AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz feat worth witnessing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In case you hadn’t heard, John Smoltz needs four strikeouts tonight against the Nationals to reach 3,000, and I bet he’s good for it.
Not that I’m prepared to offer you your $40 back if he doesn’t get it (no, I’m not including the dog and beers), but if you’re in town, head out to the park will you?
Shoot, I’ve gotten e-mails from people who said they saw Smoltz’s first major league start in Shea Stadium 20 years ago (OK, one). And who could predict what a big deal that would be? This is a slam dunk - or so I’m predicting.
Smoltz is about to become only the 16th pitcher to ever reach 3,000.
It’s not necessary a Hall-of-Fame shoo-in number - ask Bert Blyleven - but it’s close enough. And actually, fewer players have reached this milestone than the big three Hall-of-Fame numbers: 23 players have won 300 games, 23 have hit 500 homers and 27 have 3,000 hits.
And you could see it tonight in person. I know you didn’t go to the game last night, so it wouldn’t be redundant. (Attendance was announced at 16,706 last night. It wasn’t the smallest crowd in Turner Field history, but it wasn’t far off.)
Weather.com says it’ll dip only into the mid-60s by the end of the game. Bring a sweater. So it’s the Nationals. All the better chance he’ll get there, right?
When’s the last time Smoltz didn’t have four strikeouts in a game? Last April 22 vs. the Mets at Shea. He had three in 5 2/3 innings.
But even when going only five innings in each of his first three starts this year because of his shoulder, Smoltz has strikeout totals of 6, 5, and 10. When Smoltz faced the Nationals two starts ago in DC, they didn’t have as many right-handers in the lineup (four) as Florida did (five) his last time out, but he still struck out five.
Smoltz was quick to point out all the righties in Florida’s lineup yesterday when he was in the midst of trying to downplay the likelihood he would roll up big strikeout numbers tonight. He said when he struck out 10 in Florida, he had a stiff wind in his face, which he says helps the break on his slider.
He said the way his shoulder is feeling, he doesn’t know how his “stuff” is going to be until he gets in the bullpen before the game.
(Maybe we should start a phone tree? I’ll get bullpen coach Eddie Perez to give me a call and tell me how Smoltz is looking before the game tonight, and I’ll get on the horn. Who’s first? I think I still have Gil in Mechanicsville’s number. Oops, he’s not exactly local.)
Smoltz said yesterday that he wasn’t trying to make a big deal out of this. Somebody on the blog said, then why should we? Listen, don’t believe him.
That’s his mind games, that’s how he keeps from putting more pressure on himself than he already does. Think he doesn’t want this? That’s how he deals with the expectations that come with hitting this kind of milestone when his shoulder isn’t 100 percent.
But even with the shoulder soreness, he’s still allowed only one run in 16 innings to win his first three starts. He’s only the fifth 40-something pitcher to do that in the last 50 years. (For those who missed it yesterday, Kenny Rogers was 3-0 last season, Roger Clemons was 7-0 in 2004, Nolan Ryan was 4-0 in 1990 and Phil Niekro was 4-0 in 1984.)
Let’s not kid ourselves, when it comes to Smoltz and big moments, when is the last time he didn’t deliver? Honestly, last time I remember is maybe Game 4 of the 1999 World Series and that was bigger than Smoltz. That was a Yankees’ buzzsaw.
Big moments for Smoltz are his feeding frenzy. His 200th win last year might not have seemed like it should be that huge a deal. But last year, when he got there on May 24 with a 2-1 win vs, the Mets, there was a magical feeling at the Ted.
Somehow it’s different with Smoltz. There’s something special about Turner Field, Braves fans and John Smoltz. Am I right? Maybe it’s because he’s the one guy left who has been there continuously from the start of this run. He’s never had a Glavine-like falling out with fans over union outspokenness, or wearing a Mets uniform. And he was always more open and engaging than Maddux.
Maybe it’s because he followed John Rocker as closer - going from a great talent who carried controversy around in his back pocket to a guy with more talent, who shines in the public eye.
Maybe the fans love him and relate to him because he lets his emotional guard down. He’s not afraid to show exactly how much it means to him to win.
Or perhaps it’s D) all of the above.
Look, not to be anymore sappy than I’ve already been here, but the guy turns 41 next month and we can’t count on having moments like these happen again and again.
And maybe with a little extra moral support tonight, Smoltz will push himself to get it. If he doesn’t get it tonight, Braves fans won’t get to see it at Turner Field, barring something unforeseen. It would happen Sunday at Shea Stadium.
While that would stink for me and a little pelting I might take on the blog (naw, would I?) that has its own symmetry too, doesn’t it? In the final season at Shea Stadium, Smoltz going back where he got strikeout No. 1 against Darryl Strawberry.
See Smoltz has a flair for the drama, one way or another. Might as well be a part of it.
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Comments
By BillsNV
April 22, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I wish I could be there to see Smoltzie get into the 3000 club! Good luck! Go Braves!
By Sean C
April 22, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
My prediction:
Inning 2 is when he will reach 3,000
By P-Dub
April 22, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Go Smoltzy!
By 22oz
April 22, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Working on it…
By David
April 22, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I would have to question the sanity of anyone trying to “play down” the importance of this milestone. This is a big deal, and I wish I could be there - I really hope the stadium is full for this. Go Braves! Go Smoltzie!
By Curt
April 22, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Ill be there tonight! First?
By brooklynbrave
April 22, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
too bad TBS isnt carrying braves games anymore, would be nice to see it in brklyn.
By Captain Cave-Fann
April 22, 2008 12:11 PM | 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 Mike
April 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Smoltzy is what the Braves are all about…..pure class all the way….here’s to a few more great moments for John and the rest of the Braves.
By Colin's Dad
April 22, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Good luck John. We are proud of you. 4 K’s and a trip to the Hall of Fame.
By 22oz
April 22, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Aight, i sucked it up, and got 3 people to go. We live an hour away but history is worth it!
By Parade Rainer
April 22, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
I’d be happier if John would have a few more playoff wins rather than more meaningless strike outs.
By NRBQ
April 22, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Actually, Parade Rainer, there’s probably nothing that would make you happy.
Smoltz, on the other hand, a POSITIVE person, has 15 play-off wins.
By bruce
April 22, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Can’t make it to the Ted tonight, wish I could, but, ok, if smoltz doesn’t make it tonight to 3000, then I’ll go see him at Shea on Sunday, drive up from DC area.
By the Stranger
April 22, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Parade Rainer, is that high-brow sarcasm, or did the idiot wind actually blow you to this website celebrating the winningest playoff pitcher in MLB history in his quest for 3,000 K’s?
By Eddie
April 22, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Smoltzy is to the Braves as Gary McKey was to ATL Radio and John Pruitt is to ATL TV.
By Responding to Clueless
April 22, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Parade Rainer, you are clueless. Smoltzie as more post season wins (15 and only 4 losses) and strikeouts than any other pitcher in history.
By Lew
April 22, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
22Oz-From the last blog-I guess it just goes to prove that gas prices suck no matter where you live. It’s surprising, though, because Georgia usually has lower prices because of fewer state taxes on gas. I know they can range .12-.14 per gallon here just fifteen miles away.
I won’t be able to make it tonight (for obvious reasons-Vermont is NOT within driving distance), however, I will be watching in HD. I don’t intend to miss a pitch. Go Smoltzie. Time for six in a row and another step closer to first place.
By TennesseePaul
April 22, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Wish I could be there in person for this. This is my favorite ball player going for a huge milestone.
Go Gittum Smoltz!!
By TennesseePaul
April 22, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
And from the previous blog because I posted right when a new one came online…
Payne: why did it take them 942 plate appearances to adjust to him (that’s how many he had coming in to this season)? .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 SmotlzFan
April 22, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Parade Rainer, you do realize Smoltz has more post season wins than any other pitcher don’t you. What else could you possibly ask for???
By Slider29
April 22, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog Carroll.
No one has shown up more when it counted most than Smoltz. I remember in ‘96 after they’d just removed bone spurs from his elbow that Smoltz commented that he’d forgotten what it felt like to throw without pain. A pain free Smoltz had a pretty good year that year. So many times in his career, though, he’s justed gutted it out. The side arm delivery, the knuckle-ball, the varied routines….who can forget the showdown with Sosa in the playoffs when Smoltz was in agony on every pitch and he out muscled Sammy. He always shows up for the Braves. I’ll also never forget after the ‘99 WS when he was the one who came out to talk to the media following game four instead of Bobby (the inference being Bobby was too upset).
He’s the guts of the franchise. No one can ever accuse him of mailing it in. In all honesty, he’s probably cost himself some time because of how he lays it all out there every time.
Yeah, we’ve got our monies worth for over two decades and he’ll give it to us again tonight. He always shows up for us.
Smoltz forever.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
YO there my “FANN” — that wasn’t funny the FIRST time you posted it.
I hope your not who I think you are, I don’t make a habit of blogging and posting back and forth with teenage girls. I am more adult oriented.
By richbrave
April 22, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
DIAZ FANS:
Your inference to a platoon situation in left and Diaz’s emotional relief is well taken(Mark Bowman comment). A platoon or whatever Bobby’s set in stone for left field play has been great for Matt Diaz’s mental approach to the game. It’s TOO SOON to tell, but yesterday was the first time this year Matt seemed relaxed at the plate. I thought Matty was back to his old self.
When you’re a WORRIER(which he is) having back-up lets you relax, and maybe that’s all he needs. It’s in his head. Mine was diagnosed as “panic disorder” a variant of OCD. Diaz reminds me of myself when he’s not in a comfort zone. You press, you’re frustrated and no matter what you’re told, or how hard you try, it doesn’t change anything. But find the key to relieve the “panic” and you just sail along, everything suddenly becomes easy again.
His ability to hit out of the strike zone pitches is uncanny. Throw him one in the strike zone and away and he’s as like to miss it as not. But inside or outside WHEN HE’S RELAXED AND NOT PRESSING. Whew! He will wear you out. You know I can’t recall seeing any Brave with the ability to hit bad balls any BETTER than Diaz since the Braves came to TBS. A perfect man for the 7 or 8 spot in the order with an occasional platoon. No pressure, no “panic”
By TennesseePaul
April 22, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Crap. Part was cut off…
Payne: 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 Raleigh Brent
April 22, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Would love to see the game, but of course in Raleigh, NC we are blacked out of Nationals games on Extra Innings, even though there is no local TV network that actually shows Nats games. So the result is that it’s impossible to watch the Nats in Raleigh, a “Nationals” territory. Gotta love MLB!
By Lew
April 22, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
There’s still a few who were promised Braves’ prints that have not received them yet. I’ve had some printer problems that are now fixed. Sorry for the delay. The last four will go out Saturday morning.
I promise I didn’t forget anyone-just had technical difficulties. Thanks for your patience.
By DAP
April 22, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
carroll, great blog, maybe your best yet! the only hole in your swing: you gotta let us know on the other blog that the new one is up.
i really enjoyed your sappy sentimental blog. this is an important night for braves fans. the bearded icon goes for history again.
yesterday, i told my wife what was happening tonight…she said “do you think the fourth guy will just let smoltz strike him out?” i laughed…my wife is cute…but then i said… “he might as well!”
nothing is going to stop smoltz from getting to 3,000 tonight.
is it unreasonable to think john will K the first 4 he faces? what a game tonight. im pumped!
do you guys know what will happend when he gets it? will the game stop for a moment, or will everybody just cheer and the game will go on?
By JEB
April 22, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
4 by the 4th. My prediction! Strikeout 3000 by the 4th innning. Check it out!
By Andrew
April 22, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
If I was in Atlanta now I would definitely be there. I’m taping it right after game 1 of the 1996 World Series. I think John has earned that prestigious of a space on my VHS rack.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 22, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Yes Carroll, it might be a stretch to make the game tonight in person but Josie and I will be watching Don Sutton call the came on MASN… (hey, the Nationals black out all competing channels).
Attendance is up in Richmond by the way. Most folks were waiting for the bad weather to pass.
Folks in Atlanta better be careful or they could be driving to Gwinnett to see the major league team…
By Captain Cave-Fann
April 22, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
My hero is more adult oriented but he still watches wrestling. Go figure.
By Peter King
April 22, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
I’m going to skip the NFL draft and be there…..
By ATLFANINRICHMOND
April 22, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
of course the stadium will be empty. Braves fans are terrible about supporting the team - unless they are in the world series.
By GA Headhunter
April 22, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there
By McFann
April 22, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman—
That was NOT me. I had nothing to do with it, believe me!
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
My bad DAP, in all my excitement I forgot to post the - what do you guys call it, a mercy flush? but I just did. I can lean in and take a pitch to cover the hole in my swing!
I’m not sure how they’ll handle it tonight - if and more likely when - but I envision a big 3,000 flashing on the board, the next hitter stalling in the on-deck circle, Smoltz stepping off the mound, and a raucous Turner Field ovation….Then the game will go on. Guy is 40 ya know, needs to stay warm.
By Shaun
April 22, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, Johnson’s last 295 PA look better than his first 397. If pitchers learned to adjust to him, why was that the case?
I have a simple possible explanation—natural hot and cold spells, what is referred to statistically as random variation—“The tendency for the estimated magnitude of a parameter (eg, based upon the average of a sample of observations of a treatment effect) to deviate randomly from the true magnitude of that parameter. Random variation is independent of the effects of systematic biases. In general, the larger the sample size is, the lower the random variation is of the estimate of a parameter. As random variation decreases, precision increases.”
By TJ
April 22, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
From the last blog:
I can’t figure out why Corky Miller is taking up a spot on the team
Who would you replace him with? I don’t think we need Josh Anderson AND Gregor Blanco, as they’re kinda the same player, and Blanco is doing a great job.
We could call up Sammons, but he’s better served playing every day and would likely be just a modest upgrade for the Braves. We don’t really need a backup at 1B, and Pena or Prado can fill in if Tex needs a day, or a few innings, off.
Prado is getting plenty of work backing up 2nd and 3rd and doing a great job.
I just look at is as, we’re gonna have a weak bat in the lineup every 6th game or so. We can generally overcome that. If there was some major-league ready talent at Richmond who could really help the team, I’d say dump Miller. But right now, that’s not the case.
I guess Canizares might be a good bat off the bench, but that’s all he would be; and that would mean dumping Pena, not Miller, because the Braves don’t trust Pena behind the plate; and Canizares is not on the 40 man roster, so we’d have to clear someone out to make room for him.
BTW, kind of strange: Bryan Pena has not played a single inning in the field yet this year.
By Mike
April 22, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
If was a richer man I’d buy plane tickets and take my brother and my dad to the game tonight.I live about 4 and half hours away from Atlanta so me seeing the game live is out of the question but it will sadden me to see the stadium as empty tonight as it was last night. People need to know A “Smoltz” only comes around every so often and we as Braves fans or heck even plain old baseball fans need to have more appreciation for him and what he stands for.I hope he gets the 3K punch outs but I hope he leaves the game ahead and healthy even more!!
By VABravesfan1
April 22, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Good luck Smoltzy!! I would love to be there but will have to settle for t.v.
By Philliesuk
April 22, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
I will be embarassed if Turner isn’t at least 80% filled tonight. To show appreciation for when John Smoltz has done for this team, it should be 100%. Regardless of what you might think, he has had many opportunities to walk for more money, but he has stayed put in Atlanta. That is a rare thing these days, reserved for guys named Smoltz and Chipper. For this reason, he should be rewarded.
By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER
April 22, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
I can only go to games if my girlfriend alows it. I’m only able to go if she comes with me. I doubt she will want to go tonight. The last game she made me leave before that miraculous comeback. My friends give me a hard time but what can I say when she cracks that wip!
By 'Hawk Head
April 22, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I’ll be there! Section 202 row 12. There are still a TON of good tickets left (even section 114, row 9, right behind the visitors’ dugout). Get up off your a*******es and come support Smoltzie!
By Walt
April 22, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Smoltz will be at his drama queen best tonight.
Incessant and needless huffing and puffing, wincing and grimacing, grunts and groans, and shrugging of the shoulders and shaking of the elbow.
There’s nothing quite like the spectacle that is John Smoltz hamming it up for dramatic effect with lots of people watching.
Don’t let me down Smoltzie. Ham it up like you’ve done 10,000 times before.
By Murphy
April 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Wish I could be there, but will still be in Charlotte…heading into town for Thursday’s game though!
By Thrillhouse44
April 22, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
It looks like I’ll be following the game tonight via ESPN’s GameCast. It’s not the best way, but I too am in Nationals’ “territory” in SW VA. The Girl said she was going to wear her Smoltz jersey tonight asked if we could have a party when he gets it. (Imagine my response.)
By Jo
April 22, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Bought my ticket at lunch: I’m there. Go Smoltzie!!!
By big o
April 22, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
hey carol buy me two tickets and im there
By Jim
April 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
As nice as it would be for Smoltz to get to 3000+ Ks tonight in front of the home crowd, the scenario that I would most like to see would be a lot of first pitch outs and a big enough lead late that the last 2 innings can be “trusted” to Resop. Smoltz’s shoulder and the thin bullpen both need a short night.
By TennesseePaul
April 22, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Payne: You are correct, Johnson’s latest struggles are about 2% better than his initial struggles. However, your suggestion was that no pitcher adjusted to him until this season. why did it take them 942 plate appearances to adjust to him. Actually, it’s as if you suggest the pitcher was not even adjusting to him at all, that it is all merely a sum of Johnson’s efforts without any effect or implications from the pitcher throwing the pitch. You may pass off the waxing and waning of Johnson’s production at the plate as merely luck. I’d suggest the pitcher has a role in it as well. In particular they seem to be highlighting a weak spot in his swing that can be tapped by a low and in slider. Johnson could adjust and rebound. Time will tell. But I don’t think it is right to suggest that pitchers have only now begun to adjust to him.
By OrlandoFan
April 22, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
TJ: On Corky Miller.. Remember Infante will return sometime soon, which will change the dymanics. But I agree about Miller. The guy’s limited in many ways. And he’s gotten rather large.
By Becki Mildenstein
April 22, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Feeling so jealous of you all down there in Atlanta. Being a Braves fan in Ohio, I can only imagine how wonder it would be to be there…especially tonight! I’ll be in front of the t.v. cheering Smoltzy on!!
By keylargo
April 22, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Please let AG know about those “natural hot and cold spells”.
By TennesseePaul
April 22, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Jim: The way I’d like it to work out, Smoltz throws 81 pitches for a perfect game striking out 27 in 9 innings.
By Stuart
April 22, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
I would love to be there, but the flu has knocked me on my rear. Smoltz is my all time favorite brave. I hope he gets the milestone in a 10-0 shutout.
Go Bravos
By Lupe
April 22, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Bring a sweater for mid-60’s? That’s perfect weather.
By Bobby's Cox
April 22, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Smoltz turning away number 3,000 tonight will be special for me. I’ve been to about 80 braves games since ‘91, mostly at Dodger Stadium when they come visit the braves, or taking the 2 hour drive to San Diego to watch. The first Braves game I went to in LA, Smoltz started. When i drove out to Arizona to watch the Braves, Smoltz started. When i flew out to Altanta in 1996, smoltz started, then he started again in Atlanta when i flew out to see the new Turner Field. Twice when i drove up to San Fran, Smoltz started (Dennis Martinez the other time). All by coincidence, not by design, Smotz has started a good majority of the time i’ve seen the braves in person. I hope he pithces in Anaheim this year when the braves visit on July 13. I used to joke i couldn’t get away from the guy. Anyways, special moment for me tonight. But i think making it 6 straight for the braves is even more important. They failed 3 times last year to win 6 straight. This could be a huge game tonight in more ways than one.
By BossLady
April 22, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Ah, Eddie, I remember “Garo McKee” and now I’m all nostalgic and giddy with Smoltz going and everything.
Wasn’t Guy Sharpe on the air when Smoltz pitched first and “Garo” was on WQXI am or 94Q?
Now, I feel downright my age, thanks!
By Spider29
April 22, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Smoltz has been my favorite Braves player for a number of years. If I could be there in person, it would be awesome. But logistics prevent that. I will be watching tonight on MLB Extra Innings and pulling for John to get his four strikeouts. But even harder, I will be pulling for him to throw fewer pitches, get quick outs and his fourth win of 2008. Joining the 3000 strikeout club is a big deal whether some people want to recognize it or not. All of Smoltz’s fans will definitely cheer that accomplishment.
By Milledgeville Matt
April 22, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I will be there! Coming 2+ hours and hope he doesn’t strike out the first two sides in case I’m late!
By TJ
April 22, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Remember Infante will return sometime soon,
Yeah, Infante. I never really understood that signing… reminds me a lot of Chris Woodward last year. I guess it was an “insurance” signing, in case we had no backup at SS, 2B, 3B or CF. Turns out, that’s not really the case.
I’d guess that Infante’s return will mean the end of Ruben Gotay’s stay with the Braves.
Infante will probably hit .400 for a month or two, just to make me look bad, but I don’t see him as something we really need.
By HKP
April 22, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t miss it. Go Smoltzie!
By DAP
April 22, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Jim your saying youd rather smoltz not get his 3,000th strikeout tonight? whats your problem?
just trying to be different i hope.
geez, i cant believe you said that!!
By Tami
April 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I just want to cry because I can’t be there tonight! But, I sure am rooting John on. The Braves are playing really good baseball right now, and I feel that although it would be hilarious for Smoltzie to get the milestone in Shea where it began, it will be MORE special here.
Go, John & go Braves!!!
By BravesFanInRockies
April 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I was at Smoltz’s final start in Richmond, July 1988. He left after pitching five innings of shutout (possibly no-hit, though I should have remembered it) ball. Soon after walking off the mound, he shook hands in the dugout, and the PA announcer said he had just gotten the call to head to the majors.
Now that was a game to watch.
If I didn’t live a couple thousand miles away, I’d love to be at the Ted tonight. Go get ‘em, Smoltzie!
By knowitall
April 22, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who is having trouble with the entire AJC site? Everything is loading weirdly.
By Jim
April 22, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
More optimal, Smoltz strikes out the first 4 on 12 pitches, then uses 23 more to get the next 23 outs. I’m still more concerned with the next 30+ starts and the state of Smoltz and the pen going into the weekend series with the Mets. Smoltz has only been able to pitch 5 or 6 innings/ game this year and Bennet and James are not ready to give more than 6 innings apiece at most. After Campillo, Boyer, and Acosta.
By Flyin Dawg
April 22, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
I wish I could be there, but instead I will have to check updates online. No TV in Philly for the Braves. I am sure the highlight will be all over Sportscenter.
By Bravesfan79
April 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
What idiot said 3000k’s wasnt a big deal!??
GO SMOLTZ….my favorite Brave of all time….and one of the best BIG game pitchers of all time!!
By Merculf
April 22, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
We have a softball game and a little league game with the kids tonight. If not for that, We would be there with bells on! Go Smoltzie! Mow’em down!
By AtlGalinBoston
April 22, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
A lifelong Braves fan, I moved to Boston last summer. My brother and I went to a Red Sox game last weekend. The energy in that place is awesome - something rarely felt in Atlanta. Here’s hoping that the fans will rise to the occasion and give Smoltz an incredible atmosphere in which to achieve this milestone. I for one will be begging the MLBtv feed on my computer to work long enough for me to see it!
By Mattc
April 22, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Any of you who are local BETTER get out and see this, I’d give quite a bit to be able to be there but am currently stationed on the west coast so no go. I’m working tonight around game time as well but unless I get given a huge project I fully intend to watch history on MLB.TV :)
By kdbanks
April 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Just picked up my tix at the stadium - it’s 2 for Tuesday night.
2 tickets for $8 - how could you not go?
By Shaun
April 22, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
AtlGalinBoston, maybe if Turner Field was as small as Fenway, the fans were right on top of the field, families have been passionate about the team for three or four generations, the ballpark was located in an area where there is a lot to do, then I’m sure Braves games would have more “energy.”
By A.S.
April 22, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Any loyal Braves or Baseball fan would note that this game is not only worthy of attending but is mandatory to show up! Go John, Ill be cheering on the sides!
By monty
April 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
We have been blessed in the last 20 years to witness greatness. Smolts,Glavine, Maddux, Chipper, and Tex (temporarily) and don’t forget Andrew. All of which should make the Hall of Fame. ANd then don’t forget those who were just below Cooperstown quality, Dale Murphy, Marguise Grissom, David JUstice, Fred McGriff(crime dog) and T.P. What a great era to be a Braves fan.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Talking pitching, the only active players with a shot to get to 300W are.
Tim Hudson
Kevin Millwood ( this one really surprises me)
Livan Hernandez (his age probably aint as listed so i dont think he is on pace.
Pedro Martinez (too many injuries)
Andy Petit (too many injuries)
So id say the only true candidates are Hudson and Millwood.
By 22oz
April 22, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
kdbanks, so you were able to get the 2 for 1 deal at the ticket window? That is our plan, but we didn’t want to go through ticketmaster. By the time you’ve paid all the “convenience” charges and the printed ticket fee, you’ve lost any deal you might have gotten! We were just gonna go and hope you could get that deal at the window.
By TBraveFan
April 22, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Darn Tootin’ I’m there tonight, just like every other home game - I cannot wait to witness history!
By Shaun
April 22, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Overlord, how about Oswalt, Sabathia, Santana, Zambrano, Beckett, Lackey, Peavy?
Millwood is 166 away. He has 134 wins in his 12-year career and he’s already 33. Unless he goes to a team like the Yankees or Red Sox, I’d say his chances are pretty slim.
I would say Sabathia has the best chance of anyone given his age and his total so far.
But the odds are against any one pitcher, but I’m sure someone will do it. And it may be someone we aren’t thinking about right now.
By kdbanks
April 22, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
22oz -
Yes, walked up to the window and said “Two of the 2 for Tuesday tickets, please.” And for $8 bucks I was set.
Yeah, I didn’t want to pay an extra $3 per ticket for fees either, so I just went to the stadium. I live close by so it’s easy for me to do that.
See you there!
By AtlGalinBoston
April 22, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Shaun - I’m sure you’re correct, although I remember that same energy happening in Atlanta in the early 90’s. Just trying to make the point that I hope that the stadium has an electric atmosphere tonight - Smoltz has earned it.
By Yars
April 22, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
The only thing I’m going to say about all this Prado vs. KJ bull*hit is that if Prado were to be the Braves everyday 2B, there is no way in Hell he would put up better numbers than KJ. He’s only slightly better on defense, that’s it. There’s a reason Prado is a utility fielder. The Braves don’t see him as an everyday player. They never have, & never will. If they did, he would have been the everyday 2B last season. In any case, our bench is a lot better than last season. I also believe that when Infante comes off the DL, Gotay will be released. Overlord…..you don’t think Big Unit will win 300?
By Fanxeira
April 22, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
OK, everyone. Tonight is the night. A milestone. An unforgettable moment in life. And, it’s also earth day. So be sure to to get green and go to the game. I’ll be there. Some of my closest friends will be there. Mayb e even you will be there. The ticket alone will be worth a fortune after it’s all said and done. I for one, am stoked. And just watch- all these out o towners that claim allegiance to the Bravos will finally have to quit b!tching about how the locals never go to the game. After tonight, there will be a major spike in attendance from here on out
By BA
April 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
When did Carroll Rodgers become a marketing rep for the Braves? I’ve been a Braves fan for twenty years, and if I read much more of this blatant solicitation, I might not come out all year! Hey, if they want to raise attendance, increase the security around the stadium and the parking lots. I hate having to explain to my kids that the guy trying to sell me a copy of creative loafing is on crack. What’s that? Ride Marta? Yeah, there’s never any crackheads on Marta. Remember that lady getting dragged out of Marta and raped? Nobody helped her. So if the Braves want better attendance, they should address the situation. Or maybe Carroll Rodgers should start conducting crack rehab down there in the lots.
By Shaun
April 22, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Overlord, I’d also add Mark Buehrle to my list.
By Cody In Tennessee
April 22, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
In regards to the person that suggested Kevin Millwood could win 300 games needs to have their head examined. Tim Hudson is a long shot just because he needs 162 more wins. He will have to win at least 16 games the next 10 years to get there. Plus we will have to pitch until he is 42. Possible but hard to see. Milwood will never get their because he is in Texas and he is already 34. The next 300 game winner will be Randy Johnson and he could do it this year if he stay;s healthy for the D-Backs. He only needs 16 wins, and with Arizona’s offense all he needs is to pitch 5 effective innings. After Johnson we may never see a 300 game winner again. Smoltz would be flirting with 300 wins if it weren’t for the arm injuries, but hey 3,000 k’s is a lot harder to do. That is why you don’t see many pitchers that have done it. Go support Smoltzy tonight, I AM. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By MGL
April 22, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I just ordered a ticket for tonight’s game. Can’t go since I live in Orlando, but after all the enjoyment Smoltz has given me, I wantd to do a little part to increase the attendance.
By 22oz
April 22, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Wait-today’s Earth Day? That means i shouldn’t drive an hour to the stadium! Crap, i really wanted to see this game in person! Well, i’m carpooling, that should count for something…
By Shaun
April 22, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Yars, I do think Prado would be a fine everyday second baseman. I just think KJ will be one of if not the best NL 2B for the next several seasons (once Utley starts to decline).
By McFann
April 22, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
5 homers in April, are you kidding me? Me last night
Sheesh. Mea maxima culpa. He has four homers in April, and one in March.
I’m sure you were all wondering about that. ; )
By Red
April 22, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
At the end of a hard day’s work, you just wanna have some dinner, crack open a cold brew while your honey snuggles up to ya on the couch and watch the Braves before she dozes off in the 5th and you in the 8th.
John Smoltz ain’t gonna come watch me and cheer me on as I legitimately wince and grimace, grunt and groan while I’m at work.
So I ain’t gonna make any extra effort to go watch him needlessly wince and grimace, grunt and groan his way to some I stuck around a long time goal that means nothing.
I’ll watch it on the boob tube tonight. I just hope Smoltz can keep the number of strikeouts tonight higher than the needless grunts and groans, winces and grimaces, shoulder shrugs, elbow shakes and umpire gripes.
If he did that, it would be a truly remarkable feat. The first time in the career of Smoltz.
300 wins would have been nicer than 3000 Ks. Johnny Boy never won as much as he should have. He always found a way to come up just short. Mr. Hard Luck. Mr. Lack of Run Support. Blah, blah, blah. The excuses and Ks and injuries (both real and pretended) were always many. The wins? Not so much.
Why does a pitcher who is still throwing 95 mph after 20 years only have 200 wins? Someone who could have struck out that many should have 300 wins.
Don’t give me the the old he was a closer crap. The bottomline is that after 16 seasons as a starter, he only has 200 wins despite pitching for a team that won 100 games every year. Big whoop. Not a Hall of Famer.
By Cody In Tennessee
April 22, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Someone earlier asked why the Braves signed Infante earlier and I just wanted to point out that the Braves got him from Chicago at the winter meeting that also brought in Ohman. When Infante returns Gotay will go, but don’t be suprised if the Braves don’t trade Prado before the deadline. If he keeps up his play Kelly Johnson might become a little ucomfortable at 2B. Call me dumb but if Prado proves he can handle the bigs kelly might find himself the center piece for a big trade deadline deal.
By David O'Brien
April 22, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Headed to the ‘yard. Off tonight, but I’m gonna ride down there on this beautiful afternoon/evening and see some history. Think I’ll sit in the stands to witness it. Enjoy, all.
By Clown Scientist Panda Man Pretend Monster Toucher Hello What Is Porridge, Exactly?
April 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Red,
Your slip’s showing, girl.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Shaun all those guys that you mention are at least 190 wins away…… given the injury plague in this days, i would not include those guys just yet, they are in a good pace, but i think they still have to prove they can pitch till 40. Tim has already proved that he is durable. Becket already showed injury prone this season.
I like C.C. a little betterm , but there is a lot of ground between 30 wins, 2 seasons on an arm these days is a lot.
I forgot about Johnson he has a great shot at it, but i wont be easy even though he is 16 away.
Oswalt also has a shot but he is on a free fall right now, even with a losing record this year and his win record has dropped last 2 year and might fall once again.
By BossLady
April 22, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
There is always someone like you in every venue. The type of person that makes everything about themselves.
No one, believe me no one cares what you do, don’t do, like don’t like, prefer or don’t prefer.
John Smoltz has earned a spot in this world where people realllly care what he does, likes and prefer
If you can sit there and be so cavalier about his 3000 strikeout why bother to come on this blog to whine about yourself, someone who no one cares about anyway.
Just a thought….
By SandyB
April 22, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
*But last year, when he got there on May 24 with a 2-1 win vs, the Mets, there was a magical feeling at the Ted. Carroll *
I agree Carroll, I was there that night, and it was almost a playoff/WS atmosphere. Everyone was excited, and the icing on the cake was that John’s mound opponent was Glavine.
People were cheering every out…it was really exciting….am trying to figure out a way to get there tonight. My son may just have to celebrate his birthday another day.
BTW, I have the Smoltz statue they gave away last year sitting on my desk.
John does a lot for our community…..wishing him the best tonight!!!
By Red
April 22, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Clown Scientist Panda, you’re right. I’m whupped. No way she’ll let me out of the house on American Idol night. And she’s got the Pennsylvania primaries to make me watch. I’d be upset about it if it was anyone besides Smoltz pitching. Smoltz is the only one with more fake hype and fake drama than American Idol. So I’ll stick with the American Idol tonight. At least I’ll like a few singers on AI. No chance in hell I’ll ever like the phony that is Smoltz.
By SandyB
April 22, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
also, don’t know how many folks know it, but I heard John on the radio the other day talking about his campaign with the Atlanta Food Bank- Strike Out Hunger. There will be a future game where you can pay $25 or bring 25 cans of food and get an autograph. He also contributes $200 per strike out to the AFB.
By Red
April 22, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
I made you care enough to respond to me Bosslady.
By AGTfan
April 22, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Nice post BossLady. I don’t think some Met’s troll pretending to be a braves fan deserves the attention though. What a dolt.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Looks like we will start tonight game tied with the mets for 2nd place. They are losing 3-1 after 7 complete.
By Lew
April 22, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
BA-The Blog’s answer to John Rocker. At least Rocker could blame his brain damage on the pulp mill fumes in Macon. Is that where you’re from?
By Renegator
April 22, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Mets now down 4-1.
C’mon Cubs!
By FJR
April 22, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
So the fookie comments the other day got me thinking about what we should maybe do in free agency this off-season.
Here were the 8 players I thought we should take a hard look at:
1) Tex 2) CC 3) Jim Thome 4) Adam Dunn 5) Jeff Kent 6) Pat Burrell 7) Frank Thomas 8) Oliver Perez
More in depth analysis of those FAs and the braves
By David
April 22, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
HAHA! Red is obviously trying to stir it up here. Ridiculous post, nothing more. Easily one of the dumber statements I hear people make is the “Nobody cheers me on at work”-type of crap. My question is, are you one of the very best on earth at what you do? No? I didn’t think so.
By Thrillhouse44
April 22, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Red, I can’t imagine why no one would pay to watch you “legitimately wince and grimace, grunt and groan” while you work. You’re such a ray of sunshine, I’m sure people are just drawn to you. I’d pony up a buck or two to watch you do that, assuming you look like Mrs. Kotsay.
By Prado Man Crush
April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
…if Prado were to be the Braves everyday 2B, there is no way in Hell he would put up better numbers than KJ. He’s only slightly better on defense, that’s it Yars
Just like us all overvaluing Prado, those of you who discredit the guy don’t give him a chance. Prado is blocked by KJ being an everyday player. Until KJ goes down with bum knees, he won’t start, unfortunately.
He’s got a great shot to outdue KJ though. He’s hits for a higher average, more doubles and triples, so if he walks half the time KJ does he’d have a similar .OBP. The only thing i can criticize, is that instead of checking his swing like last night, he should foul those pithces off. At least he hasn’t struck out when the games been close.
Just don’t discredit a guy who arguably had better Minor league numbers than KJ in fewer at bats (except for walks). If Prado were older and ready 2 years ago, KJ would never have been given a chance to learn second base.
Lastly, someone on here yesterday said Prado is scared of the ball. Because of one play last year or 2 years ago? Yeah right. Dude had what, a .996 fielding percentage last year at Richmond? That ball in his 2nd start of the year vs. Washington came up on him a bit while he was moving to his left. Watch the replay. He didn’t boot it cause he was scared of the ball. If anything, argue that Prado might be a little nervous as he’s trying to impress & earn more playing time, not that he’s scared of the baseball. I’ve seen tons of other great players turn away from hot shots & hope the ball hits their glove.
If KJ ever goes down or goes into an everlasting cold streak, we have a helluva player that could, and like some say, should play everyday.
By Prado Man Crush
April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
…if Prado were to be the Braves everyday 2B, there is no way in Hell he would put up better numbers than KJ. He’s only slightly better on defense, that’s it Yars
Just like us all overvaluing Prado, those of you who discredit the guy don’t give him a chance. Prado is blocked by KJ being an everyday player. Until KJ goes down with bum knees, he won’t start, unfortunately.
He’s got a great shot to outdue KJ though. He’s hits for a higher average, more doubles and triples, so if he walks half the time KJ does he’d have a similar .OBP. The only thing i can criticize, is that instead of checking his swing like last night, he should foul those pithces off. At least he hasn’t struck out when the games been close.
Just don’t discredit a guy who arguably had better Minor league numbers than KJ in fewer at bats (except for walks). If Prado were older and ready 2 years ago, KJ would never have been given a chance to learn second base.
Lastly, someone on here yesterday said Prado is scared of the ball. Because of one play last year or 2 years ago? Yeah right. Dude had what, a .996 fielding percentage last year at Richmond? That ball in his 2nd start of the year vs. Washington came up on him a bit while he was moving to his left. Watch the replay. He didn’t boot it cause he was scared of the ball. If anything, argue that Prado might be a little nervous as he’s trying to impress & earn more playing time, not that he’s scared of the baseball. I’ve seen tons of other great players turn away from hot shots & hope the ball hits their glove.
If KJ ever goes down or goes into an everlasting cold streak, we have a helluva player that could, and like some say, should play everyday.
By Robert Petrie
April 22, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
…where people realllly care what he does…
That’s the first time I ever saw “really” spelled with four L’s.
By uh Chuck er um James
April 22, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
OK Carroll, since you um asked, uh when will I get to like 3,000 um strikeouts uh maybe when um I um er when wow 3,000 that’s like more than a million huh. I’ll like never get there.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Renegator, you coming to the tractor pull at Turner field tonight?
Because, according to you, the Braves should call it a season already. LOL !
By OrlandoFan
April 22, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz is one of the most respected players in baseball, because he is a winner, a team player, a competitor and a success. He won’t win 300 games. He may not win any more, but his record stands for its longevity and its greatness. He came back from injuries from which most people don’t. He made changes in his style. He took a different assignment. He did what was asked and was competitive every day. He does not throw his glove out there and call it pitching. He does not pretend to be something he’s not. He doesn’t not take performance-enhancing drugs. On top of all of that, he is a solid human being who believes in God is not afraid to tell others that he does. His pitching mound is used for more than fastballs and splitters and sliders. It’s used to show people how life and your chosen profession should be approached. You don’t like him or believe his credentials are adequate, fine. But don’t disrespect a person who does his best and wants nothing more to suceed. For there are millions who do that every day in every walk of life. And they deserve our respect too.
By dcatl
April 22, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Can he use that 3000th K to buy himself (and Glavine) a personality?
By Steve Avery
April 22, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s American Idol night?
Tell Smoltzie i’ll Tivo the game.
By the pointer brother
April 22, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
…he is a solid human being who believes in God is not afraid to tell others that he does…*
I would like to point out that Osama bin Laden also believes in God and is not afraid to tell others.
So what does that get you?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
8-1 Cubs over the Mets in the eighth.
Ronny Cedeno just hit his first career grand slam off Jorge Sosa.
I love it !
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Renegator….the Wally Pipp of this blog.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA !
By OrlandoFan
April 22, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Osama’s “god” does not get a capital “g.” To draw a comparison between a lunatic murderer and a baseball player who professes his faith demeans all of us.
By richbrave
April 22, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Smoltz gets his fourth SO to end the first inning. He gets the second batter to strike out, but the catcher drops the ball, and the batter makes first safely. Thus four SO in the first.
By Shamus Thacker
April 22, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Y’all haven’t mentioned that Hammy is closing in on his 3,000th career injury. Should happen in his next pen session.
Georgia loves you Smoltsie; give em Hell!!
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
there’s definitely a buzz about TF and it wasn’t my ahem marketing that did it, BA. and if was so worried about crack heads i guess i’d be scared to cover games…
Hampton threw on the side today and really let it go, felt good with everything and is looking now at heading out on a minor league rehab outing maybe friday. so he’s winding back up.
glavine is feeling better too. hasn’t thrown yet but is gearing up to throw a bullpen thursday and if all goes well, he plans to start tuesday in DC when he’s eligible to come off the DL.
jeff bennett has 100.7 degree fever today by the way, but bobby says he’s pitching tomorrow either way. got to.
By OrlandoFan
April 22, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard of a hot pitcher, but Bennett took it too far.
By scottbravesfan
April 22, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I wish I was in Atlanta. I wore my Smoltz jersey today to show support for the man. Hope he gets it. There better be a decent crowd there tonight. That crowd last night was laughable. How come the city of Atlanta has to be so sorry? I enjoy going there but the people who live in Atlanta are stupid. It’s like they don’t realize they live in one of the biggest cities in the country. They still have a small town mindset and mentality.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Tonights game will be a great opportunity for ATL to show Smoltz what he and the other players and managers mean to us, as those who have given us their very best over the last 15 yrs.
As for those of you here on the blog just to cause strife and disharmony, well you can sit back and watch and realize how completely powerless you really are when it comes to affecting anything.
Maybe you should try Scientology. I hear you can really score points with a lot of BS talk with them.
By jbutler
April 22, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
BA and Red Hey- just wanted to give a quick thanks for keeping such a positive vibe. Nothing like a sweeping generalization of crackheads and the petty smackdown of a decent/successful pitcher/person to make this an enjoyable exchange. Since neither one of you will be there - should be a great night down at the yard.
By Justo
April 22, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Lets go Smoltz do your thing dog.
By jimmac
April 22, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
I am someone else who was lucky enough to have been at Shea Stadium to see the 1st strikeout. I knew Smoltz well from the Richmond Braves (I actually lived in Mechanicsville, VA back then). My family were big Mets’ fans, and that day was Old Timer’s Day to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ‘69 Mets (I was also at Shea the night the Mets clinched the Eastern Division in ‘69). It was my daughter’s first game, and my grandmother’s last. My connection to the Richmond Braves and the combined ascent of the Braves in the ’90s and the decline of the Mets, along with the availability of TBS in those days, led me to morph into a Braves fan by ‘95, which played a major role in settling here. I wish I could be there tonight, but I can’t wait to see it.
By keylargo
April 22, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
I was watching the Mets post game show and they were saying that Carlos Delgado is finished. I don’t know if he has AJitis or what but he is hitting .206 with 1 HR and 8 RBI’s this year. The guys saying he is through were saying his bat speed is gone and pitch recognition is poor. He is/was a stud and if he is on the decline it is great for the Braves. Remember, this is the Mets people saying this.
By William
April 22, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
I swear I’m not making this up, but I had a dream last night of John Smoltz walking off the mound in the Top of the first with the Braves down 7-0………No need to fret because my dreams rarely every come true. It was sooooo weird.
By Norfolk Brave
April 22, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Where would Hampton be doing his rehab start? Richmond has a weekend set against the Tides here in Norfolk and I need to know if I should start looking for tickets…
By Pete H.
April 22, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
263rd?
Go Smoltzy. Wish this was on TV here (Chicago). Mutts bullpen is our bestest, bestest friend. They tossed another masterpiece at Wrigley today.
By Mike in LA
April 22, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Just to add to the Prado/Johnson debate i think Prado is superior defensively and is fun to watch next to Escobar, they would make a great combo for the future. Prado would play solid defense and hit .280 to .300 annually with little hr power but maybe hit 30 doubles or more. That would be fine considering we are going to be getting great production out of two positions that are not traditionally offensive positions (shortstop and catcher). Prado should be kept in a utility role this season but I do think that Kelly Johnson should be kept and moved back to left field next year to accomade him at second. Lets face it he’s not looking very good in the field this year but I think he should hit about .280 20 to 25hr and an on base percentage over .360 on a regular basis. I would argue that would be above league averages for the left field position. After this season, i think the Braves should make a trade for a legit number 2 starter to replace Glavine and makeup for Smoltz’s envitable decline in innings pitched but not production. Given how valuable aces under contract are just look at what it took to get Dan Haren. With that said the Braves should target Aaron Harang next season. I think it would take Lillibridge, Flowers, Diaz, Morton, Schaefer, and a midlevel prospect which I think is manageable. People are going to jump at me for mentioning Schaefer, the heir apparent, but lets face it he had a huge jump in stats from 06 to 07 which tells me it was the HGH. I would only make this trade if he doesn’t bounce back after the suspension. The Braves do have Gorkys Hernandez as an insurance plan. Assuming the Braves can resign Texiera my 09 lineup would be:
Blanco CF Escobar SS Chipper 3B Texiera 1b Mccann C Francouer RF KJohnson LF Prado 2B
Hudson, Harang, Smoltz, Jurrjens, and Reyes/CJames
Harang’s salary is reasonable for an ace and I think can fit into the Braves payroll and I think Texiera can also with Glavine and Hampton’s salaries off the books and a slight increase in how much the organization decides to spend
By William
April 22, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Ummmm can we talk about the Mets this weekend.
By taylor s
April 22, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
I’m at the game folks and as of the first pitch its not very full. Kinda sad … hope it fills up
By McFann
April 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Dang! No strike outs! C’mon, Smoltz, I’m keepin’ score tonight!
Wishing I was there…
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
I dont wanna be all over KJ, but he doesnt helps the cause….. Sheeesh!!!! (there you go McFann)
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
2,997
2,998
and counting.
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
i’m too slow to keep up with smoltz! there are two Ks for the first two outs in the in the second inning. Got Nick Johnson looking at a curveball, then Austin Kearns locked up on a slider….two to go.
Crowd ain’t big but it gets it. Cheering for every strike and going nuts on two-strike counts.
By Philliesuk
April 22, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Are you freaking kidding me??? The stands look very empty right now. I have absolutely had it with our fair-weather fans. When will our fans stop being the polite, sit-in-your-seat-the-entire-game, sort-of-interested fans that they have been for so long? I remember being at game 6 of the NLCS in 97, when the ‘fans’ behind me told me to sit down in the final inning. These are the kind of ‘fans’ that need a schooling in how to get behind your team. I guess I’m at a loss with this one. I thought the fans in Atlanta would come to the park to support the guy who has been with us for twenty years. If I lived anywhere close to Atlanta, I know I would be there.
Oh well. This is no different than it’s been for the past 12 or so years. Even Justice alluded to it before game 6 in 95; the fans of Atlanta have still not gotten it, thirteen years later.
At least the fans who are there are into the game.
Don’t get me wrong. I love this team. I love the city and the people of Atlanta. I just wish things were different.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Wayta hustle, Frenchy!
Overlord—
Thanks. (But what’s with all the KJ hate? Wait, never mind! Don’t answer that…)
By N8
April 22, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Judging by all the fans dressed as empty seats, the people that live in the Atlanta area, should be frickin ashamed of themselves. You don’t deserve a team.
I actually checked into flying down today to take in the moment. After realizing that 2 tickets on 1-days notice directly out of Bismarck would have set me back 4-digits, I chose not to.
If I were LM, I’d check into moving the Braves the hell out of Atlanta.
Greatest post-season pitcher in recent history, THE face of this team since the late 80’s, going for a milestone that would make him one of only 16 PEOPLE in history to record 3000 K’s and the house ain’t full.
Shame on you Atlanta.
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
taylor s, you got the blackberry going or something? excellent work…
anybody else notice the home plate umpire is Dan Iassogna, the same guy who completely blew the call at first last night on Yunel Escobar.
By Gustopher
April 22, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I think 3000 Ks us pretty impressive considering that Glavine only has 2576 and he has won 303 games.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Lannan is raining on our parade so far.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Very good to see McCann run like the roadrunner (hustle) on that popup by kotsay. He was more than half way to 3rd by the time the SS caught the ball.
By jimmac
April 22, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
2,999
One more baby, one more !
THREE THOUSAND !
THREE THOUSAND !
THREE THOUSAND !
By geauxbraves2000
April 22, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
WTG Smoltzie!!
Geaux Braves!!
By BillsNV
April 22, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Way to go Smoltzie!! Now the rest of the team needs to get some runs! Would be a shame for him to lose 1-0 in his history making game. It would be typical, but a shame as well!
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
AWWWWW YEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH
Smoltz !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
U—-DA—-MAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Stephen
April 22, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Thank you, John.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
CONGRATULATIONS, SMOLTZ!!!! Great pitch!!
I kept score of history! ; )
(Hope there’s a photo of that hug on the web tomorrow!
Still wish we were there.
By aaaetc
April 22, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Way to go Smoltzie! Just saw you record your 3000th! I remember the day the Beaves traded Doyle Alexander for you & I said, “Huh?” Guess I got my answer a little before tonight! Couldn’t happen to a classier guy! Congrats!
By Tony C.
April 22, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Just because I couldn’t resist:
Orlando Fan You do realize that Smoltzie and bin Laden both believe in the same God right? The God of Abraham. It’s a fact. Let’s not get too carried away with the Dogma?
Super excited for Smoltz-he is a great competitor and a great ambassador for the game (and his faith). Just wish I didn’t work nights so I could be there.
By brewdawg
April 22, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Great moment. Congrats John Smoltz. Enough said.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
HEY PHILLIESUK
What city do you live in??
Why are you not at the game??
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 22, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Congratulations John!!
…can I have the ball?
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I suppose KJ is not going to go under the mendoza line……right???
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
History is in the books, now lets get Smoltzy some runs.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Note to Overlord:
McCann was not on base!! That was Francoeur!
SHEEEEEEEESH!!
By JEB
April 22, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
I don’t know how John held it together! I got misty eyed watching it happen and listening to the crowd!
By woogidy
April 22, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Anybody realize John Smoltz’s first pitch graphic was sponsored by Rogaine?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Nice job Frenchy, way to keep your head on the ball with that base hit.
By Philliesuk
April 22, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Capt. Caveman, I’m almost 1000 miles away. That’s why I’m watching the game on MLB Extra Innings that I purchased so that I can watch every single Braves game this year. Oh yeah, except for every single game that is within driving distance, so that I can show up in my Braves gear and support my team.
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
my burst, tho sounds like many of you saw it for yourselves.
By CARROLL ROGERS crogers@ajc.com John Smoltz whipped out his patented nasty slider Tuesday night to become only the 16th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,000 strikeouts for his career. The 40-year-old fanned Felipe Lopez of the Washington Nationals on a slider for the second out of the third inning to get No. 3,000 and a frenzied standing ovation. He needed four strikeouts to get there and got the fourth on a 2-2 pitch that was 88 miles an hour and biting downward as Lopez swung and missed. Afterward Smoltz pumped his right fist and dropped his head in relief. He was met on the mound by catcher Brian McCann for a high five and hug. Then McCann dropped the ball in Smoltz’s glove for safe-keeping and slapped him on the back. Smoltz was greeted by Chipper Jones and the rest of the infielders for hugs all around. At the end of the inning, he took several moments to acknowledge the fans, taking his cap off and waving it. Fans got a chance to cheer him on again after watching a video tribute on the big board during the break and standing to greet him as Smoltz came out to bat to lead off the bottom of the inning. Smoltz had set up No. 3000 by striking out pitcher John Lannan to lead off the third inning on a nasty slider worthy of a cleanup hitter. With fans at Turner Field cheering every two-strike count like it was the third out of the ninth in Smoltz’s closing days, he got his first two on strikeouts back-to-back called strike threes in the second inning. He locked up Nick Johnson on a curveball and Austin Kearns on a slider to get things rolling, before Lastings Milledge and Willie Harris hit consecutive doubles to take a 1-0 lead and temper the moment.
By Mark in PA
April 22, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Does not look like Smoltzie is laboring as much as last time, either.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Ya’ll see that fella playing third base for the Nationals.
His name is Ryan Zimmerman and he should have won the gold glove last season.
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
yuck sorry, i forgot the paragraph marks there….
I stand corrected on the pitch to Lopez. From what I understand they are saying on the broadcast it was a splitter, not a slider. Will check with Smoltz afterward but it was an educated guess on my part. I should know better!
By Mark in PA
April 22, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Come on, bats! Pick him up!
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
No McFann Jeff was already approaching home. That was Brian.
By richie
April 22, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
what is all this talk about Prado playing 2b about? I haven’t seen him do anything more impressive than Kelly, at all - really. I know Kelly isnt great there yet but this is only his 2nd year at the position. As a matter of fact, this is the 2nd year for our double play combo. They are going to make errors. Prado doesn’t have the potential Kelly does, so let’s just relax and let Glenn do his magic with Kelly. He did it with Marcus Giles and i have the same faith in him with Kelly. Now, how about we try to make a run at Roy Oswalt. I have heard a bunch of teams over the years offer prospects not nearly as good as to what we have. That would be a co-ace I’d like to team with Hudson.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
so philliesuk
You don’t live here so you got no business being critical of people in the ATL. What constitutes “driving distance”?? In Atl you can’t get from Buckhead to the Ted in under an HOUR during the week and that’s if you leave straight from work.
Remember Atl is the LARGEST METRO AREA in the country. Lots of miles.
So shuddup already.
By geauxbraves2000
April 22, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Anyone in the Braves dugout, clubhouse, or somewhere near the offense, would you please give them this message: SCORE SOME RUNS!!
Geaux Braves!!
John Smoltz, 1st ballot HOF!
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Come on KJ you are approaching Luis Castillo (.232), and the Mendoza line with him.
Time to put Kotsay or Blanco as leadoff…….or Yunel.
It is clear KJ is not our best option. At least not in april nor may.
Even Jeff has 2 walks tonight….. McSheeesh!!!!
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Jeff is clearly in pain….. good thing we now know blanco can cover for him good enough if a day off is needed.
By Epinephrine
April 22, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Overlord you are really annoying.
By Interested Observer
April 22, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
The Braves offense should be added to the number of spectators watching the game tonight.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Come on gang….. admit it, KJs glove is nothing but a minor league glove…. period. He couldnt even prevent that ball from going into RF. Maybe not for an out, but at least to look good, like a major leaguer.
By Bowie
April 22, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Smoltz 3005 k’s = 9 tonight. But where did the bats go…? We need runs, I would hate for Smoltz to lose this game after a super job. Go Braves.
By Bowie
April 22, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Smoltz 3006 k’s = 10 tonight. But where did the bats go…? We need runs, I would hate for Smoltz to lose this game after a super job. Go Braves.
By Bowie
April 22, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Smoltz 3006 k’s = 10 tonight. But where did the bats go…? We need runs, I would hate for Smoltz to lose this game after a super job. Go Braves.
By richie
April 22, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Ya’ll see that fella playing third base for the Nationals. His name is Ryan Zimmerman and he should have won the gold glove last season.By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008) I remember Zimmerman had 3 errors in a game against us alone last year. In the game where Smoltz was pitching the no hitter, he single-handedly blew the game for them. That guy will be a gold glover, maybe. If the NY media doesnt decide who wins the Gold gloves each year because if they do Wright’s gonna win it until he retires.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
No, Overlord, that was Matty!
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Aight !!!! 10 K ‘s again!!
Lets get Prado up to pinch hit for Smoltzie and take the lead NOW to get him the WIN!!!!!
By Bowie
April 22, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
sorry about triple click it said page lost.
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Ritchie, I remember that ugly game when Zimmerman seemed hellbent on making everyone in the first base box seats leave with a broken nose.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Prado walks…….how come our leadoff hitter cant just do that?
OK…..do what you like doing, hit your HR KJ
By taylor s
April 22, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
we need to get this win for smoltz. He looked great. There’s not a huge crowd here but like Carroll said we cheered our tails off. After it was all over with I was pretty drained. Great experience tho wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Totally weak popup… nice work!!!
By geauxbraves2000
April 22, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
WTG offense, way to pick up Smoltzie tonight.
Hmmph.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 22, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Well — looks like a big case of “at’em” balls tonight.
Still a great game, got 2 more chances.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
If you say so Mc, but the ball was like 10 minutes in the air, if that was jeff, he was like walking instead of running.
By Mark in PA
April 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Caveman, but that’s no excuse. ANYBODY with some love for baseball, the Braves, and esp. Smoltz, ought to be there for the game. It does reflect poorly on the fan base that’s in the city that are not in the game. It’s pretty well documented, too.
I’m driving two hours to see a game in PIT, and (when the kids are out of school) I’m gonna drive 3 hours to get to a game in DC. And I know he won’t be getting K #3000. As it is, I’m suffering through on MLB.com.
Don’t defend the faint fans (and there’s none on this blog!) that don’t show up for a big game like tonight in their own town.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
I vote the Braves stick Overlord at second base and let him make all those plays. He must be good, the way he keeps complaining.
So……Where’d the Braves go?
By ncscoots
April 22, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
It is “clear” that the blog needs a special day for the KJ-haters, Frenchy-haters, and whoever else has a mad-on for a specific player. They could vent to their hearts’ content and congratulate each other for agreeing with whatever position they care to espouse. In addition, perhaps DOB could get the players in question to visit the blog that day.
That way, they could apologize for whatever they did to these posters’ sisters.
By Carroll Rogers
April 22, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
attendance was 23,482….the ones who were here were into it. that’s all i can say.
By chrisklob
April 22, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Coach, you might want to go look at Zimmerman’s defensive numbers from last year and then retract that last statement. Dude made 23 errors in 2007. His FP was very, very average.
By Efrim
April 22, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Wow. You can’t lose this game. Someone hit a 2 run home run or something.
By ALAGT
April 22, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
what an article on Pena and Escobar … they really appreciate being in the USA
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/04/22/brave.hearts0428/index.html
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Scoots, they ain’t hating KJ, they’re just bromancing their mancrush Prado.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Look at the box score, OL. McCann has not been on base tonight.
End of conversation.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
This was Boyer 7th straight outing without allowing a run. He is looking very good.
By FJR
April 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
um, there is absolutely no way the reds would trade Harang. He’s not making much money, he gives them a chance to compete in the nl central.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
McFann make fun all you want, you will soon start complaining also.
By Philliesuk
April 22, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Okay Capt. Caveman, I’m not going to get into an argument over this. It’s just my opinion. Even N8 said something about it above.I lived in Atlanta for 27 years of my life, so I know how long it takes to get around. To me, that doesn’t excuse the poor turnout. There are a lot of cities with bad traffic, and they seem to draw fans. I just wish the Braves fans would have a better turnout and stay until the end of the game. Is that really asking too much?
By N8
April 22, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Just made the drive back to work at the office tonight. Apparently nothing has changed since the middle innings of the game.
Skip just said on radio, that Willie Harris was PERFECTLY positioned to catch Chippers fly ball.
Anybody out there think that Pat Corrales might be a little missed, with his defensive alignments?
That guy is probably the best at what he does. Then again, if the pitchers don’t hit their spots, all the defensive positioning in the world ain’t gonna help out, huh?
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Sorry for wasting your time McFann, you are right, that was Matt, i was wrong, my fault there.
By Efrim
April 22, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
People will start to feel sorry for us if we continue to lose one runs games….
Hold them here and it may happen.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Chrislob, you might want to rethink that last statement before I hand you your a$$ in a paper sack.
By Matt
April 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
We CAN’T lose this game 1-0!!!!!!!!!
By KJ
April 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Overlord I bet you have a small male organ. Is that why you constantly rag on me?
TJ The Braves traded for Infante, we didn’t “sign” him.
By uga-brave
April 22, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
no excuse for this team to be .500.
the starting pitching has been outstanding and we are playing the softest spot on the season’s schedule.
in 20 games we have only faced two front of the rotation type starters.
By geauxbraves2000
April 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Epinephrine
April 22, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Well at least we do not lose by 2! Only good news is we have enough bats on the bench to get left handers in there against Rauch.
But folks, it doesn’t look good.
By Incognito
April 22, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
I guess Campillo is human indeed.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
That hurt. 3-0 Nationals and it looks like we just might be out pitched tonight if the Braves cannot put some runs on the board in the bottom of the ninth.
By Matt
April 22, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe this st. Just pathetic. **PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks for that link to the Pena and Escobar article at Sports Illustrated. Reminds me of why I once loved that magazine. They’ve gotten too far away from doing those kinds of stories. Glad to see Yunel and Brayan get love like that nationally.
That article makes you understand some of that Scarface bada@@ tude of Escobar and why he might be the type to flip a bat. Living your teenaged years with Fidel’s goons stalking you will make you afraid of no one.
I also can’t imagine how scared Pena was as a 17 year old when he made his dash in that hotel. Imagine sitting there thinking that these 30 seconds can determine my whole life. I will either be an American baseball player if I get to that man in the white hat in the lobby or I will have a lifetime of hell if I am caught.
Tough dudes.
By Tomas
April 22, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Campillo sure is dissapointing.
By McFann
April 22, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Thatnks, Overlord.
Matt—
You’re correct. It’ll be at least 3-0.
By Mark in PA
April 22, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Well, it’s not one run anymore.
By DAP
April 22, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
everyone was thinking so much about smoltz’s strikeouts, they forgot they had to score runs to!
By Matt
April 22, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Chris “Base-Clearer” Resop.
By Incognito
April 22, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Just like a spoiled child who doesn’t get their way! Win 5 and lose 1, and this is what we get:
By Matt April 22, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this I can’t believe this st. Just pathetic. *PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
This team is just so confusing. Chipper is right: Not enough guys who can create a run day in and day out. IT seems there are too many that create runs in bunches once every other day or so and make their stats look good and total runs scored look good but not enough consistency.
By Efrim
April 22, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Night folks. Great starting pitching performance wasted. I really thought we would be able to get something going here. It really would of been okay with me if we lost tomorrow…but only if we wont tonight. This loss is a bad one. Especially considering how dominant Smoltz was.
By HP
April 22, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Chris Resop is useless!! Release him immediately.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
6-0 Nationals and this game is over.
Poor pitching from the bullpen and a great performance from Smoltz goes to naught.
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Great. Just great. Smoltz goes 7 and we still have to burn 4 relievers. Unbelievable. Boyer has been doing well. Cox should have just let Boyer take the last 2 innings on his shoulders. Instead we burnt 4 relievers for results that are probably worse than we would have had if he had just left Boyer in there.
By TJ
April 22, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
You win 5, chances are you’re gonna lose one. That’s baseball, folks. Lannan has pitched some really good baseball, including shutting down the Cards and Mets on the road. Smoltz was dominant and looked happy and healthy on the mound. Take the good, and forget about the bad.
TJ The Braves traded for Infante, we didn’t “sign” him.
KJ, of course you’re right. Thanks.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
I cant believe that there are people on the blog interested on thesize of my male organ…….if you wanted to know you could have asked, its that simple.
Im not into that KJ, try a XXX site, you might get lucky and find a BF there.
By Justo
April 22, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Poor Smoltz, Feel sorry for him. Offense just wasn’t there. Resop sucks get rid of this guy right now dont wait he sucks sucks sucks.
By Stuart
April 22, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
This team is short a righ handed bat, period. Franceour is not the answer right now. Diaz is not the answer either. Chipper and Tex are terrible from the right side right now.
Tonight is what the team will look like without Tex in the lineup. No pop period.
KJ is not getting it done. It might be time to think about Prado some nights against Lefties.
I get so sick of this team trying to pull everything. They are a joke.
Welcome to game 182 of the 2007 season. This team looks so good some nights and clueless on others, just like last year.
If this offesne is so good, how on earth can it only score one run in the last 13 innings? Disgraceful.
By Wayne in Utah
April 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Just got in from work. Campillo deserved better. Resop struggled.
Congratulations John Smoltz!
As I review the last 10-12 posts, it is clear that the wailing and gnashing of teeth will begin now, so I will log off and save myself from listening to the rant.
Tomorrow is another day. Please resume your whining and crying about this player and that player!
By Epinephrine
April 22, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
You guys are absurd. We win 5 straight, we have the first game in a long time where the bats are quiet, and the Braves are all of a sudden pathetic? Did you expect them to win the rest of the games this season? Did you expect the Nats to lose every game for the rest of the season? Streaks come to an end, get over it.
If we finish this homestand 6-1, it will very, very succesful. If we go 5-2, that still ain’t bad, especially with the pitchers we have going the next two days.
The bats had a quiet night, and Lannan pithed really well. If the Braves continue to have 5-1 stretches, and people here meltdown on the losses, then you need to find a new sport to watch.
By Stuart
April 22, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Im sorry 1 run in the last 14 innings. That is disgusting.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
At least the fish and the mets lost, we should have picked another game.
Cant release Resop just yet, he had good numbers in the minors, i think braves will have more patience with him just like they did with langerhans and Devine. Theyll give him one more month. Or at least will wait until Glavine, Hampton Soriano and maybe even Gonzo are back.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
At any rate, concerning the ignorance of Chrislob and who should have won the Gold Glove at 3B last season, here ya go buddy. Read it and weep.
Ryan Zimmerman’s defensive rankings at 3B in 2007.
Games played = 161, ranking 1st
Innings played = 1431.2, ranking 1st
Total Chances = 511, ranking 1st
Put outs = 140, ranking 1st
assists = 348, ranking 2nd
Double plays = 39, ranking 1st
Range Factor = 3.07, ranking 1st
Overall defensive ranking at 3B, 1st
There you go. And by the way, I knew this six months ago.
By Epinephrine
April 22, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Great call Braveheart, burn Boyer for two innings, and then make one of our few very solid relievers useless in the Florida series in case there is a close game.
Also, I’d like to point out that Campillo, not Resop, takes the blame for this one. Campillo walked two and threw the ball into centerfield.
Yeah Resop gave up a double, but he also had to come in and face their 2, 3, and 4 with the bases juiced. You give it a try.
By TennesseePaul
April 22, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
*Congratulations Smoltz!
Wish I could have been there in person.
By Mark in PA
April 22, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
How many tough-luck losses has Smoltz had since coming back from the pen? More than his share, same as Braves losses in one run games.
On the plus side, the Mutts and the Fish lost too.
Dang, and I was so looking forward to tweaking N8 with “six down, nine to go…”
By uga-brave
April 22, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
braveheart,
this team is not cofusing at all, actually they have been pretty darn consistent. they have proven over the last few years they are a very average team.
for this season when 1 and 8 struggle (0 for 8 tonight) we dont score runs.
leadoff hitter sets the tone, eight hitter turns the lineup over.
k.j. and kotsay did not get it done tonight.
By Greg in TN
April 22, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Evening lads and lasses…
This is one that will stick with me for a while. Tough, tough loss tonight. John Smoltz deserved a much better fate on a special night to be sure, however John Lannon pitched very well also and kept the bats at bay.
Escobar and Diaz hit well tonight, I liked seeing Frenchy walk twice tonight, but very little from everyone else. Boyer and Ring pitched well, Jose Campillo took a step back tonight and proved he’s indeed human and the error on the throw was bad, definitely rushed the throw when it wasn’t necessary and Resop didn’t help matters too much by finding a lot of plate against Ryan Zimmerman in the ninth.
Makes it extra tough since the mets and the Marlins both lost tonight, so a valuable opportunity to gain ground is gone for one night.
One good thing about all of this is there’s not much time mope over this one. The Marlins are in town tomorrow night and are playing good baseball right now and can’t be overlooked.
By chrisklob
April 22, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Chrislob, you might want to rethink that last statement before I hand you your a$$ in a paper sack.
Come on COOCH, bring it. I’m not afraid of a coward like you.
By bruce
April 22, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Was that Campillo’s first bad outing?
It “feels” like it to me, because when he came in, I felt good about that, maybe better than I would have with other pitchers. Lannan pitched great against the Mets in his last outing, so maybe he has the stuff to make the Nats more effective, at least one outing out of four/five.
By Stuart
April 22, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine and all those who are griping about the frustrated posters:
How many 5-1 stretches has this bunch had the last 3 years??? It would be different if they had more 5-1 stretches, instead this team goes 3-1, then 1-5. They also do it the same way. They mash for a stretch, then they go in horrible scoring stretches. They pitch great for a period, then they can’t throw strikes. They throw the ball around pretty constently. They win a couple and come out flat for 2 or 3 games. They cannot hit LHP with any authority.
The divsion is going to be won or lost by how well we play the nationals and marlins. That is why losses like this are so frustrating.
The braves are 5-3 vs the NL west and the mets and 5-7 vs. the nationals, pirates and marlins, and winless in one run games. Someone please explain why? There has to be a reason. These are not new problems. They have issues for the last 3 seasons.
By chrisklob
April 22, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Cooch, You are the ignorant one. So Zimmerman led the league in games, innings and a bunch of other crap. So what. He had 23 errors which led to a FP of .955. League average was .954. That is a tremendous case of AVERAGE DEFENSE.
Now shut up son before you get exposed as the fraud that you really are.
By fastasballs
April 22, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Stuart, Chipper is really struggling from the right side of the plate, huh? .429 average from the right side really sucks doesn’t it?
It’s baseballs dude, you’re going to lose some games. They just won five in a row, did you miss that? Now I hate to watch them lose as well, but it was a great game tonight until the top of the 9th. You got to witness a little history & a great pitchers duel.
Oh & I also loved the use of disgraceful & disgusting to describe your so-called team. That’s absolutely priceless.
By Chop Chop
April 22, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Congrats to John Smoltz on his 3000th strikeout. I know he’d rather have the win, but he’s still the man.
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Great call Braveheart, burn Boyer for two innings, and then make one of our few very solid relievers useless in the Florida series in case there is a close game.
You gotta win the game you can win, which is the game at hand.
We can’t keep burning 4 relievers in April. When they blow up in July and August, it is because they were burnt out in April.
WHen they blow out their elbows next April like Soriano and Moylan have done this year, it is because they burnt themselves out early last year and throughout last year.
I just think pitchers get burnt out pitching 70, 80 times a year and warming up another 10 to 20 times every year.
They would be better off pitching 2 innings at a time and pitching 100 innings over 50 appearances than 80 innings over 75 appearances.
What was more effective: Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage going two at a time or this piecemeal Larussa inspired crap of 4 relievers including a LOOGY specialist to pitch 2 innings and not getting the job done?
Mariano Rivera’s most effective regular season performance was before he was a closer in 1996 when he often went two at a time as a setup man.
When you have a one run game and a hot hand like Boyer, you ride him out until the end of 9.
If that means he ain’t available for a day or two then so be it. It’s better to have one burnt out reliever than 4 burnt out relievers.
By Shamus Thacker
April 22, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
We have the most apathetic [pro sports] fan base in the world.
It’s a disgrace that only 23,000 showed up for this. Maybe the economy and price of fuel are factors. Many transplants reside here too. Is anybody here, besides me, FROM here!? lol
By Philliesuk
April 22, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Before everyone freaks out, I wanted to remind everyone about a few other starts to some seasons that turned out pretty well…
1993 12-14
1995 11-10
1996 11-10
2001 22-24
2002 19-21
2004 33-39
This team has some question marks to address, but the Braves have shown a willingness to make some deals in August in the past. I still think this is a much better team than what we had in 2006 & 2007.
By Dan
April 22, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
I agree with braveheart. BC wasted 4 relievers for 2 inn. When he should’ve just left boyer in for the 2…BUT Bobby being bobby has to manage that lefty lefty right right BS. God forbid. BTW braves hitters saw 112 pitches while the nats saw 165 Which 105 were from Smoltz…60 from the BP for 2 damn inn. unbelievable. I recall last year was pretty much the same BC consistently switching pitchers til the game was out of reach.
By TJ
April 22, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Bravheart, couldn’t agree more. Tonight was classic: Boyer was fine - yes, gave up a hit, but could certainly have finished the 8th. He’s been just as good against lefties as righties. But instead, we bring Ring in… he should’ve started the 9th (he’s fine against righties too).
Doesn’t really matter tonight. I don’t think we’d have scored a run in 15 innings, but once again, we used FIVE pitchers.
Braves are averaging using 3.75 relief pitchers per game. Do the math, and it just doesn’t work, unless we’ve got a bunch of guys who can pitch 80 games, or we’re gonna completely turn over our roster midseason.
I like this team a lot. I think we’ll lead the NL in runs (or finish 2nd, maybe), and have a top-5 pitching staff. This is the only thing that really burns me.
By Epinephrine
April 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Braveheart are you on crack? Your solution to not burning out pitchers is to pitch Boyer for two innings-a guy we will be relying on against the Marlins and the Mets? I’d love for you to break that one down.
We “burned” four relievers tonight? No. We used Ring for one batter, just like we did yesterday. That is what he is-a LOOGY. We did burn Resop-but as Cox has made clear, he doesn’t trust him in meaningful games anyway. When was the last time he pitched?
Campillo is the only guy we really “burned” tonight, and we had to. We had to use someone in that spot.
No, the reason we have guys getting hurt is not because of situations like tonight. It is because of situations like LAST night, where we use Acosta with a 7-3 lead in the ninth. That makes no sense. But throwing your second best reliever for two innings in a game we are losing makes no sense from a “keeping guys healthy” point of view.
Stuart what are you talking about? If the Braves go 1-4 over the next few games, I will grant your point. But if they continue to win, all that happens is you look absurd for calling your team disgusting after a nice 5-1 stretch.
By richbrave
April 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
What a commentary on our economy!! People can’t afford to come to the ball-park and blow $250 because gas in costing them that much extra each month to drive to work. Better tune in HGTV and buy an old place near work. 23,000 plus. A shame.
SAW #1 in July 26, 1988(I think), saw 3000 on April 22, 2008. Another four years of effective pitching and he’ll surpass the curly-headed one - Don Sutton.
By Steve McP
April 22, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I was at the game and it was a great moment when Smoltz got to 3,000.
Shame to lose the game though, being there I thought that both Kotsay and Frenchy did not hustle to get to balls hit to the outfield, especially Jeff who had a couple of balls drop just a few yards in front of him when he was stationary, it looked like he could have caught them if he had carried on running.
Did not help that most of the hits came with two out and nobody on, but we have just won 5 in a row before tonight so let’s get back on course against the table topping fish tomorrow.
By Matt
April 22, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
I notice a trend beginning with the Braves. They are getting hits against lefties, but runs are not being produced.
Here are the Braves regulars’ numbers against righties before tonight.(AVG, HR, RBI):
Johnson - .194-3-7 Escobar - .326-1-7 Chipper - .468-5-14 Teixeira- .289-3-9 Frenchy - .261-2-10 McCann - .250-4-9 Kotsay - .342-1-4 Diaz - .184-0-4
Averages aren’t that great, but the runs are being knocked in.
Now here are those same numbers against LEFTIES:
Johnson - .320-0-0 Escobar - .303-2-4 Chipper - .429-1-5 Teixeira - .188-1-3 Frenchy - .333-1-5 McCann - .310-1-3 Kotsay - .156-0-1 Diaz - .438-1-5
The hits are coming, but runs are not being produced.
In 11 games against left-handed starters (counting tonight), the Braves are 5-6. In 9 against right-handed starters, they are 5-4. Not that much of a difference, but it’s still noticeable.
They are hitting .289 with 68 runs against righties. Those numbers are .301 with 33 runs against lefties (not counting tonight).
The Braves have played more than half of their games against lefties, but have only scored about a third of their total runs in those games! There is a definite difference. They ARE getting hits, but runs are not being produced as often as necessary!
I think platoons should definitely be brought back, in Johnson’s case as well as Diaz’s. Diaz’s numbers speak for themselves, and Prado should be given the chance to play more often, especially with the way he’s been hitting lately. The Braves should also try taking some extra BP off lefties. Heck, if Hampton can’t pitch in a game without hurting himself, at least make him throw BP so we can get SOMETHING useful out of him.
By Shamus Thacker
April 22, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
It seems like we always stumbled outa the blocks in the 90s. That’s why we had to catch teams at the end a few times. Tommy Lasorda and Dusty Baker could tell ya about that! lol
I honestly think we’re the elite of this division. The Mutts, Phollies, and Darlins are chump bait.
By TJ
April 22, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, why is Ring a LOOGY. For his career, he’s actually better against RH hitters than against LH hitters. He’s only a LOOGY if you make him one.
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Philliesuk good research there on previous starts.
Bad think Chipper didnt step up for smoltzie tonight, but we can always start a new streak tomorrow. Its all about winning series and sweeping as many as we can.
Another prove that if chipper hits, we are almost unbeatable, chipper does not hits, we cant score, no matter what.
Put aside everything i have said about KJ, i dont hate him, but it is clear that he is doing more harm than helping in the leadoff spot. He needs to go down in the lineup until he finds his stride. He is way to cold to use him as a leadoff hitter, that spot is supposed to be a weapon not a sure out. I have not problem whatsoever for him to leadoff if he is hitting .290 and an OBP of .360 at least.
It aint personal, but he is looking like AJ in the 4th spot, very bad.
By efuzz
April 22, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Carroll - I decided to go down to the game this afternoon. Couldn’t find anyone to go so I went by myself and I am so glad I did. I hate the way it ended, but I’ll be able to tell the grandkids one day about the time I saw the old warhorse get 3000. Thanks Smoltzie!
By Stuart
April 22, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Fastballs,
Chipper’s .429 average from the right side is great. However of his twelve hits, 11 are singles. Also, 1 HR and 5 RBIs are not going to get it done in run production department.
One other thing, why does every manager turn Chipper right handed when they get the chance??? Maybe they know he won’t hurt them as bad because he is not as good a hitter right handed, and never has been.
However, I agree that terrible was too strong a word.
I am certian Chipper has been terrible late in close games.
I admit it is a small sample size, but, he is 0-2 right handed, and 2-9 from the left side for a composite 2-11, .182 avg.
BTW, late innings (close games) batting averages Frenchy .182 McCann .091 (WTF!!!!!) Tex .250 (.455 OBP) Escobar .000 (.455 OBP) KJ .143 Diaz .200 Kotsay .222
I guess I answered my own question earlier about losing one run games.
This braves team has no guts. They feast early in games or when they are way up or way down.
I did notice the braves win five in a row. I also noticed them start 3-6. I have noticed this same pattern for 2+ seasons. I watch them every time unless I am working or doing family stuff.
I love my team, but I call them like I see them. On a night they should have been ready to play, they came out flat and got beat by a TERRIBLE team. That WAS disgusting. If I wasn’t already sick as physically possible, they would have made me even worse.
By Roman Gal
April 22, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Calm down, people. Attendance will go up once school is out.
I, for one, will be going more regularly once summer arrives.
By Supes
April 22, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
N8…You and all the fans that DO NOT live near the greater metro atlanta area are so full of crap.
It’s so easy to judge and say “oh, you should be there, fans should be there, if I lived in ATL I’d be there…”…if a frog had wings, it would fly
I’m sure the last thing people want is to drive in ATL. traffic for an hour or two after a long day at work, to go to a stadium which is located in a total dump area of town.
Want the Braves to draw more than 30,000 a game on a weeknight…move the stadium to North of Buckhead. I guarantee you Braves will draw much better if people didn’t have to drive 1-2hrs in traffic and then miss the first inning or two as well b/c they can’t get there on time due to ATL traffic conditions.
Not the mention MARTA was lazy and didn’t build a train line to the Ted.
I go to the Phillips arena to watch hockey a lot during the NHL season and I take Marta. If Marta wasn’t available, I wouldn’t go. It’s traffic + ecomicis (parking fee and gas money) for someone in my case.
As a result, I watch all the Braves games on TV, and I go to 2-3 games a year (all on weekends) to support the Braves as a fan at the Ted.
So please, spare me the speech of “shame on you fans!”. Judge not my friend, unless you are one of us who lives here!!!
By Steve McP
April 22, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Look out Phillies have bases loaded and only one out in the 9th
By Overlord
April 22, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Looks like Hampton is making some progress…… He might start minor league assignment pretty soon.
Heres the the Link
By Stuart
April 22, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Matt,
To back up your excellent point. The graphic FSN showed last night during the game showed the OBP vs. LHP was .355 vs. approx .390 vs. RHP. The braves slugging percentage was approx .407 vs. LHP and something like .538 vs RHP. The graphic also showed 19 HRs vs. RHP and only 7 vs. LHP.
Those LHP splits went up a bit Monday, but they crashed back to earth tonight.
By gotigers72
April 22, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Just because the Braves have gone 5-1 on this homestand is no reason to ignore problems that continue. That is the reason for the website, so we can b*** and moan or cheer and praise.
My b*** and moaning refers to a year long problem, not just one that reared it’s ugly head during this homestand.
Bobby, it is time to end the KJ as leadoff hitter experiment. He is hitting .231 with a .310 OBP. Not even close to good enough numbers for a leadoff hitter. Don’t get stubborn and leave him there until after the All-Star break the way you left AJ and his lifeless bat at cleanup last year, until Teixeira came over. Make the change now, at least temporarily. When Blanco plays LF, he would be at least worth a trial shot at leadoff. When Diaz is in left, he may be a good leadoff hitter too. He does get on base a lot against lefties. However you choose to do it, but a .310 OBP ain’t cutting it, especially the way Yunel and Chipper have been rakin’.
By Braveheart
April 22, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Braveheart are you on crack? Your solution to not burning out pitchers is to pitch Boyer for two innings-a guy we will be relying on against the Marlins and the Mets? ……… But throwing your second best reliever for two innings in a game we are losing makes no sense from a “keeping guys healthy” point of view.
A game they were losing by one run.
You pitch your best reliever in a one run game …… not people called Campillo and Resop.
The Braves would have had a much better chance winning a 1-0 game in than a 6-0 game. Boyer was their best chance of that.
And is Boyer gonna be real effective and healthy like he has been so far for the rest of the season if he has to pitch 80, 90 times this season?
Or is he gonna be more effective and healthy pitching the same amount of innings but in less appearances?
Gotta tell you I wasn’t impressed with the consequences of Soriano being burnt up early last season to the point he was horrible last July and August and on the DL this April.
And I wasn’t too darn impressed with Moylan being burned the hell out with 90 innings in 80 appearances and countless other times warming up in the pen and now being out for the season because of it.
No, the reason we have guys getting hurt is not because of situations like tonight. It is because of situations like LAST night, where we use Acosta with a 7-3 lead in the ninth.
And why do you think Acosta had to pitch in a 7-3 game?
Did you stop to think that he had to pitch because of the inefficient way relievers are used in other games?
By Carroll Rogers
April 23, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
I interrupt this bullpen bashing to bring you a little flavor from the clubhouse. Really, just Smoltz. He was eloquent and talked for gosh, 30 minutes, and really seemed to relish in the moment. The loss didn’t seem to dampen his mood too much and rightly so.
By the way, I told you so that the downplaying was only mind games, and that he would get 3,000. I know, duh. but anyway, here’s a tiny slice of what he had to say: “When it was done, certainly relieved, happy for the fans and everybody who’s been here, for the trainers the doctors, everyone who’s seen me go through a lot. I didn’t know how to react because there’s still a game to pitch. It’s not like I could get my four strikeouts and walk off the mound, but very proud.”
“Today was the only time strikeouts had a little bit more emphasis on them….But for today for one single moment it certainly was an incredible feeling that strikeouts could draw that much attention.”
And my personal favorite tidbit was the text he said he got from Maddux after the game: “I already got a text from Maddux that said I’ve lost one hair for every strikeout that I’ve made. Probably right. It is incredible to think that aside from making numbers look the way you want them to look, this is a statistic that is what it is. It’s nothing that you have to say with (a disclaimer).”
there is more in my game story (assuming you see the one that’s the latest edition - i hope!) and there might be more to write tomorrow.
oh and wait, this from what Felipe Lopez - he being the 3,000th strikeout victim - said after the game to the nats reporters: “What do you say, he’s freakin nasty?” and then later “It’s cool to be a part of history. I was there for Bonds’ 756 last year. It’s cool after you take a shower and you watch ESPN. You’re like, wow.”
So see, efuzz? Well done. You and Felipe Lopez both got to enjoy being a part of history tonight.
By Contra
April 23, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
In all honesty, N8, why do you even follow this team?
You constantly harp on the negatives of the team, city, players, coaches, etc., and yet you’re nowhere to be found when the team is on a roll and things are going well.
Are you a masochist? Do you even like baseball? I understand where you’re coming from a lot of times because the Braves (and Atlanta attendance) frustrate me too, but c’mon man, you go over the top with it.
And Supes makes a good point with the location of the Ted, too. With a terrible location, school nights, 7:10 start times, and some of the worst traffic in the nation, it isn’t easy for lot of people to make it out there on weekdays. If I’m not mistaken we’ve been pulling in around 40,000 thus far for weekend games. I live in Athens and will make it to about 8-10 games this year, but that’s because I’m a student and have the time.
By TennesseePaul
April 23, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
You pitch your best reliever in a one run game …… not people called Campillo and Resop.
Braveheart: That’s a half truth. Campillo was solid all the way up until this outing. And even after this outing his ERA is 1.23. He’s pitched like the type of guy you’d bring in with a 1-run lead. Reslop on the other hand has pitched like the type of guy you put on waivers and hope some other sucker of a team picks up.
By TennesseePaul
April 23, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
“He was completely different,” McCann said. “He kept the ball down and didn’t give us much to hit. We hit him good in that first game, and he made the adjustments. You just have to tip your hat to him.”
Hold on a minute guys. Lannan didn’t do anything special. The batters didn’t do anything different. They are all just automatons spewing forth the numbers with no control over the output. It’s a simple matter of natural hot and cold spells, what is referred to statistically as random variation—“The tendency for the estimated magnitude of a parameter (eg, based upon the average of a sample of observations of a treatment effect) to deviate randomly from the true magnitude of that parameter. Random variation is independent of the effects of systematic biases. In general, the larger the sample size is, the lower the random variation is of the estimate of a parameter. As random variation decreases, precision increases.”
Or Lannan made an adjustment and kept the ball down in the strike zone resulting in a better performance. Lucky hot and cold or improved execution from the pitcher…?
By taylor s
April 23, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
any body else hear Smoltz on baseball tonight ? Good interview. He said he was trying to downplay it as long as he could but the fans were going crazy every time he had two strikes and he got a little antsy. He said the fans were great and it was an awesome moment for him. They asked him about how much pain he was in and what he had to go through to pitch and the answer kinda scared me. Apparently he’s hurting pretty bad. He says he wont be throwing a side session any time in the near future, and the amount of pain varied from start to start. He said some times he wondered how long he could keep doing it but moments like tonight kept him going. He said he still loves to pitch but does not like pitching in so much pain. Can you blame the guy?
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 23, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
hey Supes
Save your breath dude. These posters are just talking crap b/c they know they don’t have to back it up. Or they don’t live in a city with a team. I’ve been going to Braves games since I was 5 yrs old in 1971. Maybe before that but I dont remember any.
NOBODY questions my loyalty of fandome.
NOBODY.
By uga-brave
April 23, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
if campillo is able to start the double play instead of throwing the ball into center field, all this whining is moot.
this team has trouble in late close game situations.
the braves agrresiveness offensively plays into the opponents hands.
braves saw 112 pitches tonight compared to 165 for the nats, had five singles and did not reach base against the nats bullpen.
braves need a leadoff hitter, and right now k.j. aint it.
starting pitching has been too good to be 10-10, couple that with the weak schedule we have played and i think we should be more like 14-6.
cant get these back, much like those painful losses to the reds last year.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 23, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Like I said earlier, Braves just had a game of “at’em” balls.
Every good hit was right at’em.
New game tomorrow.
GO BRAVOS
By Braveheart
April 23, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Braveheart: That’s a half truth. Campillo was solid all the way up until this outing. And even after this outing his ERA is 1.23. He’s pitched like the type of guy you’d bring in with a 1-run lead. Reslop on the other hand has pitched like the type of guy you put on waivers and hope some other sucker of a team picks up.
Has Campillo been good so far? Yes. His grand total of 3 appearances has been impressive. Does that a grand total of 3 appearances make me want to hand the ball to him in a one run game in the 9th? Hardly. I kinda liked him pitch two, three innings at a time in the middle of games.
But 10Paul, you’re missing the point. Even if we assume that we should have all the faith in the world in Campillo in a one run game in the 9th, then why not use Boyer for two tonight, Acosta for two tomorrow night, and Campillo for two the next night? Gotta be alot more effective and efficient and beneficial to the health of their arms than warming up and pitching almost every darn night.
Why continue to use two, three or four of them to get a job done (or not done as the case may be) when one of them could have done it just as well or even better on that particular night?
By Just Answering Nature's Call
April 23, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Dearest Black People of Atlanta Who Like Baseball and John Smoltz,
When you bring “yo kidz” to Turner Field, such as some of you did on Tuesday night, PLEASE tell them to NOT hang around in the mens room all night, walk into the toilet stalls while grown men are urinating and hand the men a pledge sheet while they “axe” for a donation to their “Youf Basketball” team for future felons as the men are tucking away and zipping up their cucumbers with lemon juice still dripping from their fingers.
By far, that was THE creepiest bunch of garbage I’ve ever experienced at a baseball game.
The panhandlers OUTSIDE the stadium are bad enough.
Thank you for your cooperation. I ain’t mad at ya’ll.
GO, BRAVES!
Sincerely,
Just a Guy Trying to Take a Leak
By Carroll Rogers
April 23, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
This got lost in the shuffle tonight but I have an update on Mike Gonzalez (for those needing good news about the ‘pen)…He pitched to seven hitters (23 pitches) in a simulated game today (er, Tuesday) in extended spring training and the elbow came out feeling fine. He is scheduled to throw again Thursday and Saturday, going one inning each day.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 23, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Chrislob wrote :
Cooch, You are the ignorant one. So Zimmerman led the league in games, innings and a bunch of other crap. So what. He had 23 errors which led to a FP of .955. League average was .954. That is a tremendous case of AVERAGE DEFENSE.
First off Chrislob, it is spelled C-O-A-C-H.
Second, all those defensive stats are not crap. They are the true barometer by which all players are measured. Ryan Zimmerman’s range factor of 3.07 was number one among all starting third basemen in 2007.
Third, David Wright had 21 errors and his fielding percentage was .954
Compared to Ryan Zimmerman who had 23 errors along with a fielding percentage of .955 which completely blows your argument of league average defense right out of the water since Wright got the Gold Glove award.
fourth, there are F-O-U-R-T-E-E-N defensive catogories of which Zimmerman had better numbers than Wright in T-H-I-R-T-E-E-N of them.
Fifth, you obviously have no clue concerning stats. Baseball is a game of numbers and those numbers tell the true story without human bias.
Sixth, your resorting to childish insults and name calling is evidence of your lack of intellect.
Seventh, not being able to admit that you are wrong is a very serious character flaw.
Eighth, Do your homework before before attempting to engage me in an argument concerning the inner workings of this game.
Ninth, forty plus years of playing, managing and coaching the game of baseball has left me with a considerable amount of knowledge in this regard.
Tenth and last but not least, Nobody had a clue that Ryan Zimmerman is arguably the best defensive third baseman in the major leagues until I thought to bring this discussion up.
By Shamus Thacker
April 23, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
Every time Smolts takes the field these days it’s something special. It’s history in the making. There’s something about John that transcends records or stats. Guess that’s what greatness is.
By BA
April 23, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez needs to hurry up and simulate his way back. Maybe he can simulate Hampton into better breast health, too.
By Zimmerfan
April 23, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Yeah coach, you tell ‘em! Plus he has a nice smile and pretty hair and he’s soooo dreamy!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 23, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this
Also, lost in all the hoopla last night was a very unusual night at the plate for Jeff Francouer.
He drew two walks for only the eighth time in 414 games played. One of them was a four pitch walk and Frenchy singled in the fourth inning.
By Moby Grape
April 23, 2008 4:45 AM | Link to this
Lew
cuz is nolie.
By ThatBigG
April 23, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this
Osama’s “god” does not get a capital “g.”
It does to him. You do know that there are more believers in Allah in the world than there are Christians don’t you?
By LA Brave
April 23, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this
Smoltz is an absolute ALL-TIMER. We’ve all been lucky enough to witness an athlete we’ll tell our granchirren about. But somehow, even though he’s appreciated, it seems as though we all somehow undervalue him. First ballot. No question about it. ALL-TIMER. Thanks for the memories…now let’s go get one more pennant, dammit and Chipper: post .400 for posterity’s sake, will ya?
By LA Brave
April 23, 2008 5:40 AM | Link to this
…and the fact that Smoltz did it all in a Braves uniform sets him apart from the rest. So the question from the AJC about Spahn, Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz or Knucksie should be reduced to just Spahn and Smoltz. He’s really the type of story why most of watch sports. Shame on you if you voted for Maddux, Glavine or Knucksie then complain about the state of modern sports or free-agency, etc.
By Bobby's Cox
April 23, 2008 5:57 AM | Link to this
Just got home from work a few hours ago here on the west coast & finished reading the blog. Congrats to smotlzy. Wish i could’ve seen it happen. Kept refreshing the blackberry browser at work to see what had transpired. I got chills when i saw the 4 under the SO column in the boxscore. Maybe i’ll go turn on ESPNews before bed & see it.
Couple of thoughts…Great posts Stuart and Matt* about the Braves vs. Lefties.
They tie right in with my belief that we need Anderson here to play Center over Kotsay hitting leadoff or 8th, & playing Prado over KJ hitting leadoff or 8th, please at least against lefties. (Ok, i promised i wouldn’t mention Prado for the next few days, but screw you all).
Again, my stance since game 2 is the same, play Prado & bring up Anderson. Blanco has been impressive, but Anderson has more luck stealing bases & hits right handed, so he can platoon wtih Kotsay. I was never a fan of platooning Diaz, but i’m becoming a beliver in his platoon now with Blanco, mainly because of how Diaz repsonds. He should be hitting in his .330 in a matter of weeks.
This team is more explosive with KJ and Kotsay benched (at least vs. lefties), and it showed yet again. (Not to mention more exciting to watch)
Earlier i said that winning 6 straight was maybe more important than Smotlz’s 3000 because we never could get over that hump last season. While i still believe that, this team’s been playing better as of late. I’d like to give them the benefit of the doubt right now so i won’t draw too much into tonight’s loss, but a couple more short winning streaks turned cold, especially at the expense of the offense, & this will indeed be last season all over again. Then indeed we’ll need a lineup change (see above).
Hampton will be back soon. Can’t wait. He’s gonna be solid, especially if he gets 4-5 starts under his belt & becomes less timid. It’ll be another race against the injury bug.
Thanks Overlord for fighting the Prado battle by yourself tonight. They weren’t as harsh on you as they were on me last night.
By Bobby's Cox
April 23, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this
Coach
Nice argument regarding Zimmerman. I’m sold. One quick question though…did he have a lot of flashy plays? I don’t remember from last year. But those who vote on the gold glove mistakenly take that into consideration. If Zimmerman was ahead of Wright in that many categories, then they blew that one, just like they blew Chipper being the player of the week last week.
Seventh, not being able to admit that you are wrong is a very serious character flaw.
Nice.
By Bobby's Cox
April 23, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this
Carroll
One quick question before i head to bed:
any word on Gonzalez’s velocity?
He was a hard thrower before he went down. Just wondering if he’s been throwing in the same 95-99 range coming out of surgery.
By Moby Grape
April 23, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this
Blanco has been impressive, but Anderson has more luck stealing bases & hits right handed, so he can platoon wtih Kotsay.*BobbysCox8
Dude, where did you ever get the idea that Anderson hits right handed? And his ability to get on base at least through the minors is way less that Blancos.So far this year in AAA he has walked twice in 70 ABs. Exactly NOT what you want in a lead off hitter, though it may be alright in 8th if he kept a high average;but he really has no extended history of that either.
By ncscoots
April 23, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
Perhaps bloggers forget that opposition pitchers draw a ML paycheck, too. Lannan pitched well, kept the Braves off-balance, and made excellent adjustments. When Braves’ pitchers do that, bloggers call it masterful ptiching. For opposition pitchers, though, it’s, of course, sucky Braves’ offense. Naturally.
I don’t necessarily agree with Braveheart’s Boyer-for-2 position, but I did find Bobby’s late-game BP choices last night, well, odd. But I do think he’s still getting a handle on his pen, so there might be a few more puzzlers in store until he does.
And, Braveheart, “bromancing”…I like it, I’m using it. End of story, LOL.
By Jeff R
April 23, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
Good to see that the bullpen came to the rescue last night. Another great efffort by Smoltz wasted. What’s the latest on Soriano’s arm? How’s Gonzalez doing with his rehab?
By chrisklob
April 23, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Cooch, I’m on my way out the day and don’t have time to debate every point that you made in your last post to me but I did want to say this:
First, I am aware of how to spell the word “Coach”. YOU are the one who started the name calling. Go back and look at your first post to me last night. In fact, you did the same thing towards the end of last season. You’ve got no room to complain.
Seventh, not being able to admit that you are wrong is a very serious character flaw.
I find this statement to be highly amusing as YOU are the one that can NEVER admit you are wrong. Please, take a look in the mirror before you make a ridiculous statement like that. You are so guilty of this, it’s not even funny. I’ll give you credit, while I think you’re an arrogant piece of crap, I agree with you more often than not. But I’ve noticed that when you’re wrong, you seem to disappear for a while! Hmmm, I wonder why that is?
You can make any list of numbers say anything you want. If you want to believe that Zimmerman should have won the GG last year, fine, go right ahead. I won’t agree with you though. A .955 FA ain’t nothing better than AVERAGE. Very average.
In fact, if you want to see what a bunch of stat-heads think about it, check this link out:
The Fielding Bible
It’s written by a bunch of nobodies, of course, guys like Bill James and Rob Neyer. I’m sure they don’t know half of what you know, what with your 44 years of experience and all. But, it might give you a good laugh and just a little more proof about how much more superior you are to everyone else.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 23, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Chrislob, I proved my point with stats and facts.
Ryan Zimmerman’s defensive rankings at 3B in 2007.
Games played = 161, ranking 1st
Innings played = 1431.2, ranking 1st
Total Chances = 511, ranking 1st
Put outs = 140, ranking 1st
assists = 348, ranking 2nd
Double plays = 39, ranking 1st
Range Factor = 3.07, ranking 1st
Overall defensive ranking at 3B, 1st
Leaving you with nothing to do but make your feeble attempt at personal attacks against myself.
I really feel sorry for you.
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
How can we be 2nd in ERA(DBacks) 3rd in runs scored (Dbacks and Cubs) and 2nd in BA (Dbacks) and still have a .500 record???? Absurd.
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Mets have 30 hits less than the braves. Braves have a better ERA than the mets. Mets lead the braves in the standings.
No Excuse to that.
By Efrim
April 23, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
The loss last night hurt, mostly because we now have Jeff Bennett pitching against a Marlin offense tonight. But seriously, take a look at Andrew Miller’s numbers to date. The guy has been terrible. High scoring game tonight. Bullpen has to step it up the next two days. I still think Campillo has a place in this pen, but it should be quite interesting when Glavine and Hampton come back.
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
The reason to all that??? Braves have the 4th worst F% in the NL. There is no need to say who has the majority of the errors on the team, what is a surprise is that Smoltz has 3 errors all by himself.
By Efrim
April 23, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Overlord
If the trends you are bringing up continue, we are going to win something like 95 games. Be happy that the Braves are playing like they are. The wins will come, they have too, right?
I will say that out schedule has been a little easier than most. Consider 12 out of our first 20 games were against the Pirates, Marlins and Nationals. That is maybe the only thing to worry about. But the team is still playing well. It could be a lot worse.
By brent a.
April 23, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Okay, I was there, and very glad that I was able to witness that historic occasion and only pay $6 for the ticket. Not a bad deal to see Smoltz’s 3,000 K’s. I still remember the day he was traded to Atlanta.
I must say I was a little confused about the number of people I saw walking out right before strike out #3,000. I was sitting next to this family, and the man and his son got up to go to the bathroom/concession right before the Big K.
Then, the daughter, who remained seated, seemed really confused about why people were actually cheering loudly for something, and kept looking around. Perhaps one-hitter after #3,000, the man comes back and says to his daughter, “I heard he got it,” and seemed very pleased that he had been in the bathroom at Turner Field for such an historic occasion.
Then, he repeats himself, and it’s at this point that I believe the girl must have expressed that she had no idea what was going on, and her father says, “He got his 3,000th strikeout.”
Sometimes, I don’t even know why certain people go to the games.
Anyway, aside from the lack of offense and the terrible 9th, my other biggest disappointment of the night, is that it now costs $10 to park in the lot where I had previously been paying $5. I’ve gotta come up with a new plan, but that MARTA bus is not it.
Here come the Fish! Go Braves!
By nolie
April 23, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
in fact, if you want to see what a bunch of stat-heads think about it, check this link out: The Fielding BibleChrisklob
I’m not a believer in defensive stats very much. I think there are way too many things involved and too subjective still to be very realistic. I think they are less reliable than pitching stats which I think are in general somewhat less reliable than hitting stats.
I do think that your post from the Fielding Bible shows what most people outside the Braves’ organization think of Chipper’s fielding ability even today. He came in 19th with 1 point while the top guys got in the 80s. I think that’s a little harsh myself though I do not think he is a very good defensive third baseman. Too little range for one thing.
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Overlord: Shaun all those guys that you mention are at least 190 wins away…… given the injury plague in this days, i would not include those guys just yet, they are in a good pace, but i think they still have to prove they can pitch till 40.
Yes, but hasn’t that always been the case? Pitchers have always been susceptible to injury and probably always will.
I mean even Roger Clemens had only 163 wins through age 30. He had to average 13-14 wins a season through 40 to get it done. That seemed like a long shot when you look at it that way…and it was. So someone that we aren’t thinking about, someone besides the guys who are pretty close now, will do it. I think someone from that group—Oswalt, Sabathia, Santana, Zambrano, Beckett, Lackey, Peavy, Buerhle—has a decent shot to surprise you/us.
By Stuart
April 23, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s:
Thanks for the props. One thing though, according to braves website, Anderson hit left handed. This team has enough left handed hitters. They need a big right handed bat somewhere via trade, because there are none that are close to the majors.
Actually since Tex is only hitting .167 vs. LHP, maybe just getting him going from the right side IS the big bat we need. I hope so, cause Frenchy ain’t it right now.l
I am going to agree with you that Prado needs some ABs vs LHP with KJ struggling right now.
To Everyone who cares
I agree with BC’s handling of the pen, except the 9th. Ring needs some work to stay sharp. I thought Acosta should have been in the guy in the 9th, since he is the acting closer. The idea being to hold the game at 1-0 and then hope the offense gets one. I am assume that BC wanted to get Campillo some work before the Bennett and James starts since he usually pitches in those games.
Handling a bullpen is tough, because guys need work to stay sharp, but too much work is harmful too. It has to be a tough balancing act. As vocal a critic I am of BC and his bullpen handling, even I have to admit that it is not easy, and I am going to tone down my BC bashing on that front.
I am home sick again today. This junk I have is awful. Anyway, I saw the highlights of the game on ESPN2, and that reminded me how awful losing the game last night was. Smoltz got a loss, allowing a run on 3 hits and no BB and 10Ks. That has got to be hard to swallow. This team cannot waste nights like that, especially with the back end of the rotation going the next 3 nights.
Hope everyone has a good day, and GO BRAVOS!!!!!
By Will
April 23, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
On the night when Smoltz surpassed 3000 k’s what a nice little screw you from his teams bats and bullpen. I wouldnt expect any less from the Braves. Go for the shutout next time smoltzie your team does not specialize in run support.
By Savannah Guy
April 23, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Just caught up on the blog and have to say… very impressive. The insight and the writing is hands down and heads above other local media baseball blog venues. Most sports blogs are filled to the brim with self-appointed experts that engage in all manner of stat parsing, insults, home-team bashing, manager second-guessing and such, but not this one…nope.
Nicely done. Now that I’m finished reading Carroll’s lead I’ll proceed to the comments section and see what the denizens have to say…
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Efrim im not sure if you can call a schedule including the marlins and the nats an easy one. I have not checked numbers, but it sure feels as if the nats have our number, it even feels as if they have a winning record against us in the las 15 games, maybe is not like that but it sure feels that way. And the marlins are not far behind. but you are right on your statement.
By Carroll Rogers
April 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s, um, I can’t say it…haven’t heard of any red flags with Mike’s comeback but I don’t know specifically about velocity. Part of rebuilding your arm strength after being out for so long is regaining your velocity as you go, so I doubt he’s throwing 97 every pitch, but I’ll find out more about his progress in the coming days.
By STRETCH
April 23, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Wow, Smoltz gave up 1 run on 3 hits and 10 K’s? Who was pitching Johan Clemens????
By the way did anybody see Jorge Sosa give up that GS bomb to Ronnie Cedano? And might i add that the Cubs are looking real good right now.
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Overlord, the reason is the Braves are 0-7 in one-run games and 6-2 in blowouts.
Some characteristics of all those one-run losses: Bad outings by a relief pitcher or two, bad offensive game, or the offense comes back late in a game that could have been more lopsided.
Braves are still within 3 wins of their Pythagorean W-L.
It’s still a good sign that when they are playing poorly, they are only losing by one-run. But when they are playing well, they are blowing teams out. Don’t think we should be too concerned just yet.
By Savannah Guy
April 23, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
A brief word about last night’s pathetic spectacle: Washington deserves to fail this year… the whole lousy bunch. We complain about Braves games that hop around from channel to channel and get arbitrarily blacked out, but in my opinion, Washington should not even be allowed on TV. Here’s why:
The things that go on behind closed doors in their ‘clubhouse’ would spin your head. Oh, some of those guys can pitch all right; just witness last night’s mixed hardballs and spinning curveballs galore. The thing that will get Washington is not pitching; it’s the systemic corruption. Yep, steroids aren’t the only stupid, misguided issue that Washington is screwing around with. Oh, I could tell you stories.
Savvy observers of the ‘game’ and casual spectators alike have just about had it with the greed, scandal, gross mismanagement, self-interest, cheating, lying… you get the picture. Washington should not even be considered “National”. What do they even bring to this country of baseball, hot dogs and apple pie?
Whether they throw a righty or lefty on the stage, their organization is horrid. Almost all of them need to be replaced. Disgusting, the whole bunch.
Now, enough about politics and election returns… what about the Washington Nationals baseball team? Tip o’ the cap to Lannan, eh? Smoltz pitched a beauty and baseball history was made. What a warrior. HOF kinda’ guy. Glad I saw it happen… much better than election returns and spin doctors.
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Shaun i do get your point, but i think pitchers are less durable these days. I already mentioned Oswalts free fall. I like his chances though. What i mean is that all the other guys you mention have a long road to ride. Just look at Pavano, Smoltz, Woods, Carpenter. Good candidates also but injuries have taken care of business. Look at Willis, he is in the same free fall that Oswalt is.
The guys you mention sure are candidates, but i wouldnt be so sure about them until they get some 30 or 40 more wins. in 2-3 years.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Yes Sir, I read that fielding Bible thing-a-majig and they had Pedro Feliz ranked ahead of Ryan Zimmerman, Chipper Jones and David Wright at third base last season.
It was enough to make me barf.
Never mind the fact Feliz didn’t even play 3B full time in 2007.
Or that MLB.com has him ranked fifth among all National League third basemen in 2007.
Somebody send me a copy of that there fielding Bible so I can use the paper to wipe my keister.
By STRETCH
April 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Go to Yahoo sports for these articles. I dont wish ill will on anybody, but it goes to show how when you think your team is in the dump, just look North sometimes. And this years Braves are hanging tough early despite their luck in 1 run games. The excitement of the NL East, gotta love it.
Pedro, El Duque no closer to returning to Mets
Orlando Hernandez is no closer to returning. El Duque was examined by team doctors yesterday in New York and is still experiencing pain in his ailing right foot. He will remain in a protective walking boot for another two weeks.
Carlos and Carlos hampering Mets offensively
A getaway-day lineup Tuesday that was minus three starters combined with two bungled defensive plays and more bullpen misery were obvious factors in an 8-1 loss to the streaking Cubs today at Wrigley Field.
But make no mistake: The Mets’ third loss in a row wouldn’t have been possible without the continuing misadventures of center fielder Carlos Beltran and first baseman Carlos Delgado. The fourth and fifth hitters in the lineup were MIA again, combining to go 1-for-6 with a harmless single and no RBIs. Beltran is hitting .215 in the cleanup spot on surgically repaired knees, and Delgado — who left the bases loaded again today — is at .208.
Source: New York Post
By DAP
April 23, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
uga-brave there are alot of posts about what went wrong last night, but i just read yours from about 1am. you cant lay the lack of offense at kelly johnson’s feet, man.
chipper, tex, mccann and kotsay were a combined 0-16 and left 9 men on base. THAT black hole had more to do with us not scoring than kelly johnson, who also did his part with an 0-4.
the whole offense was terrible last night, especially chipperm tex and mccann. if those guys had just gotten on base, we would have scored some runs.
By brent a.
April 23, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
STRETCH,
Yes, the Cubbies are (surprisingly?) good this year.
I was surprised to see so many people picking them out of the gate this year; but as it turns out, they actually have a really solid club.
Somebody get a black cat - fast!
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Shaun im not concerned, i know they will win. Pitching staff is just OK, specially SP, and it will get even better when Glavine and Hampton get here (im 100% Glavine will and 90% Hampton will). Can you imagen that??? Its a reality that our weak man will be……Hampton??? Glavine??? JJJ??? Thats saying a lot. Then Bennett and James can go to the bullpen and make it a lot stronger, and still cover for some season trips to the DL by Smoltz, Hampton or Glavine.
So the bullpen in some 2 weeks could look like this…… Soriano, Acosta, Boyer, Bennett, James, Ohman, Campillo.
What about in a month??? Gonzo will be back and maybe even moylan.
I expect pitching to stay in the top 3 for most of he remaining of the season.
So its clear im not concerned, but p**. Even though bullpen gave up runs last night, i feel very good and im very high on pitching, both starting and bullpen. But things like keeping KJ at the top of the lineup when the only position player with a lower BA than him is Miller…. I hate it when Cox just falls in love with a player and keeps him in a position like there are no more options, like he did with AJ. It was clear that Jeff was a better option last year at cleanup and McCann behind him. KJ should go to the 7th or 8th spot. Try Kotsay or Blanco. Try Yunel and get Matt to the #2 when lefties are starting. I dont know…… but if the strategy is not working and is limiting the teams offensive potential, then why does he keeps doing it? Enough is enough……..or is he going to wait 3 months and the do it when we are 10 games behind?
By KC
April 23, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Sounds like we may have Glavine back within a week, and Hampton within the next two weeks. That’s excellent!
I think both Chucky and Bennett could help this bullpen right now.
Bennett could be the ground ball specialist, and Chucky could handle long relief quite nicely.
Chuck James is not a guy you want to bring in with runners on, because of his vulnerability to the longball… but he seems PERFECTLY suited to long relief.
When healthy, James is very tough on opposing hitters the first time or two through the order. It’s that 3rd time through when the lack of a third pitch gets him in trouble.
But for 3-4 innings… Chuck James can be phenomenal!
By DAP
April 23, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
coach Nobody had a clue that Ryan Zimmerman is arguably the best defensive third baseman in the major leagues until I thought to bring this discussion up.
c’mon, man. give us more credit than that. why do you act like everyone on the blog are idiots about baseball except for you? im not trying to start a fight with you, but i dont know why you assume that you and only you realize stuff about baseball. respect your fellow blogger, coach.
By Lew
April 23, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
SG-You saying that Lannahan should have won the Pennsylvania Primary last night?
MOby Grape-I sure hope the information I gave him has helped your cousin. Unfortunately it isn’t a quick fix, though it IS effective in the long term.
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Shaun i do get your point, but i think pitchers are less durable these days. I already mentioned Oswalts free fall. I like his chances though. What i mean is that all the other guys you mention have a long road to ride. Just look at Pavano, Smoltz, Woods, Carpenter. Good candidates also but injuries have taken care of business. Look at Willis, he is in the same free fall that Oswalt is.
The guys you mention sure are candidates, but i wouldnt be so sure about them until they get some 30 or 40 more wins. in 2-3 years.
I’m not so sure pitchers are less durable these days. I think we’ve had this discussion on the blog before. I think a lot of times we see that pitchers were allowed to throw a lot more innings/pitches/games, see the ones who held up and assume that pitchers were more durable/tougher/etc. But we don’t think about the fact that it’s possible that just as many pitchers may be as durable nowadays and don’t take into account the number of pitchers who got hurt in previous years (the “good ol’ days”).
Also, Oswalt is in a free fall? He won 14 games last season with a 3.18 ERA and 154 SO. I guess you’re assuming that he’s in a free fall because of his two-three bad starts out of five this season. Let’s give him a few more starts before we say his in “freefall.”
And was Dontrelle Willis ever a great pitcher? His strikeout, walk and homer rates were never really overly impressive. In Willis’ best seasons, Florida had good defenses. Look at his BABiP in his one really great season: .288 in 2005. Leads me to believe Willis’ success depended/depends a lot on his teammates.
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
SG-You saying that Lannahan should have won the Pennsylvania Primary last night?
John Lannan wrote some great songs with Paul McCartney.
By Big Easy
April 23, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Carroll, did Bobby (or anyone else for that matter) say anything about Francoeur? What exactly did he tweak last night after the last walk? It looked to really slow him down in the field late. A couple of those balls in the 9th, a pain-free Frenchy gets too, I believe.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all for Francoeur going all 162 again, but if he is hurt, he needs to rest.
~E~
By Lew
April 23, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Shaun-Yes he did. Great songwriting duo. Many number one hits.
You may be right on the durability issue. However, I think the one factor that may limit 300 game winning pitchers in the future is the way pitchers are now used.
Many games are not won or lost until the later innings. When starters only go six or seven, many chances for late wins (for the starter) are lost. I think this factor more than any other may limit the frequency of pitchers winning that many.
BTW-I wonder how many pitchers from the raised mound era lost their careers to “sore arms” due to their overuse-as well as the lack of meaningful surgical techniques at the time?
By DAP
April 23, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
big easy if frenchy hates walking so much it phtsically hurts him, then maybe he should just swing away!!!
that was wierd, hunh? like a slight mistep just bit him or something.
By David O'Brien
April 23, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Big Easy, Frenchy broke an ankle in high school, and it bothers him time to time. It was really hurting last night. Might need a cortisone shot if he’s to keep his streak alive of playing every game. Personally, I think a game off makes more sense, but I’m not the one who’s made 346 consecutive starts….
I’m not going to get the new blog up as early as Carroll does, but we’ll aim for the noon hour. Got to do some numbers crunching, while enjoying coffee and a cigar and listening to the new John Hiatt CD (it’s out in a week or two)….
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Overlord, let’s look at the all-time wins leaders who pitched into their 40’s:
Cy Young (1890-1911)
Pete Alexander (1911-1930)
Warren Spahn (1942-1965)
Roger Clemens (1984-2007?)
Greg Maddux (1986-Present)
Steve Carlton (1965-1988)
Eddie Plank (1901-1917)
Nolan Ryan (1966-1993)
Don Sutton (1966-1988)
Phil Niekro (1964-1987)
Gaylord Perry (1962-1983)
Tom Seaver (1967-1986)
Tom Glavine (1987-present)
Lefty Grove (1925-1941)
Early Winn (1939-1963)
Let’s look at the decades in which their careers ended:
1910’s - 2
1930’s - 1
1940’s - 1
1960’s- 2
1980’s - 5
1990’s - 1
2000’s (presumably) - 3
Based on this rather unscientific approach, there it doesn’t seem that pitchers have become less durable. In fact, you could make a pretty convincing argument that pitchers have become more durable with with more great pitchers retiring in their 40’s from 1980-2010 than the previous 80 some odd years.
By Renegator
April 23, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 22, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Renegator, you coming to the tractor pull at Turner field tonight?
Because, according to you, the Braves should call it a season already. LOL !
COOCH
A tractor pull would have been much more entertaining than that lame display of offense that the Braves put on last night.
I was glad to be there for Smoltz’s 3000th. Wish more people had been there but at least it made getting out of there after the games easier.
By 22oz
April 23, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Let me just say i was at the game last night, and while the crowd may not have looked too good on tv, we certainly made some noise. i can’t believe i almost didn’t go. once you were there and 3,000 went down, it was great to realize you had witnesses baseball history. The long standing ovation for Smoltz was great and that High Def board was very handy because you got to see all the reactions, including what appeared to be Smoltz tearing up. My wife took pictures of the board and it looks like we were on the field taking pictures of them in the dugout. Very special moment for a guy who’s sacrificed a lot to stay with the Braves. We live over an hour away but i’m so glad we went.
By Norfolk Brave
April 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
DOB Is there any word on if and where Hampton will be doing his rehab start?
By David O'Brien
April 23, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
22oz, you’re right about crowd — made a lot of noise, impressive display for 22,000 or whatever it was. And the video board absolutely enhances moments like that.
By Epinephrine
April 23, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Overlord,
I have a proposal for you. Give the KJ shtick a rest until the end of April. I cannot tell you how annoying it to scroll through forty comments about KJ every game saying the same argument, over and over again. If KJ doesn’t break out of it by the end of the month, I am willing to agree we need to start thinking about platooning him until he can find some consistency. I’m willing to bet a lot of the other KJ supporters agree. But in the meantime, can you give it a rest? There isn’t a a person on this blog that doesn’t already know exactly how you feel about Kelly. Just one week, re-evaluate, and then have at it.
By bravesandstuff
April 23, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy I hear your other blog calling you, oh that’s right, you destroyed it too.
By McFann
April 23, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Looks like it’s time for another team meeting…
DAP—
You’re correct, IMHO. Chipper, Tex, and McCann being 0-fer played a HUGE role in that loss. That was maddening!
If Francoeur’s got ankle issues, he needs to take a day off. Bothersome ankles cann really slow players down. I know he’s got the consecutive games thing goin’ on, but if his ankle is bad, playing everyday is only going to make it worse. As weird as it might be to have a Francoeur-less lineup, he needs to sit for one game.
Huh, but unless he’s reading this, my lecture proves nothing. Someone oughta take it to “Frenchy’s Forum”, ROTFLOL!!
Maybe he hurt it going back for that ball hit by Milledge in the second inning for a double, and it just got worse as the game went on…
And I’m completely in support of * Epinephrine’s* post at 11:38. Take a chill-pill, Overlord.
By i cant take it anymore
April 23, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
last?
By KC
April 23, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE:
If possible, please observe a moment of silence for the Phoenix Suns and any other team that gets in the Spurs way over the next few weeks.
GO SPURS and GO BRAVES!
By ncscoots
April 23, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, thanks for the proposition to Overlord and his compatriots. Frankly, the name “Martin Prado” is now beginning to feel distinctly Ryan-Freel-ish to me, LOL.
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun you could also say that there are more pitcher these days, since there are 30% more teams than 50 years ago, therefore more pitchers pitching in their 40s. They would also start more games sometimes more than 40.
Oswalt on a freefall
Year W ERA
2004 20 3.49
2005 20 2.94
2006 15 2.98
2007 14 3.18
2008 pace 12-13 6.00
Ring a bell? Well, maybe is not as uncontrolled as a freefall, but his production is dropping slowly. Ilike his chances also, but you would have to agree that if his april woes continue, there will be some question marks around his 300W.
Pitcher W/ERA/years 10+ GS
Oswalt 16/3.13/7
Willis 14/3.80/5
Beckett 13/3.76/6
Santana 15/3.22/6
Those are the wins and ERA when they became part of the staff (more than 10 starts), you are right, Willis is them in ERA but not far away in wins. Not trying to compare the quality of those 3 with willis, but he has kept pace with them at least in the win column(where it matters the most for the team), and even done better than Beckett, of course Beckett is a far superior pitcher today.
By DAP
April 23, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
mcfann also, when our best hitters ALL get completly shut down, (again, kelly 0-4, chipper 0-4, tex 0-4, mccann 0-4) maybe there more to it than our teams faults…maybe thier pitcher was just awesome! sometimes we blame our own team to much without giving enough credit to the other team.
but still, this lineup should never get shut out. thats not ok.
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Is there a chance Hampton comes back as a long reliever for lets say 2 weeks and Bennett stays as 5th starter in that same period?
Epinephrine and McCann, alright, ill give it a rest. But be aware that to me platooning KJ is an option sitting after moving him down not my 1st option. The platooning comment is in regard that if he is in pain(knee), then give him a rest every 4 or 5 games, thats all, not that i think Prado should be our regular 2B all of a sudden.
By McFann
April 23, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DAP, their pitcher was good, but 0-20??? That’s not acceptable!
including what appeared to be Smoltz tearing up. 22oz
When they interviewed Smoltz after the game, he sounded like he had been crying. (I finally got see a few interviews, if you know what I mean…)
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, I would argue that a month is not enough time to determine whether Kelly Johnson should be platooned.
Imagine if the Red Sox had used this approach some are advocating the Braves use with Kelly Johnson with Dustin Pedroia last year. He didn’t have a major league track record and hit .180/.306/.230 through May 3. Lots of other teams would have sent him down for more seasoning or platooned him or something similar to what many on here are suggesting for Kelly Johnson.
But the Red Sox are smart enough to know what constitutes a small sample size and what kind of player Pedroia was likely to become (based on his minor league numbers and scouting reports).
By McFann
April 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
THank you, Overlord.
Hey, you spelled my name wrong, but that’s OK with me!
; )
By TJ
April 23, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
From a Met blog:
In March, the Mets announced that Shea Stadium would be a smoke-free environment in its final season, meaning Braves manager Bobby Cox may be unable to light up his traditional post-game cigar.
There is a designated smoking area outside of the stadium.
According to the Associated Press, the Mets will meet with Cox to discuss where and when he can smoke.
Comment by the blog host: …i can’t stop laughing at this image of cox, in his uniform, standing outside of Shea Stadium puffing on a cigar with regular Mets fans, who are all outside smoking as well…hilarious…
Got to agree - that is one funny image.
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun you could also say that there are more pitcher these days, since there are 30% more teams than 50 years ago, therefore more pitchers pitching in their 40s. They would also start more games sometimes more than 40.
Overlord, nine 300-game winners have retired/will retire from 1980 to 2010. That’s three more over three decades than over the previous seven decades combined. Therefore, I don’t think the argument that there are 30 percent more teams works.
Regarding pitchers starting more games, how does that equate to pitchers being less durable? That has nothing to do with pitcher durability and everything to do with the decisions teams make with their pitchers.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 23, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
YO SAVANNAH GUY
What blog are you reading??
That’s exactly the kind of blog we have here.
LOLOLOL
By KC
April 23, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Overlord: I think there’s zero chance of Hampton going to the bullpen when he returns.
The ONLY way he’d be moved to the pen, would be if they somehow determined that bullpen duty would be a lot easier on him physically than starting (as was the case in Smoltz’s first year back from TJ surgery).
But I can’t see that happening, because the TJ surgery no longer seems to be a factor for him, and I can’t think of another injury with which pitching out of the pen would be much less demanding.
If he can stay healthy, Hampton’s shown he still has the stuff to be a top-of-rotation starter. So if he’s on the mound in ANY capacity… that’s where he belongs (in the rotation).
By Efrim
April 23, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Good point about relating Pedroia’ situation to what is currently going on with the Braves and Johnson.
Do Braves fans not like having people in their lineup who take pitches?
Isn’t having a high OBP something to be proud of?
Kelly is only going to get better as he matures, many believe that he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet.
By Shaun
April 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Overlord, again I point to Clemens. No one would have guessed he had that many wins in him after age 34.
I think there is a pretty good shot that one of those pitchers’ careers will take a surprising turn (a la Clemens). Also one of them will be lucky enough to play for good teams and stay healthy for long enough. The 300-game winner is not dead.
By David O'Brien
April 23, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG
By Overlord
April 23, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
KC i understand you, the idea is just that, an idea, but i guess you are right, I was just looking for other opinions.
Shaun I agree some of them will, and some of them wont, and i wouldnt point out to clemens, there is a doubt there about using HGH. Plus playing for the Yankees as you mention, is a ++++++. We will see when the time comes.
By TJ
April 23, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
An awful lot of guys who would win 300 if they pitched today, didn’t, because their arms were shot by their early 30s.
Both Drysdale and Koufax come to mind, as well as Catfish Hunter. And I’m sure many others.
These guys threw HUGE numbers of innings (guess no one knew any better), often going over 300 IP per year, and didn’t have TJ surgery to save their careers.
Koufax won 165 games by age 30 and then was out of baseball; Drysdale 209 by age 32; and Hunter 224 by 33. Today, those guys would have TJ and come back to win another 100 games (a la Smoltz).
By Bobby's Cox
April 23, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Moby Grape
Sorry about that. i was wrong. you’re right, anderson hits from the left side. it was late last night & i reminisced seeing him hit from the right side in ST, but that was lilibridge. i know anderson doesn’t walk a lot, but if he hit in the high 2’s & put pressure on the starters with his speed like furcal used to, then that would help 2-4 see more fastballs. in any event, i’m happy with the lineup the way it was 2 days ago, without anderson, our starting 2nd baseman & center fielder.
By Big Easy
April 23, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB. Definitely looked to be slowing him down. I dunno. I respect his streak (and I am much higher on Francoeur than many here), but you have to wonder if an off-day occasionally might do him good. I mean, if he is shooting for Cal’s record, he’s got a long way to go (almost 2300 games, or just over 14 years). His bat is heating up, but physically…I dunno. All those years of football could come back to haunt him later in his career.
I still have knee and shoulder issues from my football days, although I was not nearly as talented as Jeff, nor did I play in a region as competitive. Still, it takes its toll.
TJ, I agree…was just thinking about that. Would be interesting to see, Bobby shooting the (smoke-filled) breeze with the Mets fans.
~E~
By Bravesfan79
April 23, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Coach: i saw Zimmerman in person last year. He was not impressive.
Plus he plays for the Nationals…so does it even really count!?