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
DOB i guessed this might interest you Braveslove
By GSU-Paul
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there tonight and cheer loud and proud for Andruw. He did too much for out team not to.
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…gotta love the folks at Fire Joe Morgan.com. Check out their critique of a recent column by Lowell Cohn about Giants GM Brian Sabean. The things Cohn says make my head hurt.
By jimmac
April 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
DOB - I’m assuming that the Springsteen lyrics are a tribute to Dan “the Man” Federici, and it will be sad not to see him a week from tonight.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.
Based on their physiques, I never would have guessed that.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Why does everyone have a man crush on Phil Stockman. This guy is about as reliable as Mike Hampton. Stocky can’t stay healthy. BUT I say give him a try, if he blows it then he’ll join our All-DL team.
By Steve-O
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
That LA Times article is the most condescending article I have ever read. Thankfully we have DOB, who acts professionally when conducting interviews.
*”I’m not going to hit 27 home runs in April,” he said.
“How about one?” I suggested.*
Can you imagine DOB’s interviews with Thorman, Royce Ring, Chuck James or Andruw (last year) going like that? It sounds like an 8th grader picking on a 6th grader! Thank you DOB, for writing like a grown man.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Article explaining Elbow Throwing Injuries
Link explaining what a Bone Spur is and more.
By OH $H!T
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
If I was clint hurdle last night I would have thrown the game in the 15th inning. A 22 inning game is to much of a strain on the bullpen this early in the year. On that note if Bobby was coaching that game it would have ended in the 10th because we would have ran out of pitchers. Gotta give it to Hurdle way to manage that bullpen in a game like that. Oh, I will stand and congradulate Andrew tonight. He and Chipper ushered in the offensive era of Braves baseball that we know today. Thanks druw.
By StingerSplash
April 18, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Who was that throwing out the first pitch at the Cubs game? I guess I caught the replay but even my vocabulary is reduced simply to … Oh. My. God.
By Andruw Jones
April 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Will someone please tell ushers to meet me at the center field gate tonight with a beer and foot long sausage. I never eat before the game. LOL
By 3trees
April 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Good to pick a Springsteen tunes today since Danny Federici (E-Street Band Organ/Keyboard/Accordion player) passed last night. Should be some very emotional shows coming up.
Hope this team bucks the trends of the last couple (not overcoming injuries/inconsistencies). Not at all sure yet. At least the early season error-itis seems to have passed.
Chip can hit (uh, duh).
Go Braves!
By Braves20
April 18, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
re: Andruw Jones. I have been a proud Braves fan for 30 years but was probably never less proud the night I was in the stadium the first time Jeff Blauser returned to hear more than a few boos.
Blauser was one of the keys to our great run and I never saw him take a night or even a play off.
Sometimes memories are short.
By Bojack
April 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
All the love for AJ makes me Cry. AJ hitting 115 and making 38million, gas 3.49 and people can’t go anywhere (games etc) and all the rich players get all the love. Whats wrong with this country. You would think Elvis is back!!!!!!!
By DCbrave
April 18, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks very much. With Hudson, it does’t matter what he said - he felt fine, etc. - people will be concerned because that was what he said when he lasted 3 innings (obviously he was not fine). The obvious way we know he wasn’t fine during that game was his heater was way slower than usual. So, in order to know whether he’s fine or not, don’t you think it is obvious somebody should just grab a radar gun and let him throw a heater or two, and see what happens? I would think so. Then everybody including himself will really feel fine (or not), and maybe he simply suffered that “Braveheart Syndrome” after all.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Here is to wishing Andruw the best, after the Dodgers leave town. It would not hurt my feelings at all if he went hitless during this three game set.
Speaking of dominating pitching.
Derek Lowe is just that so far. In three quality starts, he has thrown twenty innings, given up just four earned runs with one walk and sixteen strike outs.
His ERA is 1.80 and the Dodgers have won all three of his starts.
Jeff Bennett better bring his A game. Otherwise, tonights contest could lopsided in favor of the Dodgers much like last nights game was for the Braves.
By chc4
April 18, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
McCann and AJ were workout pals? That explains alot. Apparently Glavine joined the same club… must be right next door to a Dunkin Donuts!!
By brent a.
April 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I’ll never forget Jeff Blauser not being on the World Series roster in 1995.
Hmmmmm … .
By brian
April 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
why am I not surprised to read that Andruw and McCann “worked out” together in the offseason?
Andruw will get applause but I don’t think he ever endeared himself to the fans like Smoltz, Maddux, and Chipper. Fans had strong feelings for Glavine too while he was here (and now that he has returned) which is why he was booed so loudly when he came back from the Mets (especially in the way he left to the Mets leaving a Braves offer on the table). Glavine’s leaving hurt. Andruw’s did not - it was time for him to go.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Stingersplash, did you see her throw herself into Ryan Dempster’s arms? Effin’ lucky dog that Dempster.
By TURTSNAP
April 18, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
While I have said all along that I am glad Andruw is gone, I do hope the fans give him a festive positive reception this weekend. He does deserve it (as Glavine did, but never got), he did so much for the Braves while he was here.
By 22oz
April 18, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, that TJ Simers is a real P-r-i-c-k. I hope Andruw doesn’t give that douchebag the time of day from here on out, especially if he gets things turned around. Such a difference between professionals like DOB and jerks like that. How did he get a press pass anyway? Can just any ignorant a-hole apply for a press pass?
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I think the McCann/Jones training program was each hitting ten minutes in the cage and meeting at the Varsity.
By Braves20
April 18, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Kev - Thank you for the link to the Simers articles.
That is one very bitter man. Must have played a lot of right field as a child.
By GermanBravesFan
April 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
WOW! That article in the LA Times is BRUTAL!! The guy really lets Andruw have it… Could it be that Andruw really doesn’t care?
By i cant take it anymore
April 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I remember the first time i saw andruw catch a fly ball. i looked at my dad and asked him why he caught it that way(i was about 10 years old). he smiled as he looked at me and said “he’s slick, but you don’t try it that way”. i sure miss them both. thanks andruw. i wonder if the old bruw cruw will show up tonight?
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Those jaw-dropping Chipper stats make me think fondly about the year he was drafted. The Braves, due to being exceedingly sucky (the status quo from 1983-1990) had the overall #1 pick in that year’s amateur draft.
The #1 rated prospect? No, not Chipper. A pitcher named Todd Van Poppel. Todd Van who? Exactly.
Ol’ Todd got drafted by the the Braves and then, getting uppity, refused to sign with such a loser organization, instead going with the Oakland As. So the Braves instead used their #1 pick on the #2 overall prospect — of course, the pride of DeLand, Florida, one Larry Wayne “Chipper” Jones, Jr.
Van Poppel, of course, was out of baseball in just a few years. Never in my life have I been so glad to be snubbed.
By Fulton
April 18, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
How typical of confused Braves fans; you booed Tom Glavine, the main guy responsible for the one ring you have but yet, you’re willing to cheer Andruw Jones? For what, may I ask??
By NRBQ
April 18, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I seriously doubt that writer got up in a 240-pound, pure athlete’s face with the questions and attitude he claims to have brought. Or for that matter, with Joe Torre.
I smell a resentful punk.
By Bravesfan79
April 18, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
While it worked out for the best, Thank you Andrew for your years here. You were one of my favorite players and i can remember many MANY big catches and homers!
Lets hope we can get some runs tonight against Lowe. And that Bennett dosent decide to talk everyone…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
StingerSplash, that was none other than the very lovely Jessica Simpson.
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
To those ripping Simers, remember that the jobs of a columnist and a beat writer are quite different. The columnist has to string together an interesting, readable point of view, and often doesn’t have to see (or write about) the same people every day. A beat writer is with the same team day in and day out, and his approach is to convey the facts and offer an objective, impartial analysis.
Bottom line, if you want to compare Simers to someone on the AJC staff, think of Jeff Schultz or Terence Moore.
By JC FROM UT
April 18, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
RICHBRAVE: Thank you for the report. I think this team will need a big boost from some arms in the minors since no body really has anything to trade for.
By kev
April 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I understand these days a lot of sports writers are pretentiously outrageous and “loud” but this Simers guy is over-the-top.
No matter how badly someone is playing, they shouldn’t be ridiculed like Andruw in that article. It’s UNFAIR and unprofessional.
I hope Andruw gets the standing ovation that he deserves. Or at least a very warm reception from the fans…
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I personally hope AJ gets a loud & long standing ovation, he did a lot for the Braves over the years. If I was there, I know I’d be standing.
Geaux Braves!!
By Big Easy
April 18, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Actually, the Brew Crew has been at some games already. When we were at the home opener, I saw their sign hanging from the Chop House. Felt like old times.
~E~
By StingerSplash
April 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
If you’ve never read much Simers, believe me, he took it easy on Andruw. Give him credit - at least he went down in the clubhouse and asked the questions face to face. Some columnists are famous for not going down and doing the dirty work and then turning around and ripping somebody in the paper.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Ol’ Todd got drafted by the the Braves
Reid, actually, the Braves didn’t draft Van Poppel; he indicated he didn’t want to play for us, so we passed on him. He fell all the way to 14th, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Regarding AJ, and the Simers article; first, I think the guy (Simers) is hilarious (word of the week on the blog); and second, if you’re gonna sign in a big-market city like NY, LA, or Chicago, you better be prepared to either perform or be roasted bigtime. It comes with the territory, and the money.
Anyway, nothing but good wishes to AJ, but I’m sure glad he’s not on our payroll or in our lineup. I’m pretty sure he’ll be received warmly by Braves fans tonight.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Coach, it wasn’t Jessica Simpson.
It was Marissa Miller, SI swimsuit covergirl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA9tJeUlzVI&feature=related
By McFann
April 18, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
McCann and Andruw were close friends and worked out together a lot in the offseason.
Thanks, Chief. ; )
But I read plenty of stuff (from such distinguished writers such as our own DOB) that McCann tried to lose some weight, and read an article that said Andruw Jones tried to gain some weight. There’s a contrast there…
BTW—Look at there batting averages, and see who it’s hurting right now.
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Andruw and McCann should have Popeye forearms after working with those heavy mugs.
McCann is young enough to carry extra weight without consequence, Andruw, at 30, is just a slovenly lard-azz.
I like Andruw, he has provided many thrills and he’s genuinely a nice dude, so I’d definitely cheer for him.
And don’t blame Andruw; if the Dodgers were giving away truck loadza cash, YOU wouldn’t take it? I WOULD!! I’d take my 6-10 errors a game, my 4-5 strikeouts, the booing and heckling from fans, and I’d drive my Ferrarri to the bank with a big-ole sloppy [Bilbo’s sauce] grin on my face! Then, if the Gold Club were still around, I’d turn that f’r out…. Hell, I’m just being honest folks.
Nah, actually I wouldn’t take the money. Wouldn’t be moral.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
To those ripping Simers, remember that the jobs of a columnist and a beat writer are quite different. The columnist has to string together an interesting, readable point of view, and often doesn’t have to see (or write about) the same people every day. A beat writer is with the same team day in and day out, and his approach is to convey the facts and offer an objective, impartial analysis.
That wasn’t a professional job done by Simers in that column. That was amateur hour to me. Something you’d see in a fan blog by some rabid lunatic.
By Braveheart
April 18, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
McCann is young enough to carry extra weight without consequence, Andruw, at 30, is just a slovenly lard-azz.
of no consequence until mccann becomes a slovenly lard a* himself at 30. the weight you carry at 30 ain’t the problem. the extra weight you carry when you are young is the weight that takes the toll on your later years. you can lose weight later but it won’t matter. the extra weight when you were younger already took its toll and you can never get it back
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Um, so maybe the way it worked is that McCann gave his weight to Andruw. No? It doesn’t work that way? Nevermind.
Anyway TJ, thanks for the correction on the draft. My memory was apparently faulty, but the overall result was still the same. Mea culpa.
By McFann
April 18, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
McCann is young enough to carry extra weight without consequence, Andruw, at 30, is just a slovenly lard— Shamus Thacker
Thank you.
And I’m with you: I wouldn’t take the money, either. Heck, even if I “earned” it, I don’t think I’d wanna take it…
By Steve McP
April 18, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
“Further on up the Road” was also covered excellently by Eric Clapton (with some help from Alvin Lee) on the album “Just One Night” which was a recording of a live concert in Japan.
By AGTfan
April 18, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Like most folks here, I hope Andruw gets a standing O. I also hope he get’s his hitting turned around….next week.
By chase
April 18, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
AJ deserves a rousing standing Ovation…..
Wasn’t his choice not to be here anymore.
I hope the Braves score 10 runs and AJ hits 2 Hrs…and Braves win 10-2
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
You’re right about that, Bravest Of Hearts…
By TJ
April 18, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Reid, my memory is very faulty also, but baseballreference’s “amateur draft” section is not… no mea culpa required… but man, what a fortuitous turn of events, because the Braves DID want to draft Van Poppel (that much I do remember). How much different would the last 15 years have been without CJ?
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Blanco’s in LF tonight, not Diaz….
Braveheart, that’s Simers’ thing. He’s very unique in that regard. I know of no other columnists/writers like him doing what he does. But he’s one of the most-read writers at that paper, and it’s worked for him. That’s his niche.
By MattyO
April 18, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable numbers for Chipper, .376 on the road the last 102 games, are you serious? Hope he keeps it up. Andruw definitely deserves a huge standing ovation, and I think he’ll get it. Maybe yesterday’s game will get us going here and we’ll get on a roll. Go Braves!
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 4:58 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.”
By DAP
April 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
DOB speaking of baseball tonight, the guys on there last night were giving andruw a pretty hard time, talking about his defense not being what it used to be, and saying he just stubborn and wont make adjustments. they could have just asked us, we would have told them that last july.
but one of the baseball tonight guys…it hink it was gammons actually, said andruw was never really a good hitter….yeah. i think he was talking about andruw never really hit for a high average, but…never a good hitter? it think in 2005 he would have qualified.
By McFann
April 18, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Braveheart—
McCann will never be a…with two asterisks after it…
By TURTSNAP
April 18, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Fulton - If you have to ask then you must not be a Braves fan. Give me a break!!! For what, GEEZ
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I hope AJ gets his standing ovation the first time up. Then, on the second trip to the plate, how about everybody just sit on their hands, and then cheer when he strikes out???
chase are you kidding? just because AJ was not offered a contract, doesn’t mean it wasn’t his choice.
It was his choice to hire $cott Bora$, the agent from h3ll.
It was AJ’s choice to have said agent make such a ridiculous initial offer, that the Braves didn’t even feel like dignifying a counter offer.
He could have walked in and signed a reasonable contract any time he wanted in the past year, or at least up until Tex was traded for.
He chose to take the hard “Scott Boras” approach, and it cost him playing in his “hometown” city, the city he supposedly loves.
To be honest, I think he is getting what he deserves, a fat contract, a lot of “lip” from the LA press, and a “fat” waist line; as he doesn’t seem to care about his conditioning.
The Dodgers are also getting what they deserve. Why on earth would they sign him to such a contract to start with? They deserve what they get. You would think they would have learned from Juan Pierre!
I guess what makes me angry about some of these players (not just AJ, but Tommy G too) is that they don’t give a damn about the fans, it’s all about “me” and getting “mine”.
There are exceptions: Thank you “you know who” and John Smoltz!
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Some of you are talking about that Simers article. Living 40 min. outside of LA, that doesn’t surprise me about the LA media/sports teams. Their winning at all costs philosophy drew light on a respectable Braves organization when i first started watching baseball in ‘91 at 9 years old.
One interesting point in the article though about what Torre said about trying to generate some offense:
“I can’t concern myself with power right now,” he said. “We need to generate some offense, and have to start small.”
Thanks Joe for giving some credit to my bunting, stealing, hitting & running, having Anderson play center & leading off posts to get the offense going on a more consistent basis.
The power will come, especially if you put more pressure on the pitcher & make him work. It’ll be interesting to see how the braves respond tonight after putting up another lopsided victory yesterday. Recent history says not good.
Go braves!
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I hope AJ gets his standing ovation the first time up. Then, on the second trip to the plate, how about everybody just sit on their hands, and then cheer when he strikes out???
chase are you kidding? just because AJ was not offered a contract, doesn’t mean it wasn’t his choice.
It was his choice to hire $cott Bora$, the agent from h3ll.
It was AJ’s choice to have said agent make such a ridiculous initial offer, that the Braves didn’t even feel like dignifying a counter offer.
He could have walked in and signed a reasonable contract any time he wanted in the past year, or at least up until Tex was traded for.
He chose to take the hard “Scott Boras” approach, and it cost him playing in his “hometown” city, the city he supposedly loves.
To be honest, I think he is getting what he deserves, a fat contract, a lot of “lip” from the LA press, and a “fat” waist line; as he doesn’t seem to care about his conditioning.
The Dodgers are also getting what they deserve. Why on earth would they sign him to such a contract to start with? They deserve what they get. You would think they would have learned from Juan Pierre!
I guess what makes me angry about some of these players (not just AJ, but Tommy G too) is that they don’t give a damn about the fans, it’s all about “me” and getting “mine”.
There are exceptions: Thank you “you know who” and John Smoltz!
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the double dip….
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
anti-brave #1 - “I should come up with cleverer posts.”
Denizen #1 - “Chipper still rocks! Why am I not given dumber things to say by this poster?”
Denizen #2 - “He still rocks.”
DOB - “Rock. Chalk. Jayhawk.”
anti-brave #2 - “I just got flushed.”
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Couple more thoughts about the Simers article.
Simers is lucky he didn’t get a right cross from Andruw yet, followed by his trademark smirk.
Being honest, if Andruw made those remarks while on the Braves, i’d have serious questions about the guy myself: Does he care? Why wouldn’t he want to come to his new team trying to impress? etc…
That’s gotta worry a Dodgers fan. Being a dodger hater in LA, i’m loving it.
Hope y’all give AJ a standing O today.
By Jeff321
April 18, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
T.J. Simers might just be my hero!
I’ll tell ya, the anticipation is getting very thick in here. See, I don’t have to fast forward through the Dodgers game tonight just to watch Andruw Jones’ whiff.
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
By the way, those going over to read Simers on Andruw should read his excellent crusading series which apparently reversed the Dodgers’ ultra-restrictive pregame autograph policy. (Basically, if you don’t have dugout seats, you can’t come down. Wow!)
I was so impressed with that I sent him a note to say so. That’s what the media can and should do!
I’m pretty sure all the ink in the world won’t fix Andruw, unfortunately. Still, he gave us a lot of RBIs and amazing catches, and he darn well should be applauded tonight.
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
see, told ya.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Time to log off the HIX wireless signal, and hit the long road toward home. Glad to have XM!
Let’s hope Lowe is typical Lowe tonight, and not beginning of 2008 Lowe. Let’s also hope Hoss and the other Cartwrights have their “hittin’ boots” on tonight, like they did last night at the “fish fry”.
I propose AJ get the hat trick tonight! A nice warm reception, and 5 K’s.
I hope Blanco makes the most of his start, and that Tex, Frenchy and KJ shows some positive trends!
Go get ‘em Braves!!
Later….
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
STU:
Stockman had an excellent middle-relief stint last time out. He been out five times. Not so good at first, cold, rainy. Middle three, uneven. But last time 3.1 IP, 0 H,0 ER,0 BB 4 SO. You can’t hang your hat on it, but that’s a positive trend. If that trend holds up he could see some prime-time this year. Provided he doesn’t hit the DL first, of course.
By the Stranger
April 18, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Wayne, with all due respect, that is an overly simplified, one-sided argument you make about Andruw. You can blame him for his choice of legal representation, but you cannot blame him for the state of baseball’s free agent market; nor the tack that Braves’ management decided to take in navigating towards the future. Andruw may control his caloric intake, but he has about as much control over baseball economics as he does the strike zone. The future of the Braves organization is healthier because of Andruw and in spite of Andruw. No reason to feel slighted as a fan, and no reason to waste a nice day on anger.
Now, who wants pie?
By DCbrave
April 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
DOB or anybody: I was looking at pitchers’ stats at Yahoo sports today. They only listed pitchers who have pitched 16 innings or above. So Smoltz is not there. What is the rationale behind this minimum of 16 innings? Is it 4x4?
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
anti-brave, caint u tell when i’z jes funnin’? u wuz funnin’, wuznt ya?
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
The Dodgers are also getting what they deserve. Why on earth would they sign him to such a contract to start with? They deserve what they get. You would think they would have learned from Juan Pierre! Wayne in Utah
The precise reasoning as to why i’ve become anti-dodger. Let’s not forget they traded Pedro Martinez for Delino DeShields….lol.
Man i hope the clubhouse meeting works beyond 1 game. I hate to see this team lose to the Dodgers then have to hear it from friends.
By chase
April 18, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah
How soon you forget my friend…I believe AJ kicked said agent to the curb several years ago and went behind his back to give the BRAVES a hometown discount!!!!!!
Should he do it every time? If someone offered you 18 million and someone else wasn’t offereing ANYTHING…would you play for free?
And while we are on the subject..If you are going to attack me…you have to attack DOB..he said the same thing in his blog article…look above
By nolie
April 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Independent thinker - “Cash depresses me, sometimes I get the feeling that chipper only cares about his stats, and smoltz can’t last much longer.”Anti
How can A Boy Named Sue depress you? I think if Chippy only cared about his stats he would not have agreed to switch to LF where his stats were relatively less impressive ASG & HOF-wise. But I don’t know that for sure of course.
By chase
April 18, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
For those of you who already assume the end for AJ because of his start this year…
Remember…The year he hit 51 HRs, he started off so BAD that even Bobby Cox benched him 2 weeks into the season at Washington and he came out alright then…
Now before you ATTACK…I am not saying that is going to happen again, I am not saying he had a good year last year, and I am not saying he should still be here…Just stating a fact
By Bobby's Cox
April 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
*By the way, those going over to read Simers on Andruw should read his excellent crusading series which apparently reversed the Dodgers’ ultra-restrictive pregame autograph policy. (Basically, if you don’t have dugout seats, you can’t come down. Wow!)Reid in EAV
Again doesn’t surprise me about the Dodgers. I was at a game in ‘05 or ‘06, Dodgers vs. Braves. The game was postponed by rain and it was raining throughout the game. It looked like a Marlins game with just 7,000 people in the standings. Having lodge seating on 1st base side, we tried to get closer to the action by going down to field level since no one else was there. Dodger security wouldn’t let us. Not only that but they confiscated our umbrellas before we walked in. Got a cold from that game after sitting through 9 innings in wet clothing. They wanted 10 bucks for a plastic poncho.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
While I personally find the LA columnist’s comments a little shameful, what I find shameful as well is AJ’s carte blanche attitude about it……LA fans are going to find out what us Braves fans knew the last 2 years, that he is an indifferent, overweight, past his prime prima donna…. Yes AJ gave us some good years in Atlanta, but that was then….I’m no expert, but Braves fans can see someone who tries everyday….Look at players like Diaz, not the most talented player, but goes all out on every play….Look at Escobar, He comes ready to play…..has fun doing it, and ALWAYS plays at 110%….Something AJ will NEVER do again…..Your right AJ….You don’t have nothing to prove……Except that Torre won’t coddle you like Cox did….
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
No, sir, Mr. Chop. Not really. Independent thinkers of the world unite! Tear down the DOB facilitated group think! Allow criticism without prejudice! Say no to the powers of conformity! And if someone likes Steve Perry and the Mets (I hate them both actually, but that is not the point here), thou shalt welcome him too!
As Zevon proclaimed, “even a dog can shake hands.”
By Murphy
April 18, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
How with Blanco playing affect the lineup? ie, Is he going up top with his speed?
By David-ATL14
April 18, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
DOB
I’m sure you seen it before but the absolute best cover of this song anywhere is Clapton at Bob Dylan’s 60th B-day.
Might possibly be the finest cover I’ve ever listened too. I’m a huge Cash fan too. Not taking anything at all away from him.
Truely outstanding work.
Glad to see Blanco in the lineup tonight.
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
uh, Nolie, you missed the point. Those items ticked off by “Independent Thinker” are colloqially referred to as “for instances.” They do not in any way represent the opinions, positions, or attitudes of the author. The Independent thinker was just a literay device to make a point.
By Anti-Brave's Daddy
April 18, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Anti-brave, come home. I know you hate me and hate yourself and hate everyone else because you hate me and you hate yourself.
Come home, antibrave Daddy loves you. Daddy is sorry he never told you that. Daddy is sorry he was never around. Daddy is sorry he never watched you play Little League. Daddy is sorry he never hugged you.
Come home, anti-brave. I love you son. I know you find A Boy Named Sue depressing because it reminds you too much of what an absentee father I was to you. But come home and daddy will finally tell you he loves you and give you the hug you seem to so desperately crave.
No need to continue your misplaced rants against the establishment, ANTIBRAVE. The rage against the machine we hear from you only masks the rage you have within yourself about yourself and me and how much you hate yourself and your daddy.
Come home, ANTI-BRAVE Daddy loves you. He’ll give ya a hug, buy you a lollipop and just maybe a scoop of ice cream too. COME HOME ANTI_BRAVE! DADDY LOVES YOU AND WANTS TO HUG YOU!!!! Stop hating yourself and everyone else because you hate your daddy!
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Anti-Braves fan……I’ve got 2 words for ya..SHUT UP…or better yet……SHUT THE HELL UP….Just because DOB called you on the carpet yesterday you’ve got your itty bitty feelings hurt…..While I don’t necessarily agree with some of his musical tastes, I do like listening to some of his recommendations….This is his blog…don’t like it start your own somewhere.Otherwise, enough of your ranting and raving….get over it
By nolie
April 18, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
“Further on up the Road” was also covered excellently by Eric Clapton (with some help from Alvin Lee) on the album “Just One Night” which was a recording of a live concert in Japan.SteveMcP
Different song I believe. Certainly the lyrics are not the same. Those in the live Clapton album, which is one of my very favorites , were written by Eric I believe, and based on an old blues song with other lyrics recorded by Bobby Blue Bland and others.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Uh oh, looks like Diaz’ time as a “regular” are just about over… Maybe instead of hammering on Cox over the last 2 seasons for not playing Diaz full time (like we have been) we should have been praising him for knowing exactly how to use Diaz. (Meaning start him against all lefties and an occasional righty, then the rest the time he’s our best pinch hitter.)
Maybe giving Blanco (or Anderson eventually) a chance to platton in LF may actually help Diaz regain his stroke….
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Dear Daddy,
Now that was funny!
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 18, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones spent 10 years here as the best defensive center fielder in the major leagues, was an MVP finalist one year, and took a pay cut on his last contract to stay here for three more years.
If anyone boos him they don’t know what the f-ck they are talking about.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Blanco is batting eighth.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Just talked to Furcal a bit by the cage, and said hi to Andruw.
I’m told by Dodgers people that he’s handled the Simers thing quite well, playing along with him, etc. Really the best way you can handle that, because if you a. lash out, or b. refuse to talk to him, you’re just going to look worse.
Andruw’s got a good personality to deal with that, for sure….
DCBrave, Smoltz HAS pitched 16 innings. Exactly 16, in fact.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Hey, could somone flick this nagging fly or gnat, whatever it is, off my shoulder? What’s that? Oh, it’s this angry little guy called Anti-Brave. Well, nevermind.
Carry on, you rebel.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
DOB in regards to the bullpen, do you have any idea how long Resop’s leash is? It seems to me that he has already shown an inability to consistently get major league hitters out and yet Cox continues to go to him (although he is starting to go to him less and less in important situations). Why not send him down and bring up our other Aussie who has been very good in Richmond, Phil Stockman?
By Chuckredblue
April 18, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does anyone else cringe everytime any of the braves do anything that is out of the ordinary. Like when Huddie got roughed up the other night, all I could think is that he’s hurt, or when I see Chipper take a huge cut and miss, i just wait for him to grimace and grab his side. Same thing goes for Smoltz. When he is out there pitching you can tell he’s in pain. I guess I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop with all these injuries we’ve been having. I hope it doesn’t happen and that Chipper and Smoltz keep kickin’ tale but man it makes it stressful watching a game! Go Braves!!
Chuck
By nolie
April 18, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Anti
The trouble with some “clever” satirists is that they often fail to realize that others might be clever enough to satirize them with a faux serious response. Never seems to enter their minds as they are concentrating so hard on how witty they are, thus missing a point themselves ;-)
By David-ATL14
April 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah upon further review and going back to actually watch the DVD performance, i stand corrected.
It was at the 30th anniversary party of Dylan at Madison Square Garden in 1993
Clapton and Dylan brought the house down with a bluesy rendition of * Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right.*
Truly masterful work. One of the better perfromances ever.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Anti-Brave I agree with you a little bit when you say Chipper worries too much about his own stats, but does that really matter?
Someone great once said that baseball is “an individual sport played around a team concept”. And I couldn’t agree more. How does Chipper focusing on his game and how he can get better hurt the team? Remember how it is the pitcher and the hitter, alone, with no outside forces affecting the outcome of each individual at-bat? That is why baseball is different than any other sport, there is ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO WAY FOR A GREAT PLAYER TO MAKE HIS TEAMMATES AROUND HIM BETTER.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Chuckredblue couldn’t agree with your 6:44 post more… I feel the exact same way when I watch them.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 18, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Actually, DonC, there are ways one baseball player can make his teammates more effective.
A pitcher can hit the target so that the ball is play where the defense is positioned. (He can also work fast and throw strikes so defenders are on their toes.)
A hitter can work counts and draw walks so that those hitters who follow him either have men on base to drive in or a fatigued pitcher.
There are probably other ways that are subtle, granted, but they’re for real.
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Hi Don C. Yes, sir, those are all good points indeed. But as I explained to Nolie above, I don’t really belive that about Larry Jones. I was just trying to make a point with that post.
By DonCoburleone
April 18, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, I just noticed that the Rays claimed 1B Dan Johnson off waivers from the Oakland A’s, do you know if the Braves had any interest in him? Seems to me like he could have been a risk-free solution to our backup 1B/power-hitting pinch hitter problems… Am I missing something here?
By Saltywoody
April 18, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Re:Simers
Having read both articles (if that’s what you’d call them), I actually think Andruw comes out looking better than Simers in them.
Simers comes off, at least to me, sort of the same way Michael Moore does in his movies….overly and unnecessarily cocky and arrogant with little to back it up. He has a smugness about him that is aggravating and could only be pulled off by someone incredibly intelligent and witty. I don’t know Simers, but from the little I just read, I’m not sure I’d describe him as either.
Anyway, too bad Andruw doesn’t take everything more seriously. And I understand that he DOES care, despite the wry grin, and that he does put stake in the quality of his play.
But, you sure as heck wouldn’t know it by his lack of adjustments the last couple years and his physical appearance. Frankly, I think he’s probably really finding out now how good he had it in ATL.
By David-ATL14
April 18, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I doubt highly the Braves had interest in Dan Johnson, but even if they did, Rays would have got him first by virtue of being an AL team with the waiver claim process.
By BillsNV
April 18, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
DonC: Would the Rays have had first crack at him due to their record? I am not sure how that works, if they use the current record or last years?
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
By the way, scratch Turnbow off your list. Braves aren’t interested….
DonC, if the Braves claimed Johnson, who would he have displaced. That’s the Thorman roster problem all over again. You’d have to dump a utility infielder to make room for a guy who plays one position.
By anti-brave
April 18, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Well, gang, I gotta go. I will check back in September to see how y’all are doing.
By jbutler
April 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Any guesses who may get the call out of the bullpen if Bennett has a poor outing?
Any word on CJ in Richmond? Here’s to a great Friday night…
By JP
April 18, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
DOB
Now that the Braves arent interested in Turbown…. Any other relievers the Braves may be interested??? Fuentes???
By Murphy
April 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Anyone else trying to watch PTV in Charlotte? I cannot get volume!
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Im watching the game on CSS/Charter cable…..wanting to see the crowd reaction…Guess what..The audio is not working….Last time CSS had the game on we missed the first inning..
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
You just got to love KJ defense…… out of this world
By SR
April 18, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
The way the season has gone to date, it won’t be a surprise if even Andruw gets well this weekend!
By Epinephrine
April 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
PTV audio is out on MLBTV also.
By TennesseePaul
April 18, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Frickin Bennett. Does he know where the strike zone is or even how to throw a ball towards it?
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Why did we call up Carlyle if we arent’ going to use him….Bennett’s useless…PEACHTREE, IF YOUR GOING TO PLAY WITH THE BIG BOYS YOU NEED TO GET YOU ACT TOGETHER
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
No volume here in Albany, GA. Looks like they screwed up the feed or something.
By TennesseePaul
April 18, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Luck. But I’ll take it.
By Anti-Brave's Daddy
April 18, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Well, gang, I gotta go. I will check back in September to see how y’all are doing.
Just remember that daddy loves you
By Epinephrine
April 18, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
ahaha, now there is game audio, but no broadcast audio, AND the audio is ahead of the video.
By Ron_Paul
April 18, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what’s better:
1) No volume on Peachtree.
2) Only having one channel to choose from, meaning no HD.
or
3) Watching Jeff Bennett have no clue where the next pitch is going to wind up. Kind of reminds me of Chuck James outing against the Rockies, this year.
So glad I signed up for XtraInnings!!
By Murphy
April 18, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Don’t cha think Ptv would have gotten these kinks worked out weeks ago? He!! Frick.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Quite a mixed reaction for Andruw’s introduction here to start the second inning.
First there was some applause and quite a few boos. Then it seemed that as more people heard the boos, more stood to cheer to drown it out.
At least that was my take. But a mixed reaction. Plenty standing to applause, plenty booing.
Then he struck out looking.
By Epinephrine
April 18, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, are the P-TV guys bothering to go through the motions calling the game, or are they just hanging out? I mean heck, if you are not being broadcast, might as well enjoy the game right?
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Pratt…..
Carlyle pitched a scoreless ninth last night. I bet you’d be on Bobby’s butt if he started him tonight.
No sound on Directv either. I think it is the PTV feed. We have audio on the COMMERCIALS though.
By SeattleBravesFan
April 18, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
To read TJ Simers for one or two columns and then make judgments on him is not fair. Having lived in L.A. for quite awhile a few years ago I was privy to many of his columns. And that is what they are, COLUMNS, he is a columnist. He is not a reporter or beat writer who is reporting. He is an opinion maker. And while he is acerbic in his style, he is quite witty and has been at it for quite some time. And really, aside from calling him tubbo, what is so wrong with his columns. Andruw is flailing and looking heavy while doing it. Just pointing out facts.
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
It looks like Lowe brought his “A” game in the 1st inning. I say looks like ‘cause I can’t hear it. Arrggg.
So, what I have have done is tuned into the MLB Audio, but it’s a pitch or a pitch and a half or so behind.
Geaux Braves!!
By chris
April 18, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
I looked at one of the Simers columns on Andruw.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers15apr15,1,3351859.column
Andruw is quoted several times and he’s pretty funny. Good for him. I hope he turns it around.
By JEB
April 18, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Hey all! Does anyone know if DirecTV offer Peachtree TV in N. GA. area?? Thanks for your help.
By bigchiefrg
April 18, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Of course we get audio during the commercials…I was actually lookin forward to hear Chip again.
Not bummed a bit about not getting to hear that corny sideline reporter though, but then again I thought Boog was corny too. Boog is beginning to grow on me though.
Charleston, SC BtheW.
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Kotsay would have caught McCann’s double.
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
ANDRUW would have caught that!! oh wait that was Andruw
By chrisklob
April 18, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
I’m not getting audio OR video in Charleston, SC. In fact, the channel that is supposed to be showing the game is just a black screen.
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Get some runs now!
By Kev
April 18, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
JESUSCHRIST!!! Kotsay….. ANOTHER double play…. get that ball up in the air!!!
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Kotsay just hit into his 38 DP this year, i think.
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve been getting the audio here now for about ten minutes. Not sure why it’s working now, but it is.
By bigchiefrg
April 18, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
hey chrisklob, the game is on HD in Charleston on Comcast 402…
By Murphy
April 18, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
My screen is frozen completely. Nothing. No audio, no video. I do know we are up by 2 though!
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
I like KJ in the lineup, but I’m not sure if I like he in the lead off spot. But, I guess he wins by default.
Two runs score w/o the benefit of a HR, you gotta like that. Don’t get me wrong, I love the HR, but I like to see them score runs in other ways also.
Geaux Braves!!
By ricflair
April 18, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Jeb yes they do. I have DirecTV and I have the MLB extra innings package.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
goodoleboy, that was excellent. Made me laugh out loud and share it with Stinson, who’s here doing a story on Andruw’s return….
SeattleBravesFan, exactly right on Simers. He’s very good at what he does. I gotta say, he’s got roo-nads and makes me laugh about as much as anyone writing in newspapers. At least anyone writing in the sports pages.
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Good to see Bennet appears to be finding his range.
Couple of runs on the board, looking up guys.
Just the ‘style’ of fielding makes me nervous a bit. Leave the errors in the dugout hopefully.
Go Braves!
By Ron_Paul
April 18, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Alright, I take it back. Bennett does not look like Chuck James! Good 2nd & 3rd inning! Nice
By chrisklob
April 18, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
bigchief, I have Comcast, but unfortunately we haven’t made the upgrade to HD tv’s yet. Are you finding it anywhere else?
By BravesFanInRockies
April 18, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Bennett gets thru 1st inning yips and settles down. Nice.
And anyone holding out hopes that Kotsay was more than a one-year CF stopgap, well ….
By Tomas
April 18, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
how many pitches will bennet be able to throw?
By LA Brave
April 18, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Bennett looks good. Gets himself in and out of a bases loaded jam in the 1st. 2nd and 3rd were basically perfect except for that shot off his leg. Takes a walk in his first AB to turn over the top of the order.
He’s doing a lot better than expected, let’s give him that.
By bruce
April 18, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Kev, please try other ways to express yourself.
By kev
April 18, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
SeattleBravesFan:
The thing I have a problem with Simers “style” or “niche” is that he sounds like a angry 6th grader when he is pushing his way around with guys like Andruw or Torre. It’s annoying, childish and presumptuous. But more importantly, I think it’s absolutely unprofessional.
I think a blogger mentioned that Simers goes about doing his job like Michael Moore. And I agree. What Simers has going against him is that he’s b*tching about a sports game, not some political issue. And that makes him look/sound like a whiny child. He’s not trying to prove a point or anything of the sort. He’s just getting paid by the LA Times to RANT.
His articles really have no point…maybe except for “I am right, you are wrong” attitude he portrays. I think you’d agree with me that ANY ONE OF US can write an article that amateurish.
By McFann
April 18, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Oh sweet!! A two game hitting streak for McCann!!
Anybody else notice that he had on the wrong mask in the first inning? Haha…that was funny…
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Jeff Bennett is slowly but surely becoming in a good work horse. He is eating inning and task like a man, without moaning.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Sounds like no complaints at all about the Peachtree TV broadcast, huh? (he says, with eyebrows raised).
By McFann
April 18, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
YEAH!! HE CAUGHT THE CATCHER STEALING!!
: )
By tjSimers
April 18, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Sit down TUBBO!!!!
By Tomas
April 18, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, why aren’t the braves interested in turnbow, are the brewers asking too much or what?
By McFann
April 18, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Kev, please try other ways to express yourself. Bruce
Yes, please do.
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Very impressive work by Bennett, after that first-inning mess. The guy pitched two nights ago, too.
By JP
April 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
and ANOTHER K!!!! for Andruw!…..welcome back…
By bruce
April 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Dave: Didn’t Andruw say after the season was over that he had taken the time to watch tape and figured out what his problem is/was?, had spent some time in the cage and was confident that the problems were over? I recall him saying things that were very similar to what you and denizens were saying all season. Thanks, Bruce
By Jeff321
April 18, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Well the sound starting working a little while ago on PTV. So, I predicted 5 strikeouts for Andruw. And I already saw one with cheesy audio.. plus one with announcers! Hey, come on AJ, you can do it.
By bigchiefrg
April 18, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
i know mac is a key part of our offense but dont we HAVE to sneak him in a night off every now and then? he’s gotta be getting a little worn right?
By MEB
April 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
My complaints to Time-Warner have resulted in Peachtree appearing on our cable line-up here in South Alabama. However, the screen is black with “WPCH needs authorization key” appearing at the top of the screen. Oh well, only 44 games left after tonight of Peachtree covering the Braves. Thankful that I have XM to keep up with Skip and Pete. Andruw just struck out to end the top of the 4th inning and I remember exactly how that would have looked.
LETS GO BRAVES!!!
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Wow, they are peppering Lowe with line drives.
That’s three comebackers. And I’ve never seen a pitcher in much worse fielding position on his follow-through than Lowe, who is turned sideways to the plate when he finishes each pitch.
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Can anyone explain what’s going on with the bats?? Seems like every inning there’s at least one bashed??
By tjSimers
April 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Kotsay would have thrown out Kotsay at third.
By beekay
April 18, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
watch out Matty…Gregor 2-2 could be platoon time again
By bgvt
April 18, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Nice night to give Blanco a start — a tough RH pitcher and he has two hits. Nice call by Bobby?
By braveheart
April 18, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
andruw would’ve eaten that
By Kev
April 18, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Kev, please try other ways to express yourself. Bruce
Yes, please do.McFann
Yeah, OK my Bad!!!!
By braveheart
April 18, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
have never seen so many braves fans angry that they can’t hear chip caray
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Dutchie it’s the new maple(?) that everyone is using this year.. you see it in every game and Bobby hs even complained about it before a few games back… seems like every inning there is a shattered bat.. MLB needs to address it before someone gets hurt.. unfortunately it’s probably going to take someone getting hurt to address
By MattyRoss
April 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Kind of funny to hear Joe Simpson be totally uninterested in Peachtree TV’s little advertising segments. Speaking about the 755 club:
Chip: Hey Joe, how bout we head out there and get some of the grouper, and maybe since we’re on Peachtree TV some peach cobbler would be nice.
Joe: I actually think a good sinker to Garciaparra to start this inning off with an out would be nice.
Well done, Joe. Keep ‘em in line.
By Tomas
April 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Bennet has a 1 hitter throgh five, and the only hit came from the pitcher. He’s a good guy to have on the team.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
What are the chances any Dominican players ever appear on an ESPN interview segment again?
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 18, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Audio’sb been fine here in Americus since about 8:00.
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
For the enthousiasts: you can see just about all the games through the net, without cost. Check the site myp2p2.eu. You’ll find the streams under ‘Forum’ and ‘MLB’. Elsewhere on the page you’ll find the necessary links for the software downloads. (watching PTV right now in Holland :))
In case you can’t find the games in the US.
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Awesome game Bennett, WTG!!
Geaux Braves!!
By Lido Shuffle
April 18, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Bobby is one heartless SOB. His snicker buddy John Smoltz could break an arm in the 5th and he’d leave him in to get credit for the victory. But Jeff Bennett isn’t in his good old boy network yet.
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
we need some more runs… 2 runs isn’t going to be enough for our 5th starter.. Bennett pitched his heart out though good effort
By Chop Chop
April 18, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Good call, braveheart. I GOTTA HAVE MY CHIP, DAMMIT! Don’t see that too often ‘round these parts…
By TJ
April 18, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Don’t know yet how it’ll turn out, but good move by Bobby, to pull Bennett and bring Ohman in. Pitcher made the last out in the 4th, so Ohman (if he can get out of the 5th) should be able to start the 6th (though I don’t know if he will - Bobby loves to change pitchers!).
Anyway, too bad no potential win for Bennett, but he did a great job.
By Jeff321
April 18, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Last night one of the Marlins announcers said something interesting. And I know this has been brought up before.. “If the Braves don’t resign Tex next year, Jones could get moved to first base to prolong his career.” I heard that, but who’s on third? We gave Betemit away for basically nothing!
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Skip just announced that Glavine will go on the DL, and Chuck James is coming up to take his start tomorrow.
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
ugghhh Chuckie pitching tomorrow instead of Glavine?? say it aint so
By Steve McP
April 18, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Radio commentary just said Glavine is on DL - Chucky will pitch tomorrow
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Bravos employing the stolen-base component. Catching Torre off-guard, no doubt.
By Lew
April 18, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Dutchie-Did you catch one of Francoeur’s Delta Balls?
By Section 412
April 18, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
For those who still have no audio on PTV - Glavine to the DL. Chuck James starts tomorrow.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Glavine hits the DL
OOOPPPPPSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!
By braveheart
April 18, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Larry Legend!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Choppinmama
April 18, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Way to smash it, Ol Hoss!!!!!!!!!
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
goodoleboy
Indeed, you see it in most matches. Thx for the info. It’s weird though. It should be easy to make the bats not come apart when they split, without influencing the characteristics of it. Some kind of coating or insert a pin, kind of like enforcing steel in concrete.
Lacidazicall attidtude to injuries in my book, if it stays like this.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 18, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Will Glavine DL trip be retroactive to his last start?
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58
I thought they used ash in the bats? Just asking, not telling.
By LuisGuillermo
April 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Chipper does it again!!!
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
too bad we aren’t still facing the Marlins I think they’ve forgotten how to hit…
Redding has 10k’s for the Nats through 6 innings
Atta boy Chippa!! always coming through.. got some breathing room now
By David O'Brien
April 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
GLAVINE TO THE DL, Chuck James starting tomorrow.
Very surprising.
By MattyRoss
April 18, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Glavine to the DL! Chuck James tomorrow! Well, he couldn’t be much worse than last time out…let’s make sure we get this one. Atta boy Hoss.
By MEB
April 18, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
ATTA BOY CHIPPER!!! I think Skip is exactly right that Chipper is on track for the All Star Game, MVP, and the Gold Glove he should have got last year.
LETS GO BRAVES!!!
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
WTG Hoss! AJ and Furcal collide in the outfield!
oh, the humanity….
By brewdawg
April 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
LIDO SHUFFLE
Was that a serious post at 9:07? It wasn’t right? I don’t even want to waste time explaining how stupid that post was.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
BOOOOOYAAAAAAAA !!!! I sat right in front of the computer screaming, they’re gonna score, they’re gonna score and bang, Chipper launches it.
I love it.
By jimmac
April 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
If, (unlikely as it seems), Andruw hits a home run tonight, can we add that to the statistic showing how often the Braves win when the Jones’ boys both homer?
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Did I just hear Joe & Chip say that Glavive just went on the DL…….
By Jeff321
April 18, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Jo Jo Reyes would be a better choice at this point. But, what do you expect from Bobby Cox?
Ah, I see Andruw Jones just caused a collision in center field. Maybe I’ll ease up on AJ because his luck seems to be pure crap.
By MattyRoss
April 18, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Jeff321 I’d say that’s not next year, but maybe the year after. At that point I’d not mind seeing Yunel at 3rd and lil’ bridge at short.
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
This is good tight baseball guys. Keeping it closed and waiting for the errors and then pounding on them. The breaks are comming our way now! About time too…..
Nooooooo good if the Glavine DL news is true…. Chuck James……brrrrrrrrrr, all of a sudden it’s chilly in Holland!
By McFann
April 18, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Kev!
Glad Furcal wasn’t hurt bad (like Marcus back when…).
Beautiful swing by Chipper on that homer, too.
C’mon, Jeffery!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Well, Derek Lowe came into this game with an ERA of 1.80 and one walk.
Baseball is such a strange and unpredictable game.
Bad news about Glavine, hopefully Chuck James can fill in tomorrow without embarrassing himself.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Skip just mentioned that he can’t understand some of the comments made on “blogs” about players on the DL, like Hampton or Glavine. He states that some of these people think these players enjoy it.
Has Skip been peeking in on the MIB Blog?
Skip, if you are out there (or if someone can let him know), YES, there are lots of folks on the blog that don’t know their azz from third base! Most of us DO appreciate what the professional athlete must go through when they are injured.
Yeah, there might be one or two who gravitate toward the DL (does JD come to mind?), but most are not that way, INCLUDING Mike Hampton.
(get ‘em, Blanco!)
By Saltywoody
April 18, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Lacidazicall
Best spelling EVER.
And have I mentioned lately that I need a Chipper tatoo on my arm so I can call my arm “the raker?” This guy is un-frickin-believable right now.
By bgvt
April 18, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
The debate on whether to call up JoJo or Chuck is interesting. I wonder when they made the decision. JoJo pitched tonight (and pitched 5 scoreless innings) — did they know in time to hold off?
Chuck’s pitching line from his one Richmond start looks ok (not great…3 BB’s). I guess the best hope is that Glavine isn’t out for too long; he thought that he was close to starting tomorrow so maybe he’ll only need the 15 days before he can start again.
Losing Glavine certainly makes winning tonight all the better.
By jim maltese
April 18, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
i have an unique Barber Shop in Woodstock, Ga, How about doing a review on my old style techniques. A Barber Shop, with a modern look, for Men and Boys here in Woodstock!. Mens Precision Haircuts with a personalized razor shave around the neck and ears and a hot steamed towel massage for only $12.00 Give me a call- 770-926-6488
By Lauren T.
April 18, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, the new article on mlb.com has me cautiously optimistic about Moylan’s progress. Do you have any other info?
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Chuck James can fill in tomorrow without embarrassing himself Coach
That’s like saying I’m going to wake up an adonis tomorrow morning :)
Okay, just kidding. When I first saw CJ, I thought he could be the second coming of Tommy. I don’t know what’s happened to him. Hopefully he can turn things around starting tomorrow.
Geaux Braves!!
By Saltywoody
April 18, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Why in the name of Moses would you call Chuck James up to pitch tomorrow after his last performance?
Oh yeah, that’s right. Because our pitching “depth” has quickly morphed itself into pitching “shallows.”
Honestly, though. We’re going to run a guy out there that not more than a week or two ago admitted to being “completely lost” on the mound and said he had no idea what he was doing? Has something drastic happened in that short period?
I’m not going to say Jojo would be any better. But at least throw Campillo or something. I’m putting my money down now on Chuck getting murdered on the mound tomorrow.
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
OK, I’m probably clueless, so someone please enlighten me. Is it because Campillo went long last night that he can’t pitch tomorrow in place of Glav?
Because he’s definitely my first choice for a spot start right now. A second spot start, I should say.
Oh, and I know it was really wrong to laugh at this, and I apologize… but when poor little Furky went out to CF for the ball and smacked straight into 248 lbs. of Andruw (who didn’t so much as flinch) I caught an awful case of the giggles.
By Epinephrine
April 18, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Um, Martin Prado is in the game? Looks like Kelly might have tweaked his knee again on the double slide? I hope not, but the hits just keep on coming for this club.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Jo Jo Reyes would be a better choice at this point. But, what do you expect from Bobby Cox?
Jeff321, how is Reyes, with his 6.22 major league era, a better choice than Chuck James? Assuming James is healthy, he’s a much more proven commodity than Jo-Jo. Going with Chuck is just what I’d expect from Cox, or any other manager who had watched the two guys pitch.
Opinions aside, Chuck pitched tonight for Richmond (another good outing, btw), and wouldn’t be available tomorrow anyway.
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
16 straight scoreless innings by the braves
By Saltywoody
April 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
I can’t tell if Jim Maltese is serious and the weirdest person ever, or sarcastic and weird…in which case, that post was awesome.
By Reid in EAV
April 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
jim maltese — Advertising dept. is down the hall. Keep on walkin’.
By Epinephrine
April 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Nevermind, he is pinch hitting
By prattvillenolzfan
April 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Who’s this JJ character on PTV…he seems to be a little grating on the nerves….At least with Fox, Katy’s good to look at……
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry Saltywoody…. I’m still Dutch! :) Feel like switching places?:)
By ObiWanKobe
April 18, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Spammer alert ^^^, do not frquent this business!
By waldo
April 18, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
i don’t understand replacing tom glavine with chuck james. chuck did not have it together the last time out, and i haven’t seen where he’s pitched in the minors successfully since then (probably ignorance on my part). given jo-jo’s good pitching in the minors, why wouldn’t they call him up? he could be no worse than chuck’s first outing, and from what i’ve seen, his best is much better than chuck’s (i love chuck. definitely has a braves’ mentality. seems like just a good guy who loves baseball and the braves. however, he was not at all major league ready last time around.)
By brian
April 18, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
please update us on Glavine and why the DL was needed.
This means there will probably be 2 games in a row to heavily use our bullpen.
Did Chuck James have a start at Richmond and how did it go?
JoJo must have recently started or be heavily in the doghouse.
If this keeps up (starters getting hurt) we may be seeing Charlie Morton soon
By Choppinmama
April 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Maddux is on the mound tonight against the Dbacks. My “back” button on the remote will get a workout until our game is won.
By Philliesuk
April 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper is simply the best player in baseball right now. Maybe soon the biased New York media will start to recognize that he should start being considered among the best third basemen of all time. What a laugher when people say he’s ‘on the bubble’ for Cooperstown. Keep it up, Hoss.
That sucks about Glavine on the DL. Time to step up, Chuck.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Opinions aside, Chuck pitched tonight for Richmond (another good outing, btw), and wouldn’t be available tomorrow anyway.
That is, Jo-Jo pitched tonight.
By Saltywoody
April 18, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Dutchie No need to apologize. That really was an awesome spelling of the word. And if you’re Dutch, then that makes you even cooler.
And yes, I actually would love to switch places with you…assuming you’re in Holland. I have a soft spot in my heart for lovely ladies in wooden clogs.
By AMG
April 18, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
I like the decision to send Glavine to the DL. Give the hamstring time to get stronger so he does not have to deal with it the rest of the season (hopefully). I already have to hold my breath when Smoltz throws a pitch, I’ll go crazy if I have to do that for Glavine … and Hampton if or when he returns.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 18, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Buddy Carlyle has no business being on a major league roster.
Bobby Cox has his head up his rear end in this regard.
By Varoadrunner
April 18, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Oh NOOOOOOOOOO Boyer
By LuisGuillermo
April 18, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
I can’t remember a team that gives more problems to Maddux than the D-Backs. Hopefully he will recover from the first inning and get win no. 350 (the Padres bats have to come to life too)
By McFann
April 18, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
bigchiefrg
Yeah, I think they should sneak in a day off for Brian pretty soon, too.
Wayne
That’s funny, Chip said something degrading about bloggers, too. (Don’t remember what it was, though.)
By Jeff321
April 18, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
TJ - I actually like both James & Reyes. But, James got spanked last time out.. and was supposed to be in Richmond working on his control, no? So, I think its too soon.
I also think Campillo has basically been LIGHTS OUT! What is the problem? Why can’t he get any action instead of mop up jobs?
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody, hahaha! Don’t forget, they get just as annoying with or without wooden shoes! But still lovely:)
And what’s up with KJ? Verry sloppy play there….
By braveheart
April 18, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Larry Legend!!!!!!!!!!!!
By LuisGuillermo
April 18, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Chipper again!
By MrC
April 18, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Is there some guy in NY that plays 3rd?
:)
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Someone was calling our starting pitching depth “shallows” now.
Are you kidding? We have lost 2 of our 5 original starting pitchers. And we have used Jeff Bennett and Chuck James as our alternatives. We still have Buddy Carlyle, Jo Jo Reyes and maybe even Charlie Morton and Jorge Campillo in reserve.
To me, that does not seem shallow, considering the circumstances the Braves find them in???
WTG Hoss! Tex gets a basehit! Chan Ho Park is in…..that explains it!
By Philliesuk
April 18, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
You gotta be kidding me
By bgvt
April 18, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
That Chipper guy is pretty darn good. Funny how many complaints were on this blog in the last couple of years about him being over the hill. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that no goofy accidents happen to him.
By TURTSNAP
April 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the quote from Chuck James after he started the game in Colorado and was sent down? Something about needing innings to work on location and being sent down would help him get the work? Guess not, thrown back into the fire!!
By AMG
April 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
This Chipper guy can play …
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Maddux is getting rocked today.. Maybe San Diego should have phoned it in today
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Chipper is really looking like there’s no measure on him anywhere in the league. Well impressive!!!
By michigan jeff
April 18, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Wowwwww Hossssss. This guy is on fire. I better go laugh at all the chipper haters on the vent
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Jeff321 Chuckie went down to work the rust out. He pitched an OK game on Monday night, so this would be his normal rest. I too would like to see Campillo get a chance to start, but right now, our bullpen is in almost as big of a mess as our rotation.
JoJo pitched last night in Richmond. I like the move.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Hanson is tearing up Myrtle Beach competition. How long before he gets a call to come on out to Mississippi??
By McFann
April 18, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
David who?
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
David Nied might be available.
By MEB
April 18, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
I knew I should have skipped opening night and come to Atlanta for this series. Not many times in baseball do you get to see a player in such a hot streak. Chipper is in a zone that is incredibly hot and I would have loved to been a witness.
LETS GO BRAVES!!!
By Johnny Visconi
April 18, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
DOB I see Chipper as the clear cut fourth ranking switch hitter in history behind Micky Mantle,Eddie Murray and Pete Rose.The only active player who looks to have a chance to match Jones is Lance Berkman (bad spelling ?).How would you rate Hoss ? and do you think he has any chance of moving up that very impressive list ?
By Dadgum
April 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
I may eat these words but I believe the Bravos will be hard pressed to stay with a rotation of Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson without prolonged series of injuries this year and going forward. Baseball eventually gets rid of everyone of all skill levels. The Braves are playing Russian Roulette with father time. My money is on father time.
Andruw Jones is the best defensive Cf I have ever seen (yes, I saw Mays). EVER. Father Time has his number. DOB…yes the Braves are better without him however. He is washed up offensively and has been for awhile. Many, far many will be better offensively that can make up for the defense. I am very surprised you summized that Bravo fans would miss Andruw. Not me. The Braves messed up not trading him pre- 10/5status. Forget the cult following he has with players. If you lined Andruw Jones up with all available CF’s I would not pick Andruw in the top 3 all salaries etc. being equal. Andruw is gone he is done and we aren’t going back again. Ooh, Ooh That Smell. Just came to me…. sorry.
By Choppinmama
April 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
LuisG: Down 6 in the 1st is VERY un-Maddux-like, no? Let’s hope those weary Padres bats can even up the score and give him a chance. Heck, Greg is probably tuckered out just watching them last night.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Chipper has 9 HR’s to go to get to 400. He should be there by Monday or Tuesday at this rate!
By beachcomber
April 18, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Wow. Mad Dog Maddux got raked with a six spot in the first by the Diamondbacks.
Guess 350 will have to wait until next start.
By Philliesuk
April 18, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
As of tonight, Chipper leads league in BA, HR, RBI, hits, and runs.
By jimmac
April 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
DOB Bizarre coincidence - I just flipped over to PBS between innings in time to see Bruce and the Seeger Sessions Band singing “Further On Up the Road”
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
I hate to bring this up, but Chipper is in the last year of his contract with an option year in 09. I have not heard a word about any negotiations.
By Pete H.
April 18, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
That Jones guy is pretty good. Where did we pick him up?
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Hoss is simply amazing.. Tell him to keep on keeping on DOB he’ll have the MVP wrapped up by the allstar break
By TennesseePaul
April 18, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
So when are they just going to start walking Chipper?
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
OK folks, here is why Chucky is pitching tomorrow, and not JoJo. For you folks who are not getting it, please pay attention.
JoJo pitched last night. No good for tomorrow.
Chuckie went down to get some work. He pitched on Monday night. He pitched 5 innings, and did OK, not great, but OK. That’s 4 days rest. He has won 22 games at the major league level. His arm is not injured. We need a start, and Chuck is the man.
He might bomb. He might not. Let’s hope he is adequate, and can go 5-6 innings. We have Buddy (not my top choice) and Campillo who can give us 2-3 innings if needed.
Now, please resume your normal mumbling and musing.
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Our PROVEN starting pitching depth is thinner than runny [feces].
If anybody’s having delusions of grandeur about Hammy, it’s time to let it go.. If Smolts or Hudson go down any time soon, we may as well let clowns & monkeys pitch for the kids’ enjoyment.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
keylargo Just like Bogie and Bacall. Couldn’t resist.
Actually, don’t worry about Chipper. He, like Smoltz, is good for as long as he wants to play. These are guys who did not play the money game, but still have gone about their business being top flight major league players. They have been paid accordingly.
I suspect you will see an extension for Chipper if not during the season, then shortly after it is over. His option will definitely be picked up.
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Acosta allowed 4 runs in .2 innings his 1st appearance.
He has allowed none next 5 outings thats 6.0 innings as we speak.
By StingerSplash
April 18, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Andruw batting 7th. Nomar batting 8th. How the once mighty have fallen.
By Dutchie
April 18, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Good game guys. We’re getting there again. Nice hit by AJ, good for him! Best of both worlds, right?
Anyway, bedtime here (05.00 am…)
See you tomorrow and make sure to do some good voodoo for tomorrow.
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere’s Chukkiee!
Groeten!
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
I like George Jones too. Shoot, I just pick him up on the raydeo…
By geauxbraves2000
April 18, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
WTG team, great game!!
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By beki
April 18, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!
By Bravosimos
April 18, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
DOB
Tell your boy Stinson, that Andruw was not 25 in ‘98. He was 21. It’s a shame anyone would boo him. All he’s put into this franchise. He took a pay cut the first time around just to be here. One bad year and you’re an outkast, that’s despicable!
By Overlord
April 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Thats an ERA of 0.00 in his last 6 outings (6 1/3 IP), lowering his ERA from 54.00 to 5.14 in the process.
Why in the world wouldnt we let him close?
Lets go chuckie, we need you to keep the winning streak man!!!!!!
They cant walk chipper, they all know is a matter of time for TEX to come out of it.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
I see Chipper as the clear cut fourth ranking switch hitter in history behind Micky Mantle,Eddie Murray and Pete Rose.
Johnny V, I haven’t researched it a whole lot, but my sense is that Chipper is probably a MUCH better hitter than Pete Rose or Eddie Murray. Only thing those guys have on CJ is longevity.
If Chipper can stay healthy and play 4 or 5 more productive years, he’ll put those guys to shame. Berkman is on a pretty strong track, if he can keep it going into his “middle age.” Some pretty serious decline in his numbers last year… so we’ll see if he’s one of those guys who can stay on top into his mid-30’s.
By Johnny Visconi
April 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo Chipper has said he wants to retire a Brave and will work with management to make it happen.I’ve gotta think they’ll find common ground.
By Wayne in Utah
April 18, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Wow, it’s 8:45, and I am thinking it is bedtime already.
James vs Billingsley tomorrow. We got a shot, if Chipper doesn’t get kidnapped overnight.
Triple J on Sunday. Let’s hope we give him some of this run support, so he can knock out another win.
The shame of a game like this is Will Ohman gets the W, while Bennett did a great job, but just not 5 innings worth. Never totally understood that rule.
Tonight, Bennett threw 85 pitches. Not too bad. All 4 relief pitchers pitched between 14 and 17 pitches each. Not a bad night for the pen.
Now, if Chipper Jones could just pick up the slack a bit……
Nite all.
By Shamus Thacker
April 18, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
I think Chipper’s the closest thing there’s been to Ted Williams since Ted Williams climbed in the cooler.
Chipper could make a run at .400 if he stays healthy. He’s better now than he’s ever been, and that’s saying a whole damn lot. He really is like The Natural in alotta ways…
By Bravosimos
April 18, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how nobody remembers the pay cut Andruw took. I understand if you didn’t want him back, but do you have to dog the man. What has he ever done to hurt this franchise? He’s a great team player, great clubhouse presence, phenominal defensive player, and believe it or not gave us some pretty good run production for a long time. Anyone who doesn’t appreciate that is a fool, in my opinion. Anyone agree?
By StingerSplash
April 18, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
I hope Bobby’s early pull of Smoltz the other night doesn’t come back to haunt him Saturday afternoon. Look, there’s no good reason for Smoltz to stay in all nine in a blowout anyway, especially given the physical troubles he’s had. But another inning — knowing you had a guy who’s been run out of the bullpen as often as the golf cart starting Friday night and at the time followed by someone who lasted one inning because of a balky hamstring — at this point could have meant a pitcher could have skipped a night and been a little more ready to go Saturday. Because that’s 8 1/3 innings for the bullpen over the last two nights, and you had to figure that Glavine, had he been able to start, wasn’t going to go eight deep into the game.
By ArkyTech
April 18, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Anyone else notice how ever since Smoltz called out Chipper that he’s been tearing it up? And playing EVERY day?
By the Stranger
April 18, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, if you’re up to it, could you maybe update the obscene numbers of U Know Who that you posted above. As funny as they look in print, they sound even more ridiculous when you start saying them out loud. In public. It’s early, I know, but it’s too impressive not to enjoy.
By Goodoleboy58
April 18, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
If Chipper keeps hitting like this we can have Dan Kolb come back and start for us and we’ll be aight (ok maybe that is a stretch).. but I aint worried about Chuckie if our bats stay hot
By TURTSNAP
April 18, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
TJ, no way Chipper is a better hitter than Pete Rose. Best hitter ever in the game. I’ll give you Murray though, Chipper is equal if not better.
By Northern Redneck
April 18, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
TJ… four to five more years for Chipper??? Uh im no fortune teller but I can promise you Chipper will not be playing baseball when he is 41. Don’t get me wrong he IS the second best switch hitter of all time and he has been a CRUCIAL part to the Braves team the last decade or so, but I think after this year the Braves need to start mapping out a plan for his successor. The guy has been unbelievable and will impossible to replace, but he is 36 and has had a lot of injuries as we all know through the years. That is just my opinion but if he plays like this the next 5 years he might get 600 home runs!!!!
PLEASE Chuck James can you give us 5-6 innings with 3 or less runs… we need chuck to atleast be decent if we wanna look for the sweep on sunday and I for one am not too confident about tommorrow…but i guess thats why they play the game!!!
By Johnny Visconi
April 18, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
TJ I agree with you about Chipper over Rose but the hits record is something many will consider when comparing the two.As for Murray,his numbers (both quantity and quality)compare with some of the best ever.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how nobody remembers the pay cut Andruw took.
When did AJ take a pay cut?
By Larvell Blanks
April 18, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Johnny Visconi —
Um, Eddie Murray? .287 career average Eddie Murray? .476 slugging percentage Eddie Murray? Barely topped 500 homers in 21 years Eddie Murray? I mean, nice player and all, but that’s the guy you rank above Chipper Jones? Maybe there’s another Eddie Murray I missed the past few decades of watching baseball.
And Pete Rose? You’d take a .303BA/.409SLG career dink hitter over a .308BA/.547SLG power hitter (and better fielder to boot)? Last I heard, higher average and more power was better, not the other way around.
I’ll grant that there’s a debate over Chipper vs. Mantle, but don’t make me laugh about Murray and Rose.
By JEB
April 18, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Bobby is doing a good job sending Acosta out now in these games (with big run difference) to help him build confidence. Acosta keeps shutting them down in the ninth. He is our closer in training. If Sorianno comes back strong (with no elbow problems) then Acosta will set up for him. Nice 1-2 punch for 8th & 9th innings! Bobby will bring Gonzales back in the same way he is with Acosta. He’ll be in for short sessions, and shutting down when there is not a lot of pressure on him. After a few games (arm is stronger & game ready) Gonzo - Acosta - Sorianno make a nasty end of the game trio!
By Greg in TN
April 18, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Evening everybody…
Chipper is so hot right now he knocked Comcast out in this little corner of the Volunteer state after going 3-for-5 and raising the BA to .455 tonight. Good grief. He’s lucky bats don’t spontaneously combust in his hands right now.
Nice to see AJ get a hit and some applause in his return to the Ted tonight. I wish nothing but the best for him, except when they come to town or if the team goes out to Chavez Ravine.
Glavine hitting the DL is surprising, but not totally so. Chuck James, take two begins tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully he’ll fare better tomorrow than he did on the frozen tundra of Coors Field.
I felt like Bennett pitched well overall and it was a shame he couldn’t finish out the fifth before yielding to Will Ohman. Really like what I saw tonight from the arms tonight, especially the work turned in by Blaine Boyer who seems to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. His last four outings including tonight have gone without the opposition getting a hit (4 1/3 innings over that same span).
The Rockies and Padres almost played two and a half complete games at Petco the other night and, no, Rick Camp wasn’t involved with an 18th inning homer to extend things. Pretty confident of that, but that had to be a pretty quiet charter out of San Diego for the Rockies. Here’s an odd little fact denizens. Rockies’ manager Clint Hurdle actually pinch hit in that famous 19 inning 4th of July Braves-Mets game in 1985 that featured that 18th inning homer from Rick Camp.
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
CHUCK JAMES VS. JOJO REYES:
JAMES had one start in Richmond. Line: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO, 1.76 ERA. He pitched last on April 13.
REYES has had two starts. Line: 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 14 SO, 0.00 ERA. Last pitched on April 14.
By ObiWanKobe
April 18, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
You guys need to take a realistic approach to the Chuck James start, note the opponent. It’s the Dodgers. I live in the LA market, the Dodgers can’t hit themselves out of a wet paper bag! The other thing you have to consider is who the Braves are facing; Chad Billingsley, the only thing he has going for him is that he has a gigantic behind. Chuck will be staked to an early lead and will give up 3 solo homeruns over 6 innings and get the win.
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Wayne & Johnny Visconi
I know the Braves would pick up the option no matter what, but I really hope they sign an extension to insure CJ remains a Brave forever. He will be just as much a Brave icon as Mantle was an Yankee icon, just in a far more transient era. Besides, Chipper and I went to the same High School in Jacksonville. He was a tad better than me, however.
PS Chippers option year is for less than AJ made his last year as a Brave.
By richbrave
April 18, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
REYES did not pitch last night Francesley Bueno did and took the loss, his first.
By jbutler
April 18, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Anything but dull so far!! TG is on the DL, Chuckie is back and JJJ isn’t a dude ranch, but our pitcher for the Sabbath day. Lets hope Chuckie doesn’t look like the horror movie he’s so lovingly named after.
May be time to take a dramamine and hold on…
By SNIPER-69
April 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Have the braves been exposed? The pitching isn’t as deep as advertised and the offense has lost too many one run games to be considered good.
By Bravosimos
April 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Exactly! Andruw took a paycut in 2001 on a six-year contract when he could have tested the market(not listening to Scott Boras’ advice) and in all likelyhood gotten more money.
By Lew
April 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
One thing about HD TV is that you can see the intense focus in Chipper’s eye when he’s at bat. I’ve rarely seen anyone that locked in before.
By LuisGuillermo
April 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Hey Philliesuk:
What about Chipper for the Player of the Week Award???
In 4 games so far he’s hit 10for17, 4 HRs, 5 Runs, 7 RBIs, 23 TotalBases, 3 multi-hit games, 2 2-HR games. And watch this: .588 BA, .611 OBP, 1.353 SLG, 1.964 OPS.
That David Wright guy is hitting 8for16, 1 HR, 4 Runs, 7 RBIs, 16 TotalBases, 2 multi-hit games, 3 2B and a 3B, .500 BA, .619 OBP, 1.000 SLG, 1.619 OPS.
Obviously Chipper has better numbers that David. I just hope voters pick the RIGHT guy not the ‘WRIGHT’ one (since David got credited with both the Silver Slugger and the Gold glove Award last season).
What do you guys think?
By the way, Maddux has 3 straight zeroes after allowing 7 runs during the game’s first 2 innings. Let’s go Pads (for Mad Dog)!
By MrC
April 18, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
I think Chip is slipping. He has only walked 6 times in 65 at bats. Whats up with that????
By Murphy
April 18, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
TJ, Andruw and his father negotiated his last contract without Boras. I dont know that he took a pay cut per se, but he took less than he would have on the open market.
By Interested Observer
April 18, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Do I remember correctly that Bennett didn’t really take off last year until he was inserted into Richmond’s rotation? Could be he’s just the type of guy who’s at his best when he’s on a regular schedule. I think he’s earned the opportunity for a regular rotation spot, at least until we get Hampton or Glavine back.
By TJ
April 18, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
keylargo, you went to Bolles? I spent a week there (messy family situation) before returning to Atlanta. Anyway, despite my short time there, I always felt a little connection to it.
By Larvell Blanks
April 18, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Chipper even has more stolen bases than Murray (134-110, in six fewer seasons). And he plays a much more difficult defensive position (although first base and DH can be tricky sometimes). It’s not even close.
By Buffalo NY Braves fan
April 18, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
richbrave and other denizens….
I attended the entire Richmond Braves vs. Rochester Redwings series this week.
As a matter of fact, I just got home from the game tonight…..
Chuck James didn’t pitch, so I don’t have much to say about him.
Bueno pitched well last night, gave up a lot of hits, but the only solid one was a HR in the 2nd. Most of the other hits were bloopers and ground balls that found a hole.
Reyes pitched tonight, he was solid, but threw a lot of pitches and was taken out after 5 innings. He got a ND and Richmond lost 1-0.
This Barbaro Canizeris guy can really hit. He is still hitting over .430 and hit a HR on Wed. Night that landed in the picnic area next to the bullpens in left.
Josh Anderson looked good, he’s really nice to talk with as well.
Sal Fasano is really great in the bullpen, he seems to notice what guys are doing wrong when they are warming up, or when they are throwing side sessions. He was telling Schreiber last night that his front shoulder was flying out and causing him problems. Its nice that the staff can rely on a veteran like Sal to help with their issues.
Oh and one last note from the games… Phil Stockman is really really tall…
By keylargo
April 18, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
TJ
Yep, a long, long time ago. My daughter also went there to elementary school.
By yunel is the man
April 18, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Man kelly Johnson was on fire tonight with his good errors, not to mention he might as well swing a wet noodle (maybe he could get a few more hits)BC looked p** off at him tonight…..
By Johnny Visconi
April 18, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Larvill First off I’m on Chipper’s side.In fairness to Murray though He had 1627 runs,1917 rbi,3255 hits 560 2b,504 hrs and a 287 lifetime ba in mostly a comparitive dead-ball era.If Chipper can play four more seasons at a high level he’ll have a chance to pass Eddie in the concensus opinion and that’s what I was refering to not my personal preference.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 18, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
DOB,
LA Times article is just wrong….Not sure if you do DOB, but I hope you dont respect a guy like that. Thats not journalism, it’s garbage thats garbage. Makes me apperciate what you do. Wonder if he calls AJ Tubbo to his face. I doubt….hides behind words.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Wow, what a freakin’ night. I think I just moved into a second stage of carpal tunnel syndrome from typing so much.
Hey anti-brave, that Chipper Jones ain’t bad, huh?…
Been writing and rewriting Glavine stories and Chipper/game stories for the last two hours.
Here’s the deal on the DL: When Glavine showed up today, Bubby (trainer Jeff Porter) saw bleeding in the hamstring above the knee, always a bad sign.
Doc Chandler examined him at 7 p.m. and told Glav he’d risk really making it a six-week or so injury if he pitched on it. But the Braves didn’t give him a choice anyway.
Cox explained to him that they couldn’t afford to keep him on the active roster with their pitching situation, waiting for him to get healthy. And he said it wouldn’t have been right to send down an outfielder or infielder in order to call up another pitcher and keep Glavine.
Glavine said he completely understood the situation. Said he felt like he let everybody down, that if he could have shot it up and pitched, he would. But can’t do that with a hamstring injury.
He’s pitched with ailments including a broken rib before, but never had leg problems.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
LuisGuillermo, Chipper’s a lock for Player of the Week. Go ahead and ingrave that thing. And an early leader for Player of the Month, now that he’s leading the majors in average, leading the league in RBIs, and tied for the league lead in homers.
By Bob Wickman
April 19, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Hey - I pitched when my tummy hurt one time. Gimme some credit!
By Johnny Visconi
April 19, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Larvill I’ve got to make one more point about the two eras Murray and Chipper have played in.In the seasons Murray played till his 36th birthday(1977-1993) 10 of the top 200 individual rbi seasons were recorded.In Chipper’s career before this season(he turned 36 in april) he turned 36 69 of the best 200 rbi seasons were recorded.Again I’m just being fair to Eddie.
By Cardog10
April 19, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
REAL FANS The reason Braves fans are hated on was shown tonight. I almost got in a fight with duechebags booing Andruw Jones tonight. The guy didn’t even know we turned down his contract this year, and his girlfriend that was annoyingly booing was obviously just a mirror image of the lack of knowledge her boyfriend had. The guy put in 9 great years, we simply wanted to get rid of him, I agree with trading him… but how dare you boo him. You f*** fairrweathered fans are why we have a bad name. Unbelievable.
By Matt
April 19, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
I was down there, and it was definitely one of the most fun games I’ve been to. Both of Chipper’s bombs were absolute NO DOUBTERS. This guy is on fire.
By ObiWanKobe
April 19, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
In regards to the LA Times, Simers’ thing: I’ve read his “Page 2” articles since the editors of the times pulled him off of the NFL beat (about the time LA lost the Rams & Raiders). He’s consistant and believe it or not he’s fair. He goes after everyone. The ones that play along, like Andruw always end up getting exposed as good people. He is great at enticing people to make positive changes in their athletic and even personal lives. I mean this is a guy that exposed Jeff Kent, Jeff Kent as a truely good guy. He goaded Brad Penny into getting over his outbursts on the mound (yelling at umps & his managers). Ask DOB what Penny was like when he was in Florida. Simers is also one of the biggest advocates for the Mattel Childrens Hospital at UCLA (4 kids w/ cancer), he challenges athletes to donate based on their successes / failures. He got the players (specifically Corey Magette), owner & fans to donate money for every win the LA Clippers got the last 2 years. It ended up being something like $5200 a win. He got Carl Edwards to donate $10,000 and give the trophy he won in the Vegas race to the Hospital. He gets Tommy Lasorda to dress up like Santa for the kids every year.Yeah, he rips people, he’s recently gotten the Dodgers to reverse a new rule that restricted access to the lower level before games,(where kids get autographs), to people with field level seats. He calls the people with the field level seats “the rich”, and those with out “the unclean” which can be read as an insult, but by doing this, it mobilized a majority of the fans and embarassed the Dodgers into reversing their policy. And if you’ve read all his columns, you can see what is going to happen, and it’s going to be a weight loss contest between Andruw & him with the “loser” making a donation to the hospital, and Simers always pays up when he loses.
By Bops
April 19, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
All of our pitchers going to the DL is getting a bit scary. Anyone hear of Braves signing some relievers? I heard a rumor of Mike Stanton but not sure of anyone beyond that.
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Mike Gonzales, Rafael Soriano,and Peter Moylan all on the DL, and all of them quality pitchers. Like Glavine said the team that stays healthier during the season is the team that will win. The only team in the division that is healthy is the phillies, but they dont have starting pitching. Braves have their own hospital as well as the marlins.
By scottbravesfan
April 19, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this
Wow, the Braves going to peachtree tv was brilliant!!! Now 75% of their fan base can’t see the damn game!
By Bravo Nam
April 19, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
There is a positive side to the booing of AJ. For years now our fans have been criticised for: poor attendance despite our overall success, on occasions being outnumbered by opposing fans, half-hearted about the support of the team, lacking in passion and not bringing that sense of intimidation they used to bring back in the early to mid 90s that a number of stadiums still have, being too chummy and welcoming with certain players from other teams (still makes me sick when I think a few years back to the cheering and support Bonds got whenever he was in Atlanta), and in a nutshell… insipid. So, it’s good to see that our fans still get upset if guys leave the team for bigger bucks elsewhere, like Tommy and AJ. They would get heartily booed if they were former players returning to the Phillies, Mets, Yankees or Cardinals home turf, so why on earth don’t our own fans have the right to show their dissatisfaction in the way they see fit…after all, we have no say or control over the decisions made by players and management in regards to our beloved team, so the very least we should be able to do is express our approval or disapproval in our own “House”. The double standard nauseates me…stick the boot into the fans when they show no passion or apparent interest…and then do the same when they do! Fans elsewhere are applauded for the hometown advantage they give their sides by taking no prisoners when visiting sides come to visit…and Bravos fans have the right to do the same, particularly given how roundly critised we often are.
On another point, could it be that Diaz is one of those players better suited to a platoon than everyday role…I think BC has felt this for a long time, but given how well Diaz performed in his platoon role, BC had to give him a chance to see how he could perform everyday…I know, early days, but it’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.
By AJ was Awesome
April 19, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this
Part of me wishes to boo. The other half is ashamed that part of me wishes to boo Andruw Jones when I’m at the Ted for Braves Vs LA.
The entire persona of “me” will be ear piercingly loudly chanting, “BEAT LA, BEAT LA!!!!” I will give my heart, my soul, and all of my energy to energize those around me! That’s a pretty tall order in the boring Ted, but I’m up for the challenge.
I will Tomahawk chop, till the final pitch drops!! Go Braves. BEAT LA!!!
Oops, they already did.
By jed
April 19, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this
first off, those people who booed andruw are embarrassments. watching andruw track down balls in CF was, for 10 years, one of the great pleasures of attending games. he was a marvel to watch. one can only figure the rubes who booed didnt understand that the braves were the ones who cut ties with him. i certainly dont blame the braves for it, but how do you boo someone for not being re-signed? here’s how: you’re a loud-mouthed moron, so that’s what youre genetically predisposed to doing.
By uga-brave
April 19, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this
been in the 755 too long tonight.
to quote will ferrell, delicious alcohol.
any braves fan that BOOS ANDRUW IS A UNEDUCATED BUM.
i have posted here for some time, never have been nasty to anyone.
well then again, if you really like to talk baseball BRAVEHEART is your guy.
sorry WW, i disagree on the escobar bat fling thing.
the only reason we did not get one in our ear, is because fredi gonazlez was on the other bench.
i know esco was pointing at his family, but it was BUSH.
By adam
April 19, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this
Jed,
You are forgetting one other variable. If I were there I would have sentimentally (sp?) applauded, but if I were going to boo him, and I can’t say wouldn’t have at some point, it would be because over the last 3 years particularly, Andruw has made it clear that his heart is no longer in producing and playing at the level he is capable of. He is obviously there for the paychecks. It makes me ashamed to see him look the way he does. I know he has gotten older but, DANG! I remember when he used to be able to steal around 20 or more bases a season, only thing he’s stealin these days is a third cheeseburger from the after game spread. If Andruw was dedicated to baseball and those fans who should so “obviously applaud him and laud his past accomplishments” or anything of that sentiment, then he should honor that by getting in shape and working on fixing his swing. He my be older, but he’s not OLD. His lack of discipline is entirely the reason he is where he is. So I think applauding him outright may not only send the wrong message to him, but perhaps to the kids watching him make a mockery of the player he USED to be.
By uga-brave
April 19, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
scoots,
that got cut off, but i still think your posts are top notch.
for me, i will be and always be a andruw fan.
he played everyday, hurt, injured or not, he is and always be our cf.
plus he loved being here. \
if he is an old 30, like so many bloggers have said. then francoeur is a old 24.
wake me up when francoeur hits 50 and carries this team, like A.J. did in 2005.
By uga-brave
April 19, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this
if the herd wants to BOO somebody BOO frank wren.
this is the guy that thought tyler yates was expendable.
this is the smuck that said we have a lot of money to spend, in the off season.
he gave soriano a contract, without examing his shoulder.
oh by the way, bobby managed a great game tonight.
By uga-brave
April 19, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this
oh by the way, blanco turned over the lineup a couple of times.
diaz is what he is. a bench player.
still think this current outfield will not hit more then 45 dingers.
By nolie
April 19, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this
TJ, no way Chipper is a better hitter than Pete Rose. Best hitter ever in the game. I’ll give you Murray though, Chipper is equal if not better.Turtsnap
Chipper has a better batting average, a higher OBP and more power. How is he not a better hitter than Rose? Rose played a long time at a high level and that is what is so impressive about his feat, but Chipper has him beat in every sinificant stat other than longevity.
By uga-brave
April 19, 2008 4:03 AM | Link to this
heading down to the D.R. NEXT WEEK.
anyone ever been to PUNTA CANA? hear it is nice.
hopefully the cab driver will not dump me off in HATAI.
By Ted William's frozen head
April 19, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this
Chipper better not hit .400, Shamus!
By johnny 99
April 19, 2008 4:57 AM | Link to this
By uga-brave
April 19, 2008 4:03 AM | Link to this
“heading down to the D.R. NEXT WEEK.
anyone ever been to PUNTA CANA? hear it is nice.
hopefully the cab driver will not dump me off in HATAI.”*
Hatai….i think that’s in Asia, so that’s gonna be a hell of a cab ride….
Still better than winding up in Haiti, tho…
By Bravesfan79
April 19, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this
By StingerSplash: Yea man, it would of been a GREAT idea to make a hurt Smoltz go another inning….i mean we wouldnt wanna DARE risk hurting Resop or another of the lower relievers arms!
ARE YOU SERIOUS??
By ncscoots
April 19, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this
I know most here have slotted Acosta as the fill-in closer for a while, but I’m not so sure. Boyer has been basically spectacular since the opening night debacle in Pittsburgh. BAA of about oh-nothing, better than a K an inning, only one walk, and just the two hits in Colorado. People, that’s pretty harsh. Now, whether he can do that in high-leverage situations with the game on the line, I don’t know. But he’s certainly put up closer-like numbers in April, so far.
By shocker
April 19, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
Driving down from VA today to catch the game, anyone know todays BP schedule? Gracias, in advance.
By Moby Grape
April 19, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Boyer has been basically spectacular since the opening night debacle in Pittsburgh. BAA of about oh-nothing, better than a K an inning, only one walk, and just the two hits in Colorado.scoots
yeah Boyer has been great for the most part and his peripherals indicate that his ERA should come down and that he may continue to be excellent. Course they are all relievers so sometimes they ain’t gonna have it, any of them.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
Wow. This could be a perfect storm of a season for Chipper. He’s locked in. He’s got Escobar in front of him and Tex behind him. This could be a very special year for Chipper. People need to stop just talking about him as one of the best switch hitters of all time and start talking about him as one of the best third baseman of all time. The switch hitter debate is fun but meaningless. The third base debate is fun as well but more meaningful in an historical context.
By Turfman
April 19, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
game was awesome last nite, chipper is ripping the ball. i am really embarrassed and ashamed that we have some idiot fans who can boo and heckle andruw jones. the guy played for us for 11 years giving us 10 gold gloves and people can boo him?? ridiculous. its not like he bashed atl when he left or wanted to be traded, if he had a wish he would love to play here and when he returns home people boo him. alot of the people around me at the game were young and probably didnt realize what the guy did for us. i admit the braves are better without him but the deserves better than what he got tonite.
By Jeff R
April 19, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Glavine on the DL for the first time in his career…hmmm, anything to do with his age? Older players just don’t breakdown anymore than younger ones, eh?
Last winter, I along with some other fans opposed signing Glavine, thinking he was too old. I came around to the argument that he was the best available pitcher for the right price in a thin free agent market. I still believe that to be the case.
But I hope the - so far - minor physical problems being experienced by Glavine and Smoltz convinces management that the pitching staff needs to get younger. It’s done a fine job developing position players, now it needs to return to developing pitching talent (once a hallmark of this franchise).
By Jeff R
April 19, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Glavine on the DL for the first time in his career…hmmm, anything to do with his age? Older players just don’t breakdown anymore than younger ones, eh?
Last winter, I along with some other fans opposed signing Glavine, thinking he was too old. I came around to the argument that he was the best available pitcher for the right price in a thin free agent market. I still believe that to be the case.
But I hope the - so far - minor physical problems being experienced by Glavine and Smoltz convinces management that the pitching staff needs to get younger. It’s done a fine job developing position players, now it needs to return to developing pitching talent (once a hallmark of this franchise).
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
If you can’t remember that Andruw took a hometown discount in 2001 and that he pushed Boras to the side and negotiated that contract with his dad, then you have no right to boo him or to say a bad word about him.
That would make you an unknowledgable fan that I should boo.
I think anyone who boos him is disgraceful. Dude went out there and played hard everyday with a smile for 10 years. From 1997 until 2007, he only missed 50 something games. An average of 5 missed games a season for over a decade. And people think they have the right to boo him? Get a clue.
Sure, his decline may have been caused by being overweight and being stubborn. But look at Dale Murphy and Cal Ripken. They played everyday for a decade like Druw did as well. Murphy only missed 20 games in the entire 1980s. Ripken didn’t miss any games. Murphy went into a dramatic decline at 31 years old. Ripken went into a dramatic decline at 31 years old as well.
Don’t ever underestimate how taxing the grind of playing everyday is at such demanding positions like shortstop and centerfield where you are asked to play with reckless abandon and fling your body all over the field and into walls and into little Rafael Furcals.
Look at Murphy and Ripken more closely. If you still want to boo Andruw, then you were probably the same kind of clueless idiot who would have booed Murphy and Ripken too.
By Jeff R
April 19, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Might be the case with Andruw, like Murph, an early physical decline that is beyond his control. But the fact that Andruw doesn’t do much to take care of his body and that he has always had a reputation for not being very disiplined at the plate, may suggest other reasons for his fall off.
But no cal to boo the guy. Atlanta probably got his best years.
By William
April 19, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I’m not on the Andruw pitty train. It’s one thing to be in a slump and working on adjustments to get out of it. Andruw is stubborn and didn’t listen to TP or any other hitting instructor. It’s hard to feel sorry for the guy. Coming to camp at 250lbs shows how hard his worked in the off season.
By Craig Swann
April 19, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Totally agree. Booing Andruw is shameful. If you think booing him is the right call, you didn’t watch closely enough as he dominated center field and, at times, the batter’s box for 12 years. Dude always played, hurt or otherwise, at a supremely demanding position and played better defensively than anyone of his era. And, do not forget the hometown discount in 2001. He was everything you could ask for from a player so save the boos for someone who actually deserves them.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 19, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
It’s interesting to me how all of AJ’s supporters keep saying how anyone who boos AJ are idiots, unknowledgable about the game. While I personally, would never boo anyone from our team, I certainly understand the frustratation that Braves fans have felt the last several years
First of all, AJ is represented by Boras, all of the comments Boras made publicly about how the Braves would not get a hometown discount this time grated on alot of the Braves fans.
Also, the fact that AJ’s numbers went into a decline while making these comments also aliented many fans.
The thing however that I find very amusing however is that just because AJ WAS an intergral part of our success in the late 90’s/early 2000’s means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING* today.
The Braves cannot keep HAS BEENS on their roster, if that’s the case, why not have Javy Lopez on the team, or how about Julio Franco, better yet, let’s bring back Knucksie and the Murph….All of those players were always crowd favorites, played their butts off, but unfortunately, there came a time when their production came to an end.
In defense of AJ, he has this personality where he is very happy go lucky, everything always seems so easy to him. That is what alienated the Braves also is that he quit trying….He started to get by simply on talent, So many of the Braves players are friends with him,, ask them how often AJ was in the weight room…..What did he do to take care of himself
By Austin
April 19, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
I guess after a very nice 2 game win streak we will follow with a loss. Why Chuck James?
By ole timerbrave
April 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Braveheart your 7:57 post is totally right! Andruw did nothing wrong, it was just the decline in his performance. No one has a right to Boo him for what great years he gave the Braves.
By monty
April 19, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
I hope Atlanta fans never get mentioned in the same breath as NY fans or Phillie fans. I won’t to be able to take my kids to a game without them getting an education in 4 letters words.
By brent a.
April 19, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Question:
How many of you were thinking about heading to Turner Field today before you found out that Chuck James would be pitching?
By JeffersonBravesFan
April 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking of going just to see him pitch. You see, I remember how well he pitch the last two years when he was healthy. Not just his last start, where he clearly wasn’t ready to pitch.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Crud…the Braves are on FOX today. Hope Buck and McCarver don’t do the announcing, that’s all I have to say!
And the Braves better pull off a win here. Might help take some of the sting out of what has been a very terrible morning.
Some doltish animal or something got into our birdhouse early this morning. What was once a beautiful nest of six eggs has been reduced to a pitiful sight. We found some of the nesting materials on the ground, and with it, three eggs. There is one egg that we cann see in the nest, but we’re not sure about the other two.
So go, Chucky, go! Get us a win!! (Please?)
By james
April 19, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
DOB, do you have any news on Cole Rohrbough or Jon Gilmore?
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking of going just to see him pitch. You see, I remember how well he pitch the last two years when he was healthy. Not just his last start, where he clearly wasn’t ready to pitch.
JeffersonBravesFan Stop sounding so reasonable. Act more like an emotionally impulsive 13 year old who can only remember 2 seconds ago.
By Reason
April 19, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Ole Timer & braveheart—fans have a right to boo you ever they wish, for what ever reason they wish. Who are you to judge? Aspire to Inspire before you Expire. Glad to see Diaz on the Pine, Blanco did well. Go Braves!!!!!
By bruce
April 19, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Dave: Isn’t it a good (better) sign with hammy pulls/strains that the first bleeding that is seen is just above the knee and five days after the injury? When really bad, the blood gets to the skin much higher and much earlier (next day) after the injury. I do agree with the caution to avoid a six week injury and am just trying to take this as good news that the bruise shows low and late. What are your thoughts?
By dogmeat
April 19, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
braveheart i bet you hadn’t been to a game since last year and that was maybe 3 r 4 all year. if so check me out 119 2nd seat on top rightside when you walk in.i’ll buy you one…….
By brent a.
April 19, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Buck & McCarver won’t call today’s game (thankfully). They’ll no doubt be in New York for Mets-Phillies.
But, I’ve been wrong before.
It’s amazing how well Chipper is hitting. He hit like this when he came back from injury 2 years ago, and at that time, I remember thinking that he had mastered hitting. Almost no other way to put it. But, injuries last year kept us from consistently seeing this Chipper.
And yes, I do think that Teixeira is providing him more protection than Jones did last year. Teixeira actually isn’t swinging that badly. He doesn’t look like he’s lost at the plate. He is actually defining the classic Bobby Cox statement, “He’s hitting the ball hard, just right at people,” which is what Bobby said about Marquis Grissom the entire 1995 season.
Anyway, Tex is swinging the bat okay, and he’s a switch-hitter. Even as well as Chip’s hitting, I just can’t see anyone taking the chance of pitching around Chipper to face Teixeira, even with his close to .200 batting average.
But, offense aside, two straight strong outings by our pitching and bullpen is great news. We’ve seen offense before; but, getting 8 1/3 innings of 1-run baseball out of our bullpen is something to cheer about.
Keep Furcal off-base the next two days and the Dodgers don’t have a chance.
Go Braves!
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
“I am a catch. And I’m not going to be the one that got away.”
— Michael, on this week’s episode of The Office.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Bruce, were you asking me (Dave?) about my thoughts on the bleeding out of a muscle injury? If so, I haven’t a clue about the timing of such a development.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Monty, no danger of Braves fans being compared to Philly fans. Last night at Philly, they booed Reyes as he was being attended to for possible concussion. Apparently they didn’t like that Hamels had to throw warmup pitches in the interim. Niiice.
By AGTFan
April 19, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Stop sounding so reasonable. Act more like an emotionally impulsive 13 year old who can only remember 2 seconds ago.
Stop maligning 13 year olds. I have a 13 year old and she’s much more reasonable than some of posters on this blog. :-)
I agree that fans have a right to boo. I think they are total jerks to boo Andruw, but they have the right to be total jerks.
By brent a.
April 19, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Regarding the TJ Simers’ article, TJ is a hack; but, if you haven’t read his writing historically, you would think that Andruw’s comments sound horrible; but, TJ has always found a way to make the athlete’s quotes sound absolutely pathetic, which has always made me question his integrity as a writer.
A lot of it has to do with the comments he makes around the quotes. A dishonest journalist can find a way to make a quote sound like something it absolutely isn’t, or at least make it sound worse than it is by making statements around the quote (adding adjectives, etc.) that make it appear that the person being quoted is actually intimating something that the writer himself is actually trying to communicate.
Dan LeBatard also has this “skill”.
By AGTFan
April 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for putting the fan thing in perspective. There’s no place like the “City of Brotherly Love.”
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
James, I’m checking for an update on those two.
By bruce
April 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Dave: Ok, thanks. Bruce
By jim
April 19, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
When Chuck James is healthy, he’s a pretty good Major League pitcher. He won 22 games in 1 and 1/2 years with an ERA under 4 (from his initial call-up until mid-July last year when he was injured). Maybe the last starts of Matt Cain, Phil Hughes, Buchholtz, and Justin Verlander indicate that they too are garbage and shouldn’t be wearing a major league uniform. I hope Chuck gives us six or seven scoreless innings today just so that we can read the words of wisdom that will be posted on this blog!
By bravefan
April 19, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
DOB
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
James, I’m told by Frank Wren that Rohrbaugh had a tender arm in spring training and they left him down there to get through that before he begins his season.
And Wren told me that Gilmore is also in extended spring training. When I asked if Gilmore’s healthy, Frank said yes, and that he’s just down there because he’s still very young.
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
I like Chucky too and believe once he has righted the ship that he will once again contribute to this team. But what has he done between Colorado and now that makes the Braves think that he is the best available choice to start? On the 14th he pitched 5.1 innings giving up 3 runs(1 earned), 5 hits and 3BB. Although this is not a bad outing, it most certainly does mean he is ready or the best option.
I for one would like to see Jorge Campillo get a chance. He has shown he can get hitters out. I am sure we will see him tonight anyway to relieve Chuck, but it would have been better if he had started.
Don’t know the exact timing of DL’ing Tommy, but if the decision had been early enough then Jo-Jo’s start last night could have been stopped. Last night he threw 5 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs and 2 BB. Thru 14 innings so far he has given up 6 hits, no runs, 5 BB and has 18 SO. Now although he hasn’t had a great track record up with the big team I believe him to be a better option at the moment than Chuck.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Philly fans are the biggest jerks in the World of Baseball Fans. I think I cann remember them clapping when an umpire got hit in the face mask with a foul ball.
And they’d boo Santa Clause if he came to town, and cheer if Rudolph tripped and made the whole sleigh crash.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
McFann, actually Philly fans wouldn’t just boo Santa, they DID famously throw snowballs at Santa. At an Eagles game.
By Philliesuk
April 19, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Phillies fans, I remember the story abouth them rocking the Braves bus after game 6 of the 93 NLCS. Otis Nixon was quoted as saying that some of players were afraid for their lives.
That’s just one of a thousand reasons I hate Phillies fans. I think that the citizens of Philadelphia are the most worthless people in this nation. They are absolute trash.
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I guess tonight will be the tell tell sign on whether Bobby is going to start a platoon or he was just giving Diaz a night off. Billingsly is a right hander.
DOB - With Tommy going on the DL rectroactive on the 14th mean that he can come off the DL on the 29th?
By brent a.
April 19, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I am curious as to whether Glavine has indicated how he felt before his last start. Did he hurt the hammy during the game, or was he in pain, and only made it worse.
I only bring it up becuase of how it impacts his DL stint. We got nothing from him that game, but because he appeared, he might end up missing 1 more start than he would have had he not stepped on the field last Sunday.
Regardless, let’s just hope he, Smoltz and Hampton get healthy and Hudson gets his velocity back.
It’s a long season (or so I’m told) and we need these guys healthy.
By Wayne in Utah
April 19, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
WW Big difference between Andruw and your comparison of Murph and Ripken. Those guys didn’t bolt from their home team, chasing after an over-inflated salary. They were both rewarded very appropriately by their home teams, and Murphy left when he was traded (did I hear someone say he suggested it for the good of the team?).
Andruw signed up with the one person that is renowned for not giving a damn about loyalty to anything but the almighty dollar. The appearance that the only thing that mattered was Andruw and Scott, and getting every possible dollar is what has soured some Atlanta fans on Andruw. He does not care about you or me, or fans in general. If he did, he would have chosen a different path.
I would not have boo’d him. I would have cheered loudly when he struck out though!
John Smoltz a few years back passed up a LOT of extra cash from the Yankees to stay with his only major league team. Chipper has given concessions to help the team be more competitive.
Sure Andruw and his dad signed back in 2001, going around SB. But hey, it’s not like he gave up a bus load of cash. I think 13 million was a good salary for a power hitting, gold glove, rally killing CFer. He certainly didn’t get ripped off, ever by the Braves.
And some would suggest the Braves treated him poorly a year ago, when SB presented his salary demands. But, John Schuerholz is not the type of GM that would play into the hands of the likes of Scott Boras. Scott played hard ball, and JS returned the favor. All is fair in love and salary negotiations, I guess.
So, do Braves fans have a right to be ticked at Andruw? Yeah, I think so. To a man, everyone would state how they appreciated his 12 years in ATL. Also, they would to a man say he was not worth resigning for what he was demanding. He could have signed for a reasonable amount of years and a reasonable amount of $$, and all would have been OK.
How many more millions does he need?
This same logic is what has soured me on Tom Glavine. These guys don’t give a rats azz for us fans. It’s all about “me.”
By Wayne in Utah
April 19, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
McFann Sorry to hear about your bird eggs. I have a satanic cat, named Paco who loves to climb trees and kill birds. I have to keep him inside at times, when the birds nest in our trees. Usually, after something has disturbed the nest, the parent birds will not return to the eggs that remain. That has been my experience.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, yes, the 29th.
Brent A., the injury happened in his last start. He felt fine before then, nothing to suspect his hammy was going to go.
By BabyGoatEater
April 19, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
I’m sure this has been linked before but…..here is one of those articles by Simers of the LA Times on Andruw that Dave refered to. Kinda harsh if you ask me, but I know some here will be saying that Atlanta needs a reporter willing to say these things about players. I think it’s just completely disrespectful to call a hall-of-fame in waiting, maybe best of all time, centerfeilder “Tubbo”. He has a right to do so though. I’M SORRY ANDRUW, YOU DESERVE BETTER. hopefully he keeps up with the ol’ blog, so he can see that some of us in the ATL still love him. (Can’t say I don’t want Kotsay out there though, man he scorches the ball every at bat). Anyway, just thought you guys might want to read some of the LA garbage that is spewed consistantly out west.
Lets get a winning streak going tonight. GO BRAVOS!!!
By McFann
April 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
True, DOB.
Thanks, Wayne. Yes, keep the cat inside! We think it might have been a raccoon who got the eggs, but cats have been coming on our deck lately. (The birdhouse is nailed to one of the poll thingies that holds up the deck.) Mama bird has been in and out of the house today, and is not with the remaining egg right now. We’ll wait and see, but she may not return, as you said.
By brent a.
April 19, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
DOB - Thanks for the response.
By woogidy
April 19, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
BOOing Andruw is personally not something I would have done. I understand, in the grand scheme of things, what he meant to the success of this franchise for the last 12 years. He had a bad season last year, but as a whole, his tenure here was nothing but positive.
HOWEVER, I do not mind if others boo him for the way he performed last season. I think it is just for last year’s performance to be booed. So, maybe it would be best not to judge the ones who boo, unless we know for sure they are booing his whole body of work, which deserves nothing but praise.
On the other hand, I really like the fact that Braves fans are booing at Turner Field. I, for one, don’t mind the passion at Turner Field. The fans of this team have been “deadbeat” fans for too long. The fire is coming back for the fanhood. I wouldn’t mind a little northeast like passion to spread its way all over “Braves Nation”. The players deserve it. So who all wants to come join us at the “Top Chop” today for some beers(and Dodger fan heckles)? I’ll be in a Red Hudson jersey, white letters. Say hello. Maybe I’ll buy you a beer. Toodle-ooo
By Sir Stealth
April 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I don’t agree with the logic that a player should be loyal to the fans by accepting far less money than he could get from another team. Those fans and that player’s team would cut him loose in about 2 seconds the moment that it benefited them. Just like a player is forced to say “it’s a business” when he gets traded, sent down, whatever, this is their job and not just a game, even when you’re talking about millions of dollars. If a player does take a pay cut to stay with a team, he should be treated as a hero who has done something out of the ordinary.
I personally think that the Braves acted like they didn’t really want Andruw back that much anyway, even for a more appropriate (though still expensive) salary or a one year deal. As you can see, his recent performance doesn’t exactly look like a fluke. I’m sorta bitter at Andruw cause I think he single handedly took a giant ax to last year’s season and that we would have made the playoffs with even a mediocre year from him offensively rather than a godawful one. I would have stood and cheered loudly for him yesterday though had I been able to make it.
By BabyGoatEater
April 19, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Sorry, forgot the link. Here’s the original “tubbo” article as well.
By Blake Penno
April 19, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
DOB
If you don’t mind answering another minor league question, do you have any clue on the status of Eric Campbell? I’ve looked all over the internet the last couple of weeks to find nothing. My assumption is that he’s still in extended ST, but would love to find out anything.
By GB
April 19, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Love McCann- but if he doesn’t do something about his weight, he will have a short catching career. Those knees won’t take the abuse very long.
By TJ
April 19, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Sir Stealth, agree with you on AJ, and on any other player who follows the money. I have no complaint about it whatsoever. I’m appreciative of the first company that hired me, but I left them when it was time to make more money. Anyone who thinks that’s being a traitor can … well … you know.
I agree that the Braves didn’t want AJ at any price. I don’t think we’d have given him $5 mil for 2008, after watching his complete collapse as a hitter. The Braves felt, rightly, that we’re better off with Kotsay, or even Josh or Gregor, in CF.
He swings hard, so he’ll probably make enough contact to hit 20 HR and 25 doubles, and he’ll take enough walks to get his OBP up in the low 300’s, but aside from that, he’s a complete black hole in the lineup.
We’re actually quite lucky that he had Boras as his agent. If AJ had come to the Braves in 2006 (before his collapse and before Schafer emerged as a top prospect) with a request for 5 years, $75 mil, we’d probably have taken it; and we’d be saddled with that big salary thru 2011.
By TJ
April 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Blake, I’m curious about Eric Campbell as well. I saw a blurb on another site that he had been “released” by the Braves late in spring training, but the details were in the site’s premium area, and I’m not a subscriber. I think he’s out of baseball - but I’m not sure. If so, what a shame; guy has all kind of talent, but is weak between the ears.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Love McCann GB
Yeah, me, too.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Wayne So the players should be the ones willing to lose millions but not the owners?
Do you know how much profit the Braves owners have earned the last 4 years off the Braves?
$86 freaking million dollars.
An average of $21.5 million dollars of profit for the last 4 years.
A $15 million dollar profit in 2004. $28 mil in 05; $15 mil in ‘06; $28 mil in 07.
Over the last decade, the owners have earned, as reported by Forbes this week, $146 mil of profits off the Braves over the last ten seasons.
But you are gonna let the owners continue to cry poverty and claim they can’t afford players?
You are gonna let the owners continue to convince you that the players have to be the ones willing to sacrifice millions of dollars but not the owners?
Why can’t the billionaire owners be the ones who lose millions every years and not the players?
The fans as a collective are losing hard earned millions when they hand it over to the Braves.
The players are losing millions when they take hometown discounts.
But it wouldn’t be polite to ask the owners to perhaps not earn a profit this year and take a chance on winning by losing a few millions dollars in trying to win?
Why do the millionaire players who, for the most part, were lower middle class or poverty stricken youths themselves at one time, have to be the ones who sacrifice millions so that the billionaire owners can continue to pocket $86 million dollars?
Andruw did take a hometown discount whether you want to accept that or not. He was 25 and single (or just recently married at that time). He didn’t have a kid. Different pressures in his world.
He could have commanded far more than just $13 mil. Look at the contracts that were thrown around earlier in this decade in the $18 to $25 mil range. Andruw, at 25, could have gotten that.
He most likely robbed himself of $20 mil to $40 mil over the last 6 years while the owners were pocketing $95 mil of profit over the last 6 years.
And that $20 t0 $40 mil is just raw cash. That money likely would have been invested and been worth way more than just the $20 to $40 mil raw total when you consider compound interest.
Chipper and Smoltz are to be commended for taking their hometown discounts. But isn’t it foolish?
By the time this decade is over, the two of them combined will have likely lost out on $75 to $150 mil worth of cold, hard raw cash by taking these hometown discounts.
Properly invested with compound interest, they will have lost out on much more.
Meanwhile, the owners in this decade will have made somewhere around $150 mil in profit by the time this decade is over. $150 mil, mind you, that they properly invested. That means way more than $150 mil. There is a reason why the wealthy get even wealthier, the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor.
As for Dale Murphy, do you really believe his reasons for leaving were as altruistic as believing it was best for the team? What was his thought process then? I feel funny about robbing the Braves right now and I just can’t do that to them but I see I can sucker those Phillies and rob them and not feel bad about it?
If it was best for him to leave the Braves, wouldn’t it have just been best for him to leave baseball altogether then?
Why then, three years later, was he still trying to make money off the Rockies if he had apparently made the determination 3 years prior that it was best for a truly competitive team to get rid of him?
As much of an altruistic crusdader as he is, Dale was about the cold hard cash himself too.
He knew if he stuck with the Braves, he would be hurting his value and ability to pick up a few more major league checks while his skills were in decline.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Oh, forgot this:
8 )
By BabyGoatEater
April 19, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
I know that “chicks love the long ball” but doubles are ok too……
Chipper (6 HR, 3 2B, 9 total) BMac (4 HR, 6 2B, 10 total)
looks like we got two power threats still (where you at Tex)
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Chuck James in his last start of Triple A, 5.1 innings 5 hits 3 runs 1 earned, and has a 1.69ERA. I think he is getting himself on track. He’s only start this year was a which has arguliably the best offense in the National league, and in Coors Field which has had the reputation for being a hitters paradaise for many years and James is a Flyball pitcher, that has bad start written on it, and you add the fact it was hes first start from coming from the dl, and coming on a cold night.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
There’s no booing Santa, McFann, except in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. DOB is right, they booed Santa during halftime of an Eagles game in 1968. ESPN chronicles the event in an online story (link)
Wayne You are right on Murph. Before the trade deadline in 1990, he went to BC and Stan Kasten and asked for a trade because he wanted the franchise to get something in return and he realized he was blocking some of the young talent the franchise had in the minors at the time (including David Justice). One of the darkest days of this denizen’s life was August 3, 1990 when he was traded to the Phils, but I understood where he was coming from.
Folks Miss’ssip hasn’t started the season very well. They’re 2-13 after last night’s loss in Birmingham. Prospect infielder Van Pope is on the DL after straining his left hamstring running the bases April 11th. Pope was in the middle of a five game hitting streak at the time. 1B Kala Ka’aihue is hitting .167 with 18 K’s and an OPS of .493, Outfielder Carl Loadenthal is at .217, 12 K’s and a .509 OPS and OF Mark Jurich is at .218, 16 K’s and a .647 OPS.
In addition to the bad start the lineup has gotten off to, the starting pitching has struggled as well. Jairo Cuevas is 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA and a WHIP of 2.25, Dustin Evans is 0-3 with a 6.91 ERA and a WHIP of 1.81 and Dan Smith is 0-3 with a 7.11 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP.
There are a few bright spots, Greg Creek is hitting .325 and has an OPS of 1.051 in 40 ABs, Diory Hernandez homered last night and the M-Braves are getting good relief pitching from Jerome Gamble, who’s pitched 8.2 scoreless innings and posted a WHIP of 0.81 in five appearances. Kris Medlen has a 2.08 ERA in the same number of appearances and IP as Gamble with a WHIP of 1.38.
Looks like Phillip Wellman might be tossing a few more rosin bags at umpires unless the AA lads can start hitting the ball and they get improved starting pitching.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
BabyGoatEater
Yeah, I really dig doubles (McCann does lead the team with those six, too.)
By William
April 19, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
**As much of an altruistic crusdader as he is, Dale was about the cold hard cash himself too.
He knew if he stuck with the Braves, he would be hurting his value and ability to pick up a few more major league checks while his skills were in decline.**
This by far the most ridiculous comment on this blog I’ve ever read. This person obviously knows nothing about the Braves or Dale Murphy. Hands down, Dale Murphy was the most unassuming classy person in baseball in the past 25 years. This is a classic case of why free speech should only be allowed if you don’t say something totally stupid.
By scott boras
April 19, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
chipper jones is last years A ROD..so far….1 T1-HomeRuns-6 1st-BA- .455 1st in slugging%-.773 T1st- RBI-18 1st- Total bases-51 1 run behind the leader-15 4th- On Base %4.86 So Far there is no question who is the best period. this is stats in MLB not just NL!! WOW
By scott boras
April 19, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
oh ya 1st in hits too
By TJ
April 19, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Geez, Braveheart, you make it sound like AJ spent the last 6 years stitching Nike’s for 60 cents an hour in a hut in Indonesia.
The guy has made $87 million playing baseball, and that’s before the $36 mil he’s getting from the Dodgers. So he chose to forgo top dollar in exchange for staying in a comfortable situation. I think AJ was very immature, emotionally, at 25, and it was probably the best decision for him. And it worked out well for the Braves.
Even so, he couldn’t be bothered to stay in shape, showing up for spring training heavier and heavier as the years went on, and refusing to acknowledge that he needed to adjust his plate approach.
And if I plunk down $450 million to buy a baseball team, you better believe that I expect to get at least a 5% annual return on my investment (which would be about $22.5 mil).
By mo in the boonies
April 19, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
McFann Don’t complain about Fox carrying the game. This will be the only game I’ve been able to see in two weeks. Can’t even get them on radio. All I can get them on is ESPN and Fox. Even Fox North doesn’t carry the Braves, they carry the Tigers. And I’m getting to see a lot of them. :-(
I might be forced to try Duchie’s Euro site yet.
BTW, Renteria is playing some ball!
By Johnny Visconi
April 19, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Priceless info on the Philly fu**s ahhh fans booing Reyes while he was being checked for a possible concussion.So take heart my fellow fickle fans,we could be worse,we could be in Philadelphia.
By mo in the boonies
April 19, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Sigh…make that Dutchie’s Euro site, blasted cat anyway. Everytime I get on the computer he thinks it is petting time.
By Wayne in Utah
April 19, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
WW Gotta say, with all due respect as a friend, that I think you are all wet on this one.
So, are owners (especially corporate owners) not allowed to make $$? Is 86 million a fair 4 year return on their investment in the Braves. I gotta tell you, I have NO clue what the group paid for the Braves, but billionaires didn’t get that way by giving it away.
It is NOT always about money. In today’s world, it is becoming more and more about the money, but that is one problem with society.
I could have left my company many times over the past 15 years, for 20-25% more per year. I stayed, because I have been paid fairly, and I am loyal.
I don’t know Murph’s mind, but I suspect he keep trying to come back because in his heart, he still thought he could play. Lots of guys still play for the love of the game. Chipper, Smoltz, etc.
Andruw supposedly loved Bobby, the Braves and Atlanta. Then why is he not still here???? Greed, my friend, it is greed.
I don’t begrudge a player for getting what he deserves. But, if he wants to call Atlanta and the Braves home, he needs to understand that Scott Boras isn’t about that. He is about squeezing every possible nickel out of the situation.
Heck, Scott Boras cost Greg Maddux money when he left the Braves. He didn’t get as much from the Cubbies as the Braves initially offered. He sure did a great job for Cory Patterson and Kyle Lohse this year too!
Are the Braves worth $500 million (I really don’t have a clue)? If so, is 4% ROI a decent return for them? I get a lot more over time for my investments.
One more note on Murphy. In the day when Ricky Henderson had an “injury” that keep him out of spring training, because he thought his contract should be renegotiated, Dale Murphy had signed what I think was a 5 year deal for 4.5 Million total. The very next year, salaries jumped to almost double. I remember a reporter asking him if he thought he had a good case to get a new contract. His answer was, “I have a contract already. It was good when I signed it, and it will be good for the next 4 years.”
Let’s don’t be naive and listen to Andruw’s sad story about having to leave the team he loves. Some are now putting his newly LAD contract in the category of worst contracts signed last winter.
I personally think the Braves would have extended him before the 2007 season for 3 years, at about 15 million per. Now, who is robbing who? Oh yeah, that’s right, he has another mouth to feed now. (shades of Latrell Sprewell)
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 19, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Anyone remember my saying the goal at the beginning of the season is to have 8 major league ready starters available for your team. Now you know why. the Braves still have one more fall back guy in Jo Jo Reyes available in AAA but it starts to get real thin after that.
It is time for the offense to come alive and carry the team for a change. Scoring one or two runs a game is not going to get it done when your starting rotation is only going 5 inning a game.
Tex needs to change his spring training routine if he is only going to hit .200 in April. You can’t afford to let too many teams get away from you early and expect a miracle finish each year.
On Chipper… Wow, he is putting together some season in the first month? Look for the walks to start anytime now until Tex proves he can step up.
By Steve McP
April 19, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Look for a big gap between the second and third innings today - that is when the Braves posts the injury report on the big screen at the Ted - could take several pages to cover all of the Braves on DL.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
An interesting take to be sure on management and players.
Everyone has different motivations either to play the game, to manage or coach in the game, to cover the game or to own a franchise.
Is it truly foolish to turn down extra money when you are happy with the team you are playing on and happy with your manager and the support structure built by that franchise? Some may thing Smoltz and Chipper are foolish for turning down the almighty dollar, however it’s really up to them and what they value in life. Not everyone is motivated by green.
Some players are. I can’t blame AJ, Furcal, Drew, Sheffield or any of the others that have left the franchise. They left because they felt the situations in the cities they went to and the contracts they signed were better than what they could get in Atlanta. Certainly the pay was better. Each has their own individual decision to make in that regards.
Every player has a right to get as much as they can on the open market, naturally. However every ownership group has the same right. That’s capitalism at it’s best. Players sign contracts for many times over their market value, it happens all the time, so I don’t see where ownership groups should apologize or go into debt for the sheer audaciousness of making a profit.
Should teams put as much as they can into payroll? If they want to hold on to their fan base, they ought to. But should they just throw money around to make things look good to the fans? Would signing AJ to $36.2 million/2 year deal be smart? There’s always a gamble involved. He could have come out of the gate hitting close to .300 and leading the league in homers, but it hasn’t worked out that way, at least to this point.
There are some personnel decisions that are made that are no brainers and there are some that are made in contexts that the fan base will not see nor will they understand. Many moves are criticized. Some fairly, some not. JS has made mistakes as will Frank Wren, but there are a lot of player personnel decisions made that are more complicated than just swapping one player for another, or letting a player walk.
Players and owners will always be intertwined as long as this sport is open for business. And it is a business and always will be. You can’t have one without the other.
And as far as Murphy being in it for the cash. I disagree. Nothing in the body of work that he put in as a career in baseball or even since then even remotely hints at that. His contract negotiations were quiet, he did not endorse any product he didn’t believe in or use himself. Sorry man, that just doesn’t mesh with anything out there on the guy.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Gee, Mo, that stinks. The station doesn’t bother me too much (save the commercials! Blech!), it’s just those two goofs, Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.
I looked at Edgar’s stats today, and yeah! He’s doin’ pretty good.
blasted cat anyway
Yeah, cats cann be that way * }: [*
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 19, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Folks… I confess to being one of those selfish guys that let money attract me away from one job to another. 10 years of loyalty and hard work and I bolted for a better paying job.
It’s call America. Why do you think we have Escobar and Pena? They could still be in Cuba. Do we think they are selfish for coming to America to ply their trade. Get over the Andruw Jones thing and be happy with the guys we have…
By Sir Stealth
April 19, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Wayne, am I wrong in remembering that Andruw said he would have accepted arbitration with us? We didn’t offer it, because we didn’t want to pay him what a player with his track record should have commanded this year, not just because we didn’t want to go into the Boras zone. It was a good evaluation by us, too, because Andruw doesn’t look like a very good hitter anymore at all. However, I think it really makes your accusations about bailing on the Braves unfair, even if you think that a player should take money away from his family for fans and ownership that are ready to turn on him in a second.
I got as frustrated with Andruw as anybody. Like I said, I think his non-production in the middle of our order single handedly cost us the season last year. I wish he still looked like he did as a rookie. But your interpretation of Andruw’s departure seems very inaccurate to me. And if his old teammates don’t feel the slightest bit betrayed, having gone to war with the guy, why should you or any other fan who was probably more likely to complain about Andruw than cheer him for his Hall of Fame contribution? (and yes, as long as Andruw breaks out of his complete freefall offensively, he should be in the hall of fame based on his defense and power numbers)
By northBeach Scott
April 19, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Fans have the right to boo or cheer who ever they wish— the price of admission assures this right.
Who are you to tell us what is proper?
I proudly booed AJ last season when it became apparent that he was unwilling to try and make plate adjustments. He deserved it. I cheered AJ in his first AB as I thinkhe deserved recognition for his contributions to the Braves.
While I normally do not boo opposing players, many do. It is their right especially to boo a dirty Dodger bum and a former player. It is part of the tradition of being a fan.
I am head to the Ted now and would boo that sac of s** McCarver if he comes over to the 3rd base section.
Go Chipper, beat LA.
By AGTFan
April 19, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Folks… I confess to being one of those selfish guys that let money attract me away from one job to another. 10 years of loyalty and hard work and I bolted for a better paying job.
How dare you? We should all follow you to work one day and boo you for putting the welfare of your family first. Then everyone can come to my place of business and boo me for a while. I imagine there are a few others here we can go boo. Then we should all go to team headquarters and cheer the owners and their accountants, who would never put adding another nickel in their pockets over the happiness of the fans.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Wayne, I’m not the one being naive. How naive is it of you to think it is okay for owners to earn a profit and a return on their investment and achieve max value for their investment but players shouldn’t?
Owners absolutely should be disloyal to players and get as much bang for the buck as they can. Just the same, players should be disloyal to their disloyal owners and disloyal teams and get as much bang for the buck as they can as well.
You’re the one getting yourself all wet over this. He shouldn’t be here. He’s not worth 25% of what he is currently making. If you are gonna criticize him, you do it about being fat and stubborn and never realizing his potential. But getting yourself into a jealous tizzy about the money he sought from the greedy unloyal owners is rather inane.
William, call me stupid and ignorant for saying that about Murphy. That’s fine. I love the guy myself. He belongs in the Hall of Fame. He was a classy good guy. Of that, there is no doubt. But he wanted his cash just like everyone else. Don’t ever kid yourself about that. If he got benched and then later waived and then signed off the scrap heap, he would not have had the potential to make a few more year’s worth of paychecks. He read the writing on the wall and pursued other options. A nice cover story and spin was put on the trade that everyone could swallow. That’s the truth of it. But you can continue to naively cling to the sugarcoated cover story if you wish.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
10Greg, I went a bit over the line with Murphy. I can admit that. I truly don’t believe he left the Braves out of the goodness of his heart, however.
I do think it is foolish for Chipper and Smoltz to have turned down that extra money. But I do understand why they did it and, to be honest, I might have done it as well.
I have actually been fortunate enough to turn down more money from other jobs. It wasn’t because of loyalty or anything like that. It had more to do with not wanting to leave a comfort zone with a good bunch that I had surrounded myself with. I also did not want to assume the risk of leaving a job where my place was secure for a job where I would have to prove myself everyday for a few years. I also didn’t want to relocate. I don’t have family but if I did, my concerns obviously would have been tenfold. But basically I was happier in my little comfort zone making a stable check with stable benefits and didn’t want to assume the risk of having to prove myself and maybe finding out I couldn’t and finding myself out on the street without the stable check and stable benefits I never should have left.
I just can’t stand the people who want to get judgmental or jealous about players or coworkers who do dare to take risks and go after the cash.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Something went wrong with my mad face up there.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
I understand where you’re coming from and I’ve been in positions before where I could have advanced in my company, but didn’t because I liked the job I did, I truly enjoyed the people I worked with. In the end, I did take a job in another group, but not until I was sure it was right for me. I can’t say I’d do anything differently, but that’s just me. Everyone else makes decisions based on what they want to do, so I won’t criticize anyone for wanting to go somewhere for more money. Absolutely agree with you there.
People’s desires and what they want in life change over time. That’s why I really value what Smoltz and Chipper have done here over the years. Selfishly, yes. That’s fair to say as well.
I guess for me it comes down to this. I cheer for any person that wears the Tomahawk on their chest. I’ll feel as much frustration about how the team does as anyone, but personally, I would never EVER boo a Braves player. Some will, that’s their right, and I understand that, but not me. Ever.
While we agree on that, I can’t say it’s foolish for Chipper and Smoltz to turn down more money elsewhere for the same reason. To them, it’s more important to stay here, with a manager they respect and admire and with a franchise they have been comfortable with over the years. This franchise is all Chipper knows, but Smoltz started as a Tiger, so for him to show this much loyalty to a team that wasn’t his childhood favorite to me is quite something.
And I just can’t agree with you on Murph. I dearly loved his years here and he certainly was what I mirrored growing up. I feel like if it was more of a priority for him, I would have seen it in other areas.
But in the end, we can disagree and it changes nothing for me. I’ve always respected what you’ve said and still do. That’s what makes the Braves/MIB blog great for me, lots of regulars here can disagree respectfully.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Yo HOSS, I fully appreciate how hot you are.
Your three run bomb in the fifth inning last night was truly amazing when considering the fact that you were simply trying to hit a sac fly and drive in the runner at third base.
Yea folks, Chipper wasn’t even trying to hit a home run and the damn ball still went out.
That is smoking hot.
The Dodgers are stupid if they keep pitching to Hoss the rest of this series.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Blanco in the lineup again today in LF (hey, dude went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI last night). He’s hitting eighth….
By the way, both CFs are hitting seventh, Kotsay and Andruw….
Hampton threw a 50-pitch bullpen session and felt good. Mixed in curves, cutters and changeups. One more bullpen Tuesday, and if that goes well he’ll go out and pitch one or two sim games and/or minor league games and then be ready to rejoin Braves, barring setbacks….
What a gorgeous day at the ballpark. I mean, absolutely perfect, sunny and dry and close to 70 degrees….
Speaking of … I forgot to tell you all about the bartender at the Stained Glass Pub in Fort Lauderdale, who had a huge panther tattoo that started beneath the belt line and went up her side (she had on a bare-midriff shirt).
She noticed the “Cash” at the bottom of my Johnny tattoo and asked to see it. “We like Johnny Cash,” she said approvingly.
“What good American doesn’t?” I said.
She agreed.
Then a really drunk older woman fell off the bar stool across the way and an old guy on each side of her caught her. It was sad.
It was midnight on Wednesday. Half-dozen folks in this old bar with really bad music, except for one great Barry White tune. I was just there to get a chicken sandwich, nothing else open….
OK, let’s play ball. Braves trying to put together a little winning streak today.
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Tomas although Chuck’s last outing was a step in the right direction it does not mean he is ready to come back and start for the Braves. The best thing that could happen for him is to stay down in the minors and get some innings in, stretch his arm out and work on a third pitch. He can’t do that with the big club. He is going to get better, but he needs work in a less stressful environment were he can concentrate on mechanics and pitches and not worry about the hitters. In the bigs right now he is fodder for the other team.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
I think the problem fans have with guys leaving their sports teams for more money is simply this:
“That guy left my team? How dare he leave my team! For more money??? So…I wasn’t good enough? The fans weren’t good enough? All of our cheering wasn’t good enough? Well, f*** him. I’ll boo his a* from here to eternity, the selfish prick!”
In other words, it’s like being dumped for someone else. The reaction is seldom rational and certainly not thought out very well. When fans stop feeling so much and actually start thinking about things in a rational way, they usually aren’t as emotionally invested. I stopped “feeling” for the Braves a long time ago. The postseason choking did it to me, but I’m glad it did. I can enjoy/complain/ridicule/cheer without feeling like my emotions are on a constant rollercoaster.
(I have advanced to the point where I only do that with UGA football. I don’t think that will ever stop.)
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Maybe the soothing tones of this song can heal the booing hearts of some Braves fans?
I think that it’s about…forgiveness.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Baseball never ceases to amaze me.
On Thursday night/Friday morning the Padres and Rockies play twenty-two innings and San Diego loses 2-1.
Last night, Greg Maddux starts for the Padres and gives up six runs in the first inning.
That is maddening, crazy stuff !
By Bravesfan79
April 19, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
i recommend Northside tavern DOB… no drama, just good drinks and chill blues music. Although im sure you’ll be dissapointed they dont have Dolphin Sandwiches…… lol… what ever made you hate flipper huh??
Now shark steak…thats some good stuff!
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
DOB lets say Blanco went 0 for 3 last night, would he be starting today or is this the beginning of a platoon with Diaz? Normally you don’t give a struggling player two days off in a row, or rather Bobby doesn’t, if he is still your everyday starter.
I am not complaining too loudly, but would have liked to have given Matty more of a chance than 16 games. Average wise he has done better than Tex, Kotsay and KJ, yet you will not see those guys setting out for more than one game.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
Without clicking, I’m gonna guess that your song is Heart of the Matter by Don Henley.
If so, good pick. Ironically, I listened to that song a little while ago on my ‘Pod.
By William
April 19, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
I say cheers to Andruw for getting the contract Dodgers. I’m just glad the Braves didn’t waste their money on a guy who’s washed up at 30. We may need it to find a healthy pitcher.
By Knave Brave
April 19, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
DOB Are you advocating letting old women fall rather than catch them ? If so, we may have more common ground than I thought.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
@mo in the boonies:
Do you mean you can’t work the site? It does work sweetly. Or did I misunderstand your post?
Hope Chuckie will have a good game guys. Looking forward to it, especially because it’s not after midnight here! (gotta love those day-games)
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, I don’t think anyone can answer than except Cox, and he won’t answer it. You’ll just have to wait and see tomorrow.
Diaz is working with Pendleton in the indoor batting cage after his regular B.P. the past couple of days. They’re working on getting him to use his hands more in his swing, and some other little adjustments, things he’s gotten away from doing.
I really don’t think it’s the start of a platoon, not yet. But we’ll see.
By Bigboi
April 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
i agree i think Dale Murphy was totally selfish for leaving the Braves. It was all about the dineros
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
By the way, Diaz is 6-for-33 (.182) with 12 strikeouts against right-handers.
But he hit .318 in 170 at-bats against them in ‘07.
By Steve C.
April 19, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave,
I know you were addressing DOB with your question, but I thought I would add my 2 cents worth. I think Diaz does not get the benefit of the doubt as compared to Tex and Kotsay, because Tex and Kotsay haven’t spent the bulk of their careers as platoon guys, they have proven that they can be effective everyday players. I think if KJ does continue to struggle, you will see him get some time off as well, and either Prado or Gotay could be in there. Diaz .267 average doesn’t look that bad, but 15 strikeouts in 60 ABs is pretty bad.
By uh Chuck um er James
April 19, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
DOB - glad you asked me what global warming is.
Uh global warming is the um warming of the uh globes, uh like globally. Over time, the uh sun moves like closer to the uh earth which increases the uh temperature by like an average 18.00 degrees. Oh wait, uh that’s like my earned run average. Um it also has something to do with like green house gas so like people should um stop painting their house green. I think.
By monty
April 19, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
You might as well forget about loyalty in today’s game. Andrew took care of Andrew, the Braves organization took care of themselves, they didn’t want Andrew even at a discounted price,so all this talk about what if Andrew had a different agent is ridiculous. Does anyone really think that when Chipper and Smoltz are no longer able to contribute like they are now, that the organization is going to keep them around because of some loyalty factor? If you do I have some realestate..
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
DOB - Sorry I just went back and read your article on Glavine going on the DL. Would have answered a couple of questions I bothered you with. I have a bad habit of reading the blog first before reading your other articles. It must be maddening to answer something more than once or something you have already written about.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
McFann,
I should never give it away by typing a lyric. I want the music to move people, you know? The breathless anticipation with which people hover over one of my music video links is too easily quelled by the giving of a hint. I will learn from this.
Hey! It’s Dick Stockton and Eric Karros on FOX! No Buck and McCarver today. Ahhhhhh! That’s wonderful!
By keylargo
April 19, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Dutchie
Would you give the instructions on how to access myp2p2.eu to see the Braves. I wrote the website down but cannot find the game.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Diaz has a .267 average…and a .267 OBP. If Diaz isn’t hitting .320 or .330, he’s not really viable as a starter because he doesn’t get on base enough (via walk). The only way a guy can have a really low OBP and be useful is if he hits for a lot of power. Diaz doesn’t do that, so he has to hit. He’s got nothing else.
By Deion Sanders
April 19, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Braves are on Fox today, eh? Let me ask you something, DOB, where McCarver? Huh? Where McCarver.
By Steve C.
April 19, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Gotta love Jeff Kent’s porn stache…yeah, he’s a throwback player all right…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Anybody else being blacked out by the Fox broadcasting TV rights, I am.
I am gonna sue some ARSEHOLE.
MLB.com advertised, E-V-E-R-Y MLB game will be shown live this season.
THEY F-N lied.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Pretty good first half inning for Chuck James. He gave up a lead-off single to Furcal, however he got Ethier to pop out to Escobar and worked his changeup well against Matt Kemp for the strikeout and was able to get Jeff Kent to fly out to Frenchy.
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Good first inning for Chuck, but he is missing with his spots.
Man I can’t tell you how great it is to actually watch a game on TV. I am going to go through withdrawals after watching two games in a row with tomorrow’s game on TBS.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
@keylargo/mo
Download TV Ants. Google for it and pick your spot. Go to www.myp2p.eu You’ll understand the site. But to have the most acurate streams of the games, go to the tab ‘Forum’ In there, go to the MLB thread. They post one everyday and on the first page all the streamed games are shown. In that same thread, you’ll also find the rules. And if you actually read the stream, you’ll also get the up to date streams of the day for the games.
Mind you, if you’ve installed TV Ants, then go to the tab ‘Channels’ and press ‘Add’ Then enter this stream for tonights game:tvants://list.tvants.com/tvants/?k=ec614e9e25e685cdcd7fa6907498cc6d
Hope it helps!
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
By David O’Brien
April 19, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Blanco in the lineup again today in LF (hey, dude went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI last night). He’s hitting eighth….
Ya, and in 2 starts this year, Prado is 3-8, 3 runs, 1 rbi, 2 BB, 0 K, 1 double, 1 triple, and a 2-out rbi, and hasn’t spelled a slumping KJ yet. That’s a .500 OBP.
But hey, KJ’s occaisonal HR is enough to keep him in the lineup. Unreal.
Nice to see the braves win 2 straight. Here’s to a 3 game winning streak.
By Yars
April 19, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
KJ strikes out too much to be a leadoff hitter. I’m kinda surprised he’s starting today after those 2 errors last night & going 0-4. Not trying to diss KJ, hell I have him as my starting 2B on my fantasy team. He’s not helping right now!!
By Big Easy
April 19, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
You know, I know it is only the second inning, but it looks like Chuck is pitching much better. Doesn’t look like the same pitcher.
~E~
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Just when I started to feel bad about my Dale Murphy opinion, I saw Chop Chop gave a Don Henley link.
Thanks Chop Chop for taking me off the hook for worst post of the day.
I can understand McFann liking that because she’s a weird kid who loves the Carpenters.
But Chop Chop, you’re supposed to be cool.
By Big Easy
April 19, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
OK, so maybe I spoke too soon….Andruw crushed that ball…
~E~
By GermanBravesFan
April 19, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Chuck “Gopherball” James struck again!!!
By BA
April 19, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Listen to all these morons applauding as ‘Druw hits a bomb to go ahead of their team. You people are idiots. Is this the Randy Johnson crowd from a couple of years ago? Geez.
By Yars
April 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
I am not shocked Andruw just hit his 1st HR of the season off Chucky. Not shocked at all… Hell, I won’t be shocked if he hits his 2nd off Chucky either.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
btw…anyone using tv ants, if you add a stream, it takes a while (minute, half a minute) to buffer. In that time you see some stupid commercial. And yes, it’s all in chinese/mandarin, just look around that.
Go braves!
And……AJ just woke up……
By Jerry Jurgens
April 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Braves got nothing in the first.
When that happens, Braaves are 3 - 7 (i.e. win only 30% of the time). Not good.
When the Braves score in the first they are 4 - 2.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Nothing like a fat, grooved Chuck James 3-2 fastball down the middle to get Andruw going.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
I have often wondered how they work with Diaz on his hitting. Does Terry tell him you’re in a slump because your swing has become too professional looking. Go back to your beer league softball swing.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Coach
Mlb.tv never broadcasted Saturday afternoon games. Only games that start after 4:00 pm local time i believe. I found out the hard way 2 years ago too. MLB.tv sucks. You might as well use myP2P. It’s free. May be illegal, but at this point, i don’t give a Shhh….i’ll make back the money i wasted with mlb.tv.
Don’t know why FOX isn’t showing the game in Atlanta if it’s a local team. Are they showing the NY/Philly game? Man, the media is screwing the A.T.L this year.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Billingsley looks to have pretty good pop on his fastball and a good curve today.
AJ hammers Chuck for his first homer of the season. Chuck got a lot of the plate with his fastball there.
Nice double by Tex and nice job by McCann of getting Tex to third. Looks like Tex’s bat is starting to wake up. He’s hit safely in his last four games now.
By richie
April 19, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, I seem to think Diaz’s slow start is coming from him pressing to perform as an everyday player versus when he was platooning. He has just looked so uncomfortable at the plate this year so far.I think this can turn out to be a good thing for him, just give him an opportunity to clear his head a little and relax.
By Bob
April 19, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Hey German Braves Fan, Wie gehts? I am in Ft. Worth doing some stuff for the Army and have yet to see a Braves game save the opener. Been to Franken lately? I was over skiing in Jan and then to see the Pope in Feb. Going back to Bayern in June. Anyway, good to see a Braves game for a change.
By Steve from OH
April 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Coach, I’m blacked out here, too. And I’m not very happy about it.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
By the way, Cox said he’d guess about 2 weeks until we see Infante playing for the Braves. (These Braves, not the Richmond version.)
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
i wonder if the braves are benching diaz because they are working out a trade with an AL club for relief. Then they could promote Anderson & send down Corky.
Just a thought.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry. I’ll take Buck and McCarver anyday over Dick Stockton.
Stockton always makes me feel like I watching a boring 1:00 game in the winter between the 2-11 Rams and the 3-10 Falcons.
BTW, when Andruw hits a homer against you, THAT IS THE TIME TO BOO HIM! They boo him last night but then cheered him when he got a double last night and when he hit a homer today. Unbelievable. I guess it’s good that half the crowd is on their cell phones so that the boos and cheers only sound half hearted anyway.
By JimD
April 19, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox I am in ATL area and watching the game on Fox5 Atlanta.
By Braves20
April 19, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Lousy at bat by Frenchy.
By Bob
April 19, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
German Braves Fan,
Bayern ist Pokal Sieger. 2-1 gegen Dortmund in Verlaengerung. Toni mit beide Tore.
By GermanBravesFan
April 19, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Bob! Wie geht’s? All is well here… Bayern just won the Cup in overtime against Dortmund! I might be moving back to Europe this summer - got a job offer in Switzerland. Can’t beat the tax rate there: 10%!!! Now that the Braves barely are on tv anymore, it’ll be easier to leave. I will still have DOB’s blog here and internet updates.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Nice double play by Chipper, that’s the second time this year that I remember him starting a 5-4-3 with 3/4ths of a bat heading in his direction.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
The reason why i say that about Diaz is because TP said in ST that you can’t really do anything with Diaz, you just let him hit. Ya he’s sriking out a little more than usual, but he’s been fouling a lot of pitches straight back, which tells me he’s about to break out.
Diaz is usually a slow starter, but he’s still hitting 26 points better than KJ who started out hot last year (.326, 5 HR, 24 BB’s last April). KJ just doesn’t have it. I’d rather have Diaz in left and bench KJ for Prado. That’s just me though, and if it were up to me, i’d have Anderson up here hitting leadoff, diaz in left, and Prado hitting 8th.
By Bravesfan79
April 19, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Trade Diaz for relief?? I hope not, i think Diaz would be a crucial guy to have in pinchit situations…kinda like Julio Franco of a few years back.
WAY more valuable than some bottom of the bullpen type reliever. I mean if were getting a Trevor Hoffman, go for it, if not… forget it!
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Fox is showing highlights of the Twins/Indians game. Leo is the analyst and the Fox cameras caught him in the TV booth rocking. Priceless.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks Jim Coach must be out of market then. I’m in LA watching the game.
By Saltywoody
April 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
It amuses me to no end that Andruw can’t hit off anyone…except Chuck James. That says something pretty bad about Chuck.
By uh Chuck um er James
April 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Pitching is um a science.
No wait. Uh pitching is a art. Yeah.
No wait. It ain’t like that. Pitching is like a job. Uh yeah. Like at a hardware store. You punch in. You daydream to uh pass the time. When you like screw up the uh manager gets on your butt.
I can’t wait until my coffee break starts.
By Bob
April 19, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan, Well, I will be back home in two weeks so I hope to catch a few games at the Ted. Need to get some of these guys off the DL and going. Strange having to track the Braves on the computer. And the Rangers here just don’t do it for me. Glad to hear you maybe headed to the Schweiz. Better get paid in CH Francs because the dollar sucks big time.
Nice hit by Chipper!
By Braves20
April 19, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Two on, two outs and Tex can’t get the ball out of the infield. Imagine that!
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
They’ve got the eye on Chuckie within 3 innings….looking ominous!
GermanBravesFan: die sind ja unglaublich in die Verlangerungen!! Gratuliere.
Go Braves! Get some hits on the trot!
By GermanBravesFan
April 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Bob: I may try to make one last visit to Atlanta before heading to Switzerland. Looks like beginning of May will be the time I can get away here. Gotta pack and get rid of a bunch of stuff I won’t be able to take.
When will you go in June? And where to? I will be in Germany on the weekends since I committed to playing tennis for a league team there.
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Loney and Garciaparra takes Chuck off the hook after a lead-off double by Matt Kemp. Two pop flies handled by KJ and it’s still a one-run game.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
i hope they don’t trade diaz either. i love matty. but it just seems wierd that he’s not playing for a 2nd straight day. They could cover the ground in the outfield he lacks by bringing up Anderson. I just still don’t understand the Kotsay trade. Any rookie could’ve matched what andruw did last year. That was my rationale, so why not let a rookie play, especially one that could hit leadoff and steal tons of bases like Anderson could?
By Kev
April 19, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
McCann is SOOOOO desperate swinging at those breaking balls….4 pitches and he swings at 3 of em and the K!!!… Even Frenchy is more PATIENT today!!
By flylikeeagle05
April 19, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
i guess it is time to boo frenchy since we lose an andruw and gained an andruw like chipper said back in ST.
By Chad_Not Hanging
April 19, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
*By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry. I’ll take Buck and McCarver anyday over Dick Stockton.
Stockton always makes me feel like I watching a boring 1:00 game in the winter between the 2-11 Rams and the 3-10 Falcons.*
Listening to Stockton takes me back to the 80’s…Dr.J and the 76ers vs. Bird and the Celtics…Dang, how old is he? Anyway, definitely not a baseball voice.
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I miss TBS Braves baseball, this makes me realize how good we had it with them.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
One run? Did I hear someone say one run? It will be a three run win. If we start batting…..
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Brave20
Tex is seeing the ball good right now. He hit that ball pretty hard, just couldn’t get it through the hole. Plus it’s a day game, and Tex hits good in day games. He’ll have a big hit today before the day’s over.
By FEAR
April 19, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
blanco is worthless.
By JP
April 19, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Guess that Putting Blanco today isnt working…. 2 Ks already!!!
By GermanBravesFan
April 19, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Dutchie: vielen Dank! Bayern - and especially Luca Toni - are incredible this year!
Let’s hope the Braves’ bats will heat up!!! Would be nice to spoil Andruw’s first homer of the season!
By Bob
April 19, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan, Leave ATL on 22d. Will be there a month, mainly in Munich area. Taking a small group on tour of Alps from Salzburg to Sued Tirol and over to Zermatt and Chamonix.
Fifth inning…James hits the wall?
By McFann
April 19, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
I can understand McFann liking that because she’s a weird kid who loves the Carpenters. Braveheart*
Weird? You think I’m weird?
Cool. ; )
Not into any of that uh…music they make now. (At least not that I know of. : P ) I listen to what my parents like.
Weird? Yeah, sure. I guess it is!
By Bravesfan79
April 19, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
I agree with Bobbys Cox, before the season i was calling for the Braves to just go ahead and bring up Shafer (he never woulda been suspended for roids) and use him and Anderson in a platoon. That would of allowed us to keep one of our best relievers…(the one who ended up getting 3mill/year for 3 years) from last season. Holmes i think?
Yea that extra top reliever wouldnt come in handy now huh??
Francour should be BENCHED for swinging at that 4th ball. That was terrible! I guess his agent told him “you dont get paid the big bucks by taking walks!”
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
It’s a little early to be handing out “worst post of the day” awards. Besides, Don Henley soothed your soul, didn’t he? When Andruw hit that bomb, I finally got down to the heart of the matter. My will didn’t get weak and thoughts didn’t scatter. I really think that it’s about forgiveness. Forgiveness. You know, even if Andruw doesn’t love us anymore.
(And I actually like this corny song. Not sure why, but maybe it’s because Don Henley croons corn very well.)
By monty
April 19, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Frenchy looks as lost at the plate as Andrew Jones looked last year. How many times has Blanco batted this year and not even but the bat on the ball? I know it has been the majoity of the time.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Jamea is forcing here in the 5’th. 5 straight ‘overpitched’ balls…. Gut feeling, but….take him off!
Go Braves!
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
5 innings 1 run for james nice going.
By AJ 25
April 19, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Some comments from centerfield:
How did you like my second inning blast? I bet you wish I was still here.
If it weren’t for the walks and Home Runs, Five Inning Chuck is a darn good pitcher.
Kelly “Bleeping” Johnson is the worst lead off hitter in baseball. And by the way, he stinks as a fielder too.
By Karen Carpenter
April 19, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Here’s the skinny: Braves will eek out a slim margin of victory. They are hungry for a win.
By GermanBravesFan
April 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Bob: 22nd of May or June? I will be in Zuerich starting on June 1. Will you bring your group that way at all? Would be fun!
By Bob
April 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Decent job by James. But when is he ever going to be able to go deeper into a game? I know he has been injured, but boy we need someone who can eat some innings.
By TJ
April 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79, Francouer can’t tell a ball from a strike. I truly believe that. He’s trying… he just can’t pick a good pitch from a bad one. He’ll kill a mistake over the plate, and even pound a bad pitch once in a while (because he swings at so many of them). I don’t dislike him, but I don’t think he’ll be an elite hitter unless he can learn to tell a ball from a strike.
Solid job by Chuck James, btw. It would be nice to see him go another inning (69 pitches in 5 innings is pretty efficient), but maybe he’s not ready for that. But 1 run in 5 IP… give him credit.
By Kev
April 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
PENA is WORTHLESS….. what the HECK are we doing with 3 catchers on our roster…Bring Anderson UP!!!!! Stupid, Stupid, Stupid move Wren!!!
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Frenchy should hit 8th. If he can’t drive in a runner at 3rd with < 2 outs, that’s pathetic. What’s even more pathetic is the fashion in which he did it, swing at a pitch out of the zone as hard as he could and hitting the come backer to the mound. Billingsly is not impressive. He’s throwing a lot of pitches our of the strike zone. He looks wild, but we’re swinging.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
And yes, Tomas, a good job by James today. He turned the fith around a bit. My gut is failing! :)
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
2 walks for kelly, at last some pacience.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Escobar’s single extends his hitting streak to 12 games, and up comes Chipper with two on base and one out, down one run….
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Come ooooooon! Runs now!
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
here’s a hint braves hiiters, don’t swing. 3 out of every 4 pitchers are out of the strike zone. KJ’s the only one that doens’t want to swing.
By Bob
April 19, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan, 22 May. Probably on Alps tour 29 May for 2 weeks.
By FEAR
April 19, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
get ‘em TEX!
By ncgary
April 19, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
bcs lineup showing its potential today, that 3 4 spot when healthy is game changing go tex 2 run single
By Braves20
April 19, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox - So right you are. Tip of the cap to Tex who finally came through in a close game this season.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Rally caps!!!!!!!!!
By Bob
April 19, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox, Good call on Tex!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Why has Joe Torre not pulled Billingsley yet ?
For stupid.
By flylikeeagle05
April 19, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
come on McCann!!! that was a dumb running move!! Gee!!
By FEAR
April 19, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
why send mcann home?!!! brian mcann runs slower than a 90 year old woman
By JP
April 19, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
TEXXXXXX!!!!! Sign Him NOW Wren NOw!!!
we’re up 3-1!!!!! Woooo HOOoOOO!!!!
and Kotsay with the RBI single 4-1!!…. and McCann LOL(sorry McFann) LOL haha..poor Mac…hes the slowest runner that has ever worn a Braves uni…LOL!
By TexasBrave
April 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Great inning - But what is the third base coach thinking sending McCann of all people home? I think McFann could have thrown him out from that distance. : )
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Great inning for the Braves ! 4-1 Atlanta.
Joe Torre really screwed up by leaving Billingsley in the game.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Sheesh, Snitker, that was dumb!
By ncgary
April 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
why snitz send mccann?? that single show was sizzlin 4 runs no homers thats the way to get to the bullpen
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Why send McCann home on a hard linedrive, with RF playing in????
But a good inning. Now be carefull with James. Any doubt, get him out of the game.
Btw……three run game now:);)!
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Good work today by Chuck James. He made a few mistakes toward the meat of the plate and AJ took one of them and launched it toward Duluth, but certainly something to build on and has a chance to earn the win.
Good job by the lineup working Billingsley in the home half of the fifth, with timely hits from Yunel, Tex and Kotsay.
By Chop Chop
April 19, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Sending McCann was interesting there. If Snitker holds him up, you have Blanco batting next. Pena had already pinch-hit for Chuck earlier in the inning, so they wouldn’t have pitched around Blanco there to load the bases and go after a position player in the pitcher’s spot. Kind of a rare situation.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Tell you what, this Campillo knows how to pitch. I’ve been very impressed by this fella.
By Hampton Update
April 19, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton was able to read the newspaper for twenty minutes today. A good sign. he was closely watched by pitching coach Roger MacDowell and trainer Jerry Porter. He said he had no soreness or tightness. After resting tomorrow, he may simulate reading a novel on Monday but does not want to overdo it.
By Braveheart
April 19, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
mccann is so damn slow he can’t build up enough momentum to cause a collision at the plate
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Good work by Campillio.
Now keep it tight and put some pressure on them!
Go Braves!
By Jerry Jergens
April 19, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Campillo is the new Oscar!
By McFann
April 19, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
flylikeeagle05
That was Snitker’s idea.
Thanks, TexasBrave. Maybe I could…; )
Yeah, that was a bummer. He tries to run, he really does…it’s just that well…he can’t…
But at least he doesn’t fling his arm in the air like a little girl the way Franc—WAIT! What am saying??!
LOL!
By Robin
April 19, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Hats off to Chuck for pitching a wail of a game really. Timely hitting. good D … Could be a sign of things to come. Jus sayin’ More runs!
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Hey AJ25 (screen name), the guy you call the “worst leadoff hitter in baseball” has five walks and a home run in the past three games….
Kev, so if you were the GM, you’d be smart and put Pena on waivers (guaranteed to lose him to a catcher-needy club) and promote Anderson? You’d do that rather than wait a little longer until you got what you’d consider a fair trade offer for Pena?
OK, now I understand. Yes, you’re astute.
By ijonathan
April 19, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Dick Stockton calling baseball is getting perilously close to Pat Summerall calling football. Lost count today of how many 79 mph hooks were called “fastballs,” how many times he switched “Braves” and “Dodgers” and the classic Jeff Kent’s pop to short left being “right at somebody.” Geriatric play-by-play announcers are worse than boxers who don’t know when to retire.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Good scrambling by Blanco.
@McFann Funny!:)
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 19, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
DOB — agreed, Campillo has been a very nice surprise so far. I’m eager to see how he does with more time, but for now it’s good to know that he’s another long-man option for the Braves.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Jorge Campillo is more evidence of our scouts good work.
Give the Braves scout who recommended this right hander a very big bonus.
By Bravesfan79
April 19, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
I think we should try to go ahead and resign Tex now. That way he dosent have the pressure of a contract year on him, and we wont have to worry about competing with some crazy offer like $25 million a year from the Yankees.
I think we could get him for around $17-18 mill for 4 or so years if we went ahead and offered now.
And i think Glavine could still be decent next year, i mean at his worst cant be worse than a guy like chuck james right?
I wouldnt offer him more than $4 mill or so next year thou.
That would allow us to use more money on other needs.
O by the way….any smart Braves fan knows Smoltz could be a closer until he reaches Julio Franco age status… 90 appearances/year? no…..but 50-70 he would be VERY effective!
Kinda like how i wish Cox would be more picky in how he used a pitcher thats hurting in spring like Moylan or Soriano.
Moylan never should of pitched so often this early in the season.
Owell i still believe in Bobby and my team…. Go Braves!
By McFann
April 19, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
mccann is so [darn] slow he can’t build up enough momentum to cause a collision at the plate Braveheart
That’s good.
Thanks, Dutchie! : )
By Bob
April 19, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, are the Braves actually on TBS tomorrow? What time? This hotel in Ft. Worth actually has TBS so that would be two days in a row.
Flippin back and forth from Braves to the Pope.
By uh Chuck um er James
April 19, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Uh thanks to my uh fans for like uh their support.
I’ve been trying like real hard and have been uh working on my um pitches.
Now I’ve got a straight fastball, a slow straight fastball, a moderately fast fastball, a fastball that doesn’t go where I want, a somewhat curvy fastball, a slow straight fastball, oh I said that already, and a really slow straight fastball that I start to throw when I get tired like in the fourth inning.
There, that’s about a dozen um pitches. Pretty good, huh?
By Bo
April 19, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
James did a great job today, one bad pitch. Yes, DOB Campillo has really impressed me. Blanco is better fielder,speed etc than Diaz. Beat out hit to third!!! But I would rather has Josh Anderson Lead off playing LF. Diaz off the bench.TEX, Hoss, Kotsie hitting Maybe the Braves have turn the corner? Pitching still????
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 19, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Jeff Bennett last night and Chuck James today.
You just have to love the quality depth that Frank Wren built into this team during the off-season.
The Braves have six pitchers on the D.L and yet they just keep on competing.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
it’s nice to see escobar always hitting the ball to the right side… that kid can play.
They need to lock him into one of those long term, small size contracts like so many other teams are doing (9 year 44.5 mil. like to Longoria). Instead of paying these star kids the minimum, they pay them more to keep from losing them to large market teams earlier. It’s a win-win situation - the kids are happy cuz they’re making a helluva lot more than the minimum, and the teams can keep their investment and keep payroll down. Baseball’s going to be interesting in 4-5 years if teams keep doing this as the balance of power is going to be more spread like football.
In a few years, it would be nice to keep these kids here. I’d rather have a $80 million payroll spread with 12 players making most of it, than to have a $80 milllion payroll with 4 players making the most of it (chipper, smoltz, hampton, glavine). With all these veteran contracts expiring soon, Frank Wren should take note.
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Why dont the Braves just put corky miller back in the minors and call up scott thorman that way yuo don’t lose anybody and you promote a power bat in thorman who can play left field and 1st base. I like Corky he is good guy to have on the team but he is no superstar, and we have branya pena who can occasionaly substitute mccan, and do the same job corky does.
By Jerry Jergens
April 19, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
If Chipper is able to stay healthy the rest of the season, based on his performance so far, he is projected to get 295 hits, hit 57 homers, score 143 runs and drive in 172.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Flippin back and forth from Braves to the Pope. Bob
Same here!
By Bravetiger
April 19, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
DOB - If things stay the way they are right know, meaning everyone does as they are currently doing, who would you see as being the odd man out when Infante is activated?
By Stuart
April 19, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does Frenchy look like he is ‘stepping in the bucket’ when he swings. He is stepping a foot to the left. I know he has always done that to a point, but it looks especially pronounced right now.
Chuck James is 22-15 over the last two plus years. He is not an ace or anything but I have thought all along he would end up being a part of the rotation. He has to be able to pitch at least a little bit to win that many. Maybe today will get him back going.
RichBrave,
Thanks for filling me in on Stockman earlier. He was kind of an ‘it’ guy for a while, and has seemed to fall off. I was unsure of why that was happening.
By Bowie
April 19, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Damn Good game!
By Bob
April 19, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Nice win.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Now that’s a good W! Kept playing tight, good defense and kept pressure on the pitching and pounding on the pitcher by the time he tired.
Well done and a good game by Blanco.
Now tomorrow, let’s go JJ!
GO BRAVES!
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
nice job by the bulpen, it has done a very good considering the fact that we lost peter moylan and rafael soriano.
By Father Guido Sarducci
April 19, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
The pope, he is a big baseball fan. Did you know that? It’s true. Thats a why he is going to only go to baseball stadiums. Yes, he is a big fan.
He’s favorite player is Ryan Church. Did you know that? Yes. It’s true. He also likes Christian Guzman. And Jesus Colome.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Ahh, yes! Three in row!!
Thank you, Braves! Not a bad way to end a rotten day!
(Though McCann could’ve made it better with some hits and a run scored. ; ) )
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 19, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Great win today for the Braves. Billingsley did very well, but how about the Braves’ hitters making adjustments to him their second/third time around?
Terrific work by the bullpen as well, not just in this game but the past three games. They’ve had to put in a lot of work with the starters only going 5 innings each night, but they’ve really shone.
Break out the brooms!
By Greg in TN
April 19, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Two in the win column and a chance for a sweep tomorrow. Can’t ask for anything more especially with so many questions today with the injuries to the pitching staff.
A nice start by Chuck James today and an impressive outing by Jose Campillo today with two innings of scoreless pitching. Add to that an inning of scoreless work again by Blaine Boyer and Manny Acosta coming in to earn his first career save in the bigs and it all adds up to victory number eight.
A Sunday start tomorrow by Jair Jurrgens, who gave up two earned and four hits against the fins on what was certainly was not his most sharpest outing to date.
The Dodgers have to be disappointed in coming in and losing at least two of three and not even seeing Hudson, Smoltz or Glavine.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
…..anyone got any spare lottery tickets????!!!
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
One run? Did I hear someone say one run? It will be a three run win.
By Pete H.
April 19, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Salute to Braves79 for post of the day. Yeah, let’s just sign Tex right away, whether he wants to or not. Sheesh.
I say we start a collection through all baseball blogs to raise funds to have Tim McCarver’s mouth superglued shut. It’s almost like a comedian is up there doing a hilarious imitation of a really stoopit baseball announcer trying to look smart by bringing in every freaking irrelevancy he can think of. Remember, way back last season, when we could listen to announcers who actually knew something, until that evil Peachtree drove them away?
Great game by Chucky, but hand it to the Dodgers for somehow keeping Chipper in the park.
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Great game. Glad to see James get the win. Glad to see all the boys do a great job. I’d love to see the sweep tomorrow. Everyone appears to be clicking right now.
Shocked to hear Fox say “I was going to vote for Chipper for player of the week, but David Wright’s single has just put him over the top for me.”
By keylargo
April 19, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Dutchie
I did not thank you for the instructions once the game started, but I do appreciate it. I did not get the game, but I think I can work on it and be ready the next time instead of trying at the last minute. I did read that sometimes on Saturday afternoons it is too busy to get onto the site. Maybe that was my problem?
Thanks again from the Florida Keys all the way to Holland.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
And the Phillies load the bases, bottom 8, 1 out, trailing 4-2….
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
nice win today….finally a 3-game winning streak!
the pitching’s given up 2 runs in the last 3 games.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 19, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Any Boxing fans on board today ? There’s a great matchup on HOB tonight at 9:45, Bernard Hopkins vs Joe Calzaghe.Calzaghe is my favorite fighter partly because he’s from Wales like my dad’s dad (he could be my brother in looks) The guy has a very cool style that should entertain anybody who likes the sport.Of course it takes two and Hopkins always comes ready to give everything he has,it should be fun.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
@keylargo You’re welcome. And nope, the site has never been down in the last year and a half I’ve used it. Maybe your ISP blocks p2p networks? Anyway, hope it will work for you next time!
By keylargo
April 19, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
OLD SCHOOL: Spann and Sain and pray for rain.
NEW SCHOOL: With Chuckie and Bennett, we’re gonna win the pennant!
By FEAR
April 19, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Great work today. Now Jair needs to shut the door on the dodgers! Sweep these mofos!
By Pete H.
April 19, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Our bullpen has been amazing. Just amazing. Considering all our injuries, this is going pretty well. Sweep the Dodgers, get Soriano back, and then build from there.
By TJ
April 19, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
It’d be great if we could find a way to win tomorrow. Kuroda appears to be the real deal, so it’ll be tough, but who knows. If we could win tomorrow, that’d be 4 straight, with great matchups coming up - with Hudson and Smoltz going Monday and Tuesday against the Nats.
By Dutchie
April 19, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Allright everyone. See you tomorrow for a hopefully good outing by JJ. It’s bedtime overhere, so nite all.
Slaap lekker!
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 19, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Obviously the boxing match is on HBO not HOB.
By BravesFanChris23
April 19, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Good job from all the aspects today. Key/Timely hitting, good start by James, good effort by the bullpen and I think this could be a sign things are starting to click. The injuries have been quite a bit of blows to us, but if they can continue to build on what they did the past three games, I believe Braves will be fine till the key guys come back in Glavine, Hampton and Soriano. It looks like Moylan is out regardless, so even though it’ll suck him probably having his season shortened, Gonzo isn’t too far off from coming back and take his role. I wish the very best for him.
In the offense/bench, Infante returning soon means the bench will get a boost and I could see Miller being sent down barring a Pena trade.
I said after their win against Marlins Thursday or was it prior when they lost, I am not sure, but anyways, I said that they could possibly be in a change of direction and it looks like its starting to happen. I hope it continues and maybe just maybe everyone can hold the fort down till the big guys get back. Pitching wise I mean.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 19, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Really nice job the past two nights. Non-Chipper and non-Yunel hitters are starting to make the pitchers work. (Except for Heap, who’s still hacking away too much.) Looks like Tex is heating up, too.
This may be about as well as we can expect Chucky to pitch. Yes, I’d like to see him go deeper in games but he hasn’t had much chance to build any stamina. One mistake, but it was with the bases empty. Sweet job.
The pen’s smoking, too. Mr. Campillo may well be this year’s Moylan (at least as the designated innings-eater).
Of course, we have to hope for an efficient start by Jair tomorrow, because my guess is we’ll see the B (or given the injuries is it the C?) team in the bullpen Sunday.
By Shamus Thacker
April 19, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
What’s the magic number!?
For people who wanna see Hammy pitch, the Bravos should sell tickets to his bullpen sessions. While seeing Hambolina throw a pitch is a rare experience for Bobby Cox, it’s pretty much an urban legend to fans.
Probably sell out in an hour.
By TJ
April 19, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Wow, Gorkys Hernandez leads off with a blast to put Myrtle Beach up 1-0. The “book” on Gorkys is that he’s a 5 tool player who’s waiting for the 5th tool - power - to develop. Well, that’s 2 HR to go along with four triples and 3 doubles, in just over 15 games.
Anyway, Hanson is pitching for MB tonight. Only struck out 2 in the 1st - maybe an off night:)
It’ll be fun to see if he continues to dominate, and move closer to AA ball this year, and the Braves rotation in ‘09.
By McFann
April 19, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
(Except for Heap, who’s still hacking away too much.) BravesFanInRockies
Dude, tell me about it!
But don’t rule out Francoeur. He’s hackin’ way too much as well (maybe more so, remember who’s got the better AVG, more walks, blah blah blah…).
; )
By Shamus Thacker
April 19, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Henceforth, I shall refer to Hamms as, “Oh Mythical One.”
By Epinephrine
April 19, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Mac is hacking too much, but I don’t blame him right now. His stroke is really nice-a la the absolute bomb he hit in Florida, etc.
He also had a really nice at bat today when he pulled the ball down the first base line to move the runner over.
I think he and Frenchy are actually looking pretty good, and I’d bet they are due for a hot streak.
Nice to see KJ drawing two walks. He keeps that up and the hits will come. Also nice to see Kotsay finally get some justice and have the balls fall through. He has been hitting the ball hard all year.
Great performance by the pen, great stuff by James. This is the difference between 07 and 08. I wonder how many times we went for a sweep last year in a series where are 1-3 didn’t pitch. This year, we get solid performances from Bennett and James-and regardless of how Jurrjens pitches tomorrow, he has already made clear that he can make quality starts on a consistent basis. And we have JoJo continuing to light up AAA, and we have Buddy doing solid work in the pen. Just such a change. If we add a healthy Soriano and a healthy Gonzo to the mix, look out.
Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton are all going to need starts off this year-especially if we want them effective come October. If this series has shown us anything, it is that we have the resources to give those guys the breaks they will need.
By AuburnBrave
April 19, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Some of you may have already commented about this, but what kind of question is that on the front page. What do you mean IF Smoltz gets to 3,000 K’s, I mean, to me, and from what I’ve heard in the media and their conversations with people in baseball he’s already a lock with what he’s done both as a starter and his years as a closer.
I think Chipper may need to get some benchmark numbers the next few seasons, but if he keeps hitting like he did last year and so far this year for a couple more years, and stays healthy, then I think he’s a lock as well.
Oh, and good for Andruw for getting his first HR today, must’ve been pretty special to him getting it in Atlanta.
By GermanBravesFan
April 19, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Bob: sorry, had to step out for a while for practice. I left when the game was 4-1, so I guess I didn’t miss much! I’ll give you my contact info in Germany/Switzerland - just email me at gb_1905@yahoo.com
By McFann
April 19, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Mac is hacking too much, but I don’t blame him right now. His stroke is really nice-a la the absolute bomb he hit in Florida, etc.…and I’d bet they are due for a hot streak. * Epinephrine*
He does have a nice stroke, that was a HUGE home run (how far did it go?), and yeah, he’s due for a hot streak.
By ncscoots
April 19, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Re Heap, one might call it hacking, but I call it putting his swing to good use. Ep is right, his swing right now looks sweet, results be damned. Maybe his timing isn’t quite there yet, but he looks way on target with everything else. And he’s swinging at strikes. All you can ask.
Good job by the Evil Doll today. With the MASH unit on full alert, I wouldn’t get greedy for innings from a guy who said he was “lost” mere days ago.
Can the bullpen take the bit one more day? Jair is still the kid who needs to have his innings managed this year, remember. Asking for 7 or 8 out of him tomorrow is probably optimistic.
Finally, Hoss has gone from “hot”, to completely skipping “en fuego”, and straight to “internal-solar-temperature”. How is it possible that pitchers are still throwing him strikes? It boggles.
By anders
April 19, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
not a comment you probably want to post but two bands that are good and not well known are hello dave, out of chicago, and domestic problems, out of michigan. really appreciate your music selections, they add a different piece to a sports column.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
pet peave:
when the tv crew shows the stands on a long fly ball, leaving the path of the ball and the outfielder chasing it.
Baseball Tonight just showed a clip of 1999. Paul O’Neil hit a fly to right center. The camera showed the stands in right by the foul line, then when they noticed the ball wasn’t there, zoomed back to show the White Sox centerfielder on the ground after robby the hit of a HR in right center.
Why Baseball Tonight would show that clip to explain that outfielders have to learn the outfield is beyond me. Maybe to remind us all of the steroid era and the antics it played on everybody.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 19, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB I have a quick observation and want your (and anyone elese’s for that matter)…
The Braves signed McCann to an extension last year, but not Frenchy…Do you think maybe the Braves brass wants to see if Frenchy is going to turn into another AJ. And by that, I mean wildly swinging at every outside pitch..That AB today was absolutely horrible…
Personally, I think if Francouer doesn’t start to pay attention to TP and start laying off the outside, in the dirt pitches, his stay in Atlanta will be a short-lived one…..
Whatta ya think???????????????
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Former Braves center fielder Andruw Jones hit a two-out homer in the second inning, his first in a major-league uniform without a tomahawk on the chest.
This would actually be the first professional HR he’s hit without a tomahawk on his chest since 1996 when he was with the Durham Bulls. And he hit 17 with the Bulls. He’s hit 413 of his 431 professional HR with a tomahawk on his chest.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Do you think maybe the Braves brass wants to see if Frenchy is going to turn into another AJ. And by that, I mean wildly swinging at every outside pitch..That AB today was absolutely horrible… prattvillenolzfan
I wish that were the reason why.
I bet the Braves brass is just waiting for their budget to open up this offseason to sign Jeff. Until Frenchy shows he can lay off pitches out of the strike zone, pitchers have no reason to throw him strikes.
By keylargo
April 19, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
TJ
Hey TJ, you aren’t that TJ Simers from the LA Times are you? 8) (I learned that “smiley face” from McFann).
By SNIPER-69
April 19, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Five straight for the Metropolitans. Bullpen looking good. Duaner Sanchez a big reason for that. This could be the best pen in the NL. Another 15-20 games and we’ll know for sure.
By Epinephrine
April 19, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Sniper 69, that is rich. Seriously that is good stuff. Yesterday Heilman cannot make it through the inning without getting chased. Today, two of your relievers give up a run and load the bases, making a three run game a two run game, with one out. Don’t even begin to THINK about crowning Heilman for getting out of the jam. The Mets relief didn’t preserve that game, the Phillies’ bats blew it. Anything close to a decent Major League hitter in that spot gets the bat on the ball and makes it a one run game. Werth and Jenkins had really bone-headed at bats in striking out. But if you are counting on Aaron Heilman to bail you guys out of those bases loaded situations all year-the same Aaron Heilman who yesterday got touched up-then you have a long season ahead of you.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
This would actually be the first professional HR he’s hit without a tomahawk on his chest since 1996 when he was with the Durham Bulls. And he hit 17 with the Bulls. He’s hit 413 of his 431 professional HR with a tomahawk on his chest.TennesseePaul
TennPaul, if you’re gonna play “gotcha,” make sure you’ve caught a mistake first. I didn’t say, in a professional uniform without a tomahawk on the chest, did I? No, I said, the first he’s hit in a major-league uniform without a tomahawk on the chest.
Meaning, he hadn’t hit one in a major-league uniform that didn’t have a tomahawk on the chest, until today.
So no, I won’t be changing anything that I wrote.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Who’d have figured the Braves would be going for a sweep tomorrow against the Dodgers after pitching Jeff Bennett and Chuck James in the first two games?…
Pratt, the Braves made an offer to Frenchy in 2007 spring training around same time they signed Mac, or at least talked about a proposal with Frenchy’s agent. It wasn’t what Frenchy and his reps were looking for, not big enough, from what I’m told.
But yes, before they make him a huge offer now, I think they want to see how he plays in his third full season, because the price tag for such deals goes up each year as you’re buying out more of free agency instead of arb-eligible years.
Before they commit to the kind of bucks he’s looking for, I’m sure they want to be as close to certain as they can be about what he’s going to become.
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Mets have the best pen in the NL, no way Sniper. Look at milwaukee’s bulpen, and the cubs pen, and at the Braves if moylan, Soriano, Gonzales were to be healthy at the same time.
By TJ
April 19, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Hey TJ, you aren’t that TJ Simers from the LA Times are you?
Gracious, No!
If I were, I wouldn’t admit it. I’m not, but even if I were, I really wouldn’t admit it. Really, though. No. I’m not. Not that I would admit it if I was. But I’m not. Really.
By David O'Brien
April 19, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Steve Earle tomorrow night at the Variety Playhouse. Day game and Earle at night….
By Tomas
April 19, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
sniper-69, compare this: Mike Gonzales, Rafael Soriano, and Peter Moylan, or the mets with Billy Wagner, Duaner Sanchez, and Aaron Heilmen. I prefer Atlanta’s pen, experts say the mets pen, and deph is their weak point.
By Bobby's Cox
April 19, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Possible trade idea:
Rich Harden. I know he’s injury prone, but the A’s want him to get healthy so they can trade him. He’s one of the best pitchers in the game when healthy. Our rotation with smoltz, harden, hudson, glavine, jurrjens, and hampton would look great. Yes, that’s six guys, but with the age of our staff & with the injuries of Hampton, Smotlz, Glavine, & possibly Hudson, we could use an extra arm. Especially with maybe 2 of those guys leaving next year.
Just speculation.
By kev
April 19, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox:
I like Rich Harden but the injury thing IS a problem. I don’t know being in the Braves’ position, you want to have another starter who may be a health liability…
I know it’s early in the season but let’s project into the future…let’s say that Glavine and Hampton are gone from the roster next year. Who do you suppose will fit in well with the rotation?
By TennesseePaul
April 19, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
DOB: TennPaul, if you’re gonna play “gotcha,” make sure you’ve caught a mistake first
Easy enough DOB. I wasn’t “playing gotcha”. Just expounding on an interesting point you had in your story. So don’t worry about changing anything. I hadn’t asked you to any way.
By Gumby
April 19, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
I have been told, that Francouer has already been offered a multi-year contract by the Braves and turned it down. Seems he and his agent are holding out for a larger pay day. Can you confirm this DOB? If true, seems a lot of people who read this blog are not aware, if it is not true please let me know.
By Gumby
April 19, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Sorry, missed above at 10:08P. That DOB is good, he can anticipate posts, before they occur.
By i cant take it anymore
April 20, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
rich harden? are you serious. okay,a hampton for harden trade would be nice.
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
TennPaul, no problem. Just misread your intent, apparently. The gotcha game annoys me. But now that I know you weren’t doing it, all’s well. Should’ve figured one of our fine regulars wouldn’t be up to that anyway….
This new band Vampire Weekend, I gotta admit, I’m out of the loop. I know the CD has received generally strong reviews, but we watched them on a rerun of SNL tonight, and my reaction was the same as when I listened to the CD on the headphones at Ella: Derivative, and boring.
By Goodoleboy58
April 20, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
sorry im late but i had to move shifts out here in the desert.. no more night shift, i.e. Braves games for me I’ll have to trust yall to give me some good reviews.. I did catch last nights game though and Chuckie didn’t look too shabby… gave us exactly what we needed.. let’s get this sweep!
By Lew
April 20, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Derivative and boring was a lot nicer than what I would have put it. Those dudes sucked.
By Lew
April 20, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
And they looked really, really bad while they sucked.
By johnmana
April 20, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
why cant i post
By Northern Redneck
April 20, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this
By JP
April 19, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
TEXXXXXX!!!!! Sign Him NOW Wren NOw!!!
we’re up 3-1!!!!! Woooo HOOoOOO!!!!
and Kotsay with the RBI single 4-1!!…. and McCann LOL(sorry McFann) LOL haha..poor Mac…hes the slowest runner that has ever worn a Braves uni…LOL!
McCann is the slowest runner to ever put on a braves uni??? ummm did you see sid bream take 18 minutes to get home against the pirates 15 years ago?????
By TexasBrave
April 20, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
DOB how long, once someone starts a rehab assignment in then minors, can they say on the DL?
By TexasBrave
April 20, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
After Bennett’s and Chuck’s games on the 23rd and 24th the fifth starter will not be needed until the 10th of May. One of the two should be sent down on the 29th with Glavine’s return from the DL. Which makes the 23rd and 24th an audition for which one will be sent down.
I believe that Campillo would fill in well in the long reliever’s roll. Thus my proposition is that both Bennett and James be sent down and another reliever brought up. With 15 days in between starts it would be good to give those guys a few starts to stretch themselves out before one is brought back to fill in the fifth spot on the 10th of May.
By Cherokee
April 20, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I noticed that the broadcast yesterday mentioned that Chipper has the most game-winning RBI since he came up. Not bad.
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
TexasBrave, yes, for a short period. Chuck James was on the DL while at Richmond, for instance.
By chrisklob
April 20, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
TexasBrave, I believe that the rule states that an injured player can be sent to the minors for rehab for a max of 30 days and then must be brought back to the major league team unless the player has options remaining.
By JC from UT
April 20, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
TexasBrave: If Bennett and/or CJ is sent down which reliever(s) would you bring up.
DOB: I’ve noticed that Rowehurst has been starting do you think they are trying to get him stretched out in anticipation of bringing him up to start if neccessary?
By Bo
April 20, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
DOB- Just thinking, James credited Guy Hanson with getting him back on track, confidence, grip, motion, etc.. Why didn’t Roger McDowell correct his problems. Maybe we need to bring Hansan up to correct the other pitchers problems,injurys. I know everyone loves TP but what has he done lately? Thanks for the time, Keep up the good work.
By flange1
April 20, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
Been traveling and away from the computer, but was able to watch both of the games against the Dodgers.
Between Bennett, James and the bullpen, the Braves pitching was outstanding.
We asked these guys to step it up and they did.
Chipper is on fire, it is easy to forget how good Chipper can be until he gets hot like this. He is a true HOFer.
And B mac can run like the wind huh? Or maybe not…
All in all a good 3 games in a row. Hopefully, the Braves can make it 4 today with JJJ on the hill.
By nolie
April 20, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
McCann is the slowest runner to ever put on a braves uni??? ummm did you see sid bream take 18 minutes to get home against the pirates 15 years ago?????NorthernRedneck
Yep. Brian is so slow he has trouble stretching a base on balls into a walk
By MattyRoss
April 20, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
DOB with you on Vampire Weekend. They’re…fine, just nothing new. I hate to downgrade them to this, but I feel like in about a year they’ll be on the order of an O.A.R. type.
By Tomas
April 20, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Let’s say that there is a point this year that everybody in the braves roster is healthy, How would that team be, who are the players who are going to be send down.
He are my pics:
Bench:
Pitching:
The problem with this 25 man roster is that, Jeff Bennet, Royce Ring, and Chris Resop will go into waivers because they’re out of options.
By Savannah Guy
April 20, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Derivative and boring was a lot nicer than what I would have put it. Those dudes sucked…. And they looked really, really bad while they sucked.
Lew, my sentiments exactly on the Vampire Weekend gig on SNL last night. For me, a cringe moment. Don’t get them… don’t want to. The SNL humor/skits were also cringe worthy last night for the most part. How SNL can be hilarious one moment and dreadfully unfunny the next has baffled me for years (just like most of us bloggers I guess).
TexasBrave, howdy do. I was wondering the same thing after your DL question. Glad Klobber answered. Thanks Chris. So many questions…
The silver lining with all of our pitching injuries lately has been watching the new guys and kids do so well in adverse conditions. Sometimes you never know what you’ve got until you’re thrown in the water with no life preserver. It’s not every day we wind up with an Alejandro Pena, Pedro Borbon, Kerry Ligtenberg, Chris Hammond, Seanez, Remlinger, Mulholland and such. Maybe we’ll see one or two come out of our current roster and Richmond pen.
By Tomas
April 20, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Braves have a lot of talented young arms, and if there is a case that all the pitchers are healthy I would trade Royce Ring, and offer a minor league contract to Bennet and Resop, while promising them that if there is an injury in the bulpen or the rotation they will come up.
By TJ
April 20, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I could be wrong, but I don’t think Bennett is out of options.
By ncgary
April 20, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
devine for kotsay seems to be working well for both, devine is 2 and 0 with 0.00 era
By Overlord
April 20, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Tomas you must be nuuuuuuuuuuuts. There is no chance in hell Bennett is leaving the braves. He is much better than James. He has been overexposed in the 1st 3 weeks of the season. Hs is a better long reliever and or 5th starter than James, by far. James had 1 good outing yesterday against a Dodgers team that is having trouble scoring runs (and they were when they got to atlanta). Bennett is, IMO, a pitcher the braves should not get rid of. There is too much inconsistency on the pitching staff, if you are getting rid of someone, it shouldnt be a guy that have in his 1st month of his 1st full season has already serve as long and short reliever, SP and emergency SP. He has looked like jose oquendo as a position player. He will do nothing but improve.
James??? AJ homered against him, that should tell you how bad he is pitching, at least right now. Bennett took care of AJ easily striking him out both times he faced him. 5 good innings are not enough to convince me he is back to his earlier Chuckie. And certainly not to convince me he is better than Bennett. It is enough to convince me that there is still hope in chuckie, but he still has more to do in order to convince.
By Lew
April 20, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Tomas-I believe that Bennett does have options left. I’m sure if I’m wrong I’ll have someone here inform me, though.
SG-Have you ever seen a Quite Large comic named Ralphie May? He does a routine about a type of person (for Politically correct reasons I won’t mention the infirmity) who is continuously happy and it shows on their faces. Vampire weekend had that look of happiness.
Unfortunately, no matter how happy they may be, they are lyrically bereft (though I’m sure the critics think they’re the next Springsteen) and musically, they need to realize that having a string quartet does not make you Arcade Fire. I reiterate-they sucked and don’t even realize it. Pitiful. But then again, SNL has been nose diving for years now. It makes sense some(if not most) of their musical acts would follow suit.
SG
By Overlord
April 20, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
BTW, why is KJ still leading off? I dont care how many walks he has in last few games, he is not doing the job. Guess this will be the same story as AJs story last year, that he has earned and our best option as leadoff hitter. That aint true, if he is not doing the job, there is yunel, kotsay and blanco, all of them are worthed a try. Sit KJ and let Prado play once every 4th game.
This guys dont perform if they dont feel the pressure. Look at Kotsay, cox benched diaz and he looked better. Im pretty sure once matt comes back to the lineup, he will do better. They need to feel someone can take their job.
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Blanco’s in the lineup in LF for third consecutive game (another righty pitcher). If it looks like a platoon, and it quacks like a platoon, I’m guessing it’s a platoon.
(Bobby acknowledged today it’s possible, at least. Said we’ll see, but had to play Blanco after he got two more hits, etc.)
Braves face lefties in next two games….
Just saw the Bennett discussion: Yes, he does have options….
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
As bad a start as the Braves had, can you believe at the end of the day they could have a better record than the Evil Empire? Yes, the Yankees are not exactly getting their money’s worth (again).
By Pete H.
April 20, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Because I caught part of their act last night, I’ll comment that not only is VW uninteresting, they’re pretentious as well. That string/woodwind section was ridiculous…it was far more interesting than the actual song, and that’s pretty bad, considering they were basically just sighing a single chord most of the time.
The only things I’m really interested in anymore are John Cale, The Fall, Brian Jonestown Massacre, McMurtrey, Alejandro Escovedo and a precious handful of others. I think I just got old enough to become a reactionary, but virtually everything that sounds interesting these days is a bitter disappointment when I get it home.
Although I just heard part of the new Nick Cave album, and I’ll take a chance on that after how good Grinderman was.
Back to baseball, I’ve been very impressed with the kids in the bullpen. When Gonzo and Soriano come back, there are going to be some painful choices to make.
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Corky’s catching and hitting eighth, behind Blanco. Kotsay hitting sixth…
And Andruw is back in the cleanup spot for the Dodgers, after hitting his initial jack yesterday….
By Vol
April 20, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Not that it impacts the Braves, but Frank Thomas just got cut by the Jays. Saw that one coming. Only worry is that some NL challenger picks him up and hit manages to hit .280 and bang 25 homers and 90 RBI. He did it last year.
Does he fit (not the attitude but the bat) on any NL teams?
By TJ
April 20, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Good for Bobby, giving Blanco a chance to play. Personally, I don’t think he’s a major league hitter (despite a couple of good games), but only one way to find out (and I hope I’m wrong).
Diaz will be fine, and it’s not like he’s banished for the season. He started slow last year too, and ended up at .338.
Meanwhile, the task at hand is to win ballgames, so good move by BC.
By Epinephrine
April 20, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
As much as I hate to say it, I like the Blanco Diaz platoon. It is really nice having some speed in our lineup, and Blanco can hit. Diaz also gives us a nice option off the bench.
As for KJ, people need to relax. No, he isn’t hitting well right now, but he came a few feet away from jacking two home runs the other day, and he has drawn five walks in the last few games. What does that mean? It means that he is seeing the ball well, which will inevitably lead to a higher BA and OBP. His OBP has climbed about 40 points over the last three games, and I’d expect it to continue on up.
Now, I would be intrigued to see Blanco try his hand at the leadoff position if he keeps it up because of his speed, but at the same time I like consistency in the lineup positions at the top. I think that is something we ought to hold off on at least until the end of the first month.
By McFann
April 20, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Yep. Brian is so slow he has trouble stretching a base on balls into a walk Nolie
Hardy har har. Actually, he has no trouble, ‘cause he doesn’t have to worry about whether or not he should run hard—people just assume he’s walking.
Ouch. That hurt. Mea culpa.
By TJ
April 20, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Vol, Thomas hasn’t played in the field since 2004, and then just 4 games at 1B. I really don’t see him ending up in the NL.
By McFann
April 20, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Corky’s catching and hitting eighth… DOB
Ah! A day off. But dude, why don’t they put Pena in? Oh well…
By Pete H.
April 20, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
We need some new bloganism. The scrolling is getting very time consuming.
While I like Corky, I think Pena should be starting today. Dodgers’ pitching is among the best in baseball, and I will hate to see Corky up there in a key situation.
I wonder when our Dutch contingent will show up!
By Sir Stealth
April 20, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Weird that McCann would be sitting against a righty…
By jch
April 20, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Any chance the Braves are looking to move either Blanco or Diaz to get some bullpen help???
It seems they could be either taking a look at Blanco in real-game situations to see if he’s ready or showcasing his talents to deal him for some relief pitching.
If so, who’s best to keep and who’s best to deal?
By Savannah Guy
April 20, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Lew, not familiar with Ralphie May. I have a hard time keeping up with all the standup comics these days there are so many. According to my just made up off the cuff statistics (JMUOTCS), there are now 1.3 standup comics per median household. Maybe I’m just an out of date guy, but remember when a Robin Williams performance was a special event?
Maybe the Vampire Weekend’s are taking a Wellbutrin-happy pill cocktail. Makes you smile when you shouldn’t, write lyrics when you shouldn’t and tap your feet like your loafers are too light kinda’ thing. Not that there’s anything wrong…
Arcade Fire they are not. Good they are not.
By Randy S
April 20, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
So the Braves are the TBS game this week, but in the Southeast they are on SportsSouth. So are the Braves gonna be blacked-out on TBS in the Southeast? That is about as odd as it gets.
By Bowie
April 20, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
overlord..James!!!AJ Homered against him, that should tell you how bad he is pitching,at least right now. * One bad pitch in 5 innings is pretty good. * Agree on KJ not leading off. Like the platoon in LF but wish we had Josh Anderson up here too.
By ncgary
April 20, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
jch you smell that trade coming too et?, dont know who or where but if i were a gambling id say within 8 days we see 1
By Pete H.
April 20, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy: Stand up is the new punk rock. Virtually no barriers to entry, and the chance to make it big. Tough on fans, who have to wade through a lot of horsecrap to find the pony.
JCH: Who exactly do you think is a. available and b. better than our bullpen options? Teams like the Tigers are in far worse shape and would offer more for a real bullpen force. And those guys just are not available, not for a Blanco or Pena.
By McFann
April 20, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Weird that McCann would be sitting against a righty… Sir Stealth
Yeah, but he hasn’t had a day off since April third, so I think it’s about time.
We thought he’d get a day off every seven or eight games…not every 16! Ha…
By Steve C.
April 20, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
*Corky’s catching and hitting eighth, behind Blanco. Kotsay hitting seventh…. *(DOB)
So, is Kotsay batting sixth or is Blanco? Am I just confused and reading that wrong?
By Pete H.
April 20, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
I have a feeling that Frank Thomas is going to catch on somewhere. He really can’t play first very well anymore, but he can play every few days and DH the rest of the time. I highly doubt he will show up in the NL…he’s just awful in the field now.
I did not realize this:
With a career average of .302, Thomas is one of four players in baseball history to record at least a .300 average, 500 home runs, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 runs and 1,500 walks. The others are Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
Maybe all of my Thomas rookie cards are worth something after all. Particularly those Upper Deck jobs.
By Epinephrine
April 20, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Well McFann, he did technically get two off days on the rained out games. This is the first time the weather hasn’t taken care of resting the catcher.
By David O'Brien
April 20, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
surprise, surprise: NEW BLOG IS UP
By richie
April 20, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
JCH, It is tough to say there is a show case right now. If we were still owned by Time Warner, then they’d be trying to move Diaz and we knoqw it would be a salary dump. But with LM, they could move Blanco, for pitching. I just think this is just a platoon for a spark.
By DAP
April 20, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
overlord i have no idea how you can misconstrue chuck’s start yesterday to show he isnt pitching well. he pitched well yesterday. face it.
hes not a great pitcher, but hes good enough to win games in the majors.
5 innings, 4 hits, 1 run. he kept us right in it, and we won it, thanx to him.
By Wayne in Utah
April 20, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
To clear the record. This will be my final post on our beloved Andruw Jones (congrats on the tater yesteday, but don’t do it again, please!)
Salary constraints are a given on a medium sized market team.
I am not jealous of Andruw’s or any players money.
I am happy that Andruw is not partolling CF for the Braves (better use of salary elsewhere)
Dale Murphy was not a money grabbing player, as some might suggest. Far from it.
I am tired of those that would suggest the Braves pushed Andruw out. Before the 2007 season, Andruw would have been welcomed back at a salary he would not have deserved with his performance.
After the 2007 season, Andruw WAS pushed out by Braves management after his outrageous demands and his poor season.
I am not all wet, and it is not always about money.
One of the problems I have with society as a whole is the greed and selfishness of some. The “I am going to take care of mine mentality at the expense of caring about the plight of others.” The lack of any loyalty on the part of many. It’s a me world.
You don’t want me to go further, as that would be mixing politics with sports, which is a no-no.
Now, lets forget about that CF for the Dodgers, and dispatch those guys today! Go Bravos!!!
By Shamus Thacker
April 20, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, with my luck, and if I were you, the Bravos would play 22- innings today. I’d be sneaking off to the Earle show around the 18th inning with a radio and laptop. lol Considering I’m usually caught in my covert shenanigans, I’d be writing for the Cedartown Standard come Monday… lol If not familiar, the Cedartown Standard is best utilized in a sanitary tail-wiping environment. If nukes were falling like rain, the Standard headline would read something like, “Commissioners Get Tough On Pot Bellied Pig Poop.”
By Randy S
April 20, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
The last Braves CF before Marquis Grissom to win the Gold Glove? (for those of us watching on SportSouth)
By greetingsfrompoland
March 5, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
Hello to all ! Greetings From Poland. very Good Page !