Braves

By TURTSNAP

April 21, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Still early in the year, but I can’t remember a time last year where we swept a series without Hudson or Smoltz appearing in that series, so that is definitely encouraging! GO BRAVES!!

By GermanBravesFan

April 21, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I guess that’s what the Braves envisioned when they decided to go for depth in the rotation!! How great does the trade for Jurrjens look now? Let’s hope Chuck James has turned a corner and will finally live up to his potential! Things are looking good right now.

GO BRAVES!!!

By TURTSNAP

April 21, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Guess it helps to read the blog fully before posting. Sorry Carroll, I guess you provided the research. One time last year, I knew it couldn’t be many, if at all. I still remember last year, and watching the calendar to see when Hudson or Smoltz pitched, and if they didn’t win their appearance, OUCH!!!

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I remember I was really disappointed when we traded Edgar in the offseason, but I must say I have been really happy Jair so far.

By Bubdylan

April 21, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Hello?

By Cody

April 21, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

first

By Braves20

April 21, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

A lot of folks are saying we’re doing it with smoke and mirrors, (one starter and our three top relievers on the DL).

Maybe so. But may it continue.

By Lew

April 21, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-From the last blog. Dude, I have no idea where Will Carroll found all these rotator cuff problems with Jurrjens. I just Googled and perused over 120 hits on the guy and found absolutely not a single mention of any issues-no missed starts, no MRI’s no mention WHATSOEVER of ANY injury issue with him. In fact, quite a number of articles listed in so many words that he had NO injury issues.

Nothing at all in his minor league history indicates a problem nor is there any mention whether from the Tigers, Braves or Nationals, who also apparently scouted him with Detroit.

By Mark in PA

April 21, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the blog, and the great job you do in keeping us up to date.

If I count days and spots correctly, the #3 spot will only come up one more time before Tom Glavine is supposed to come off the DL. Is he still looking good for the start on the 29th?

By Paul Bowers

April 21, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog, Carroll. I’m betting on this trend to continue with the back end of the rotation. I’ve always liked Jeff Bennett and thought he was the real deal. If Glavine stays healthy, we can look forward to many winning streaks. Question:If, in all liklihood, Mike Hampton stays injured for much of the year, will the Braves get any substantial money from the insurance?

By Mark in PA

April 21, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Carroll, I did not note it was yours and not DOB’s article. Please, if you can answer the question, please do so.

By Original Jon

April 21, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Mark In PA, Carroll wrote this blog, NOT DOB.

By Stuart

April 21, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Jurrgens has been great. Glavine looked fine until the injury, but the guys who will not get the credit they deserve for stablizing the staff is Campillo and Bennett. They have been the perfect fits for the pen.

It is going to be tough to keep both of them up when the DL guys come off, but I think BC needs to think about it and here is why.

I don’t think Hampton is going to give us anything this year. I think that leaves Chuck James as the 5 guy. He is only good for 5 innings right now, so have Campillo come in behind him for 2-3 innings works great. It saves the likes of Acosta, Boyer, etc. rest to backup the big guns. (Except in save situations.) It is nice that BC doesn’t have to blow appearances in short start games. Huddy and Jair are the only guys who have shown the health to go past the 7th, so having long guys to ‘stack’ is a great luxury.

Bennett is a perfect ‘stack’ on top of Glavine until Tommy gets back to full health. You can also run this vice versa or stack Campillo behind Tommy and Campillo behind Chuck.

The braves have alot of nice interchangeable parts on the bench so keeping 12 pitchers does not seem to hurt this team as bad as in the past. My solution is probably only good for no longer than half a season, but it is better than what we have watched the last 2 years.

GO BRAVOS!!!!

By MGL

April 21, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Holy smokes!! Is DOB out again?? That guy sure keeps banker’s hours. Great blog Carroll.

By Paul Bowers

April 21, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems so surprised about “This Jurrjens Guy”. If anyone had done their homework, they would have known how good this guy really is.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Lew

I can’t verify what Tenn Paul said, but the kid has definetly had arm issues in the past. He had to be shut down for a little last year with the Tigers.

By nybravesfan

April 21, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

next 7 games pitching mathups are looking good for the braves - especially this weekend against the mets - jair vs pelfrey - hudson vs main - and smoltz vs fig - i will be there friday and sunday with my tomahawk - GO BRAVES!

By NCBravesFan

April 21, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I suspect the Dodger bats had a fair amount to do with this weekend’s happenings. Outside of Furcal, they just aren’t hitting consistently.

But bad pitching will awaken slumbering bats pretty quickly, so the guys in the 3-5 hole did more than their fair share to get us the sweep.

Nice going guys!

By MGL

April 21, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I hope Chipper takes the time he needs this week for this Quad thing. We definitely need him this weekend at Shea.

By Chris from the Rock

April 21, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Are Braves’ pitcher still taking batting practice? They’re 0-32 to start the season. Maybe a hit or two so far this season would have prevented them from starting the season 0-7 in 1 run games. I know pitchers aren’t counted on for offense, but that’s rediculous. I wonder if they keep stats for this sort of thing, and if it’s a record for futility for a pitching staff to start the season.

By Biff Pocaroba

April 21, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Biff approves.

By KneeJerk

April 21, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Give it up for the ALL-KNOWING Paul Bowers.

By Moby Grape

April 21, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-From the last blog. Dude, I have no idea where Will Carroll found all these rotator cuff problems with Jurrjens. I just Googled and perused over 120 hits on the guy and found absolutely not a single mention of any issues-no missed starts, no MRI’s no mention WHATSOEVER of ANY injury issue with him. In fact, quite a number of articles listed in so many words that he had NO injury issues.Lew

Dude you must be one lousy researcher.I googled four words and this was the first hit.. Just luv what an astute observer you are. *Jurrjens sent to DL with inflammation MRI on rookie’s right shoulder suggests no need for surgery By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT — Jair Jurrjens has been living his dream ever since being called up to the Major Leagues. His dream is now on hold for a couple of weeks, but it doesn’t appear to be the nightmare many feared.

Inflammation in Jurrjens’ right rotator cuff knocked the 21-year-old Tigers starter out of Sunday’s game against the Yankees in the second inning and put him on the 15-day disabled list. Results of an MRI exam, however, suggest no damage that would require surgery.

That part is a relief, especially the way Jurrjens was feeling on Sunday.

“It’s like you can see your dream going away,” Jurrjens said. “I’m happy that it’s not a real big thing.”

Though Jurrjens lasted 1 1/3 innings before his exit, he had been feeling the shoulder pain in the days leading into Sunday’s start. In fact, it’s something he has dealt with before. He expected the discomfort to go away once he loosened up and began working. This time, it didn’t.

Jurrjens had hoped he could get through it once he retired the side on one hit in the first inning, capped with a strikeout of Alex Rodriguez. His fastball was sitting around 90-91 mph, not the mid-90s version he flashed in his Major League debut on Aug. 15, but still workable. Then he came back out for the second inning and fired a first-pitch fastball.

“The first pitch I threw to [Hideki] Matsui, I turned around to look at the radar,” Jurrjens said. “I saw 86 and I was like, ‘Oh my, this is going to be bad.’ I tried to get through it. We had a big lead, and I didn’t want it to go away.” *

By DCbrave

April 21, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I posted this as the last post in the previous blog, but since I was late for that blog and really wanted to say something on that topic, I copied it here again for discussion.

DOB or anybody: I know that DOB’s discussion in the previous blog was set between whether to sign Furcal for 15 mil or Tex for 22 mil. But I would argue neither, but rather spend all the resources on finding a true # 2 or co-ace type of pitcher for the post Smoltz/Glavine era, which is really not far away.

For the lineup, Chipper will be around for several more years and B-mac and/Frenchy look to be decent cleanups after him, but, within a year or two, here’s our post Smoltz/Glavine rotation. We only have Hudson that is a proven ace assuming we can resign him, which is not a guarantee BTW. Chucky, based on what we know from the past couple of years, will be at best a #3 or #4. As to JJ, we have no idea how well he will hold up for a year or two even though he looks really good now (but so did Kyle Davis). Again, he might be a #3 or #4.

In the past half a dozen years, the Braves just do not have a good track record of having their own pitchers from their farm systems who could hold up well in the majors. They were usually good or even great their rookie years, but then withered away somehow either with injuries or simply mysterious struggles.

This is true for Horacio Ramirez, who was regarded as a young Glavine in his rookie year; true for Kyle Davis, whom Cox praised as “the real deal;” then chuck James, who was also called once by somebody as a young Glavine. Davis and James looked even more impressive than JJ now. Even before Ramirez, we had Kevin Millwood, Damion Moss, et al. After Glavine, the Braves just have not raised their own real #1 or #2 pitchers except that some might argue that Milwood was/is a #2 guy but not a true ace.

Now Smoltz and Glavine will be gone in a hurry, and Hudson’s resigning is not a guarantee, I really believe we should focus all our resouces on getting an ace or at least #2 pitcher. Or it doesn’t matter whether we can sign Tex or Furcal or whoever to the lineup, there is a big chance we’ll be behind the Mets for some years, who have Santana and John Maine locked up as the real #1 and #2. So, for the lineup, with Chipper, we can wait for another 3 years, but for the rotation, it is more urgent.

By Carolina Gent

April 21, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Carroll, As the former beat writer turned ace-reliever for DOB, what’s your take on his suggestion of signing Furcal to pair up with Escobar? Right now, it looks like a not-bad scenario. But let’s see what happens over a full season before getting too excited— just like the Braves themselves! And which of the two would move?

By patellaspasm

April 21, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Give it up for the ALL-KNOWING Paul Bowers.Kneejerk

perhaps he is Coach & Lew’s brother?

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Mark in PA, I imagine since Glavine was pretty reluctant to go on the DL to begin with, he’ll both want to and be prepared to go for his first outing as soon as he’s eligible. but i’ll have to check. got to get to the ballpark first.

MGL, no such thing as bankers’ hours on this beat. DOB covered the last six games in a row and would have had a break over the weekend but was cool enough to let me have off to go to my BFs 25h high school reunion. if you look at the number of times he posts on the blog alone thru the course of the day, you’d see that there ain’t nothing about 8-to-4 for him. so knock that off, eh?

chris from the rock, great stat on the pitchers. hadn’t noticed that yet. will promptly give them grief and perhaps light a fire when i get to the yard.

By BeachBrave

April 21, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Bats seem to be warming up. Holes are seemingly filled in the rotation and the pen. I think this is just the formula that thses braves need to start performing like we all knew they could after spring training. I think by pulling out of these early hardships will give our boys the confidence they need to know that they can get past anything els the hopefully will not happen later in the season.

By kdbanks

April 21, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I’m going to my first game of the year tomorrow night - and can’t wait to see Smoltzy hit 3,000. Love the bats coming alive, love the innings pitched by JJ as much as the quality of his stuff.

Anyone know if the frozen Jack & Cokes are back in the Chop Shop?

DOB - Agreed with your list of things to watch. I would add one more - how much does Brayan Pena play. If it increases at all, I’d venture there’s a trade in the works. As it stands, doubt anything’s going on.

By kdbanks

April 21, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Sorry - Didn’t notice it was a Carroll blog today. Apologies to Miss C!

By Carolina Gent

April 21, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

DCBrave, I agree with you on the need to find a #1 or #2 starter. However, if DOB thinks the BRaves Brass won’t be willing to pony up the $$ for Tex, a high-caliber starter will come at least that high, if not higher. Don’t know if I see that happening.

By MGL

April 21, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Carroll, it was in jest!!

By BamaBravesFan

April 21, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

DC BRAVE

Great 2:02PM post. The Braves have not had a definitive #1 or #2 pitcher come through the minors in a long time. We always seem to hear about the next great thing. I completely agree with you that we need to go after an ace that we can lock up for 4-5 years, and hopefully one of our young minor leaguers will end up taking over his spot later on down the road. I would guess that cutting the payroll in the past not only cut payroll for the players, but payroll for the staff ( scouts, etc. ) That may have something to do with us not have a true #1 come through our system in a long time.

I will tell you this. We will be hurting more than any of you realize when we lose Smoltz and don’t have anyone to replace his production. He is that rock that ends losing streaks and seems to turn the team around a lot. We can go find a bat anywhere. I want Wren and company to focus on finding an Ace that will replace smoltz and hudson ( if he decides to leave ).

GO BRAVES!!!

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 21, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I know this sounds crazy but hear me out. Frank Thomas was released by the Jays. The Jays owe him $8 mil whehter he signs with another team or not. Should the Braves go after him as the big bat off the bench. He can only play 1B and doesn’t play it very well but could probably hold his own in short periods. I would think he could be signed on the cheap since he will get his cash from the Jays regardless.

Thoughts?

By TJ

April 21, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Braves’ rotation next year is likely to be Hudson, Smoltz, Jurrjens, James and one of Tommy Hanson, Jo-Jo Reyes, or Jeff Bennett (maybe Charlie Morton, Jonathan Rouwenhorst or Francisley Bueno). I wouldn’t be too surprised to see either Glavine or Hampton back.

I think folks are too quick to put Smoltz out to pasture. He’s got a knot in his shoulder (no big deal), a 0.56 ERA and 21 K’s in 16 innings. He’s nowhere near done.

By monty

April 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I think given time and a little more confidence Bennnet will make a fine starting pitcher. I say that because he has some serious downward movement on his fastball and throws hard enough. He’s another groundball pitcher. Whenever I watched Reyes and Davies I didn’r see much movement on their fastballs. You can do with less movement if you have a great change and can really spot the fastball,ala a Glavine. But Reyes is a pitcher that depends on getting the corners and getting hitters to chase after balls. He doesn’t appear to me to be a guy who can challenge a hitter. Jurrijens they say pitches to contact, that is he wants the hitter to hit it because he’s not afraid of what will happen to it.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Hudson, Smoltz, Jurrjens, James next year. Add one more starter through free agency and hope that Jo Jo or Charlie Morton can be a spot starter/long man.

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

This team is starting to look like the team I expected during ST. Once Tex gets hot and we get Glavine and Soriano back, life will be good.

I didn’t get to see Chuck pitch, but if he was as good as the line score, he’s got to stay in the rotation.

Someone else said it here first, but we swept with our 7, 6 and 4 starters. That’s pretty impressive.

From early results, Campillo is gonna be tough to send down. Still, having too many guys is a luxury, remembering last year when Oscar and a couple other warm bodies were clogging up the bullpen.

By McGraw

April 21, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Why don’t they just make Smoltz the designated Saturday starter?

Let him start once a week 26 times a year and give the Braves 6.5 IP per start. That would be 170 innings.

Then make him available to pitch the 9th on a Tuesday or Wednesay, which would be a typical throw day. That would be another 26 innings.

You get him to about 200 IP without forcing him to strain himself by trying to bounce back every 4 days.

Smoltz can pitch the innings. They just got to pace and stretch the innings out right.

He might not be as healthy as he once was but he can be as good once a week as he ever was.

By Shaun

April 21, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Robert (Chipper Is The Best), Braves shouldn’t mess with Thomas. He’s one of may favorite players of all time but no need for the Braves to use up a roster spot on a guy who can only pinch-hit. Plus I think Thomas is going to go somewhere he can play everyday as a DH (Seattle?).

By matt

April 21, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

I agree with Robert, provided that Frank would be willing to play such a limited role, especially considering the roles he’s played in the past. I have to think he’s not willing to play that role, because he said he wasn’t going to be happy as a member of the Blue Jays bench. Although maybe his displeasure stems not only from the fact that he was going to be a member of the bench, but that Rob Barajas was taking his spot. Maybe backing up Mark Teixiera, being the starting DH in interleague and otherwise the primary pinch hitter would be comparatively more appealing…especially if none of the other AL teams will offer thier DH spot to Big Frank.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 21, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Maybe the Dodgers offense is that weak…

I don’t think their offense is as weak as they looked this weekend. Coming into the series, they had scored 70 runs, which was 2nd in the NL West (though only 9th in the NL). They had also scored 19 runs in their previous two games against Pittsburgh.

Or it could be that their offense really does stink. I mean, they had Andruw batting cleanup yesterday — and if he’s a serious cleanup option for them, they’ll be in trouble.

I do think that the Braves’ pitching was more than just good enough to beat the Dodgers — they got in an out of jams and buckled down when they needed to. I thought for sure that Bennett would allow several runs in that first inning on Friday night, but he did his job and got out of it.

The bullpen excelled this weekend, and how about Jurrjens going 7 to give the guys a break? I listened to the pre-game show with Bobby Cox, and he said that they were really hoping that JJ could go 7 innings to take some ease off the bullpen. Great job, kid!

By Shaun

April 21, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

The Braves have not had a definitive #1 or #2 pitcher come through the minors in a long time.

We hear this a good bit but how many teams have had a “definitive number one or two pitcher” come through their systems? I would guess not too many.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Geez… just looking at the Rome Braves stats. Jason Heyward is doing pretty much as expected… .323/.378/.446 … but wow - 7 stolen bases and 0 caught stealing in 17 games. I didn’t know that was part of his repertoire.

By Robert

April 21, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

DOB literally has a cushy job. The guy gets every 3 days off. You can’t run a top flight blog and be considered the best when you work less than a banker. Get back to work DOB!

By SeligSucks

April 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

No #1’s and #2’s since Glavine?

I give you Jason Schmidt and Kevin Millwood.

By DCbrave

April 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Carolina Gent If push comes to shove, I think Braves Brass would manage to find the resources (money plus prospects) to sign an ace instead of Tex, especially if/when Smoltz is still not completely healthy toward the end of this season.

BamaBravesFan Thanks. To me, signing Tex (Furcal should not even be an option) is a luxury, but signing an ace or true #2 is to survive.

TJ You have to be concerned with the fact that Smoltz was too healthy (relatively speaking) in the past two or three years (not that we complain about it), but given his history of so many insuries with shoulders and elbows, and that after two consecutive surgeries, he’s been surprisingly really healthy for 5 or 6 years serving as our closer and ace, one cannot help wondering how long he could keep being healthy. That is why his recent health problem is more concerning to me. As a GM for the team, Wren must think this way, or he may be kidding himself. This is not chicken little.

By james

April 21, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

DOES anyone know the timetables for the returns of Rohrbough and Eric Cordier?

By jbutler

April 21, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Happy Monday Carol! Glad to have you back in the loop this week…

What’s up w/giving grief to DOB for his hours? Truly- sounds like a little bit of job envy going on!! Enjoy having CR and the win streak…remember she’s built in good luck.

By DAP

April 21, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

i dont think the bug hurt plays defense anymore. even at first. NL teams arent even on the map for him.

By THE BEAR

April 21, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Take a look at Barbaro Rafael Canizares, 28 year old Cuban “rookie” who is hitting .407 with a .1105 OPS. He has only played 69 games in the USA but the Braves have moved him from the Rookie league to AAA in that time. He is obviously recognized as the real deal with a bat.

I will not be surprised to see Canazares with the Braves before this year is over. The guy can really rake. He has 19 doubles, 7 HR’s and 48 RBI’s in 69 games.

As for Jurrjens that kid is headed for stardom and I see him as a soon to be recognized No. 2+ starter. He is the real deal.

By Eric from MO

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

DCBraves I agree with you about not signing Tex or Furcal and get a pitcher, actually I posted that yesterday. However, if you spend 15-20 million on a pitcher he better be a #1 not a #2 pitcher. Also what pitchers are going to be free-agents after this season? I know Sabathia will be but who else. Also I think by the end of the season Satathia will be fine.

Robert(Chipper Is The Best)- I originally thought of that too. Then it occured to me, Thomas was unhappy with Toronto because he was not getting enough at bats. I dont think he would be happy with getting one at bat per game. Also he known as a bad teammate, known to whine if things dont go his way. I dont think the Braves would add him because of this.

By THE BEAR

April 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Take a look at Barbaro Rafael Canizares, 28 year old Cuban “rookie” who is hitting .407 with a .1105 OPS. He has only played 69 games in the USA but the Braves have moved him from the Rookie league to AAA in that time. He is obviously recognized as the real deal with a bat.

I will not be surprised to see Canazares with the Braves before this year is over. The guy can really rake. He has 19 doubles, 7 HR’s and 48 RBI’s in 69 games.

As for Jurrjens that kid is headed for stardom and I see him as a soon to be recognized No. 2+ starter. He is the real deal.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 21, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

McGraw, your 2:42pm post is a crazy idea…but I like the creativity. It raises a few problems, though. The big thing is that you’d be messing up the other starting pitchers’ schedules. Let’s say that Tim Hudson pitches on a Tuesday — his next regularly-scheduled would be Saturday. You’d have to make a decision on whether to pitch him on short rest or give him another day just because of the Smoltz on Saturday thing.

You get him to about 200 IP without forcing him to strain himself by trying to bounce back every 4 days.

I doubt that this plan would avoid forcing him to strain himself. In fact, it seems like it’d be more of a strain. Let’s say he pitches on Saturday and has to come back on Tuesday or Wednesday, and this is the plan every week. Well, instead of relaxing on Sunday-Wednesday, enjoying golf, and studying Thursday’s opposing lineup and formulating his game plan, he’s now got to focus on finishing a game in the middle of that time period. Not that the ultra-competitive Smoltz couldn’t handle that kind of assignment mentally, but that’s a huge extra thing to have on the mind.

It seems that pulling double-duty would do more harm than good and confusing for his elbow. Lastly, you’ve got to ask yourself, to what end would they follow that plan? So that he can get closer to 200 IP? Awfully risky plan just for a stat. Remember when he was a closer and said that he wanted to return to starting because it would be less of a strain, and more of a regular schedule, on his surgically-repaired elbow?

By BravesFanInRockies

April 21, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Efrim (2:36):

Sounds about right to me.

When Soriano comes off the DL, Resop looks like the easiest guy to drop.

When Glav comes back, the decisions get a little harder. Ring, I guess? Or Buddy back to Richmond?

This is a good problem to have. Acosta, Boyer, Campillo, Ohman and Bennett have done the job. How many other teams can say that about their staff, top to bottom?

By ernesto

April 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Agree with everyone who says the Big Hurt might be interesting to add, but if he wasn’t happy on the Blue Jays bench, he probably won’t be happy on ours. Read somehting about Mariners having interest as a DH.

Never met a banker who was still blogging with folks nights, weekends, and the occasional 2:30 in the a.m.

By David

April 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Banker’s hours for DOB?! HAH! That guy works crazy hours, including weekends! Notice some days he’ll post 2 or 3 articles on ajc.com and still find time not only to blog, but respond to our posts! He’s great, but we’re luck to have Carroll, as she does a more than adequate job of holding down the fort.

By bravesfaninmetsland

April 21, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s not be upset about not facing the Phillies until mid May. I’ll wait as long as I can to get the rotation back to as much stability as possible before facing them thank you.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

DCBrave, sure, Smoltz’ health is a concern. I just see so many people writing as if he weren’t even in our plans for ‘09, and I don’t think that’s the case.

Anyway, I’m all for finding a solid starter - next year or any year. But the free agent market is not the best place to do it. CC Sabathia? with his 240 IP last year, 260 LBs, and absolute horrible start this year? No thanks… not with my $100 mil.

I don’t blame the Mets for their Santana deal… he’s awfully good and maybe he’ll be good for 6 years. But $24 mil in 2012, and $25.5 in ‘13? When he’s into his mid-30’s? Mets better win this decade.

I really believe that a package of (just spitballing here), Lillibridge, one of our 5 or so LH starting pitchers in the minors, and maybe a Brandon Jones-type of prospect, would net us a guy like Harang, or Gorzelanny, or Blanton. And that is what we need, not a $100 million risk. (I haven’t researched these guys’ contracts, btw, so they may not be the best examples … but you get the idea).

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 21, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Thomas definitely has a rep as a whiner and he did want out of Toronto because of his role. Just wondered if he would consider taking a bench role on a true contender (the Jays will never contend with the Red Sox and Yanks in that division) would it be worth the risk?

By DCbrave

April 21, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO If the Braves are going to get a ace or true #2, they are going to have to do it via trade first because they have to spend that money to re-sign Hudson, who is not going to be as cheap as last time - the Braves really got a great bargain last time - and they need to lock up Frenchy for the future, etc. Secondly, overspending for long term (over 3 years) for a pitcher, ace or not, is not the way the Braves Brass do business, at least not for JS, and I would think the same for FW.

By knowitall

April 21, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

RCITB & Matt, Steve Phillips named about 5 AL teams that might be interested in Frank Thomas as a DH. I have to believe that he would call every AL team before he would even consider playing in the NL.

The who issue with the Blue Jays is that he feels that he should be getting more at bats. Atlanta makes no sense at all for him. Tex plays every single day. I would think that if he’s going to go to a NL team, it would be a situation where he would at least platoon.

By Bedrock

April 21, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I just want to give a shout out to Adam Wainwright. There a lot of posts today about no true #1 or #2 pitchers developed by the Braves in recent years and I think this guy is being overlooked. At 26 he is quickly establishing himself as the Cardinals ace. Although with their staff that’s not a hard thing to do.

By ernesto

April 21, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Some people think Canizares might be closer to 31 than 28, but if he’s raking like that in R-town, who cares?

By DCbrave

April 21, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

TJ* yes, we are on the same page: trade is the way to go to acquire another co-ace (if we resign Hudson) or a true #2. As to the packages, it varies all the time depending on the progesses of the prospects in the minors and the performances of the young guys on the current roster, and of course on who may be available on the trade market. I would not even bother to speculate at this point because they are not gonna do the trade in the too near future.

By flange1

April 21, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

To continue the conversation from the last blog, many are saying don’t sign Tex or Furcal but sign a pitcher.

That would be a great idea if there was a pitcher out there worth signing.

Not so sure of that!

I think we need to think about signing a good player that will help the team and trading for pitcher.

Hard to say now as to whom that might be, but the Furcal idea is interesting because it would free up Lillibridge/Prado/K Johnson for a trade (could be 1, 2 or all 3).

You have to give up something to get something.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Shaun

It would sure be nice to have a Cole Hamels, Fausto Carmona, or Felix Hernandez though.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 21, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

McGraw, I’ve wondered the same thing myself — using Smoltz as a once-a-week pitcher.

A couple reasons I think it might not work (besides the fact that you may have to carry one more pitcher just to handle the long man/spot starters’ role):

1) I’m not sure if Smoltz really can go deeper into games if he pitches less frequently. I’m sure you’re thinking that if he pitches every seven days he could go seven or eight innings each time. On the other hand, he may just be a 100-pitch-per-outing guy at this point in his career, no matter how often you start him. You hope he reaches that limit in seven innings and not five.

2) Working the rest of the rotation around Smoltz would be a challenge (as Daybed suggested). I think it’s doable, but it would require a level of creativity that is just not Bobby’s forte. (LaRussa, as much of an a-hole as he can be, could make this happen if he wanted to.)

Bobby likes to wind the guys up and put them out there. Rearranging the calendar to accommodate a starter who needs an odd schedule just seems to be something he would resist.

I like the thinking, though.

By matt

April 21, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Knowitall, I thought I said that the Braves would have to wait until the AL teams passed - if they do. If I didn’t make that clear then I am making it clear now. However, if the AL teams pass, which a lot of them probably will and maybe all of them will, then I think it does make sense for Big Frank - sit out or be the primary pinch hitter for a good team? I know what I would choose.

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

DCbrave you are the one who said 15-22 million for a number 2 pitcher. I was just going with the money you said. If you did not mean that much then you should of stated so. Also for not overspending on a pitcher what do you call Hampton’s contract. I know that we did not sign him as a FA, but when we traded for him we were well aware of his contract, at the time the biggest by a pitcher.

By Philliesuk

April 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

While in the Tigers minor league system, Jurrjens was projected to be a #3 starter at the major league level. It’s still too early to tell, but he could be as high as a #2 starter within a few years.

If the Braves can acquire one other bonafide #1-3 starter, then we would be building a great rotation. Hopefully at least one of the guys on the farm (Hanson, Rohrbough, etc) can round out the rotation when they come up in a couple of years.

Add to this that Smoltz isn’t done yet. Barring injuries (shoulder etc), he doesn’t look like he has slowed much. He already out-dueled Santana, and he did it with an ailing shoulder.

By Bedrock

April 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Once Glavine and Hampton are healthy, I’d like to see BC skip Smoltz and Jurrjens once through the rotation. It would not hurt to give these two an extended rest a couple of times throughout the course of the season. Bennett and James can both pitch at this level and, if the opportunity is right (Not against the Mets or Phillies), BC could give them a spot start in an effort to have Smoltz and Jurrjens strong in September. The way I see it, when Hampton returns the Braves are going to need a “sixth” starter ready at all times any way, so why want use him.

By ncscoots

April 21, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

7 stolen bases and 0 caught stealing in 17 games. I didn’t know that was part of [Heyward’s]repertoire.

It won’t be for long. He’s already a ripped beast, wait until his body matures. No running in that kid’s future, just trots.

I do get a chuckle from the posts now demanding that a young, stud pitcher be the priority in the next offseason. TennPaul was a voice in the wilderness on this very issue for months. That is, when it might have been an actual possibility, pre-Haren, pre-Bedard, pre-freakin’-everybody.

But most here said Glavine was enough for this year, and that the Braves could always seek FA pitching prior to 2010. A glance at the list of those FA pitchers doesn’t exactly titillate, though, does it?

So, though I understand the Braves’ reluctance this past offseason to shed a basket of prospects for young, stud pitching, I fail to see how bloggers can think that this coming offseason would be any different. And the pool is somewhat more shallow for that type of fishing, to boot.

By knowitall

April 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Matt, ok. I think we’re in agreement. It will be interesting to see how it plays out because I get the feeling that Frank is stubborn enough to sit out if he can’t play everyday. I was always a fan of his but he’s not exactly a “team first” kind of guy.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 21, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

THE BEAR: Take a look at Barbaro Rafael Canizares, 28 year old Cuban “rookie” who is hitting .407 with a .1105 OPS.

An OPS of .1105 is TERRIBLE, and if he’s got a batting average of .407, then it’s IMPOSSIBLE!

Now a 1.105 OPS, that’s great! :)

By DCbrave

April 21, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO First I said I would not go for Furcal or Tex for that much money “but rather spend all the resources on finding a true # 2 or co-ace type of pitcher for the post Smoltz/Glavine era.” All the resources does not mean I would spend 22 mil or even 15 mil on a pitcher. What I did not say but would do is to spend most money (not much anyway if Liberty does not increase the budget) on definitely resigning Hudson and locking up some young guys like Frenchy.

As to Hampton’s contract, it was huge and long term for the Rockies, but given what the Marlins had to pay, the overall package for the Braves should not be deemed a long term and too much money given Hampton’s potential impact on the rotation, which was shown by his performance in the first part of 2005.

By Thrillhouse44

April 21, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I just got the following email subject in my inbox: “Baseball, fireworks and bar-b-que - May 16”. Man, the girl sure knows how to make me happy.

knowitall, I think Frank coming before the team helped seal his exit. Doesn’t sound like a Bobby or Braves type of guy.

By fastasballs

April 21, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Looks like Chipper is in the line up tonight after all.

By matt

April 21, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Knowitall, I think we’re pretty much on the same page too. But let me say this: I know he has a reputation as being a little selfish…If that means he’s a clubhouse cancer, then I would contest that. He’s selfish in the sense that he expects to play - especially when the competition is Rod Barajas and Martin Scutoro. Can you blame the guy? He lead the team in HR and RBI last year, he’s a future HOFer and he’s going to sit on the bench in favor of Rod Barajas??? Because he had a bad week??? That seems a bit ridiculous. If the Red Sox pulled David Ortiz after his slow start I bet he would have been disturbed too. If Frank learns that there are no DH spots open for him, then he might need an NL team if he’s to continue playing. I don’t think he’s ready to retire and the Braves could offer him the best situation, provided no AL team can offer him the DH slot. I hope it happens.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 21, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Carroll

Have you noticed that on the days you post the blog the tenor and tone seems to be more pleasant and agreeable among the bloggers??

Maybe you should stir up the waters a little to see what happens…..

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

DCbrave you said nothing about locking up Frenchy in your 2:02 post. You said him and McCann would decent cleanups after Chipper, but you said nothing about locking them up with that money. You said Hudson is an ace assuming we can sign him but you said nothing about using that money on him.

What you did say was,” to sign Furcal for 15 mil or Tex for 22 mil. But I would argue neither, but rather spend all the resources on finding a true # 2 or co-ace type of pitcher for the post Smoltz/Glavine era.” From that most people would gather you are wanting to spend 15-22 mil on a number 2 pitcher. Which is stupid considering Santana is the only pitcher making over 20 and you want to give that to a #2. If that is not what you meant than excuse me, you should be more clearer and put what you mean.

By woogidy

April 21, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we just stick Smoltz back in the ‘pen when Hampton comes back. Can you say Lights Out? I mean if we’re going to need a long man ready every time he pitches, why not just pencil him in for an inning at a time 3-4 times a week. I wouldn’t be so sure that isn’t the plan when Hampton is healthy. Think about it.

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Also DCBrave you said all of the resources on a #2 pitcher. That means all the money we have. Not all the money we have over after this, this and this. That would be like saying after we sign Tex, Furcal, we should use all of the resources to get a number 2 pitcher. You sound like you are backtracking. Put what you mean the first time.

By matt

April 21, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, Braves have taken on supposed clubhouse cancers before - at least two come to mind, Sheff and Drew - and both of those worked out pretty well. Look, the Braves can’t promise Frank more than he’s going to get with them, but if he came in knowing his role, I think both sides would benefit. However, and this is important, Frank has to need the Braves for him to be receptive to such a comparatively limited role. Frank won’t need the Braves until it’s established that the AL teams don’t want him - if that happens, Frank might be willing to accept such a role. The difference between my hypo and the situation with the Blue Jays is that he wasn’t willing to accept sitting on the bench so that Rod Barajas could take his spot in the order.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Scoots

Well put. I was one of those who wanted Glavine on a one year deal and in retrospect, I still like the move. They already traded 5 prospects for Mark Texiera and although they have a deep farm, it wouldn’t be wise to empty another 5 for a starter. The Braves would be dumb to go after ANY of the free agent pitchers this offseason.

Oliver Perez? 15 million per year? NO WAY. Overrated talent.

Ben Sheets? 17 million per year? He is never healthy.

AJ Burnett? 15 million per year? See Sheets.

C.C. Sabathia? 18 million per year? Not in our price range.

Derek Lowe? 13 million per year? I like the money, but he is too old and the idea is to get younger in the starting rotation.

So now the Braves are going to have to deal more prospects for a “front of the rotation” type arm.

Of course, a ton of things could happen between now and then, but it doesn look like the free agent options…well….suck for a mid market team such as the Braves.

By DCbrave

April 21, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO I apologize that I did not make my self completely clear in my first post. But you know my point now. There is no point to argue about what I said or did not say. I never said you were wrong anyway.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Frank Thomas is a DH. Has been a DH for about a decade. National League does not have a DH. Frank Thomas will not play in the National League.

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

well dont. he’s pitched 25 innings, guys. its a little soon to assume bobby is going to run him our there for 230 this season.

At his current rate Jair is on pace to throw 205.1 innings. That’s over 60 innings more than he pitched in a single season in his career. A 43% increase in work load for a guy who’s already had arm issues. Spend his innings now and you won’t have him by the end of this season or at all next season.

What’s hurting Jair and the team the most is our innings eater, Tom Glavine, averaging 3.2 innings per start.

By eric the elder

April 21, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Carroll, one point that you kind of eased on by (that’s southern talk).

Successful as the past week has been, we saw a lot of starters coming out after 5 innings. If that doesn’t change, the rest of the pen will be joining Moylan, Soriano, and Gonzo by June.

By Lew

April 21, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Efrim-Even if their was some soreness, I still find no mention of any DL time. Last year, he was a late season call up with the Tigers. As a rookie who they certainly weren’t counting on for their stretch run, they shut him down for a while. I would have too, under the circumstances.

Apparently whatever it was-and Ten Paul mentioned several years of this in the minors-was not serious enough to keep him from being penciled in by the Tigers this year as their 5th starter before the trade, or the Braves from picking him up. I think if there were any serious history of shoulder problems over three seasons, he wouldn’t have been able to pitch the same number of innings for 3 successive years without something tearing by now, requiring surgery-or at least a positive MRI. Of course I can’t predict he will never have an arm injury-these days no one can-but it doesn’t seem to be viewed as a problem by those who control his baseball destiny.

Moby Grape-Dude, what has crawled up your behind the past day or so? Have I inadvertently p!$$ed on your shoe or something? Or do you just have a problem with Jurrjens? I apologize for not finding injury mentions that you seem to think were so easy. I guess it just proves your search engine must be bigger than mine. Does this please you and make you feel all powerful? Does it make you all warm and fuzzy inside? Good for you. I’m impressed. You can put your ruler away now.

By DAP

April 21, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

the best thing would be for us to clinch in late augusta and all the our pitchers a chance to rest up for the post season! ok. lets get to work on that. :-)

the best pitchers out there would be attained through trade…but who is going to trade young stud pitching? it would have to be a team with ALOT of other needs, and enough pitching to part with a young arm. thats when the giants come to mind, the pirates, maybe the rays… i would love to get harang, but i dont see him going anywhwere for a long time.

By flange1

April 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I agree with you across the board on the pitchers that you mentioned as FA. I don’t see any of those guys being signed by the Braves.

I think a trade will be made for a pitcher.

You think they will hold on to Schafer or punt especially with G. Hernandez waiting in the wings?

By matt

April 21, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

TJ, did you notice no one is saying the Braves should make him their full time DH? We know there’s not a DH in the NL. But, if there’s no AL team that is willing to make him their DH (which we won’t know for a week or two) then Frank might be willing to be the Braves’ power bat off the bench. Being the primary pinch hitter would essentially be a “designated hitter” just with fewer ABs - one per game. This isn’t a certainty, it’s simply a hypothetical (that the AL teams don’t have room for a DH).

By Thrillhouse44

April 21, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Good point about Sheff and Drew, matt. I would counter that Sheff and Drew were a lot more productive at that point of their careers than Thomas is now. They were also expected to play a larger role for the Braves than a pinch hitter who gets to play the field once or twice a month. Point being: the Braves were probably more likely to put up with the negativity when Sheff and Drew were more important and more productive. Why would they put up with a cancer, as you put it, when he wouldn’t contribute that often?

By TJ

April 21, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Efrim, Scoots, you’re making the same mistake over and over. The “pitching market” does not consist of only free agents.

Bedard, Santana, Haren… none of them were free agents entering this year. 16 months ago, nobody saw them on the radar as potential trade candidates.

We don’t even know yet which pitchers will emerge as good and available by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the Braves are pretty well set in terms of starters this year, with about 7 or 8 guys who can get the job done. We’ve got a lot of prospects, and we’re not desperate for help… which makes for the potential of a great trade next offseason, or whenever it’s needed.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Lew

I don’t think the Braves view it as a problem, but it should be monitored. He has a lot of talent and it would be a shame if we worked him too much this year and that work led to a serious shoulder injury. He is just 22 years old, so it’s probably better to be cautious. Consider Tommy Hanson, same age as Jair, is currently on a pitch count in Myrtle Beach. Now I know he doesn’t have nearly as many innings, but like Jair they are both very young.

By matt

April 21, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse - I understand your distinction there, it’s valid. That’s why my hypo involves Frank coming to the Braves or to all N.L. teams, with the understanding of what his role would be. He’d do this because he has no other options (assuming the AL teams say they don’t have a spot for a DH). If you think the Braves are going to promise him the starting 1B job in order to sign him your crazy (and I realize you don’t think that). The understanding would have to be there before any contracts were signed - i.e. understanding that his role was pinch hitter. And that will only be appealing to Big Frank if it’s his only option. I’m not saying this is likely, I’m saying it’s a possible situation, and if it presents itself, then the Braves should consider it.

By Mike in LA

April 21, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Carroll,based on the information you and Dave accumulated regarding the Jordan Schaeffer situation how much of the jump in his statistics from 06 to 07 do you think the Braves attribute to HGH? Do you think he might be on the trading block at some point this year or before the 09 season? Does Gorkys Hernandez’s stock raise as a result of this and might he now be seen as the CF of the future?

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Lew: I did a simple google search and found all of those reports, about 186 hits. I don’t know that they are really serious. But I’d imagine with the study already done on pitcher work load from one year to the next it would be in the Braves best interest to keep Jair’s own work load minimized this season. He could pitch fine all 205 innings this season and see nary a problem in the future. But why risk it you know? He is what he is and we might as well try to ease him into a 200 IP season instead of just dumping one on him his first year here.

I’d speculate that the Tigers were aiming to do something similar by making him a fifth starter. I’d speculate the Braves were hoping to do as much with him by putting him at the back of the rotation. It’s a bummer our innings eaters are unable to eat innings but I don’t think it’s in the best interest for the future of this club to suddenly change course and put a larger work load on Jair.

Hopefully James will be fully stretched out soon and be able to go deeper into games. He was pulled from his last start after only 68 pitches. Hopefully his next start he’ll make it to 100 pitches at the same rates and last into the 7th. He’s done this before. Prior to his injury he was averaging 6 innings a start.
And hopefully Hampton will come back healthy and be able to contribute some as well. With Bennett, James, JoJo, Hampton, Campillo, Smoltz and Hudson on the staff we should be able to manage Jair’s starts to keep him on a healthy pace for total IP this season. Add Glavine in and it only becomes more manageable.

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t think pitching is going to be an issue next year. The year after, yeah. If things go south this year, we’ll have to trade Tex at the deadline, assuming we can get prospects better than the draft choices we would get when he goes FA.

I think we can assume Thorman is not the answer, given his playing time so far. So finding a 1B with a bat is going to be key.

Moving Kelly there is just an idea being punted around. I am sure the front office is already looking around for a potential trade.

By DAP

April 21, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

10paul Spend his innings now and you won’t have him by the end of this season or at all next season.

possibly, but just because he is on pace for over 200 IP, doesnt mean the pace will continue.

or, we could NOT use him right now, and over tax the bullpen because only one of our guys is in shape right now to go 7 or more, and end up blowing tons of games by the allstart break.

i say use im now, and take our chances that we will be able to give him relief later in the season. if we dont win games in april, it might not matter what happens in september.

hes pitched 25 innings. that means he can go another 150 or so before we need to worry. thats 21 more starts at 7 innings each, which i think will take us to about mid-july. jurjens is fine for his IP, dont worry about it.

By ncscoots

April 21, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Efrim, on a personal note from a few-days-ago blog…I’m never been offended by any of your posts, bro. OK, maybe when you wanted to get Buerhle last year, LOL. Other than that, no sweat, my man.

now, baseball…most here know that I wasn’t as excited by the Glavine signing as some. Doesn’t mean I thought it was a bad move, just that I thought it shouldn’t have been THE move. Frankly, he’s pitched better (so far) than I expected. And the signing does give a bevy of good minor league prospects an extra year of maturing. I hope.

But I’d say the Braves have made their strategic decision on pitching for the future, and it is banking on the kids such as Morton, Hanson, et al, to produce at least one beast. And maybe an extra mid-rotation arm, to boot. It would appear that scenario is more appealing than dealing those same kids for a front-line starter, and then paying front-line money.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

TJ

Personally, I don’t want to keep trading prospects. We dealt 5 for a year and a half of Tex. Do we really need to deal more? Now, I’m not going to act like I know who is going to get traded, much too difficult to forecast, but I’ll take a stab at a few guys that I think willl be on the block:

Scott Kazmir, Joe Blanton, Gil Meche, Bronson Arroyo, Jeff Suppan, Javier Vasquez, Jeremy Bonderman, Kevin Millwood and Miguel Batista.

Just a rough guess based on what team they are on, the teams direction and payroll flexibility, and the pitcher/teams performance in the past year or so.

By Lew

April 21, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Efrim-No argument from me, Dude. I agree he should be watched-especially as he approaches 140 innings. IF there’s a problem, that’s about where it would logically occur since that’s what he’s pitched three years running. I wasn’t real thrilled with him throwing over 100 pitches yesterday, but he sure did look good.

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

DAP: Well I simply disagree. We have the ability to maneuver the arms in the pen up and down the system to prevent “over taxing”. We haven’t even tapped into a few of the long arms we could bring up for help, spot starts, long relief or whatever.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Hanson is a man among boys at the high A level. I really hope he’ll move up to AA soon, and be a longshot with a bullet to make the staff in ‘09. (I really know nothing about developing young pitchers, of course. I just see how dominating this guy has been so far. Zero earned runs, 11 baserunners, and 32 K’s, in 22 IP suggests to me that he’s ready to climb another rung or two on the ladder.)

By Lew

April 21, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-I refer you to my last post to Efrim.

I think he should be pitched about like a fifth starter, too. 25 starts at about 6 IP per start should work well for him. That would stretch him a bit from 140IP to around 150. That should help him avoid any major problems. I agree about James, too. I think he’ll be fine before much longer.

So next year you have Hudson, James, JJ and Hanson (not necessarily in that order). Who do you go out and get for another veteran presence at the top with Hudson?

By richbrave

April 21, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Rain, rain and more rain. Three games awash with make-ups. Later.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 21, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but…

• The Braves have the 2nd-best NL run differential with 31 (96 runs scored, 65 runs allowed). Arizona has the best in the NL, and they’re 3rd overall (the White Sox have the best in the AL and 2nd-best overall).

• The Braves have the longest NL winning streak with 4 games (Boston has won 5 straight).

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Who do you go out and get for another veteran presence at the top with Hudson?

Personally… I’d hope Smoltz. But I understand he’s earned the right to walk away when ever he so chooses.

By nolie

April 21, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Some people think Canizares might be closer to 31 than 28, but if he’s raking like that in R-town, who cares?Ernesto

And A lot of people think he is closer to 35 than he is to 31.probably too limited position wise to make the big team . he is a poor defender at first so probably not a long term option to replace Tex

By ernesto

April 21, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Woogidy: Why don’t we just stick Smoltz back in the ‘pen when Hampton comes back. Can you say Lights Out?

Because it doesn’t work like that for one.

Because Smoltz wouldn’t do it.

Because, ah forget it, I don’t want to jam up the blog with literally a bazillion reasons.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Personally, I don’t want to keep trading prospects.

I hear ya’, Efrim. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out where Brent Lillibridge is ever gonna play for us (aside from “super utility”, and that’s not really a position.)

I don’t have that much faith that Brandon Jones will ever be a star for us, but he might have some trade value.

Evarts, Locke, Rorhbrough, Heath, Hanson, Gonzalo Lopez, Dan Smith, Kris Medlen, Cody Johnson, Freddy Freeman (and I’ll leave Heyward out of the discussion) … Braves need to do their usual brilliant job of deciding which are worth keeping, and start dealing the rest. A lot of options there, and sometimes you’ve gotta give up prospects to get proven talent.

By Dan

April 21, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

ANY word on Chipper.? Will he start tonight.? thanks in advance.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

mgl, my bad. sensitive subject for me, can you tell?

carolina gent, love the idea of furcal leading off. but it’s a waste of somebody’s arm for either of those guys to be at second. and if we were going to have two shortstops in the middle infield why not keep renteria? well, cause you get jurrjens. but i don’t know. intriguing concept, i spose.

just short of answering what effect hgh has on batting averages (sorry, just gotta report today’s news - one thing at a time) …you probably saw chipper is in the lineup today. his quad was feeling better today and hitting like he’s hitting? can’t blame the guy for not wanting to sit. more on that in the notebook.

did ask smoltz bout 0-for-32 and he says hampton is giving all the starters grief. let’s hope it doesn’t take til he comes back to see the first one fall.

LINEUP: Prado at 2B, Escobar, Chipper, Tex, Francoeur, McCann, Diaz LF, Gregor Blanco CF, Huddy. Cox said they were regular off days for Kelly and for Kotsay and Kelly would have played if Chipper had been out. Kelly says the knee is holding up fine by the way.

By richbrave

April 21, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

BEAR:

Canizares is slow a-foot and his glove is uneven. He’ll produce a star quality play in the field one inning then be a goat with an error the next. And his age is a real issue. I have read numerous internet reports that say he’s closer to 34 than 28. I’ve watched him here in Richmond this year and last. His fielding is not improving, but his bat is major league. There is no doubt about that. A trade for a pitcher in the AL, and he would fit right in at DH.

By Lew

April 21, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-I would love for Smoltz to chug ever onward, but after seeing the pain he’s pitched in early in the season, I’m not sure I see him returning next year-or if he does, pitching more than 5 Innings per start. He’ll be 42 next year and the odds are getting long like those afternoon shadows.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Scoots

No problem man, just didn’t want to offend anyone…. and Buerhle would of been a disaster. I’m glad we didn’t get him. I know Hanson is putting High A batters to shame right now, but let’s wait until he pitches against Double A. I am convinced he is a “front of the rotation” starter. He has added velocity and improved the curveball and change. I’m not sure if he will be on the Braves opening day roster in 2009, but he won’t be far behind.

Even the dreaded Keith Law(who hates on Braves prospects..actually just Schafer), says the kid keeps getting better and has turned from a potential #3 to much much more.

By Patrick

April 21, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Interesting that Bobby is doing all he can to keep Blanco in the lineup…

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t think people should count Smoltz out for next year, but obviously, the guy can’t be counted on for 220 innings. Hudson, Smoltz, Jurrjens, James are probably locks for next year barring a trade. Hanson could very well be in the mix if he does well enough in Double A. I still think he won’t make the opening day roster next year, but who knows, the guy is a premier talent.

Braves have a ton of projectable arms and athletic outfielders in the minors. Most definetly there strength.

They’ll be ranked top 5 org. next year by Baseball America. Without a doubt.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Blanco starting against a lefty… wow.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 21, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

My two cents on Chipper playing tonight: I think he should sit for at least one game.

I understand that he is smoking hot and if it were me, I wouldn’t want out of the lineup either.

But, it’s the Nationals. We can beat these chumps with or without Chipper.

The Braves are loaded with pitching prospects, if Teixeira goes elsewhere, I would trade for Colorado’s Joe Koshansky and hand him the 1st base job in 2009.

By flange1

April 21, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

You have been high on Hanson for a couple of years now! I actually looked at the young guys based on a post you made a couple of years back and have been following Hanson and Rohrbach ever since.

I think you are right that he might be ready middle of the year next year.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 21, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

LINEUP: Prado at 2B, Escobar, Chipper, Tex, Francoeur, McCann, Diaz LF, Gregor Blanco CF, Huddy

That’s not a bad-looking lineup at all, even with two backups in there. I like moving Blanco over to CF and the return of Diaz. Hopefully it’ll pay off tonight.

By McFann

April 21, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Diaz in there again. Also glad Furcal didn’t hit that foul ball off Brian’s left knee any harder yesterday…

By Murphy

April 21, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Wow. Conner Jackson was named the NL player of the week. He had a great week, but better than Chipper? Really?

By Murphy

April 21, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Wow. Conor Jackson was named the NL player of the week. He had a great week, but better than Chipper? Really?

By P-Town Brave

April 21, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Maybe Prado will hit well tonight and Bobby will realize that the platoon’s at 2b and in LF are really the way to go.

Then maybe we can re-visit the concept of hit and run and stealing bases

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Hello, my name is Cyrus the Hungry Turkey Buzzard. I am at present circling about 60 yards above Ron Washington. He’s gasping his last. I think I’ll be digging in within a day or two.

Perhaps he should recall a certain Mr. Saltalamacchia, but please don’t tell him that. As I said, I’m hungry.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

I know its a bit early but…..NO its not its time to APPLAUD FRANK WREN’S first major move in his tenure. The Renteria trade! Jurrjens and a stud OF and get Yunel to play every day. That is JS type move. VVVVVVVery nice..now sigh TEX!!!!

By gopherbroke

April 21, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I would like to see Blanco in the leadoff spot when he is there, he has been getting on base, and actually has experience leading off in the minors.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Mark Texeira will help this team to the playoffs.I PROMISE. give me a call now and sign TEX

By TennesseePaul

April 21, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Player  G AB R  H 2B 3B HR RBI BB  AVG  OBP   SLG   OPS
Chipper 6 23 6 13  2  0  4   7  2 .565 .600 1.174 1.774
Jackson 5 21 8 10  2  2  2   7  2 .476 .522 1.048 1.570
Wright  4 16 2  8  4  1  0   4  5 .500 .619  .875 1.494

Yup. Chipper was robbed again. At least it wasn’t Wright…

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

I love the lineup tonight!!! yes

By Saltywoody

April 21, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone else notice Willy Aybar hitting .300 for the Rays in 25 ABs? Anyone wish we still had him instead of Prado and Blanco?

Yeah, me neither….

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

wow TENNpaul those stats really tell who should have gotten this..lol

By Murphy

April 21, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the stats TenneseePaul. Wow, How can Jackson have gotten that award when Chipper was flat killing it! A lot of Jackson’s numbers came from one game (I think…he wasnt on my fantasy team yet:) )

By Roman Gal

April 21, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

I must say that I’m pretty shocked that Chipper wasn’t the player of the week.

Conor Jackson apparently was better than him.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

MLB.com has article on c jacksons week and wayyy in the botoom they list other nominees for the award and they listed someone else before chipper. why so much hating on chipper??? Someone needs to explain

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Flange1

I think Hanson will be in Braves rotation by June of next season. I think Rohrbough will be in the rotation by the start of 2010. Both project to be front of the rotation starters. Hopefully they live up to the billing.

Consider the great talent in the Braves minor leagues:

Low A Rome:

LHP’s Jeff Locke, Steve Evarts, Chad Rodgers, and Eric Bartlett

OF’s Jason Heyward and Cody Johnson

1B Freddie Freeman

High A Myrtle Beach:

RHP’s Tommy Hanson and Deunte Heath

LHP Cole Rohrbough

OF Gorkys Hernandez

1B/C Tyler Flowers

SS Brandon Hicks

Double A Mississippi:

OF Jordan Schafer

RHP’s Todd Redmond, Kris Medlen

Triple A Richmond:

OF’s Josh Anderson and Brandon Jones

SS Brent Lillibridge

RHP Charlie Morton

And then don’t forget 3B Jon Gilmore and RHP Julio Teheran in Danville.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By TribeT

April 21, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

ITS OK CHIPPER WE LOVE YOU. YOUR THE PLAYER OF WEEK(month) HERE

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

DC Brave

Good post at 2:02. I tried bringing up this discussion 2 blogs ago, but had to leave & didn’t get to respond to Kev.

I mentioned the braves should try to get Harden from Oakland. He’s still young and is one of the best pitchers in baseball. True he’s injury prone, and trading him would give us 6 guys, but Smoltz really needs to rest that shoulder. The last 2 years, it didn’t nag him until atleast the all-star break. Harden’s injuries (triceps), seems to be more of a nagging injury and nothing serious, plus the A’s probably won’t ask much at this point, unless he dominates again in 3 weeks when he’s ready to pitch.

The braves haven’t excelled at developing their own aces, maybe a #4 or 5 guy from time to time. But what they do excel at is developing a strong farm in general, and then could trade for what they need. That farm is ripe with players now, and it looks like the braves will have to trade to remain competitive in ‘09 and ‘10. I agree, this next offseason is a time to refocus on pitching.

Canizares is the ideal DH….good trade bait for Harden.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

i absolutely love this lineup tonight. It’s what i wanted all year. Can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Sorry if my last post posted a million times. I keep getting an error page after pressing post, but then saw my post after about the 20th time. This is going to make u all hate me if it posts that many times.

Go Braves!

By Dutchie

April 21, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen Canizares play three times here in Holland with the Cuba team. Twice in the World Port Tournament, once in the Haarlem Baseball Week. The guy is an absolute legend. Move him over quick, at least as a DH or PH and see what he does. Won’t hurt and I’d bet on him comming through for the team big time.

Anyway, enjoy the game all, Go Braves!!!

By TJ

April 21, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Harden pitched 128 innings in ‘05, 47 in ‘06, 26 in ‘07, and made it all the way to 11 IP this year before going on the DL. Unless Oakland gives him away (which they obviously don’t plan to do), No thanks.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

shoot…sorry everyone.

one more thought then i’m off…smotz in the bullpen? that’s ridiculous. His arm needs the 4 days rest in between outings. It’ll fall off pitching back-to-back days or every other day.

By ncscoots

April 21, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I don’t really know who of the Braves’ minor league pitchers will actually make the leap, seeing that almost none of them have hit the first big hurdle at AA yet. I only mentioned Morton and Hanson because they are probably the most recognizable names of the group.

TJ thinks we are blind to the alternatives of FA pitching, I guess. Considering that we have posted at great length and high frequency about the trade possibilities of securing young stud pitching, I find that odd, LOL.

By McFann

April 21, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Some D-Back got Player of the Week!! That’s so wrong! They give it to two guys in the AL, so why only one in the NL?? Chipper continues to get robbed!! But the important thing is that we Braves fans know how much he means to this club! And what does “Player of the Week” prove, anyway? Well, OK, it would have been sweet to see him get it…

Ha…I’m surprised those people overlooked David Not wRight!

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Matt, I live in ST. Louis and J.D. was never viewed as a cancer. The rap on him was that he was hurt and wouldnt play hurt. No one ever said he was a cancer.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

all right, first two pitches from hudson to cristian guzman 90, 90, then 80 on a changeup….so looks like the velocity concern was fleeting….or they’ve rigged the radar gun…..i’m kidding.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

90…not the 92 we might have liked, but def. not 85. So far so good. Ground ball single, which means nothing.

By Saltywoody

April 21, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox Uhhhh, first of all you’ll never get Harden away from the A’s. Not happening.

Secondly, you REALLY want Harden on a staff that’s already shown itself as injury-prone? The dude’s made 15 starts over the course of the last three seasons. He’s NEVER thrown more than 200 innings. In fact, only one season did he make more than 30 starts. And this is the guy you want as your ace?

There’s no doubt that when he actually does pitch, Harden is absolutely filthy. But, I would never want that kind of liability on my team.

Between he and Hampton, you could keep a rehab facility busy around the clock.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Agree about chipper…he should not be playing today, even though i love this lineup. with that said, sometimes i think chipper exaggerates injuries. how many times in the past have you seen him limp after stepping on first but continue to play. No man’s legs are that volatile. I’m no man to diss chipper, i love the guy. Maybe he’s a little Kobe Bryantish in that regard - seem hurt to appeal more heroic or deem the “warrior” tag (sorry scoots). with all the time he’s spent on the DL, maybe not. It’s just an observation i’ve had over the years.

By radoncbravesfan

April 21, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Beautiful play by frenchy saves a run!!!

By McFann

April 21, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

BEAUTIFUL play at the plate!! Very nice!! Good throw, good tag!!

That got saved Timmy’s bacon!

By TJ

April 21, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

TJ thinks we are blind to the alternatives of FA pitching, I guess.

Scoots and Efrim, sorry if I misunderstood your positions! I enjoy your posts and didn’t mean to misrepresent. (Just trying to get my phony-baloney point of view out there - maybe over-eagerly).

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

I’m fine with Chipper playing today. Its his call, he knows his body a heck of a lot more than the bloggers on here.

He has shown in the past that he knows when to come out. The freak injuries that have occurred the last few years, with the exception of the oblique injury that was far more serious than sore quads, have not come because he has pushed the limits. They have come from things that he couldn’t have avoided.

If he thinks he is fine to play, great. He has been an absolute terror in the lineup, and I am psyched to have him.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

I do NOT think Kelly should be platooned. To harness his potential he needs to be playing everyday, improving on the few things he needs to.

But heck, Prado sure does make a case for himself doesn’t he?

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

saltywoody

Oakland is going to deal him. I read it on Yahoo! Sports when he went on the DL a couple weeks ago. His injury doesn’t sound serious, although could be related to last season’s injury.

It was a just an idea i had 2 blogs ago looking at this rotation beyond this year. Doesn’t have to be Harden, i’m not crazy about the guy given his injuries. But even if we traded Canizares for him & a b-level prospect, assuming Oakland bites, then it would be a steal. At his age, he’s not going to be hurt forever, IMO. I wouldn’t mind taking a risk on the guy & reuniting him with Hudson.

By TJ

April 21, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

That has to be about the worst call I’ve ever seen. Yunel was safe by 3 feet.

By Stephen

April 21, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

What the crap is with that umpire.

By yunel is the man

April 21, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Prado haters lets talk Havnt seen Johnson do that in a while.

By McFann

April 21, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

HOLY MOLY!!! ESCOBAR WAS SAFE BY TWELVE MILES!!!!! That was the worst call I have ever seen!!!

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

horrible call by first base umpire dan iassogna on escobar’s “sacrifice” in the first just now. he had the throw from Chico beat with seconds to spare. just a blown call all the way around. probably why nothing happened to escobar when he threw his helmet in disgust or bobby when he came out to argue….not that bobby got too into it. probably stunned!

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Why are people suprised Blanco is still getting starts? He is batting .350 and Cox said from the start of the seasons that Kotsay was going to play only 130 games. Blanco will start probably 50-60 games this season. Figuring Kotsay will start 130 and Diez will start 130-140.

By Philliesuk

April 21, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

that call on Yunel was one of the worst calls in the history of baseball. That is no exaggeration.

By woogidy

April 21, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Worst call. Ever. In the history of baseball. In the history of sports. Ever. Ever. Hol my goodnees.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t surprise me if Huddy was off again tonight. He did that a lot last year too. Absolutely untouchable for 6 or 7 starts, then oops, 2 or 3 start hiccup, then he rattles off about 10 of cy young stuff. Just seems the way he is.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Prado. Leadoff double, scores on sac-fly. Been telling you all this kid should play over KJ for weeks, even last year. I can see your remarks now: “dude it’s one game”. No, actually it’s 3 starts now. The kid has great plate discipline. KJ can get walks on 4-5 pithces like his last few games when pitchers are wild, but Prado doesn’t swing at bad pitches, or K as much as KJ. He’s got a good eye & recognizes off-spead pitches. Let the kid play Bobby! At least in a platoon situation. Sheesh!

By bfan54

April 21, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Cody: what’s with this “first” crap? Are you thinking history will remember you kindly if your one-word post is the first to appear on the blog? Stop it!

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Theres a message for those who think Prado is nowhere near the player KJ is…… 3 blast in 3 straight ABs.

Getting on base to leadoff the game!!!!

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine Tim will prove you wrong, he is on. Expect 7 to 8 from him tonight.

By Stephen

April 21, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

at a boy bmac

By Islander71

April 21, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

I am watching the game on MLB.com and the feed catches Joe and Boog talking for a few seconds after the end of each inning. Joe just said about that double play Prado and Escobar made to end the inning that if Kelly had been playing he would have bobbled it and the Braves would have only gotten one out.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

BTW Delgago is below the Mendoza line AGAIN, and Beltran is at .233.

OOOOOOppssssssss

By ncscoots

April 21, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

TJ, no biggie, man.

Who was it who was so pleased about his Prado/Blanco lineup? Congrats, glad you’re happy and I hope they both have big games.

Then, tomorrow, they can get back to the more appropriate work of carrying major leaguers’ bags and picking splinters.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Diaz. Single. Steal. Wow.

By MEB

April 21, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Loyalty… is exactly why Bobby has Matt Diaz in the lineup tonight. Glad to see Matt respond with a base hit and a stolen base. That’s how good players react to good managing.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

I remember some airheads asking what the heck was Blanco doing in this team after just 3 ABs.

I suppose he has already answered them.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

i’m thinking we’re seeing the matt chico everybody else sees and not the guy who usually pitches well against the braves…..

that’s five hits off him already with nobody out in the bottom of the second. …mccann homered off him on a belt high thank-you-very-much pitch. his first off the season off a lefty, if i’m not mistaken

By LuisGuillermo

April 21, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

By ncgary

April 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

what bevy of baby braves would it take for pads to part paths with peavey, b jones schaeffer canizarez corky miller poser resop ring carlyle peavey signed next 4 years less than 15 million each year

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Great play by Matt….. is he awakening like TEX??? hope so.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah sure, Prado has a weak bat, not as powerful as KJ.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

yunel is the man

Kelly did it yesterday. But I’ll say this, like I said before-guy is raking.

Overlord-I hope so. I am listening on the radio so I don’t know what he looks like.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

A tip of the cap to Carroll Rogers for blogging with us while the notorious one enjoys some well deserved time off. Some thoughts as the bottom of the second unfolds just south of Ralph David Abernathy.

• Beautiful throw by Frenchy in the first to nail Cristian Guzman at the plate to in the inning. Don’t know why the NL continues to test this guy’s cannon in right, but keep ‘em rounding third.

• So far, no issues with Hudson’s location or velocity tonight, and Planet Braves breaths a sigh of relief.

• Dan Iassogna’s blown call on Yunel in the 1st was of Denkinger proportions.

• At least for tonight, Chico does not appear to be the man.

• Really pleased with the way Martin Prado is swinging the lumber the last few days.

• Great job of baserunning there by Matt Diaz, stealing a run on the Hudson sac bunt.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

braves just saved 1.21million with TEX missing that HR. Braves have the 2nd best offense in NL. (arizona)

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Its now official on TEX, he just hacked a ball to CF, he is seeing the ball very well.

About Prado, maybe some of you are right, maybe his bat is not as powerful as KJs. I have noticed he is all over the ball when it gets to home plate. As is the catcher told him what pitch was coming, he has been all over the last 4 balls he has hit, but he has not been able to drive it over the fence. Looks like thats as far as he can hit it, but if he keeps hitting doubles, thats fine with me.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Agreed with you about Prado. Still think he’s way better than KJ. Didn’t agree with you about Blanco…but my eyes are opening. Would rather have him in center than Kotsay. Looks like he won’t hit worse, but can he do more with speed, epecially in front of the pitchers spot if he doesn’t leadoff. Even if he turns out to be as streaky as Kotsay is, it would be better. Let’s hope he’s not another Willie Harris. yeah right.

By bruce

April 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Carroll, great point… it is sweet to finally have Chico pitch to us like he has pitched to others…. hopefully the start of a new pattern.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

And one more… I couldn’t be more surprised with the NL’s selection of player of the week unless they decided to honor KC’s Hideo Nomo. Someone sleepwalked through that selection at the MLB offices for sure.

By McFann

April 21, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Great inning!! And the Braves have scored 100 runs this year! (Making them the first in the NL East to do so, BTW.)

Boy, that was a nice swing Brian put on the ball, wasn’t it? And to dead away center, too!!

Great base running by Diaz, too! Just a great inning!

Yes, Ms. Rogers. That was Brian’s first homer of the year off a lefty. 5 homers in April, are you kidding me? It took him till May 14 to get #3 last year!!

By Shamus Thacker

April 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I gotta feeling summa these umps are making side bets. How the Hell do you explain a call like that? With respect to Kim Carnes, this ump’s got Stevie Wonder Eyes…

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

chippers and Francouers defense…IM LOVING IT

By William

April 21, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

why does anyone run on Francoeur? I could see that out coming as soon as the ball was hit. Especially after that laser he threw to first yesterday.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Epineprhine, he is pitching very good, down and away, down and away. Lots of control, painting the corners very well. Tons of ground balls, completely diferent from the marlins game.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

I have to admit that 2008 Braves offense is just as good as any year in the good ol’ days.Once we get pitching back.. braves will win playoff spot and poss more!!!

By McFann

April 21, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

bfan54

I’ve been first a few times. It’s fun.

By William

April 21, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

McCann has a beautiful swing.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Prado is amazing. Guy can really hit. Maybe those of you who still think KJ is the man haven’t seen many games this year. You need to watch the difference in their at-bats, you really do. Prado just doesn’t chase bad pitches like KJ does, hence K as much. He puts better wood on the ball more consistently.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

guess i’d better not mess up a mccann stat for mcfann. ha!

By William

April 21, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

McCann can’t run.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

BTW, Chipper is clearly the front runner for 3B gold glover.

Come on Mc, WOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW, he is really slow. McFann, that guy aint faster than Bruce Benedict nor faster than Sid Bream. I think Cecil Fielder was faster than him. Maybe Bobby Cox is faster than him….Christ!!!!! LOL

By bruce

April 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

McFann: seems to me that Brian has his sweet smooth swing back… seems very relaxed and comfortable at the plate. Maybe the eyes are better with no contacts after his laser work offseason…

By keylargo

April 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Mac would have definitely scored on Diaz’s double, but HE Missed Thirdbase!! If you have TIVO go back and look. You have to love him though, because he is giving it 100%.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Introduction ur slowest man: Brain mccann (but we love his swing)

By Shamus Thacker

April 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

I believe that ump is liquored-up. I think teams should be able to request buzz tests on summa these sorry-azz umps.

By William

April 21, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

If Huddy hits it out, McCann might score.

By Matt the Brave

April 21, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

So if the Bottom of the rotation comes alive a la Frampton, does every white person in America get to keep one in their closet for the next twenty years?

Ug…even I thought that was bad. ;)

By Dutchie

April 21, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

hahahahahaha. Just saw McCann get onto 3’rd. He reaaaaaaaaally can’t run! But he got there in the end:):)

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 21, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

205th!!!!!

Yeah baby !!!

By McFann

April 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Timmy’s got two RBI tonight!!

By bruce

April 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

what is the record for most rbi without any hits by a pitching staff and a pitcher?

By William

April 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Looks, like a perfect night to pull Chipper out and rest that quad.

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Mr. Ramirez just took Mr. Maine very, very deep. 2-0, good guys.

I loved Frenchy’s throw to home (ESPN showed that, nothing else). Out by about 20 feet.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Overlord

You are right, he doesn’t have as much power as KJ. But he is raking right now.

Bobby’s Cox You continue to amaze me. Start Blanco over Kotsay? What is the matter with you? The only thing streaky about Kotsay this year has been his bad luck with screaming liners being hit right at people. Kotsay has come through in the clutch a few times this year on offense, and has a ridiculously accurate throwing arm. And you want to bench him because Blanco has gotten some singles? Good lord. I understand platooning him with Diaz, but come on man.

And Prado is way better than KJ? I honestly don’t understand how you could POSSIBLY come to that conclusion. The only thing you could argue is that in your estimation, Prado has the POTENTIAL to be a better player than Kelly in the bigs. But throughout their professional careers, Kelly has looked to be the guy with the higher ceiling.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Prado was robbed of a hit by Zimmerman, it could easily be a 3 hit night for him…… just saying.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

i’m thinking socks up become martin prado. he’s raked tonight, as you guys have aptly pointed out. the RBI groundout just gave him two RBIs to go with his two doubles.

By bruce

April 21, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

bfan54: 210th?

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Food for thought as the Braves add two more in the third…

The Dodgers in 27 innings against Braves pitching this past weekend scored 3 runs on 17 hits.

Tonight against fresh-from-the-DL Reds starter Matt Belisle, the Dodgers have scored 5 runs on 8 hits in 3 innings.

By Dutchie

April 21, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Chico is all ooooooooover the place! And the OF’ers allmost joined in:)

Go Braves:)

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

McCann can run fine. It’s just that they turn all the basepaths uphill when he gets on base. Hardly fair, but what can you do?

The toothless Dodgers got well as soon as they got out of Atlanta. Furky hit the first pitch out and there’s trouncification going on in Cincy.

By McFann

April 21, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Take it back!

Overlord—

I don’t know Bruce Benedict, and why don’t you find another word to shout out before you say “LOL”. Try “Sheesh”, that always works.

bruce—

I think his eyes are much better this year. And not only has it helped his offense, but he’s throwing most balls right to 2B—only a few have been way off mark.

You have to love him though, because he is giving it 100%. keylargo

Oh yeah!

By Tomas

April 21, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

The braves are ripping that baseball, but the nats are having an awesome game defensively, especially milledge guzman and Zimmerman, but chipper also from our side.

By Kevin

April 21, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox why don’t you give it a rest. Kelly was the reason we had a lead yesterday at all and he had another two walks to go along with a hit. Where were you yesterday when all that was going on? It’s fine if you like Prado better and it is pretty obvious that you do. But not every one does and I am tired of reading about something that you know you no one can change. KELLY JOHNSON is the 2nd baseman and MARTIN PRADO is a fine utility bench player. Nothing more nothing less.

By Dutchie

April 21, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

@Pete Talk about ‘rounding’ second:):)

By William

April 21, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

I like Prado as well, but I don’t understand why everyone is all over KJ. Especially with the bat. I think KJ is a good hitter. Now defensively, I could see how you might lean towards Prado.

By McFann

April 21, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers (re your 8:06 post)

Sounds good! Go for it. ; )

By Stephen

April 21, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

YUNEL GUNS OUT LOPEZ OH YEA

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Weird. Prado was always sound on defense in the minors, but apart from making double play turns, he has really looked shaky on D at 2nd this year.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Ahhhh yes.

Aflac trivia question brought back some memories tonight.

25 years ago tonight the Braves took a twelve game winning streak to AFCS against the Reds who took a 3-2 lead in the ninth, but a two-out single by Claudell Washington scored Rafael Ramirez and Brett Butler for lucky 13. Good times.

Chalk up another runner gunned down at home plate. Nice throw by Yunel, nice tag by BMac and just dumb baserunning tonight by the Nats.

By yunel is the man

April 21, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine:::: And Prado is way better than KJ? I honestly don’t understand how you could POSSIBLY come to that conclusion. The only thing you could argue is that in your estimation, Prado has the POTENTIAL to be a better player than Kelly in the bigs. But throughout their professional careers, Kelly has looked to be the guy with the higher ceiling. Man you need to stop looking at past stats and watch how they play, it will speak for itself

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

great stat from the braves notes: According to Elias Sports bureau, Smoltz is one of only five pitchers 40 or over to win each of his first three appearances in a season in the last 50 years. The others? Kenny Rogers (3-0 last season), Roger Clemons (7-0 in 2004), Nolan Ryan (4-0 in 1990) and Phil Niekro (4-0 in 1984).

By William

April 21, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

I really wish BC would pull Chipper in a game like this. Move Prado to third and put Kelly at second.

By the outside corner

April 21, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Ohhh, I was just painted! Grab your glove Lastings!

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

chippers,frenchy,escobars defense! IM LOVING IT

By William

April 21, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Diaz looked totally lost that AB.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Oops, 26 years ago tonight denizens. Still good times, though.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah that’s a great call yunel is the man, make a snap call on a few days worth of play that could potentially spell the difference between a championship team and one that doesn’t make the playoffs. Just, you know, watch how they play!

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Mets losing to the cubs at the end of 5. 2-0

By McFann

April 21, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Another good play at the plate! But darn, a ground out to first by BMac…

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine

yes I said it…waaaay better. Like you said, you’re just listening to the game on the radio, you’re not seeing the at-bats.

It confuses me that you guys still think so highly of KJ. He’ll never be more than a .270 guy with 15 homers a year. Even this year his walks are way down over last April. It takes a few wild Dodger pitchers for him to rake up his walk totals.

I’m telling you, watch prado hit and look at his plate discipline. Watch what pitches he doesn’t swing at, compared to what KJ does swing at. Watch what pitches he hits, compared to what he doesn’t hit. You even said you’re not watching the game.

And yes, Blanco or Anderson in center over Kotsay. Kotsay will go through stretches of 30 at-bats where he can’t hit squat, then turn it around in his next 30. At least play the rookie who will likely do the same, but has more speed to steal bases & cover more ground in the outfield.

We didn’t even need Kotsay. If our offense scored so many runs last year with Andruw in center hitting .220, then why not let a rookie play who can hit .280 and steal bases. That alone would yield us more runs. The trade was stupid.

Look, some of you saw on Saturday’s blog how I called Tex coming through that day. You can just see in their plate appearances, you can see how they’re seen the ball, their swings, etc… If you watch the game Epinephrine, you’ll see the same too. Here’s something that i’ll say that’ll amuse you too, I honestly think Prado will be this year’s Escobar if he gets the chance to play everyday. And if i’m wrong hold me to it. But i don’t get how people think so highly of KJ. The dude hit .250 in 2005, Didn’t play AT ALL in 2006, and was given 2B in 2007 because we had no one else. Well now Prado is ready. Sianara KJ.

By William

April 21, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Looks like Blanco is last years Escobar. Meaning it’s going to be hard to keep him out of the line up. I think he’d be a great table setter at the top of the line up.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Its time to start a CY HUDSON campaign.This is very realistic guys..What you think?

p.s. last week was him recouping from long battle with flu hes back and the RADAR GUN says so. all fear are gone!!!!!!!!!

By yunel is the man

April 21, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Willaim Im like you wish they would take out hoss. I think if they did they would move prado to 3rd and put in Gotey at 2nd.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

I really wish BC would pull Chipper in a game like this. Move Prado to third and put Kelly at second.

Totally agree, but i would put Gotay in instead of KJ. You want him to rest that KNEE.

By Philliesuk

April 21, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the same people who haven’t given Prado or Blanco a chance are the same ones who wanted Tex’s head when he was cold.

Both are obviously valuable for the team. Nights like tonight remind me how much better our bench is this year. Last year our choices were Orr and Woodward. Tonight our choices are Kotsay and KJ. That’s a huge difference.

The one thing that I do wish Bobby would do is exchange Corky Miller for Josh Anderson. I don’t think we need two catchers on the bench, and Miller is a massive offensive liability. He’s probably a nice guy, but he’s only slightly better than a pitcher at the plate. And I’ll say it again; there will be many situations where we will need Anderson’s speed in the late innings. Maybe then we’ll get some one-run wins.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

I really wish BC would pull Chipper in a game like this. Move Prado to third and put Kelly at second.

Only problem there would be Chipper is working on a hitting streak and he is hitless tonight. But I suppose his health is more important since Braves need him more than any other position player.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, I honestly don’t know what to say. I mean honestly your post speaks for itself. I guess I am just sorry that is how your brain works.

By scott boras

April 21, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

CY HUDDY CY HUDDY CY HUDSON

BELIEVE

By William

April 21, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox Sounds like you are a little high on yourself. Why aren’t you a manager somewhere with you vast knowledge of baseball??????????

By NCBravesFan

April 21, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s woes continue - hitting eighth tonight in Cincy. He’s 0-3 and already has 3 LOB after five innings.

Furcal has a couple more hits.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

kevin

Do you remember Prado’s first start this year? Lead off with a double, “the braves offense sparked”, according to ESPN. Well, the same happened tonight. That just doesn’t happen as consistently when KJ starts at 2B, hitting leadoff.

I’ll put it to rest when i feel like i should. The way the team is built now, I feel like i shouldn’t cuz they’re a heck of a lot better with the lineup the way it is tonight. Something a few of us have been saying for quite some time.

By ncgary

April 21, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

2 to 1 cubbies over mets bottom 6th cubs batting

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 21, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN

I was there in ‘82 with my “13” sign. Front row - upper deck - right on the bag at 1st base.

Great game. Rick Mahler started and pitched decent. Joe Torre remarked after the game that he had said to another coach - ” Well, we haven’t won one in the botom of the ninth yet”, right before the inning. My fav player at the time was Biff Pocoroba and he PH for Hubbard after a pitching swap. One wild pitch and then an intentional walk brought up CW and another pitching change. The 9th was taking forever but the crescendo just kept building. It was almost lost earlier in the 9th when Butler’s ground ball hit the runner for an out but saved the double play. Lucky break kept us alive. When the winning run scored I swear the Atl-Fulton County Stadium was so loud they said you could hear it all the way in the city.

Bobby Cox had been fired after ‘81 but it was still very much his team of players, and the Braves were blessed to have Torre as his replacement.

One point that gets forgotten is that the Braves lost 5 in a row after the that to cool off the momentum from that start. Still a great turning point for the franchise in the early 80’s.

By William

April 21, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Overload We don’t need him to continue his hitting streak. We need him for the long hall. Well, he just got his hit anyway.

By eric the elder

April 21, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain this to me?

We had Diaz on 3rd and Blanco on 1st, no outs. Diaz had already stolen 2nd, and Simpson said that Estrada can’t throw anyone out.

So Hudson is up there, trying to bunt Blanco to 2nd. Why ?? Blanco is our fastest guy. Why not send Blanco, and give Hudson a shot at an RBI?

It worked out okay, but it seemed awfully timid.

By LuisGuillermo

April 21, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Now that Chipper got a base hit Bobby can replace him to rest his quad, huh?

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

People Prado is not way better than KJ. Prado is the better defender, but he is not a better hitter. Yeah, you can point out that Prado had a double tonight but Kelly had a Homer to put the Braves ahead yesterday. Plus a couple of walks to go along with it. Yeah Kelly strikes out more but you have to look at how he strikes out. Alot of times it may take 10 pitches to get him out. He works the pitch counts and sees alot of pitches. Since he sees alot of pitches he normally gets 2 strikes on him. Since he gets 2 strikes on him there is a greater potential on him striking out. Kelly makes the pitchers work to get him and this forces the starters to not go as deep in the game. Why doesnt any of you Prado lovers bring up the fact that Kelly walks far more? Prado may have a better batting average but over their career the On-base% is about the same, actually I do believe Kelly’s is higher, but Kelly has alot more power.

By William

April 21, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Braves also lost 19 of 21 during one stretch in 82.

By Kevin

April 21, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox Just as you got through saying Prado doesn’t swing at bad pitches he swings at one in his eyes and then strikes out. You are fighting a losing battle and Prado just pooped all over pitch selection argument.

By ernesto

April 21, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Time to pull Chipper?

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Kevin

btw, yesterday i was working all day. yes, on a sunday. Sad.

But i’ll give KJ props for yesterday, like i did the day before when i noted a nice turn at second base. It’s about time he did something to help this offense. That’s all i’m saying.

In KJ’s starts, we’re close till the eight inning (like yesterday). In Prado’s, we break it open early & coast.

Time to bench Chipper. he got his hit. Move prado to 3rd, & and put in Gotey at 2nd (yunel is the man). lol.

By William

April 21, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Eric the elder So Hudson is up there, trying to bunt Blanco to 2nd. Why ?? Blanco is our fastest guy. Why not send Blanco, and give Hudson a shot at an RBI?

Was thinking the same thing, but it worked out.*

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Atta boy Yunel. Get a little chin music, answer with a hit and a run scored.

Capt Caveman I remember that game well, but was watching on the tube. I remember going down 3-0 and then watching Chris Chambliss homer off Mario Soto. I also remember Butler hitting Matt Sinatro or Rufino Linares running to third. And I remember Claudell Washington almost taking the pitcher’s head off with that single up the middle (Joe Simpson mentioned Joe Price as being that pitcher). The shot of Horner at the plate as Raffy scores and then Raffy grabbing the bat and motioning Butler to slide past the catcher’s tag will be with me always.

Great stuff.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 21, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

William

Yeah - I was going to mention that but I had already pushed the “post” button. Then I tried to block it out of my mind. Thanks for bringing it up and ruining that plan.

By Saltywoody

April 21, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Here’s something that i’ll say that’ll amuse you too, I honestly think Prado will be this year’s Escobar if he gets the chance to play everyday.

Agreed. If Escobar had sucked last year.

By Eric from MO

April 21, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine I agree with your 8:50 post. We all should probably just ignore his posts, he clearly is an idiot.

By William

April 21, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Tex has to make that play. I’m sure he knows that.

By William

April 21, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Huddy is getting the ball up.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

TEX has a 6 game hitting streak.

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

eric from MO

Thanks for that post. That’s exactly the kind of reasoning, in a nutshell, why people stick to KJ over Prado. KJ this year has not seen a lot of pitches. When he’s gotten 2 strikes, he hasn’t made pitchers work. Making pitchers work means fouling off tough pitches, taking balls, getting the count to 3-2, etc… This year, if KJ falls behind 0-2, he’ll take a ball or 2 or 3 if the at-bat gets that far, only becuase he knows a pitcher isn’t going to throw him a strike 0-2, just like in his walks this weekend he didn’t even have to take his bat off his shoulder. Be realistic. If you’re not watching the games, don’t throw in your 2 cents. Up until last week, Prado still had more walks (3), than KJ in tons of fewer at-bats.

I’ve mentioned about 4 times now, that KJ walked 25 times last April. He’s well below that average, and has struck out (11) more times than he’s walked (7). Give me a break. Stop looking at past stats & watch the games & the instances in which the stats take place.

By Saltywoody

April 21, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

For anyone watching the game

How hard was Huddy throwing consistently? I know a few people mentioned 90 mph around the start of the game. Was that consistent throughout?

Cuz he usually gets well above 90 a few times. If he’s topping out at 90 at the beginning of the game, that doesn’t inspire complete faith in me.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Chipper, Yunel and TEX look so smooth. I think, with such a great defense there is a possibility tim wins 18, because he is really keeping it down in the strike zone, as good as ever.

By Kevin

April 21, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Well there you go Bobby’s Cox. Case closed. We will win the rest of our games if our dumb ole manager will just start Prado. It’s that simple. Prado is just our little spark plug who ignites the rest of our lineup when he is in the game. How many people do you think have been calling about trading for Prado? I would guess that if the phone ever rang, Prado would be on the next flight out. Most everyone else knows what we have in Prado but you just can’t figure it out so this argument is pointless. And the comparisons to Escobar are soooo far from reality that it really makes it hard to take anything those people say seriously. Whether they are talking about Blanco or Prado, there is absolutely no comparison.

By Reid in EAV

April 21, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Nice to see Matty Diaz with a 3-hit night. Hopefully his troubles are over for awhile.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Great night on the mound tonight by Tim Hudson. 6.2 IP, 10 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks. Also a nice job by Royce Ring to come in and get Nick Johnson to ground into the fielder’s choice.

By MEB

April 21, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson is the starting second baseman for the Atlanta Braves. No controversy at all as far as I’m concerned. I’m glad the Braves have some folks who have an eye for major league talent. Martin Prado is an excellent role player who gives the Braves a lot of flexibility. I like having Prado on the Braves and felt he should have held the utility infielder position last year.

GO BRAVES!!!

By keylargo

April 21, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Hudson really got an ovation from the crowd when he came out. What a relief that he is OK.

Prado is doing a good job as the utility man which is what he is and what he will stay. Despite having a good bat, he has one fatal flaw. He is terrified of the baseball. I have seen him jump out of the way and try to flag the ball down last year and this year in the Pirates game. He cost us the ballgame when in the top of the seventh he tried to flag down a hard hit ball that let the Pirates rally and tie the game that the Braves lost in 10. (He did get an error on the play).

You can not teach a player to go against his instincts or they would have coached it out of him by now. He will always be a liability on a hard hit ball directly at him. And any one who has looked at the stats of him and KJ can see who will hit the most over the season. You can not project an entire season from 6 at bats.

By William

April 21, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox Shhhhhhhhhh you make no sense.

By Shamus Thacker

April 21, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Andruw is a mere gigantic shadow of himself

By Bobby's Cox

April 21, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

you guys are hilarious, ignore my posts then. If Prado sucked, then i wouldn’t care. Dude, it was 6-0 when Prado K’d, after he should’ve been 3-3. Relax.

glad to see the braves win 5 straight. Hope they can beat last year’s streak tomorrow as Smotlz breaks 3000.

Lets not forget i’m a braves fan like you. We share the same common goal.

See you tomorrow or wednesday when i blog again. I won’t bring up prado either those nights…promise. Just during KJ’s next dry spell. Talk to you later. Dinner time. Night.

By brian

April 21, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

hard to believe it was 24 years ago when Niekro started 4-0. Even harder to believe that Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux are all over 40. Man I am getting old

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 21, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

MEB: Loyalty… is exactly why Bobby has Matt Diaz in the lineup tonight.

Uh…wha? You did see that Diaz didn’t start any of the last three games, right? Just checking.

My Braves are looking GOOD! Carroll — great stat about Smoltz that you posted. He’s in some great company…like we didn’t know that already.

By Mike S

April 21, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Bobby will probably let Gotay stay in at 2B and move Prado over to 3B to rest Chipper. At least that’s what I would do at this point. (Then Kelly still gets the night off too.)

By William

April 21, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Stats do give you an idea of how someone is doing, but they don’t tell everything. We gives a &*^& if KJ walked more last April??? Over the long hall I’m sure he will have very similar numbers with walks……..etc…

Also, one of my few beefs with Kelly last year was he took a lot of called strikes. I’d rather see someone go down swinging any day!!! Nothing burns me up worse than seeing someone strikeout with the bat on there shoulders.

By chase

April 21, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

2 PITCHING names that nobody seems to be mentioning when talking about the Braves

I say maybe go after AARON HARANG or DEREK LOWE

These guys (especially Harang) will be cheaper than some of the other so-called big name free-agent options

They are both SOLID #2 or #3 type guys that are innings eaters and neither have a big history of injuries!

Let’s hear it guys What do you think of HARANG and/or LOWE

By Kevin

April 21, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

And Prado K’s again. Nice AB babe.

By Mike S

April 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

But i guess not. Not really a big deal though. (hopefully)

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to rub in Prado’s last two at bats, because unlike some people here, I actually root for both KJ and Prado. But I hope this serves as a lesson that making snap judgments based on two ABs is not a sane way of evaluating talent. About an hour ago, Bobby’s Cox and Yunel is the Man are praising his pitch selection. And then he has two check swing strike outs.

It would be just as rational to say that Prado is horrible as it is to say that he is way better than KJ. The point is, evaluating talent based on a game, or even a month, is just stupid. There is no other way to say it.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Just looked it up, Sinatro was hit by the Butler grounder in the ninth against the Reds in ‘82.

William is correct. The morning of July 30th that year, the Braves were up 9 games on the Padres and 10.5 on the Dodgers. The Dodgers would sweep a double header that day and the Braves would go on to lose 17 of the next 19 and fall to 4 games behind the Dodgers on August 18th.

The Braves would trade the NL West lead with LA before taking the lead for good on September 28th after a win against SF and a Dodger extra inning loss to Cincinnati and hung on thanks to a Joe Morgan homer off Tom Niedenfuer on the final day of the season.

By William

April 21, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Saltwoody Huddy looked like his typical self. Typical stuff and velocity. Nothing to be worried about.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

announced attendance? 16,706. yowza. if it’s anything like this for smoltz’s big night tomorrow, i’m gonna be embarrassed…..hint, hint.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody, he was topping out at 92. Didn’t sound like he was at his best, but the velocity was fine.

By Saltywoody

April 21, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

I’ll preface this by saying that Tim Hudson is my favorite pitcher in the game…always has been, even during his days in Oakland.

That said, does he worry anyone else? He’s dominant against crap teams and good against the better ones.

However, he never seems as dominant as a Smoltz or a Webb or someone of that nature. He seems to always have an inning or two where he elevates the ball (and sometimes gets away with it) or where his command is off. And he also has those starts maybe one every 4 or 5 times out where he really gets shelled.

I’m just pointing this out because a lot of folks here are clamoring for him to win the Cy Young. Personally, I’d like nothing more because Huddy is a bada$$ and a class act and I love the way he plays the game.

But, I’d be lying if I said I wanted him on the mound instead of Smoltzie in a Game 7. I believe he’s a competitor and I do believe he’s a great pitcher. But, I don’t think I’ll ever believe he’s a true number 1 starter. His stuff is too prone to off days…too reliant on doing particular things.

The long and the short of it is that even with sub-par stuff, Smoltz can still go out and win a ballgame on smarts and will alone, it seems. Huddie, on the other hand, HAS to have his stuff working (sinker sinking, fastball located properly, etc.) in order to be effective. Otherwise, he’s nothing more than a guy throwing 87-91 mph with little movement…AKA Batting Practice.

By ernesto

April 21, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Ooooookay, think we’ve seen enough Buddy.

By geauxbraves2000

April 21, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Booooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on Carlyle!

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 21, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody

Huddy at 91-92 to start game and still hitting 91 in the 7th. Good comeback game, it usually takes a player 2 weeks to comeback completely healthy from the flu and a 6 lb. weight loss all at once.

He will be back to form a lot sooner than the 1st base ump who blew that call will be forgotten by ESPN. Bet me that call doesn’t make the lead-in on tonight’s Sportscenter.

BTW, he may have blown the earlier call for the Nats or think that he did. May have let the make-up call get the better of him.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Salty,

He was around 90 consistently all night long. I saw a 93 as late as the sixth and he was around 90, 91 or so even into the seventh before he came out. He had good movement on his fastball consistently throughout the night also.

By Kev

April 21, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Buddy Throw STRIKES darn it!!!

By ernesto

April 21, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Good damage control…but Buddy does not inspire confidence with that outing.

Like to give a shoutout to Nats baserunners tonight - nice job!

By bruce

April 21, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Washington Caps just beat Philly 4-2 to force game 7, boos in Philly in the last minute. classy fans those Philly folk. Motion to recall their city moniker.

By radoncbravesfan

April 21, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

4-1 cubbies over muts with 1 more mut at bat

By William

April 21, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Ummmm why do we care about the Mets???????

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Mutts bullpen just imploded. Seig Heileman and our boy Jorge got rocked. 7-1 Cubbies.

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Ouch if you’re a flushing fan.

Cubs score two on Heilman in the home half of the 8th thanks in part to a Jose Reyes error. mets bring in Jorge Sosa to stop the bleeding and in classic Jorge style, he takes a hatchet to the carotid artery and gives up a three-run homer to Felix Pie. Cubs up 7-1 in the friendly confines.

By Philliesuk

April 21, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Well said, Epinephrine. Snap judgments run rampant on this blog. I’m just happy to have Prado AND KJ, because that means our bench is solid.

There has been far too much panic during these past couple of weeks. I admit that it was hard to remain calm. The only conclusion that I’m going to draw after 10% of the season is that this team is much more solid than the one in 2007, especially the starting pitching. And yes, despite what the Mets fans might say, we have a deep pitching staff - that’s why we have won 5 straight games with Glavine and Hampton out of the picture. I’m guessing that pitching is only going to get deeper in August…

By Kevin

April 21, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Long Ball Jorge Sosa just blew it open. 7-1 Cubbies after a 3 run jack.

By Tomas

April 21, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

ONLY 16,706, boy do the nationals suck. They’re not a team worth seing.

By Epinephrine

April 21, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I HATE how Cox insists on using his closer in these kinds of situations. I really dislike it. It is the only thing that Cox does that drives me crazy.

By bruce

April 21, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I’m watching Nats broadcaster here from Richmond. Don Sutton just said that Moylan tried to convince Bobby to let him pitch… can you get an update on how Peter is feeling/thinking?

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Mets bullpen implodes as Heilman and Sosa allowed 5 runs in the 8th. Muts losing to the Cubs 7-1 going into the 9th.

BTW, ExBrave Gerald Perry is Cubs hitting coach, interesting.

By i cant take it anymore

April 21, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

i sure miss jorge sosa

By N8

April 21, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

“CY HUDDY CY HUDDY CY HUDSON”

Uhh…..For as good as Hudson has been, He isn’t even the best starter on his own team.

If you go by ERA, he was 3rd behind JJJ and Smoltz going into tonight, and JJJ had more innings.

Having said that, he’s done a fine job.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 21, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

As an umpire in the late 80’s for HS and college in north GA I had a few occasions where I made a mistake call. Fortunately I was working with a veteran umpire crew from the start - thanks to my stellar rating in HS ball - and was able to keep my chin up. But I guarantee you that ump knew he blew it and on the one occasion I did something similar at first I just told the coach “I blew it coach”. He probably said the same to Cox. A smart manager like Cox realizes that an honest answer from the ump is really not the time to argue as it will be on his mind all game (or month) anyway and he is not going to blow another call like that again, certainly not against the same team. The shear magnitude of the error is so glaring that it actually can work out for the benefit of the team in the future. Anyway, the Braves really showed how they followed the leadership of BC on that one and didn’t let it change the game one bit or their approach and focus.

Just wanted to point out some of the subtle things that BC provides that a lot of you bloggers who have never played or been involved in the game in various aspects the way I have would miss out on or not think about.

Greg in TN

Rufino Linares had the biggest and longest bat I have ever seen used in the major leagues.

By yunel is the man

April 21, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine

Yeah that’s a great call yunel is the man, make a snap call on a few days worth of play that could potentially spell the difference between a championship team and one that doesn’t make the playoffs. Just, you know, watch how they play! LOL you say if kelly hits .230, goes yard every 12-15 games, makes 25-30 errors, and has a obp. of 310 -330 will get us to the playoffs in the lead-off. Ya wish on I like the Prado-Johnson Platoon just to give us hope.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

hudson was regularly in the 90s, getting up as far as 92 from what i saw and including late in the game, saltwoody. think the velocity thing is in the rearview now.

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Braves win, Mutts lose. The day is perfect.

By Mike S

April 21, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

97 on the black by Acosta to finish it. Nice.

In another month, he’ll hopefully be the 3rd best arm in the pen…

By bruce

April 21, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

McFann: Don Sutton gave Brian the Chevy Drive of the Game on the Nats broadcast for his homer.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Dont look now but Mannys ERA has come down from 54.00 to 4.15.

This guy is for real.

By Saltywoody

April 21, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks for everyone that answered about Huddy’s velocity.

And VERY glad to hear it was up around 92 or 93 at points. That’s exactly what I was wondering about.

If he’s topping out around there but consistently around 90 with the fastball, that’s perfect. I was worried that 90 was the hardest he was throwing…but clearly that’s not the case.

So glad he’s back in the groove. Honestly, more than anyone else, I think we go as he goes this year…with Smoltzie a little banged up, Glavine on the DL, the pen a little suspect…he’s going to be that stabilizing force. I hope he really does win that Cy everyone’s talking about.

By Overlord

April 21, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Double check on that….Acostas ERA is 4.00

By Greg in TN

April 21, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Nice way to come back from the HBP by Manny with that strikeout against Austin Kearns. Not what you want to see against Milledge, but he got Johnson to ground out to Tex and Kearns to strike out to end the game.

Five in a row, one game above .500, gain a game on the amazin mediocres. Only thing not going to plan tonight is the Fins winning against the Bucs, but can’t get greedy.

By Efrim

April 21, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

5 wins in a row. Lets keep it going tomorrow night. Smoltz vs. John Lannan……

Pencil in 6 in a row. Locked down!!!

By Pete H.

April 21, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

The Muttleys looked pretty bad tonight. The Cubbies looked pretty good. This season is starting to meet my expectations. It better. I’d hate to have to go all caveman on a season.

I just saw the play where Yunie was called out at first. That ump should be guillotined on the mound before tomorrow’s game. Might goose the attendance a bit too.

The Baseball Tonight people were saying about the same. One guy said, I’m not saying another word, I might get in trouble. Worst call I have ever seen.

By yunel is the man

April 21, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to rub in Prado’s last two at bats, because unlike some people here, I actually root for both KJ and Prado. But I hope this serves as a lesson that making snap judgments based on two ABs is not a sane way of evaluating talent. About an hour ago, Bobby’s Cox and Yunel is the Man are praising his pitch selection. And then he has two check swing strike outs Ya look at the calls. Man just go back to your stat sheet and keep your finger quit

By Tomas

April 21, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

prado just earned a place on this roster after the last two games and the second game of the season when he replaced kelly. When Omar Infante is ready, i think its bye bye for corky.

By MEB

April 21, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Daybed… uh duh, really, dude? The point to the comment was Matt needed to ride the bench for a couple of days. Coming out of a funk in a big way with a 3 for 4, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base. The blog was ready to send Matt back to single A. Glad that Cox has the confidence to stick with players after a small slump. Sorry it rubbed you the wrong way.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Philliesuk

April 21, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

The D-backs (65) and White Sox (66) are the only two teams that have given up fewer runs than the Braves (68). Cards also have given up 68. I think that means our pitching is not too bad, despite what the idiot Mets fans might say.

By brian

April 21, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

how much are ticket prices now? Hot dog? Coke? Beer?

That is keeping attendence down. Sports are outpricing themselves so an average family cannot go to the game without spending well over $100

By Wayne in Utah

April 21, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

MEB Excellent point on Diaz and Bobby’s willingness to have confidence in a player, when things are not going well.

This, in my mind, is what makes BC special. It sometimes will come back to bite him in the azz (AJ last year), but more often than not, it results in players playing to the best of their ability.

Good win for Hudson. I love to see a pitcher who is able have good stuff on a night when he gives up a lots of hits, without giving up too many runs.

By Chris

April 21, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Hey to those of you talking about the Jurrjens injury history thing. I found this link. http://www.baseball-intellect.com/Articles/most-underrated-prospects.html

don’t know how accurate or reliable of a source it is. however a lot of young guys go through some injury issues as they progress through the minors as their workload increases to well beyond what they are used to. He looks good so far and I think we should ride this one out as long as possible. I mean hell, Smoltz has had a couple of elbow operations and we pencil him in for a W before the game even starts usually.

By fastasballs

April 21, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

I’ll have to give Cox some props for tonight’s line up. Getting some guys who are hot some AB’s paid off. Also a rest for Kotsay & KJ. Maybe Cox has figured out getting the most out of some role guys with hot bats is not a bad idea.

I think Prado is going to be a good role player, he’s never going to be the starting 2B, but a nice fill in for KJ & Chipper when he needs it.

If Cox would replace Corky with any warm body that can hit a baseball I would be estatic. I have no idea why he’s even here especially after that disaster behind the plate a week or so ago when he had 2 passed balls.

By Carroll Rogers

April 21, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

chase, just to stoke your comment a bit, bobby cox really likes aaron harang.

five wins in a row and i see 336 comments? who says you guys only light this thing up after losses….excellent.

logging off from the ted. will be bringing it to you in the morning once again, with smoltz on the brain.

By northBeach Scott

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

I spoke with Willie Harris after the 8th on my way out by the dogout and thanked him for his contributions to the Braves in 2007. While he faded the last half of the season, those 6 weeks that he hit around .400 and that marvelous 6 hit game were special.

He was receptive to talking with a Brave fan and appreciative of the recognition. First class guy.

He also smoked that double tonight off of Huddy.

By ricflair

April 21, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

16,000 people. How come people in the Atlanta area will not support their team? I live in California and I come out at least once a year to Atlanta to watch my Braves play. And no I am not rich.

By KC

April 21, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Whew!!! Thank God Huddy is ok. I was genuinely scared after his velocity was down in FLA. Big, BIG relief.

Keep em rollin’ boys!

You have to like our chances of a W tomorrow with Smoltzy on the mound. Wednesday and Thursday could be tough wins though… Bennett and James up against a hot-hitting lineup.

Personally, if the Braves can take 2 of their next 3, I’ll be happy with that. Then even more importantly… take 2 of 3 at Shay this weekend!!!

By Hurricane Hazle

April 21, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

NBS - what am I, chopped liver over here? Those cheese heads loved me for a few weeks—can it really be 51 years ago?

By Lew

April 21, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

It may be expensive to go to a game, but 16,000 is ridiculous. I’ve seen more Braves’ fans than that at an Expos’ game in Montreal. Seriously.

By THB

April 21, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Our rotation will get by this way. The quality depth will last to get us to the playoffs again. Our lineup is real tough, and it is clicking for the most part. Next year though..

We need another top of the rotation starter when Smoltz goes, and Glavine may also go, as well as Hampton. We will need a replacement for Tex if he goes elsewhere, and I’d say our chances are about 40/60. We need to make a decision about CF, and if Blanco has a solid year, he may take the spot. Left Field needs to also be adressed, but I’m gonna guess Matty Diaz will get the majority of the playing time but also in a platoon with someone. So what are our options?

Ben Sheets is a FA, but really, he’s gotta pitch at least 180 quality innings this year to be realistic. Oliver Perez is a FA, but he’s a mut..nuff said.

We have some trade options that really don’t have a place on our team—Lillibridge, Prado, and possibly Brandon Jones, to name a few. I’m sure they could bring in a decent package, maybe somebody like Aaron Harang, or somebody somewhat under the radar. With Hudson, Harang, Jurrjens, and James, we would have a solid rotation. Morton could possibly be our #5 and maybe ease Hanson into the rotation, just maybe.

I like watching Blanco play, and he is a lot bigger than I thought. He has speed, good defense, and I see a little power potential at the leadoff spot. He might be a good option at CF next year and the leadoff spot.

By Philliesuk

April 21, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to agree about the weak turnout. I don’t care that it’s the Nationals.

I don’t live in Atlanta, and I spend hundreds of dollars every year to see the Braves in various cities. Am I a sucker? Maybe. But I’m also a dedicated fan.

I would guess that most people on this board are also dedicated fans who can’t make it to the park in Atlanta.

By ColoradoBravesFan

April 21, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Great hot streak for the Braves. Just a couple (something missing here)comments.

1) Thank goodness Hudson is OK. I really like him pitching for our Braves.

2) Hudson was not sharp tonight. 10 hits, 2 guys thrown out at the plate. Started out 1-0 or 2-0 on lots of batters. Defense and Luck that he didn’t give up 5 runs.

3) Why didn’t Cox get Chipper out of the game. He played 9 innings(?), at least BC could have pulled him in the 9th, or at least after Chipper’s last AB.

4) Tyler Yates laid an egg the other day. 2/3 of an inning, 4 runs, 4 ERs, 1 hit, 4 walks. ERA of 4.66.

5) I agree with the statement earlier. I really hate that Bobby uses Acosta(our current closer) with a 4 run lead. BUT, He may be thinking that in a week we may get Soranio back and in late May we should get Gonzalez back. Probably won’t burn out Acosta by then and just wanted to ensure we got this W with as liitle stress as possible.

GO BRAVOS….

By THE BEAR

April 21, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Daybed, do you spend all your time picking fly specs out of the black pepper?

By Josh H

April 22, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Great game tonight. Great outing by Hudson, the bullpen managed to pitch out of trouble, and the offense was clicking. Prado does well and gets the blog clamoring to see him start over Kelly again.

The only thing I think I’ll agree on is that at this point, I don’t think Kelly is a lead off hitter. And I’ll say that arguing Prado over him is a good argument to have.

Remember, its obvious pitchers have done scouting work on Kelly and he needs to make that adjustment to be an effective hitter. Prado has hit some balls to the warning track right over the heads of outfielders. If they start playing him a bit back, those might turn into outs.

Not making excuses for Kelly. He needs to adjust, period. Let’s just be glad that we have a bench player this year who is not only a decent fielder, but can actually hit at this level.

By Pete H.

April 22, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

About the attendance, that is pathetic. But it’s also a Monday after a home weekend series. Which tix would YOU buy in advance, the Dodgers or the Nats?

Also, I’m so used to the Braves being off on Mondays, I wouldn’t have even checked if I had not heard yesterday they were playing today.

While they’re playing like this, I want, no, I demand, NO DAYS OFF.

Save them suckers for when we’re in a slump.

By matt

April 22, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know what happened to Braves prospect Eric Campbell?

By ernesto

April 22, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

I don’t think we had a 6 game win streak all of last year, with Smoltz on the mound tonight - I like our chances to do better in 08.

By scott boras

April 22, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

really?? we didnt have a 6 game winning streak last year????

By RRR

April 22, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

The schedule makes no sense whatsoever CR, and everyone knows it and comments on it. In fact, Joe talked about ESPN, and their sudden power, tonight on the telecast. Sad, but understandable development.

btw: good blog as usual. Keep up the great work. OB seems to be losing it lately. I mean, WHY would the guy make a corporate recommendation for Furcal over Tex and expect nothing but arse kissing???? And then, if you disagree with him, he throws you under the bus?????? WTF? Anyway, everyone has their day in the sun. I, for one, remember you forever, and NOT as a Marlin. ;)And that goes for Terrence, and the others as well. Somehow, and someway, OB seems to have gotten his “popularity” on the blog confused with his “importance” when it comes to Braves baseball. I have a feeling that the rest of you all could teach him a thing or two, no matter what the fans have to say.

ps I DO like the guy, but…geesh!!! And, I suppose I’m persona non grata on his blogs now. Such is the life of those with honest and outspoken op/eds….

Peace!

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Let’s wait and see what the attendance is tomorrow for Smoltz’s record making start. If you have the choice between games than you would obviously pick his for the history.

Lets also not forget the gas is at an all-time record high and budgets have to be restrained. As much as I have attended games for the last 35 yrs , about 15-25 a year, I have had to cut back on expenses and that means fewer games for me. So lets back off of the fans, especially if you live in another city.

You guys who live out of state can go online and buy tix that will show up as attendance if you want to support the team so much and have all the extra cash if you are so concerned.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 22, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

A. Glavine and Hampton are on the D.L

B. Soriano is on the D.L. and Moylan is likely lost for the season.

C. Chipper and Smoltz are walking wounded.

D. Omar Infante has yet to play one inning.

And yet, the Braves are winning. I’m not in the least bit surprised.

Just you wait, when this team gets healthy, they have the potential to dominate.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 22, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Ernesto, you are correct. The 2007 Braves won five straight games during three different winning streaks and those were the longest string of wins.

By scott boras

April 22, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

D-omar infante is not that huge. gotay probably just as good

By scottbravesfan

April 22, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

They Braves should just be a traveling team so all their fans that actually care about them can see them. 16,000 is easily the smallest crowd in Turner Field history. So embarrassing for the Braves and their real fans.

What’s Atlanta’s problem? The Hawks playoff games aren’t sold out either. They don’t sell out Braves playoff games. The did sell out the thrashers playoff games last year which was nice. But come on, support your teams.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 22, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Looking ahead to the three game set with the Mets.

Friday, Jair Jurrjens vs. Mike Pelfrey

Saturday, Tim Hudson vs. John Maine

Sunday, John Smoltz vs. Nelson Figueroa

By Bojack

April 22, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

scottbravesfan, Man the games start at 7:15 or 7:30. People get off 4 or 5 pm and drive a hour home out of Atlanta. Pick up something to eat, change and drive hour back to game. Take 30 min. to park and walk to game. Its 2nd inning when you get in. Game over a 10 or 11, drive hour home,its 12 or 1 pm get up 5:30am for work in morning. How many games would you go to? Do try to go on week-ends. Go Braves.

By BA

April 22, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Jair Jurrgens is the real deal. I’m convinced. They should call up JoJo Reyes and have him shadow Jurrgens; they have comparable stuff, but Jurrgens has the composure and location to use his pitches. Gritty performance by Buddy C. tonight, he was clearly fighting it. That’s the role we need him to play-long man, mop-up duty. I like the work the bullpen has done of late, but I think Wren has got to be looking into trades. I say move Kelly Johnson, and or Diaz/Kotsay. Let this Blanco kid patrol center and hit eighth. Call up Anderson. Lead off Escobar. Look, I love the current lineup, but Prado is a solid second baseman, and we have outfielders galore. I would gladly trade Kotsay or Kelly Johnson, they are luxuries, and we need a few more arms. Call San Fran, or sucker the Nationals.

By Northern Redneck

April 22, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this

The point is that all you people B** and moan about how the braves should fork up more money for tex/furcal/blah blah blah. Why do you think the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs, and Mutts have so much money??? FANS GO TO GAMES…. If we got attendance like those teams then we could have a chance to resign tex AND C.C. And this stuff about driving is nonsense…you’re just lazy, go to the gym, or i dont know WATCH BP!!

By Northern Redneck

April 22, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

And im not rich but I save money every summer to go down to some series games, and in the process I take off of work so in essence im losing twice as much money. How much do outfield season tickets cost anyway? Couple hundred bucks max? Get flex plans, get ANYTHING, if attendance is up then the powers that be will be more willing to spend money because they know they will get return. I’ve been to high school football games with more than 16,000…. COME ON ATLANTA… GO BRAVES

By nolie

April 22, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

Hey hey. My boys Blanco and Prado done it again. I kept telling y’all that they were the real deal(not stars but very decent players), but most of you didn’t wanna hear it all winter and spring. The best back up players that he Braves have had in a while. ;-)

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this

Hey Northern Redneck

We didn’t see you at the game tonight either — did we??

So shut up already.

Just like a dumb-a$$ to make it sound all so easy for everybody to do what YOU want them to do, even though your not doing it yourself. I’ll spend my money on tix for games I want to see, when I want to see them.

The Braves haven’t had a low attendance game like that in a long time. Think maybe the economy has anything to do with it?? GAS PRICES?? Spring vacation time for family’s?? How about it was a Monday Night and I had to flip between the Braves and Monday Night Raw?? You know it was King of the Ring qualifiers tonight??

So stick up your pie hole!!! BUDDY !!!

GO BRAVOS !!!!!!!!!

By nolie

April 22, 2008 4:53 AM | Link to this

About Prado, maybe some of you are right, maybe his bat is not as powerful as KJsOverlord

You are right, he does not have the power that Kelly does, but he will hit a good many doubles and some triples. I think he’s the kinda guy that it is easy to root for. Not a great player but a good one who has never gotten as much credit as he might warrant. Having said that, I wuld not advocate starting him over KJ but he is useful guy to have around. and(blasphemy ) I would let him start a game or two against lefties when Kelly is in one of his funks…but not a regular platoon.

By ncscoots

April 22, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this

nolie, I don’t think many of us dislike Prado or Blanco. I’d say we DO think the man-crush some here have on those two guys is a little much, LOL. I think they’re fine as role players, too, but no scouting reports on them yet, either. If they’re still cranking after the All-Star break, then some opinions here might change.

Personally, Blanco is the guy who has really surprised me, in that his swing is so much better than I remember from seeing him in the minors. He’s much, much more balanced, his swing seems more compact, and he’s definitely generating more bat speed. My previous opinion was always that ML pitchers would just throw him gas inside and knock the bat out of his hands, but I’m coming off that thought nowadays.

By Moby Grape

April 22, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

LEW You are right dude, I was outta line and too hard on you. Just a bad day… and I let that scary post about someone in the Braves organization advocating Fookie(Wren since he seems to like speed?)get on my nerves which I seldom do.

My cousin gave me a tongue-lashing too about jumping you. Says you are a good guy who went out of your way to help him. So Mea maxima culpa. I apologize.

By Paula

April 22, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

There were over 100,000 for the Dodgers series this past weekend. You all know, or should know, attendance will pick up greatly during the week once school is out.

By The Crab

April 22, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

Think maybe the economy has anything to do with it?? GAS PRICES?? Spring vacation time for family’s?? How about it was a Monday Night and I had to flip between the Braves and Monday Night Raw?? You know it was King of the Ring qualifiers tonight??

All are good valid reasons pointed out by Caveman. With gas prices possibly hitting a record high $5.00 before Memorial day, average income fans are going to be hard pressed to attend games. Fans will choose more weekend games and fan appreciation nights and one cannot really blame them. If all some of you have to do is to complain about the attendance, I would assume the Braves current play is to your liking.

By matta

April 22, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

“16,000 is easily the smallest crowd in Turner Field history. So embarrassing for the Braves and their real fans.”

The ridiculous Turner Field ticketing policies and poor customer service mean that I (and many of my friends) no longer attend every game, just a few a year.

By The Northern Redneck

April 22, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

I’m not yah buddy, FRIEND!

By 22oz

April 22, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Hey, Smoltz said he isn’t gonna get that caught up in it, so why should we? But seriously, my wife and i went Saturday, and we debated last night about going tonight, and ultimately it became too expensive after just going 2 days ago and living over an hour away. I do hope the locals come out though with good walk up sales and support old Smoltzy.

By chase

April 22, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

CARROLL

That is exciting and interesting news (at least to me) that BOBBY COX “really likes” AARON HARANG

Seems like he’d fit perfectly with the Braves

By KC

April 22, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

ColoradoBravesFan:

You are correct. Hudson wasn’t sharp last night.

HOWEVER… I’m just thrilled to see his velocity back to normal. That was a huuuuuge relief. It would have been a crushing blow if something had been wrong with Huddy’s arm.

By Efrim

April 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Chase

Why would the Reds trade Aaron Harang to us? They do want to win, right?

They’ll have the money, considering Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr are on their way out. That’s like 25-30 million off the books.

I like Harang too, but he isn’t coming to Atlanta, at least until he becomes a free agent after the 2010 season. I believe he will be 32? to start the 2011 season, could be wrong though.

By Shaun

April 22, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

I think the Braves attendance problems are due to a number of factors:

1) Turner Field is not centrally located. Southsiders can get their pretty easily but Turner Field is pretty far from the middle/higher class areas of the south side. Who wants to find a way to fight traffic to get there on a weekday after working all day? Weekend attendance seems fine which is what leads me to this conclusion.

2) The Braves have been in Atlanta barely a generation. Many of our grandparents and great grandparents didn’t grow up with the Braves. Going to Braves games is not something that was passed on through the generations. Also, there are a lot of transplants living here. Many of those people from other cities root for their home teams.

Atlanta’s metro population has nearly doubled in less than 30 years. If you take into account the people that grew up in Atlanta (folks that are likely lifelong Braves fans), I suspect those people are going to games at about the same rate as lifelong fans in other cities. But no one notices because those cities have been populous for decades if not half-centuries or centuries.

3) There’s probably a little bit of a feeling that the Braves aren’t winners. They’ve been close every year but never win championships. In some ways, at least where attendance is concerned, that’s worse than having a couple of bad years then a good year. Because the Braves don’t get that attendance jump and a jump in the standings that will get them media attention.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Hey KC

Have you noticed that the blog seems to jump all up and down about “arm” problems with our pitchers - yet seem to count on Gonzo coming back right on schedule and right back in form in JUNE !!!!!

Just wondering. It is just one of the many inconsistent things about the “blog-o-sphere”.

By 22oz

April 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Just throwing this out there, it IS Coca Cola 2 for 1 Tuesday. Just putting that out there. Granted the seats aren’t very good, but you can probably move around as you so please on a weeknight.

Lets also not forget the construction on 75 and 85. I bet that is keeping alot of people from going right now, especially on a weeknight. In a way i’m lucky because we come from the east on I-20 and its easier to get in and out, sort of the road less traveled, so to speak.

By McGraw

April 22, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Caveman is jsut so darn smart. SO DARN SMART! AND SO DARN CLEVER!. Captain Caveman used to play minor league ball you know? He mentions is 5 times a day. He must not have been very good because if he was, he wouldn’t have to mention it. He would have learned the game if he played in the minors. But he doesn’t know the game. He either never played in the minors or when he did he was about as dumb as Chuck James so therefore lacked the ability to gain any insight. Maybe he did play but was just too dumb. After all, the dumb sap admitted that he watched wrestling last night.

By KC

April 22, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

I must agree with a previous post… the pitching matchups are very favorable over the next 8 games.

Tonight we’ve got Smoltz on the mound against… who cares?

Playing the Marlins tomorrow and Thursday, it looks like we will NOT see either Olsen or Hendrickson (their 2 best starters).

Then (as someone already pointed out)…

Jurrjens vs. Pelfrey

Hudson vs. Maine

Smoltz vs. Figueroa

Then… 2 more games against the Nats.

This is a perfect time to make a charge!

I think the NL East will look like this at the end of the month:

1 - Braves 16-11

1 - Mets 16-11

1 - Marlins 16-11

4 - Phillies 15-13 (1.5)

5 - Nationals 7-21 (9.5)

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

22oz

Stop it!!!! Don’t tell people about the “secret” quick way to Turner Field. If you tell them that they can take 285 around to 20 inbound to the park and then get off at Turner Hill exit and wind up smack dab at the Blue Section parking then they will all know how to get there.

AWWW CRAP!! DAG-NABBIT !!

By Renegator

April 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Anybody going to the game tonight?

I actually got our company’s season tickets which are three rows behind home plate. Actually 6 rows behind home plate now with the new Sun Trust section.

Let’s get a big crowd tonight backing Smoltz and our first 6 game win streak in a long time…

By DAP

April 22, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

chase Let’s hear it guys What do you think of HARANG and/or LOWE

i like harang, but hes not a free agent, and lowe is kinda old…he’ll be 36, but i wouldnt rule out signing him to a 2 year contract or so.

i would love to trade for harang, though, hes really good.

saltywoody i disagree wtih your sentiment about huddy. hes an ace, and can easily dominate any team. no pitcher is great when they dont have thier stuff, and smoltz has gotten rocked alot in his career as well.

huddy is a legit ace, and i would be happy to have him on the mound in game 7 of the WS. (id rather have smoltz, but both are awesome!)

By KC

April 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Capt. Caveman (the original dawg): Stop demanding consistent logic. It’s unfair, and it stifles our carefree exchange of ideas and perspectives! =)

Who knows what will happen with Mike Gonzalez… but I’m hopeful that he’ll be the same old Gonzo. Probably not right at first, but even if it takes him 2-3 months to return to full form (assuming he returns in early June)… he would still give this team a HUGE lift down the stretch and in October.

For some reason, it seems to be easier for reliever to get back on the horse after TJ surgery than it is for starters. That’s why Smoltz moved the bullpen in the first place.

So here’s hoping. Depending on Soriano’s health, we may be hurting for another late-inning guy come June.

By 22oz

April 22, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Forget what i just said. Hill Street is not the way to go. its awful. forget it, a nightmare! It took us 3 hours to go 1 mile. Don’t park in the orange lot either. it doesn’t go perfectly to that route either. Again, a nightmare.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

mcgraw

Here is your assignment for the day:

Stop

Think

LEARN TO SPELL

Then post your stupid comments.

I haven’t posted more than 2 comments in the last 2-3 weeks. I am sorry that my past experience is a sore spot for you. I was only clarifying my position so that idiots like you would know that I speak from experience - not from the bottom of a beer can sitting in your parent’s basement.

And I am not ashamed to say that I never made it. Thousands of players never do. But I had the skills to be invited to try and that is something you can never say you did. If your ineptitude at life finds you in this sorry state maybe you should try the “Buddy” system ::

say -

Goos-frabba

Goos-frabba

Goos-frabba

Then BITE ME !!

By Big Easy

April 22, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Capt. Caveman

Dude, you are spilling the beans! Now everybody is gonna go that way, and that means more traffic for the rest of us getting to the games!

Seriously, though. I-20 to Turner Hill, or Capitol Ave. Best way to get to the park.

~E~

By STRETCH

April 22, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Umps have been blowing calls for many, many years and will continue to do so for many more! Here’s something….when you miss a call and YOU know YOU did, CHANGE IT ON THE SPOT! Dont tell someone after the game…” i missed that one” Get it right.

Also i would like to add that ATLANTA fans will hardly ever show up, lets face it. Dont know if its the way of living down there or what the cause is, but ATLANTA sports is just not a large draw.

I was watching the game on TBS Sunday and in the 9th inning with a Ohman trying to close the game with two outs, people were still sitting on their hands, going to get hotdogs and beer or whatever. I didnt see or hear the crowd roaring and getting behind the team.

Now, try that same senario in Boston…or even Arizona. You would never see that from fans in Chicago, Houston, ST Louis or even Kansas City for that matter. Atlanta fans(not talking about the loyal ones), just arent that great. They are more, “i prefer TV” which is understandable with todays venue and gas prices. But 16, 0000? Are you serious? But throughout the region, Washington D.C. , Florida, Atlanta the fans just dont come out.

1. The Marlins have won 2 WS in their short history, and continue to win this year regardless of managements efforts. But they get NO fan support.

2. The Nats, well, they are still young and it normally takes time to get the fans out after the nostalgia wears off. Any expansion team is going to gain fan support in the begining.

3. The Braves fans were just plain spoiled for 14 seasons, and after a couple of bitter seasons, they should be eager to dive into this season especially with the way the team is playing right now. But they are not, so who or what is the blame? Venue, gas prices or just the Fan?

By Greg

April 22, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

It’s shameful that more people don’t attend these games. If I lived in the Atlanta area, I’d be there. But I live in Charlotte, so I only make two or three games per year. If you live in Atlanta, go to the park. Suck it up and fight the gridlock and go to the park. I lived in Los Angeles 20 years and gridlock never killed anyone. Eat before you go if concessions are too high. But go to the park. This team is going to win it all this year, and you are going to want to be part of it.

By Lew

April 22, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

CaveDude-I din’t want to get into it with you today, but we do what we can to support the Braves. For me it’s spending two weeks and an inordinate amount of money at Spring Training and then we’ve spent $500 for tickets to see the Braves play the Blue Jays in Toronto in June. Plus airfare. Plus hotel room. Plus food for the three days.

As for gas-Dude, it’s much more expensive up here-right now it’s at $3.54 a gallon for regular, so let’s not listen to THAT as an excuse. We also go to see the Braves when they are in Boston-which is WAY more expensive than going to an Atlanta game for someone who lives in Buckhead or Druid Hills. Not to mention Boston or Montreal (when they were still in the league) are three hour drives for us. Let’s not hear inconvenience as an excuse.

Dude, we’ve heard them all-it’s the Economy Stupid. It’s the lack of MARTA. They never win in the playoffs. The stadium is in a lousy location. The Beer costs too much. The tickets cost too much. Whatever. Do you really think it’s any better for fans that actually support THEIR teams? Reality check. Boston’s ticket prices are WAY more than Atlanta’s and much harder to come by as they sell out every game. The parking there is cheap at $30-IF you can find it for that price-or at all.

Now we realize that we won’t sell out every game in Atlanta. There are more seats than at Fenway and complete sellouts are not a realistic goal. However, 16,000 attendance following a five game winning streak, Chipper leading the Majors in hitting and our pitching finally looking like we hoped it would, is more than enough of an excuse to go to the games. If more of us on the blog were within traveling distance of the Ted, we’d be there. Yes, we realize there are reasons for not being there, but let’s not gripe about the team not getting a larger payroll when the attendance can’t even break 20K.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Big Easy

Don’t worry dude. This is Atl, people here go the shortest possible route no matter what. They will never be able to compute that going a slightly longer route may actually be quicker, or easier. I mean, C’mon, they still speed up to get that extra 5 feet forward in traffic instead of letting someone get in front of them.

JUST TO SIT THERE NOT MOVING !!

It’s kind of like the secret way to the Batcave, people find it every other episode but then they forget all about it.

By Lew

April 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Moby Grape-Absolutely no problem, Dude. Lord Knows I can-and have many times- lash out on a bad day. It is not an issue. Who is your cousin, BTW?

By Leah M.

April 22, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Josh H - I agree that KJ might be better suited for another spot in the lineup. His year so far as leadoff hitter hasn’t been that great.

BA -Prado can hit well and for average, but as we saw last night, his defense isn’t an upgrade over KJ’s at 2B. I’m just saying.

By flange1

April 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

The attendance at Braves games is an interesting subject. I push my company every year to buy season tickets and then we give up a large group to customers.

It is amazing how few people want to go to the games! We sent out emails to 50-60 of our best customers with basically the entire season of home games to offer and we had 8 responses.

I am talking 4 GOOD seats + parking, FOR FREE, and people choose not go.

It is good for me, I get to go to more games, but I do not understand the mindset of folks in Atlanta.

If someone offered me FREE tickets, I would go every time I could get them…

By Shaun

April 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Atlanta the fans just dont come out.

I suspect if you studied the issue in depth, Braves fans come out pretty regularly. It’s the rest of the Atlanta metro population that doesn’t come out.

The Marlins have won 2 WS in their short history, and continue to win this year regardless of managements efforts. But they get NO fan support.

The Marlins are usually either really good or bad. And they rebuild every few years. Plus there is a lot to do in Miami. Who wants to watch a team like that?

The Braves fans were just plain spoiled for 14 seasons, and after a couple of bitter seasons, they should be eager to dive into this season especially with the way the team is playing right now. But they are not, so who or what is the blame? Venue, gas prices or just the Fan?

Again, the fans come out. It’s the rest of the Atlanta metro population that does not.

By STRETCH

April 22, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

“Lew”

Nice job. Right on point with your statement!

By TJ

April 22, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is a pretty large market, but that market is spread over a huge area (28 counties). It’s also very much made of “bedroom communities” as much as an hour away from downtown. It’s quite a task to haul the kids from Snellville or Alpharetta for a school-night game.

Low attendance on a Monday night against the Nats is not the end of the world (and it wasn’t the lowest ever at Turner… but was close). We usually get a handful of these sub-20K games on weeknights, before school is out.

Actually, through 10 home games, attendance is up as compared to last year. In ‘07, thru 10 games, average was 29,120. This year, it’s 32,236.

Braves attendance bottomed out in 2003, but has risen every year since, and is expected to rise again this year (but, the economy is a factor now, for all teams).

Atlanta is absolutely a city full of “immigrants.” There is very little unquestioned loyalty to any of the pro sports teams here. That’s just the way it is.

By DAP

April 22, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

LEW youre right on the attendance man. i hate trying to explain it away. it just is what it is. i live 2 1/2 hours away, or i would have season tix, but the braves not being able to break 20,000 last night is pretty bad. the ted should never have less than that for a braves home game. there are proabably tons of reasons, but it is what it is. braves fans just dont flock to the park like other fans do.

all braves fans support in thier own way, though. if your me, you go to several games a season, buy lots of hats, shirts, ect., and watch every game on the tube (which DOES help the team…ratings and all) even hits on the braves.com website do the braves good.

no one needs to feel guilty for the way other fans treat the team. do your part, braves fans. sometimes i wish more of my fellow braves fans were as fervent as i am, and as fervant as boston, new york, or chicago fans are…but i love my team and i love my fellow braves fans.

By Shaun

April 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Leah M. and Josh H, Johnson has a career OBP of .358. Who else would you hit leadoff?

I tend to think Johnson’s struggles will not continue. It’s such a small sample, we should not make too much of his struggles so far.

Again he has a .358 OBP/.435 SLG in 1010 plate appearances.

I hear people say he needs to make adjustments because pitchers have adjusted to him. If that’s the case, why did it take them 942 plate appearances to adjust to him (that’s how many he had coming in to this season)?

And Prado’s OBP and SLG are solid but he’s no Kelly Johnson.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

OH LEW

For once I am not disagreeing with you. I was referring to the people on the blog who don’t live here and don’t attend any games but want to condemn Braves fans who live here for not just blindly spending there money on tix just because the Braves are playing.

Boston is a different animal. Your talking about 100 yrs in the same city, tix handed down through generations, and a different cultural aspect of America.

Have you seen an SEC football game?? 100,000 fans at every game without fail b/c they have been doing it for 100 yrs. All I’m saying is the Southern fan is fervent in their loyalty when they get to that point. You just have to get them there, and that is something that baseball has in cycles, have not been as consistent with their fan base in the last 20yrs.

Any fan who travels to ST like you did is obviously loyal but also with more free time than the average person. Possibly in your retirement years I would guess, which is great, but you can’t expect a family of 4 here in GA with bills to pay and cost of goods going up to be as spendy with their money on Braves Tix. And it doesn’t mean they are any less loyal of a fan, they just can’t show it in that manner or fashion.

OH AND MCGRAW DID I TELL YOU THAT I HAVE PLAYED BALL AND UMPIRED BALL AND WATCHED BALL AND KNOW MORE ABOUT BALL THAN YOU!!!!!!

Just checking.

By Leah M.

April 22, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Stretch - Many Braves fans would rather see a more exciting game than the Nationals and even some fans go to see that. When the Mets or Phillies come to town, the place is usually packed.

By Josh H

April 22, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Leah M.- I don’t know if you watching the game the other day (it was Sunday, I guess). But Joe Simpson was discussing how Terry Pendleton wanted Kelly to crowd the plate a little more.

By Shaun

April 22, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

flange1, it’s kind of a hassle to get to a 7:00 or 7:30 game if you are working until 5:00 or 6:00. You have to deal with traffic and crowds after you’ve been working all day. And there are plenty of games to go to. Why should I bother when there will be a more convenient time later in the season (like weekend, which explains why weekend attendance is fine)? It’s not like Boston or other places where every game is sold out (in large part because the stadium is so small and families have been going there for generations), so I better get to a game when I can.

You see, the overall problem is tickets aren’t scarce enough for the fan base. The stadium is too big and the fan base too small for the city (because of so many transplants and because there isn’t that tradition; the Braves have barely been here for a generation). The city’s population doesn’t accurately reflect the true fan base. All this means few sellouts. There are more than enough games and more than enough seats to cover the true fans that want to go. This is not true in places like post-1968 Boston and Chicago.

By Steve McP

April 22, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Made the decision yesterday to have an away day tonight - costs to watch one game for someone like me who lives 3 hours drive away:

Gas $50 Hotel $75 Tickets (dugout section) $65 Food and drink $50 (and still hungry and not drunk even after that spend) The chance to see Smoltz get strikeout 3,000 ……..

PRICELESS

OK you knew that was coming, but it is not a cheap day unless you live on the Marta and have good enough eyes to watch from the nose bleed sections. With 81 games at home people are going to pick and choose their games, a Monday night in the middle of a long home stand in April is not going to be that attractive so the crowd is not a huge surprise, especially as there were so many there at the weekend.

By Lew

April 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

CaveDude-Wasn’t really getting on you personally there. Yes, I have been to an SEC game. I’m a UGA alum and attended every game Herschel played between the Hedges-and many more. Also saw Dominique, James Banks and Vern Fleming play hoops at the Coliseum. I even covered the Braves and did interviews for WUOG a few times.

By 22oz

April 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Lew i paid $3.59 a gallon this morning in Eatonton, GA, so gas prices are pretty much the same apparently.

By Shamus Thacker

April 22, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Steve McP, you’re not only gonna be hungry and sober after the game, you’re gonna be walking if you don’t budget more for gas. lol

By 22oz

April 22, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t think you can compare college football attendance to baseball. UGA fans get a chance to see their team 6-7 times a year tops, so of course they’re gonna sell out. Braves fans get a chance to see them 82 times a year.

By flange1

April 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

I agree with you, but I find it interesting that folks won’t even take free tickets for an evening at the ballpark with their family.

I would go even if I was not a fan!

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Lew

You forgot to mention Terry Fair. I went to many games in the 80’s prior to my enrollment at UGA (class of 19-never-never) and the 83 team was by far the most fun to watch.

To the Blog

thanks for the intelligent discussion on attendance. Every now and then we all actually stay on topic for a while and make good points for both sides, and then other times ….

well, you get crap like Mcgraw.

I’m sorry - I’m just gonna ride his a$$ for a while cuz it’s fun and I got nothin’ better to do today.

By Leah M.

April 22, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Shaun - I’m not putting KJ down by any means. I think he is a good leadoff hitter, but so far he hasn’t had that much luck and that’s really what my point was. Sorry if it wasn’t too clear. Bobby has already started more or less platooning Diaz and I was just wondering how much longer he was going to keep KJ in leadoff spot, but Bobby knows what he wants to do and why. Bobby has KJ there for a reason.

I think he will get it going soon and I hope he does. Really you could probably put him just about anywhere in the lineup and he’d probably be successful. I was typing that fast, and again, I meant that he hasn’t had luck there so far. I’m all for KJ staying in the leadoff spot. He has the most patience on the team besides Chipper and is better suited to be leadoff man because of his patience.

Josh H. - I do believe I remember Joe saying that Sunday about KJ. Maybe he needs to change something about his stance and approach that might help him more, even if it is a slight change like what TP suggested, although I’m sure he’s trying to do just that. He has been getting more hits and walks as of late.

By TJ

April 22, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

UGA fans get a chance to see their team 6-7 times a year tops, so of course they’re gonna sell out.

Also, UGA is drawing fans from all over the South. People come from Savannah, Macon, Rome, all over the state and the South, for a Saturday UGA game. (That’s why for years, Vince Dooley refused to play home games under the lights… didn’t want to make the alum drive home late at night, or have to book hotel rooms, just to attend a game. Of course, the mighty TV dollar eventually won out on that).

But if UGA played consecutive games on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, for a couple of months, you’d see that 96,000 turn into 20K real fast.

By Shamus Thacker

April 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

My truck gets 18-mpg on the highway. As a tribute to my distaste for Al Gore, I’m thinking about taking it in for a tune-down so it’ll get only 10.

By McGraw

April 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

A graduate of 19-never-never and a fan of wrestling. Shocking.

By Nate

April 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Atlanta isn’t the only city in the league that has experienced a large growth in population and lots of transplants. The whole South and most of the West has the exact same issues. The cities that haven’t experienced that kind of growth the last 15 years or so are the big cities in the northeast and the Midwest industrial cities like Pittsburgh and Detroit. And parking and traffic problems exist in every MLB city. Comparing attendance at Braves’ games to attendance at Yankee or Red Sox games just isn’t fair. They live in a different universe. More accurate comparisons would be mid-sized markets like Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa, St. Louis, Washington, Seattle, or Denver. I haven’t looked at the numbers, but I would guess Atlanta attendance stacks up pretty well compared to most of those cities.

By richbrave

April 22, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

The CAVEMAN speaks. People listen. He’s got knowledge.

By chase

April 22, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

EFRIM and DAP

One thing, I guess I got bad info from ESPN when watching them talk about the upcoming crop of free agent pitchers a while back b/c GAMMONS mentioned HARANG as one of them.

If he is not a free agent then fine BUT

Yeah the REDS may “Want” to win but at the rate they are going they will be long gone and out of it in 6 weeks..they are already 6 games out (I know it is early)

If that is the case then they will be looking to move some peices and get some young outfeilders to replcae GRIFFEY and DUNN and some young infeilders too so a trade wouldn’t be out of the question for HARANG

By Captain Cave-Fann

April 22, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

My hero Captain Caveman once umped a Little League game.

I once rode a pony at the county fair.

Doesn’t make me John Wayne.

By McFann

April 22, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Ummmm why do we care about the Mets??????? William

Because they’re a half a game ahead of us, and we just don’t like them.

McFann: Don Sutton gave Brian the Chevy Drive of the Game on the Nats broadcast for his homer. *bruce

That was nice of him. ; )

In the two-game set against the Marlins of Florida, the two starters the Braves will face combine to go 0-3, with an 8.93 ERA (if my calculations are correct, and I got a different number for the first guy’s ERA than what was listed on his “player page”…). So it looks good for the Braves hitting-wise. The Braves will send Bennett and James to the mound in that series.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 22, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Amazing what one of those “team meetings that never work” can actually do. It is no coincidence that the Braves have won five in a row since the meeting. It reminds me back in the early 90’s (‘93 I believe) when David Justice, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine called a players only meeting. Some things got said that needed to be said and well the rest is history. One of the greatest regular seson comebacks and pennant races in baseball history.

This team is really good. I’m talking World Series good. They are finally starting to look like it. And the best thng of all they are nowhere near full strength. Imagine what it will be like when Glavine, Gonzo, Soriano, Infante, and Hampton are all healthy?!

By DAP

April 22, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Nate i bet dallas doesnt have very good attendance to thier baseball games. :-)

joe was saying terry p. wanted kelly to open up his shoulders a bit, and then get on the plate. i like his stance…it looks like hes set up to hit linedrives the other way (closed with his shoulders) and homers to right (open legs and hips), but moving a little closer to the plate couldnt hurt, since he doesnt seem to handle the outside pitch great. if he was on the plate more, i could see him hitting some homers to left field as well. and he is disciplined enough, and his bat is fast enough to not get tied up inside.

speaking of kelly, weve seen utley hit alot of homers lately. does anyone else think his swing looks way old-school? its kinda cool. it almost reminds me of a left-handed hank aaron.

By sportsmandh

April 22, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I agree with some of the earlier bloggers. I can’t figure out why Corky Miller is taking up a spot on the team. I think it would be very wise to have Josh Anderson on the bench. Also, Pena deserves to be getting some more at bats, so having Corky as the 5th day catcher makes no sense at all to me. I’m sure he’s a great guy, and everyone knows Cox loves spare parts like Corky, but it makes no sense him being on the team. Unless there’s an injury sometime during the season, then bring him back up as the backup if needed. Anderson would give a lot more flexibility to the roster.

By DAP

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

chase its cool, man. no worries. harang would be a good grab, but if we cant resign tex, what about adam dunn? the braves could sign him to play LF and bat cleanup, keep diaz to pinch-hit, that would be a good set up.

or, if we cant resign tex, what if we made a push for nick johnson to play first. he could bat third and chipper can bat cleanup…he would be a good OBP guy in front of chipper and a pretty good 1st baseman.

id love to get a slugger fot LF though…although i really like matt diaz.

if we dont resign tex, i think there are alot of things we could do. LF, 1st, and SP are all places we could be putting money into this offseason.

By blazerpunter

April 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

The New Blog is up for those of ya’ll who might want to know…………

New Blog

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

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

Baseball is a victim of its own self-indulgent economy of spending and greed. Long gone are the days of Little Leaguers get in free in their uniforms, ONE dollar tix in the outfield, and being able to walk in to Atl-Fulco for free after the 8th inning (that’s how I got to see the last 10 innings of the Braves-Mets on July 4th ‘85. Rick Camp was a GOD for about a minute and a half.)

Yeah college football is a bad comparison, but the point is that southerners do have a passion for their teams but you can’t compare sports that have been here for generations to a team that started playing here in 1966. Boston fans had won a couple of SERIES before they endured the “curse”, the braves sucked it up for the better part of 25 years before they started winnig. And still we watched, but we also were the first with nationwide TV for every game so that has to factor into there somewhere.

Your also talking about 82 games you can pick from, thats more home games than any other sport. Hell they play twice as many games as the NBA and basketball season is year long.

By TennesseePaul

April 22, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

why did it take them 942 plate appearances to adjust to him (that’s how many he had coming in to this season)?

It didn’t. Johnson’s first 397 plate appearances:
.239/.337/.397
Johnson’s next 322 plate appearances:
.300/.394/.495
Johnson’s last 295 plate appearances:
.250/.341/.414

Over 692 plate appearances for Johnson he has produced .244/.339/.404. That’s 70% of his total work at the plate.

By Knowitall

April 22, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

My two cents on the whole attendance thing. I live in Metro Atlanta and my daily commute is over an hour. I think my situation is the same as a lot of parents. It’s just nearly impossible to make it home from work, pick up the kid(s) and make it back to the ballpark. Moving the game times up this year certainly doesn’t help that whole situation.

Plus you can’t completely discount the current economic situation. People in Atlanta spend a lot of time sitting in their cars on gridlocked roads which means more fill ups. That eventually wears on a budget and that extra money has to come from somewhere.

But I think the traffic situation has even more of an impact. I generally go to several games a year but almost none during the week anymore. It’s just not work the hassel.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 22, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

BTW Mcgraw:

Is that TUG or is it more likely Quick-Draw ??

Personally I favored Quick-Draw Mcgraw as his alter ego - EL KABONG !!

Can you even play sports dude or are you like 350 lbs and more commonly referred to as douchebag among the people who know you??

By Carroll Rogers

April 22, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

forgot to say….new blog is up!