Braves

By Pete H.

April 23, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Ninth?

Saw this on Rotoworld earlier. Bring Max back home as a cheap 1B with a good bat? He sure ain’t gonna play in Texas.

Double-A Frisco’s Max Ramirez homered, doubled and walked on Tuesday. Ramirez is batting .323/.432/.677 in 62 at-bats while sharing time behind the plate with Taylor Teagarden. It’s hard to imagine him ever getting the chance to catch for the Rangers, but he has a rock-solid bat and could potentially make it as something close to an average first baseman.

By Vol

April 23, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Loved the old Smoltzie article. All of the other names reminded me of the days before the great run started. Remember when the Pirates wanted Thomas for Bonds? I guess that would have ranked up there with the Smoltz trade.

By ssiscribe

April 23, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Ah, racing home after school to read The Atlanta Journal. Fraley, Bisher, Denburg, et al. Good times.

Great touch to toss that whole Fraley piece in, DOB. David Palmer? Andres Thomas? Memories from the bad ol’ days of Braves baseball, days where a crowd of 16,000 on a school night would’ve been celebrated.

And how fitting the way Glavine and Smoltz were intertwined at the very beginning … I did not realize Glavine was called up to replace Alexander on the roster. Priceless.

Does Smoltz belong in the Hall? Absolutely, a slam dunk in my opinion. And I think he’ll get a first-ballot induction, too. Yes, one more good season probably seals his first-ballot status, but in this era of players being questioned by what they may or may not have put into their bodies, Smoltz has gotten more out of what he has (and has left) than just about any other professional athlete I’ve watched.

It’s truly been an honor to watch him work since 1988. Here’s hoping for a few more wins, a few more strikeouts, and hopefully a final October or two for the bearded one.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By GTI in Chicago

April 23, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Is there really any doubt? The Greatest Braves in this extraordinary 18 year run: John Smoltz and Chipper Jones. I think that Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux sit on a slightly lower rung because their careers have taken them to different cities in the duration.

Such pure, natural, supreme baseball talents. The kind of players who, even when the team isn’t going so well, you can still feel good about and count on. They are part of the reason I’m proud to be a Braves fan.

On a separate note; it’s been great to see the team playing so much better the last week. That road trip was so hard to watch because you just know they’re better than that. I can handle a loss like last night when it feels like an aberation rather than a trend.

Go Braves!

By Vol

April 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Loved the old Smoltzie article. All of the other names reminded me of the days before the great run started. Remember when the Pirates wanted Thomas for Bonds? I guess that would have ranked up there with the Smoltz trade.

By Steve McP

April 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Good blog DOB.

I was one of the few who made it along last night (just because of Smoltz) and it was indeed an electric moment when he picked up that 4th strike, I think people had not generally thought it would come that early in the game, just a shame that the bats could not give him a W to go with it.

I am staying up for tonight as well to get a view of the Marlins, still find it hard to acknowledge that they are atop the NL East.

Miller’s numbers do not look good, but the Braves have struggled this season against pitchers they are supposed to pound, lets hope for an early jump on him tonight, but brought about by a patient approach rather than just hacking away from the first pitch, last night two outs came around much too quickly and so any rally was usually only an out away from providing the lead.

By the way any news on Frenchy’s ankle? He certainly seemed to be a bit hesitant when fielding last night and he let a couple of balls bounce that I had thought he would reach.

Finally has anyone asked Chipper about not getting Player of the Week award? I know that with his experience it is probably a minor thing, but to not get selected with the week he had must have upset him a little, perhaps adding a little to the frustration of last season’s gold glove going to Wright.

By DAP

April 23, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

DOB awesome blog, that old article is really cool to read. a few mentions of future braves pillars! smoltz, glavine, and blauser. stocking up on alot of young arms proved to be pretty good way to rebuild a club, to. we got real lucky with two of them.

smoltz-first ballot? i think i depends alot on who else is eligable. everyone knows hes getting in, so if there arent tons of guys in his class to take away votes, hes in, first ballot.

kotsay really is struggling against lefties…but last night, everyone was.

another columnist just wrote that this will the the braves last chance at a division title for a while. i disagree.

the braves dont rebuild. they just dont. after this year, if we lose tex, hampton, glavine, smoltz, and kotsay, (which i dont think we will lose all of them) we arent going to be out of it.

we would still have huddy and jurjens to start a new rotation with. we will still have bennett, james, carlyle, campillo, reyes to chose from, as well as other minor league pitcher who might be ready.

no one on the map for first base, but we have anderson and blanco who are both ready now to play center,

not to mention, over $40mil off the books if those guys i mentioned above are gone, to get pieces we need.

this team will contend for the forseeable future.

By brent a.

April 23, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Hard to believe that the Braves were only 2 1/2 games out of first on July 5, 1986.

By George G.

April 23, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

The Braves should have kept David Palmer around as long as Smoltz and Glavine have been here. After all, he was one hell of a President, and, if we had, Jack Bauer would have been around to protect us too!

By Shaun

April 23, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

One of the impressive things about that article is the tone that Mr. Fraley gave it. Maybe that came from him talking to Bobby Cox about the direction of the organization but in hindsight we see that this story was very prescient.

By Josh H

April 23, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Wow, that’s amazing.

I had no idea just how BAD Glavine and Smoltz were when they were in the minors. Honestly, Glavine being 6-12 with a 3.40 is pretty good (with the exception of that win, loss record). But Smoltz, 4-10 with a 5+ ERA, not so much.

I would hate to be a scouting guy. The decision of whether or not Smoltz would be a good pitcher, was obviously not based upon stats at that point.

By Bravesfan79

April 23, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Great old school article DOB.
Anyone that dosent think one of the best postseason pitchers of all time is a 1st ballot Hall of famer, is a moron!

By bsj

April 23, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I’m going to get that Hiatt tomorrow. Speaking of, have you heard of Little Village? Had Hiatt, Ry Cooder, Nick Lowe ( I think ) and Jim Keltner? I’ve only seen one self-titled album. Would love it if they put out more. “Big Love” is an awesome track.

Anyway. I’ll be interested in seeing how Campillo bounces back after the shaky outing last night. I can’t say I have a lot of confidence that he’s the pitcher we’ve seen prior to last night. With Hampton and Glavine back, can he be sent down? Does he have options?

By Big Easy

April 23, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Wow. That was a fun read. Smoltz and Glavine. The Siamese Twins, joined at the hip. Always together. Dale Murphy. A Blauser reference. BC as the GM. Brings back childhood memories of watching Braves games on TBS via the satellite dish. Good times.

~E~

By Randy S

April 23, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Interesting story on a feud between Renteria and Orlando Cabrera over Renteria’s Colombian winter league (both are Colombian) on the ESPN MLB page. Somewhat surprisingly, Edgar is getting knocked around on the message board there (though most of those doing so have screen names like Yankssux and BoSoxxxxxx…)

By Randy S

April 23, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Interesting story on a feud between Renteria and Orlando Cabrera over Renteria’s Colombian winter league (both are Colombian) on the ESPN MLB page. Somewhat surprisingly, Edgar is getting knocked around on the message board there (though most of those doing so have screen names like Yankssux and BoSoxxxxxx…)

Renteria-Cabrera Story

By Jim

April 23, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

An alphabetized list of the best starting pitchers of the last 60 years (not including any current under 35s):

Blyleven, Bunning, Burdett, Carlton, Clemens, Cone, Drysdale, Feller, Ford, Gibson, Glavine, Hershiser, Hunter, Jenkins, John, Johnson, Kaat, Koufax, Lemon, Maddux, Marichal, Martinez, Morris, Mussina, Newcombe, Niekro, Palmer, G. Perry, Pettit, Roberts, Ryan, Schilling, Seaver, Smoltz, Spahn, Sutton, Wynn

a) Only 10 of them get into our mythical hall of fame. Which ones would you choose?

b) No fixed limit on the number, but you want the HOF to be exclusive, whcih of these SHOULD be in the HOF?

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

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…

You guys have got to be kidding me. This is the worst analogy i have EVER heard. Again, you’re kidding right?

Did you forget KJ had 290 at-bats in 2005 and a full year under his belt last year? How is that comparable to Pedroia’s situation last year? Pedroia was a ROOKIE. Ya, Pedroia hit .180/.308/.280 throug May 3. But that was in what, 55 at-bats? He wasn’t a starter then like KJ has been the last 2 years.

After April, Pedroia hit over .300 every other month of the season. You’re a joke, check the splits. KJ with more ML experience and playing in a weaker league, only hit over .269 ONCE after April (July).

Pedroia plays with more fire and passion than KJ, who looks more like Adam LaRoche at the plate than Pedroia. After a killer year last year, Pedroa’s getting progressively better. After a poor 2005, then a hot April last year, KJ’s getting progressively worse at this point.

Pedroia’s hitting 130 points better than KJ this year. His OBP is 112 points higher than KJ this year. AND, his slugging is 123 points higher with 1/3 of the homers KJ has.

Last year, Pedroia hit half the homers KJ hit and his slugging PCT was only 12 points lower with a higher OBP. KJ is nowhere near the player Pedroia is.

At least compare Prado to Pedroia, who like Pedroia last year, is giving the lineup a spark in his spot starts. Pedroia is a doubles/triples hitter as is Prado. Like Pedroia last year, Prado is hitting for avg, a high slugging PCT, & is getting on base in his starts.

Also, both of their names start with P, which is a better analogy that you guys threw at us.

Ridiculous.

By NCBravesFan

April 23, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Smoltzie is the real deal. It will be interesting to see how he closes out his career, and how quickly he gets to go to Cooperstown.

As it is, a nice achievement last night!

Resop’s got good stuff, but he really lacks command of the strike zone. I would think the time left for him to get going is pretty short, given the injured pitchers who are coming back immediately, and then down the line.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

BSJ, unfortunately the Hiatt album (“Same Old Man”) isn’t out until May 6.

By Jim

April 23, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Who did get player of the week? Utley?

By TJ

April 23, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I can’t say I have a lot of confidence that he’s (campillo) the pitcher we’ve seen prior to last night.

bsj: no way that Campy (can I call him that?) should be pitching in the 9th inning for the Atlanta Braves except in a blowout. The guy has 25 innings of major league experience (and not that much success). Ideally, he’s a guy that comes in in the 5th or 6th when needed; but that’s kinda where we are right now, with Soriano and Moylan down.

HOF First Ballot: my initial reaction is no, first ballot should be reserved for the very best of the best. Great as Smoltz is, he’s not quite there, IMO. Certainly HOF-worthy, but not upper crust.

But, when you look at some of the guys who’ve gotten in on the first ballot in recent years: Paul Molitor, Eckersley, Kirby Puckett, Robin Yount - Smoltz is definitely in their class or above.

By GT81

April 23, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Nice article. I remember feeling a bit upset the day I read about the Braves shipping Doyle Alexander for an unknown prospect!

Since then, it’s been a great run to watch. I know a lot of guys are upset about the single championship, and they have a point, but still, I’ve really enjoyed the ride. Maybe they can make it one more this year. Go Bravos!

By bsj

April 23, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

that’s right, you did say “advance copy”. If you’re not familiar with it, ask Don at Ella about Little Village.

By Interested Observer

April 23, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Very interesting to revisit the Alexander for Smoltz trade. What struck me was that in today’s market we could have probably gotten Smoltz and one or two other top prospects for Alexander in a deadline deal. Just goes to show you how things have changed.

By Steve McP

April 23, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Good blog DOB.

I was one of the few who made it along last night (just because of Smoltz) and it was indeed an electric moment when he picked up that 4th strike, I think people had not generally thought it would come that early in the game, just a shame that the bats could not give him a W to go with it.

I am staying up for tonight as well to get a view of the Marlins, still find it hard to acknowledge that they are atop the NL East.

Miller’s numbers do not look good, but the Braves have struggled this season against pitchers they are supposed to pound, lets hope for an early jump on him tonight, but brought about by a patient approach rather than just hacking away from the first pitch, last night two outs came around much too quickly and so any rally was usually only an out away from providing the lead.

By the way any news on Frenchy’s ankle? He certainly seemed to be a bit hesitant when fielding last night and he let a couple of balls bounce that I had thought he would reach.

Finally has anyone asked Chipper about not getting Player of the Week award? I know that with his experience it is probably a minor thing, but to not get selected with the week he had must have upset him a little, perhaps adding a little to the frustration of last season’s gold glove going to Wright.

By bsj

April 23, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

TJ, I’d much rather see Carlisle in that situation, but that’s not saying much. I think we need to hope Soriano is alright, and Gonzales comes back strong.

What’s the latest on Gonzo?

By NCBravesFan

April 23, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

TJ I’d be inclined to give him first-ballot consideration. He probably lost sixty wins by being in the bully all those years, and Lord knows how many wins he lost due to injury.

If you disregard the lost years due to injury and throw in the extra wins he probably would have gotten by starting instead of relieving, you’ve got a 300-game winner (if he sticks around for just a little while longer) with an impeccable track record in the postseason.

Then again, his win + save total + playoff performance when all is said and done should be enough to get him in on the first ballot.

By Renegator

April 23, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

From DOB:

Braves face Andruw Miller tonight in the opener of a two-game set with Florida. The former Detroit prospect is 0-4 with a 12.15 ERA and .408 opponents’ average in seven starts since Aug. 3. Yikes.

Sounds like he is going to own the Braves tonight. They tend to take leftys who are struggling and make them look like Cy Young himself.

By DAP

April 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

bobby’s cox i think your buying into some of the red sox hype about pedroia. dont forget, the red sox tried to trade for kelly johnson this off season.

last year, pedroia and kelly had similar years, though kelly’s was a little better. this year, after 20 or so games, pedroia is having a good month, and kelly isnt. thats it. its unfiar to read into more than that right now.

pedrioa is not a triples hitter. he doesnt have the speed. kelly had 10 times as many triples as pedroia did last year.

pedroia is marcus giles. johnson is chase utley.

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

The point is to stick with a guy longer than 60-80 at bats. Kelly started his FIRST YEAR at a new position last season and posted a 276/375/457 line for a 832 OPS. What is not to like? He is off to a rough start, chill out. Give him some more time.

At least compare Prado to Pedroia, who like Pedroia last year, is giving the lineup a spark in his spot starts. Pedroia is a doubles/triples hitter as is Prado. Like Pedroia last year, Prado is hitting for avg, a high slugging PCT, & is getting on base in his starts.

Enough with Prado. You are comparing Prado to Dustin Pedroia after Prado has had 126 career at bats?!?!?!

He has hit 278/345/405 for a 750 OPS in his major league career to this point.

I’m sorry, he hasn’t quite had the impact like you are trying to spin. Sample Size my friend.

By Mo

April 23, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox- Pedroia plays with passion? So you want your players to act idiotic in public?

By Saltywoody

April 23, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the article. That was a pleasure to read.

This is just incredible: Smoltz, the Tigers’ 22nd-round pick in the June 1985, draft from Lansing, Mich., Waverly High School, was 4-10 with a 5.68 ERA with 86 strikeouts and 81 walks in 130 innings at Glens Falls.

Smoltzie was a 22nd round pick and his numbers were atrocious at the time. And look what he’s done since. Goes to show you can’t always judge a book by the minor league cover, huh?

Really cool.

By Shaun

April 23, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, okay, how about Mark Teixeira through May 3 of last year? He hit .238 and slugged .376. Rangers should have platooned him!

By TheDunderChief

April 23, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Any word on how John’s arm felt after the game? It was great to see him go 7 innings and not crank his shoulder after each pitch, especially after how uncomfortable he looked after only 2 innings in his last start.

Even with the cold bats and poor defense, yesterday would be a very positive day if Smolz is feeling better.

By Ramblin Wrecker

April 23, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the post of the old Smoltz trade story. It was cool to find out that the deal to bring him to Atlanta not only affected his location, but that of Tom Glavine as well. Obviously Glavine would have been up in Atlanta sooner or later but it just seems fitting that the trade for Smoltz had a hand in setting Tom Glavine’s major league career in motion. Almost like it was the pebble that started the whole avalanche that was the team of the ’90s.

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

DAP

Thank you. The Red Sox did want to trade for Kelly Johnson, didn’t they.

By Shaun

April 23, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Other players who should have been platooned last season, according to the logic of Bobby’s Cox (and a few others): Rafael Furcal, Mike Cameron, David Eckstein, Joe Crede, Michael Young, Ryan Zimmerman, Manny Ramirez, Luis Castillo, Robinson Cano, Paul Konerko. All of these players were pretty bad in April.

By P-Town Brave

April 23, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Its time for the platoon at 2b…look at the OBP, we can’t have a guy hitting lead-off with that terrible OBP…well, unless you like the Juan Pierre’s of the world…

Oh and Prado, he has a OPB over .380, and it will still be much higher than Kelly’s if he got some actual PT.

By bsj

April 23, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Renegator, Agreed about the Braves and Miller. He’ll likely have a one hit shutout through 7 innings given the Braves history against relatively unknown lefties (see John Lannan).

I don’t see why people are on Kelly’s case so much. He can hit, runs decent, hard-nosed… not a club-house cancer. He’s still learning second base, but he’s shown he can be very good. Bobby’s Cox was the first one today, but I’ve seen other critics. What gives?

By DAP

April 23, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

mark lemke said on the pre-game show yesterday, that all ball players go through slumps in thier season, but a guy who has a few months of stats behind him doenst get the scrutiny that players in april get.

chipper might have 2 weeks where he hits .230 (i doubt it), but if he does it in july when hes hitting .400, it wont effect his overall stats, and people wont nhotice, or if they do, they will see it for what it is, an ebb or flow.

i dont know why people get bent out of shape about overall stats in april. no, its not GOOD to be hitting .230 in april, but its definetly not fair to write guys off because of it.

By SevenPitches

April 23, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the old school article, DOB. Brings back a lot of great memories, as did the atmosphere at The Ted last night. The crowd might not have had quantity, but it sure had quality.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

DAP

the problem here is how you all perceive KJ and what you expect out of him. I see this team as getting lots of power from Chipper, Tex, BMac, & Frenchy, plus close to 20 from Yunel. We don’t need a Chase Utely on this team. Like Boston who has power from Papi, Ramirez, & Youk, they don’t need 20 homers from Pedroia at 2nd. They simply need him to string along hits & get on base consistently and fire up the offense.

I don’t see KJ’s year last year as better than Pedroia. Like I said, KJ hit over .269 in 2 months last year. Pedroia hit over .299 every month after April, and .299 was his lowest month after April. Pedroia for the 1st half of the year was a spot starter getting 50-60 at bats. Of course KJ would have better aggragate numbers. But he is FAR LESS consistent than Pedroia, a microcosm of Boston’s consistent lineup with a consistent Pedroia, and our up and down lineup with an up and down KJ.

KJ is no Pedroia. He is no Utely. Five years from now if KJ continues to start, you’ll still be waiting for his breakout year like we were all waiting for AJ’s when it finally came in ‘05, 9 years after his rookie campaign in ‘96.

A few of you have said, like DOB, don’t worry about Diaz or Tex, they’re slow starters in April. Well last year KJ was hot in April and this year it’s been a total 180 to go along with 4 months last season, a subpar 2005, a few subpar ST’s, and his ability to continually put up 30 at-bat dry spells. No thanks KJ, i’d rather have another bat and better D in the lineup, someone who’s hitting over .300/.400/.500 in his brief starts who looks more solid at the plate and is walking just as much this year.

If other teams think that highly of KJ DAP, then trade him, just like we sent players such as Nick Green, LaRoche, Langs, Charles Thomas, Giles, Doyle Alexander, and countless others to other teams that turned out to be squat.

A few more hot spot starts by Prado & maybe Shaun we’ll be right, we’ll have a brave we can compare to Pedroia. At this point, and numberous times last year, i’m willing to give it a try. And if you want to call that a mancrush, then go right ahead. Can’t wait to see KJ’s exciting 0-3 tonight with a walk.

By MGL

April 23, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Is there any rule that prevents a hitter from batting from both sides during a single at bat? Let’s say Chipper goes up there tonight and takes a couple of pitches from the right side and decides he would rather hit this guy from the left. So he moves around to the other side.

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

PTown Brave

An OBP over 25 at bats??? You must of been at the head of your class man. Why should I believe Prado will have a better OBP if he got some actual PT? Where are your stats to back up a statement like that?

Wake up people. Prado had a career OPS of 746 in the minors. That’s 1901 at bats. His SLUG was 393 and he had a respectable 353 OBP. Could he be s starting 2nd baseman for a MLB team? Possibly. For the Braves? Not while Kelly is here.

Will Kelly be platooned if his struggles continue into June? Maybe, but Kelly has played 17 games to date. Ease up.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t see why people are on Kelly’s case so much. He can hit, runs decent, hard-nosed… not a club-house cancer. He’s still learning second base, but he’s shown he can be very good. Bobby’s Cox was the first one today, but I’ve seen other critics. What gives? BSJ

give me stats to show me KJ can hit on a consitent basis. Show me video where the guy is ever pumped up or getting the team fired up since he’s as “hard-nosed” as you say he is.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Mo

Shaun was the one comparing KJ to Pedroia on the last blog, not me. I’m just showing you with stats that KJ is no Pedroia. Go back and check it out.

And if it means having a guy that acts dumb in public but gets the team fired up…by all means.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

bsj, the Little Village CD came out about 15 years ago, sometime in the early 90s. Great CD.

Carroll posted update on Gonzo in blog this morning. He pitched a simulated inning yesterday, felt good, will do same Thursday and Saturday. He’s down in extended spring. Look for him in late May with Braves, barring any setbacks. Maybe even mid-May.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Not true, he hit .300 in the minors, and was even better the last 2 years. Go check it out. I’m only saying Prado cuz he’s our next option. If it were John Doe, i’d be saying insert Jon Doe.

KJ’s plyed 17 games, but it looks like the same KJ in 4 months out of last season…with less walks mind you.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Shaun, you’re totally right. I think a guy like Diaz who traditionally struggles early should be given the benefit of the doubt. Now, with that said, I do think Blanco should receive some more playing time as long as he gets on base. His speed is a tremendous asset and totally changes the complexity of the lineup.

By Thrillhouse44

April 23, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

So, Bobby’s, you want KJ to act like Dennis Rodman?

By TR

April 23, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Hay DAP,

There’s what I consider to be a 1B “on the map” in Richmond’s Barbaro Canizares… He grew up as a catcher, and I think he’s a friend/former teammate to Escobar and Pena… He’s spent time at DH and 1B at Richmond… .417 avg., 3 hr, 6 dbls, 12 rbi, 1.090 obps in 16 games… Not bad if he keeps it up…

By bsj

April 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox,

I don’t equate “hard-nosed” with “fired-up”. I think of hard nosed as tough and in the lineup everyday. Standing in a 2nd on a double play. Giving it your all. That sort of thing. The Braves don’t need another cheerleader. Frenchy, Yunel, and McCann do a good job of that.

As for stats, I’ll just look at last year’s, which have been referenced here several times already. I’d say he can hit consistently.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Other players who should have been platooned last season, according to the logic of Bobby’s Cox (and a few others): Rafael Furcal, Mike Cameron, David Eckstein, Joe Crede, Michael Young, Ryan Zimmerman, Manny Ramirez, Luis Castillo, Robinson Cano, Paul Konerko. All of these players were pretty bad in April.

Shaun

You’re so ignorant. You just throw out more and more names so i have to continue to prove my point. Case in point, KJ is inconsistent. Look at the splits. Go back & read DOB’s blog last week about KJ. Look at KJ’s numbers vs. lefties, his falling off of walks, etc… Your comparing him to Utely is pure speculation, so is my stance on saying start Prado. If you want out of the conversation, then start a new topic, but i’m beginning to think you have a mancrush as well for KJ.

By Epinephrine

April 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox,

We all know your point of view on KJ. You have also made it quite clear that you have a room temperature IQ. Please spare us the continued ad nauseam attacks on KJ. Everyone here knows what you think, and everyone here knows why you think it. There is no point in filling another blog with identical posts about why, in your view, Kelly shouldn’t be starting.

I don’t know what gives you the impression that we care to read your same opinion 50 times a day. We don’t. It is incredibly annoying, and you are one of the only people that do it. Do you think people would read this blog if DOB posted articles about Tex’s contract every day? No. It would become tired. And that is despite the fact that DOB can write cogent sentences and paragraphs. With you, it is the same post over and over again, except written from the perspective of a 12 year old. Please, for the love of sanity, stop.

Like I said to Overlord, if KJ continues to struggle throughout the end of the month, I’ll acknowledge we need to begin thinking of other options. I also understand why people prefer the potential of someone like Prado or a trade right now. But why you feel the need to post about it every ten minutes, I do not, and can not, understand.

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

.300 BA with a .393 Slug. percentage. Kelly is the better option. I’m not quite sure what you have against him. He is a reserved guy, so what?

By Desert Brave

April 23, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

DOB: The Hayes Carll CD is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. Was wondering if you could recommend some others that are similar to that?

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

So, Bobby’s, you want KJ to act like Dennis Rodman? Thrillhouse

WTF? Did i say that? I’m responding to other posts man. I said if a guy did that but performed & didn’t distract the team, then so be it. Does Prado do that? Not that i know of, but i’m saying play the kid, at least against lefties.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine

Good post at 3:58, fair enough. I’ll respect that.

By KC

April 23, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Smoltz came within a an inch of breaking the all-time single-season saves record and winning the CY as a reliever back in… I think it was 2002.

If not for some scar tissue in his surgically repaired elbow causing problems at the end of that season… there’s absolutely no doubt that Smoltz would have broken the ML single-season saves record, finished with an ERA under 3.00, and most certainly would have won the CY again… to become the only pitcher ever to win it as a starter AND as a reliever.

What a shame.

But he still holds the NL record for single-season saves.

He has 200-plus wins, 3,000 strikeouts, 150-plus saves, and 15 post-season wins (with a stellar career October ERA).

The guy is a first-ballot HOFer. No doubt about it.

By TennesseePaul

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

Smoltz holds the NL single season record for saves. It has only been matched once and that was by a juicer.

I’d say Smoltz is a first ballot guy. 3,000 K’s. Most post season victories, 150+ saves, 150+ wins. Single Season saves record and a franchise leader in just about everything for an extremely old franchise.

By THB

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

For the KJ haters and Prado lovers..

You bash on KJ for his “low OBP” this season, and then glorify Prado’s stats for this season. It’s been 20 games into the season! Both have limited playing time, and the only way to compare the two are past numbers. KJ hit .276, with a .375 OBP and 79 BB’s, 16 HR and 68 RBI. What has Prado done? Oh thats right, he has 126 career AB’s, and his numbers are solid, but nothing to give him a case over KJ, at least not yet. Prado is good at what he does. And what he does is hit well off the bench and fill in when needed.

By Epinephrine

April 23, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Well I’m surprised you think that was fair, because it was overly harsh, but I appreciate it. Again, if by the end of April (a week), Kelly is still struggling, blog on. Then I’ll acknowledge we have an issue on our hands.

By Big Easy

April 23, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, music note here. You ever catch Five Star Iris while around town? Not sure if they are your bag, but they are a great local rock band. Alan Schaefer, the front-man, is an amazing songwriter in his own right. They have been playing all around the world lately, but I used to catch them at Smith’s a lot (especially in one of their earlier incarnations, Another Man Down) before I got all domesticated (you know, the wife and kid thing). Great band, really good dudes.

Most of their earlier stuff is out of print, I would imagine. Not sure if Ella Guru has their discs or not, but worth a shot.

Five Star Iris

~E~

By Andres Thomas

April 23, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Braves face Andruw Miller tonight in the opener of a two-game set with Florida. The former Detroit prospect is 0-4 with a 12.15 ERA and .408 opponents’ average in seven starts since Aug. 3. Yikes
Anyone want to bet the Braves don’t score more than 3 runs off him?

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

yes DOB, smoltz is in HOF. Its great for the braves

By ncscoots

April 23, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

We don’t need a Chase Utely on this team.

Regardless of one’s opinion of Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado, or the man in the moon, that kind of statement just boggles. Not to mention that it kinda shreds your cred.

By Thrillhouse44

April 23, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s, I was going by lines like Show me video where the guy is ever pumped up or getting the team fired up and And if it means having a guy that acts dumb in public but gets the team fired up…by all means.

After re-reading, I do see what you meant. I still don’t know that the Braves need a whole bunch of fist pumpers and ra-ras. Besides, there’s nothing like legging out a triple in a close game to get the team fired up. Someone who gives it their all every at bat and every play is going to inspire others to do the same.

By SeligSucks

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

I’m afraid I have to side with Bobby’s Cox’s point here. KJ is great, but only against righties. Let Prado have a go against lefties.

People wonder why we struggle against lefties all the time…even bad ones.

Just look at Kotsay/KJ’s stats vs. them. When your leadoff guy and your lineup rollover guy (8 spot) suck against a certain pitcher…your team has 1 shortened inning every 3 (if you’re lucky, 4 or 5 if not).

I believe it’s time to give a straight platoon of Blanco/Kotsay and KJ/Prado a try until it becomes obvious that it’s not working.

By SeligSucks

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

I’m afraid I have to side with Bobby’s Cox’s point here. KJ is great, but only against righties. Let Prado have a go against lefties.

People wonder why we struggle against lefties all the time…even bad ones.

Just look at Kotsay/KJ’s stats vs. them. When your leadoff guy and your lineup rollover guy (8 spot) suck against a certain pitcher…your team has 1 shortened inning every 3 (if you’re lucky, 4 or 5 if not).

I believe it’s time to give a straight platoon of Blanco/Kotsay and KJ/Prado a try until it becomes obvious that it’s not working.

By P-Town Brave

April 23, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Efrim

And just the same that Escobar didn’t start shining until he came to the bigs…

You and Bobby need to get off the “I love Kelly Johnson boat”

He is mediocre defensively and average offensively at best…just look at post all-star break to now. I’m not saying bench him completely, I am just saying that a platoon should be in order because of the way Prado is swinging the bat and also due to the numbers KJ has had against LHP in his career. This for the same purpose as playing Blanco in LF against RHP…

I mean really, nothing has changed since last September when both positions were platoon positions so why should it now when neither Matt nor Kelly have proven they are a head above their competition.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Epinephrine It was a little harsh, but the rest of the post was respectable & well written. I got your point, just like you got mine. I’ll stop now & just be a fan & see how it pans out.

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

hey seligSucks,

that would mean 4 guys on a part time basis. not all 4 will do well changing their number of AB’s. Some dont do well part time, their timing is off!

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Anyone want to bet the Braves don’t score more than 3 runs off him? thomas

i’ll go ahead and be an optimist here. Ya we’ll score 3 runs off of him. I’d like to think this team is still focused after the team meeting last week, plus we have Jair to extort all of Miller’s weaknesses, that is if the team can understand him. Anyone see Jair give the bravses lineup on Fox on Saturday. Gotta love that kid.

By DAP

April 23, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

bobby’s cox

I don’t see KJ’s year last year as better than Pedroia. Like I said, KJ hit over .269 in 2 months last year. Pedroia hit over .299 every month after April, and .299 was his lowest month after April.

KJ ekpt his OBP up our side of april, which is a much better indicator of setting the table than just batting average. pedroia doesnt walk as much, but hits for a higher average. thats fine. it works out the same way, they both ended up on base at similar rates.

last year KJ was hot in April and this year it’s been a total 180 to go along with 4 months last season,

wrong. go look at kelly’s game logs. he was doing worse than he is now for the first two weeks, and then played out of his mind, making his total april stats look pretty good. thats what happens with a small sample size.

kelly and pedroia’s stats are very similar, and kelly has the edge in categories that really matter….as of 2007. if kelly has the same average and OBP in a couple of weeks, then we have something to talk about. right now, its not fair to assume hes done all he going to do.

By Gang Greene

April 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB- The Meat Puppets were better, as were the Minutemen. Husker Du was also better. The Replacements had an extremely strong run from Hootenanny until Pleased to Meet Me. Great lyricist, sloppy playing at times (I think Let it Be, while a great record and a milestone of the era gets a little bloated up due to the 4 great ballads on the record. I mean seriously, Answering Machine is as great a song that was ever performed) and unrecognized potential marr this band. Speaking of Marr… The Smiths??? Seriously??? They do not belong in this conversation as you mention all american indy bands from a truly great (if largely unknown ) period in music.

By SeligSucks

April 23, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

scott boras

This is true, but right now KJ and Kotsay both are absolutely horrible vs. lefties. Why NOT give it a try. Their last two years of stats say that they won’t hit lefties.

And on the nights a righty pitches, let Blanco continue as Diaz’s platoon. That way he won’t change his number of at bats.

Just an idea. Not like I know BC’s personal Cell number :)

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

lol bobby cox taken down. “ill stop now and just be a fan” lol

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Regular lineup today.

Frenchy got a shot after game last night, but it’s not first time he’s gotten one in that ankle. Got one before season, too. But he said last night was worst it’s hurt him. Just started hurting when he was running out to his position before game.

Broke his ankle playing football in 10th grade, and it just hurts him at times, just sort of pinches. He’s gonna look into some orthotics after trip, but says he’s can play through it…

No batting practice today, so most of the fellas aren’t even here yet. 5:30 is where they’re required to be here, suited up. several are already here, some hitting indoors, but most aren’t yet.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Gang Greene, glad you have strong feelings, but we can agree to disagree. No way, no how are Meat Puppets as good as Replacements, much less better. Not even remotely (and I have all the Meat Puppets’ albums, or at least all the early ones).

Smiths? Quite seriously. If you don’t recognize they were a great band from same era as Replacements/Husker Du/REM, in early to mid 80s, then sorry, but you’ve got a big glaring hole in your swing.

Loved Minutemen, especially Double Nickels on the Dime. But didn’t transcend or have huge impact way the others in the list did.

By ncscoots

April 23, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

I believe it’s time to give a straight platoon of Blanco/Kotsay and KJ/Prado a try until it becomes obvious that it’s not working.

Would that be the same number of games (20) that have been used to determine that such a platoon situation is needed?

If so, when that doesn’t work, then shall the Braves try something else for a third 20 games? And yet something else for a fourth 20?

I’m not trying to bust your chops in particular, but the whole blog idea of making lineup changes like a fantasy leaguer seems totally without forethought.

Although folks wanting to make major changes after 20 games isn’t too surprising…heck, I’ve seen the same thing happen here between at-bats, fercrissake.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Agreed, Smoltz and Glavine are both slam dunk candidates for the Hall Of Fame.

Concerning the benching of Andruw, Joe Torre is doing what Bobby Cox should have done before the All-star break last season.

Andruw the rally killer hit .236 with 11 HR’s and 40 RBI in the second half of 2007. His RISP with two outs last year was .169

I wonder what would have happened in 2007 if A.J had been benched during the second half of the season and Gregor Blanco had been called up.

Did Bobby Cox’s loyalty to his veteran center fielder cost the Braves the playoff’s in 2007.

Food for thought.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Desert Brave, if you like Hayes Carll, you gotta try the Ryan Bingham album from late last year, “Mescalito.” Another Texan.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

DAP

good post. looking at the game logs is a little more research than i’m willing to do, so i just look at months splits and go off of memory (probably a big reason for my room temp IQ).

All in all, i think it’s the offense’s inconsistency that drives me nuts, especially against weaker teams & young pitchers. I’ve always liked consistent hitters and consistent hitting. I’m a huge Ichiro fan. I understand slumps, hot streaks, the effects of nagging injuries, etc…

Out of all the things we could argue about this team (bullpen, injuries, hitting), i choose the hitting since it’s the easiest to manipulate from a managerial perspective. Don’t get me wrong, i love KJ and root for the guy when he’s batting. That homer in FL last Thur was incredible on that inside curve. I’d just like to see some consistency with our hitting & pitching like we got the last 6 games. We’ll see how it plays out, & i’ll try less to make KJ my scapegoat.

By Gang Greene

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

DOB- I will refuse to give in on the Smiths. I was a big fan- when I was a geeky 14 year old. If I hear them now, I go into convulsions based on the singing of Morrisey alone. I will give you that Marr was a good guitarist, but the Morrisey schtick was overwhelming.

As for Pups vs Replaacements, I have all fo both bands records, and I love both. But the Pups were the better band. Much more original (Replacements were always more in that roadhouse type thing). Highly underrated. Take the 2 best records from each. For the Pups, you have to go II and Up on the Sun. For the Mats, we’ll give them Let it Be and Tim. II basically brought the country and psychedelia to the entire indy genre, and Up on the Sun is a conceptual masterpiece. Let it Be is great because of the pure naked emotions that Westerberg put on full disply, and Tim is a solid rock follow up. But for uniqueness alone, I’ll take the Pups any day.

One thing they both shared in common was heinously sloppy mid 80’s shows, and then both imprvded dramatically as they matured.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Did Bobby Cox’s loyalty to his veteran center fielder cost the Braves the playoff’s in 2007. Coach

No and Yes. BC had less options in the outfield than we have this year and that Torre has on his roster. The braves are stacked in the minors now for outfielders, just as Toree is stacked with outfielders in LA.

However, BC could’ve moved AJ down in the lineup. Correct me if i’m wrong, but i think he tried that for a few games last year. Last year, the Braves lack of pitching and inconsistent hitting caused them the postseason. Too bad too, even last years team could’ve excelled last postseason. The NL postseason competition was weaker than it will be this year.

By SeligSucks

April 23, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

nsscoots

I said *Their last two years of stats say that they won’t hit lefties. *

It wasn’t based on gut feelings. It was based on stats for the last 2 years for Kotsay and KJ. If you are going to live and die and say KJ is teh bomb because look what he’s done for us, then you have to accept the bad things that stats point out too.

20 games is more than enough to see that the trend hasn’t changed IMO.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Gang Greene, sorry but I don’t argue bands like we do players here. You have your opinions, I have mine. I’m not gonna change yours, and I can assure you, you are never going to change mine, especially regarding the Replacements or the the Smiths.

Oh, and I’ll take the Smiths’ Meat is Murder and the Queen is Dead over any two Meat Puppets albums.

Agree to disagree, my man. No worries.

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 23, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Smoltz in the HOF on the first ballot. Print it out, hermetically seal it in a mayonnaise jar and place it under DOB’s back porch.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

nscoots

You and others would LOVE to know i’m in last in my fantasy league and finished near the bottom last year. But it’s a keeper league (each of 10 teams keep 8 players a year), and I haven’t been able to get my hands on power hitters or pitchers over the years. I can only hope to rebuild with youngin’s such as Braun, Joba, Felix Hernandez, Zimmerman, A. Gonzalez, Pedroia, Harden, Soria, Hughes, Jurrjens, Markakis, Soto, Pence, D.K. Matz, etc… and it’s not yet good enough.

We all know power numbers drives them fantasy leagues.

By Ed Glennon

April 23, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz is a real treasure. I have only been able to see him a few times when the Braves come to the West Coast but it is always a thrill. I hope one day they will put up three statues of Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine. It has been a fun 20 years.

By timmy

April 23, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, Efrim, P-Town Brave…Remember last year, many people fell in love with Willie Harris, and were screaming for him ABs. He got them, started hot and then tanked in the 2nd half of season. Let’s not start to jump on the Prado bandwagon. He hasn’t shown me to be a defensive whiz either.

By Chop Chop

April 23, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for posting that classic article. I think a lot of fans are reading that today and thinking of the promise those words held for the future, but if I were the same age then as I am now, I’d be rolling my eyes and thinking of Chuck Tanner leading a parade down Peachtree. Hindsight isn’t just 20/20 here. It’s completely crystal clear.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Timmy, Martin Prado may or may not hit big league pitching now and in the future, but as of the here and present, he is slick with the glove.

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice the Reds fired their GM today? I think it’s a little premature. That team is headed in the right direction with young guys like Votto, Bruce, Keppinger, Encarnacion, and pitchers Volquez, Cueto, and Harang.

Too bad for Krivsky. He’s brought in a bunch of talent and Jocketty will get the credit of putting the finishing touches on that team, although he’s got a lot of tough decisions to make regarding Dunn, Griffey, Hatteburg, Kearns, and Felipe Lopez. The move was obviously planned as the Reds hired Jocketty in January as an advisor. They’re using the teams 9-12 start (worst in 5 years & it ain’t that bad), as a reason to pull the plug on Krivsky.

After reading an article, I guess the Reds weren’t too happy with signings such as Stanton (5.5 million for 2 years) & other signings. But after barely missing the playoffs 2 years ago, can you blame the guy?

The braves have always been respectful with front office and player personnel decisions, a huge reason why i came to like the team living in LA.

By rammerjammer

April 23, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Pitchers have occasionally “lost it,” never to get it back. Rick Ankiel, Steve Blass come to mind. Thinking of Andruw, has there ever been a star hitter who suddenly lost it?

I remember Dale Murphy’s demise, but it wasn’t this dramatic, was it?

Either way, it’s both fascinating and tragic.

By Gang Greene

April 23, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

DOB- Not debating bands?!? You act like this is a baseball site! You got great taste in music my man, so I’ll give you yours. I picked up that new Black Keys on your suggestion and it is great. Raconteurs new record isn’t half bad either. Need to throw some loving to Ween sometimes too (if so inclined).

As for Smoltzie, the man has to be a HOF. I think he deserves 1st ballot, but I see your point. Maybe a second or third year player. Possibility exists that could be a banner day for Braves baseball if it works out like it is shaping up to with the exception of Smoltz. It does look like this may in fact be it for Maddux and Glavine. Hopefully Smoltz will go at least one more. But wouldn’t that be sweet if all 3 went in on the same day? Mad Dog has to where the Braves cap when he goes in, right?

By Bravosimos

April 23, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

DOB

Great Blog today as usual. Loved the old article. Doesn’t Smoltz have a better ERA than Glavine? Anyway, heard anything on the trade front? I’d think we’re not gonna carry two catchers for much longer, especially with infante coming back and our need for a one more bullpen arm.

By TDub

April 23, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

DOB, I can’t tell you how enjoyable it was to read that old article. Thank you so much for posting it. And you’re absolutely right, Meat Puppets were no match for the ‘Mats (or Husker Du and the Smiths). To this day I can’t get on a plane without humming “Waitress in the Sky…”

By TDub

April 23, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

DOB, I can’t tell you how enjoyable it was to read that old article. Thank you so much for posting it. And you’re absolutely right, Meat Puppets were no match for the ‘Mats (or Husker Du and the Smiths). To this day I can’t get on a plane without humming “Waitress in the Sky…”

By justin

April 23, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

DOB

I’ve seen MMJ twice and they just get better each time. If you haven’t already, see them when you can.

Also a baseball question, When Glavine and Hampton rejoin the team, he gets sent down? If it’s somebody like I guess Ring or Boyer, what are the odds they clear waivers?

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

timmy

harris came from nowhere (came from Boston the previous year, but i’m talking stat-wise). I didn’t fall in love with Harris then. I didn’t mind seeing him when he was hot, but dreaded him when he flopped.

Conversely, Prado is a home-grown talent, saw some time last year and in ‘06 with the big league club. I’m more inclined to like Prado over Willie for those reasons alone, and the fact that he has, like some braves players said (i think it was Kotsay or Diaz), put in his time in the minors. He’s been a solid player, so i’d like to see him have his chance with us before shipping him off.

We’ll see if KJ turns it around. If he gets on base & scores consitently month-to-month and the braves respond with W’s, then by all means play him as he’ll be much better than Prado with the power. But i haven’t seen that in KJ’s last 80 or so games.

By mo in the boonies

April 23, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Just want to let everyone know that the above post from MO are not mine. Apparently when he chose that name, he didn’t know there was already a mo on here. Perhaps he could pick another name?

Well I finally got to see two games over the weekend, and again tonight. Although I didn’t get to see Smoltz do his “thing”… did see highlights on ESPN.

By Says who ??

April 23, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

DOB You’re an ignorant slut,Smoltz has a better era than Glavine 3.25 for golf bum 3.50 for the yankee, union rabble rouser.All in all a good piece though,keep up the good work.

By Neel

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

DOB,

I just got done listening to a lot of the new MMJ live at South by Southwest in Austin. Needless to say, it is amazing stuff and can’t wait for the actual album. You can listen to the whole show here, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88163634

By Interested Observer

April 23, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Any update on Bennett and his fever?

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

It’s nice that John Smoltz (3-1, 0.78) got his 3,000th strikeout Tuesday night in the Braves’ 6-0 defeat to Washington in which Smoltz only allowed one run over seven innings. But his Hall of Fame candidacy isn’t about bulk numbers. There should be no need to pore over stats to understand that Smoltz belongs in Cooperstown.
—Jon Heyman

By OrlandoFan

April 23, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s decline is phenomenal. There has to be a clue in his game that he is missing. Is he still making the plays for the Dodgers? I haven’t heard much about that. But with his production, he’s going to be an expensive late-innnings defensive replacement very soon. Rammer is right….Murph declined pretty quickly too, but nothing like this and not at this age. Plus Murph played like every game (nearly every inning) for years. He sort of got wore out (not to mention having all those kids!). Maybe Andruw wore out, too, but it’s unbelievable to see. Likes like Schuerholz and Bobby were sort of prescient on this.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Bennett feels good enough to pitch, Cox said….

UPDATE ON GONZO: I asked Bobby if Gonzalez might be here as soon as mid-May, and he said yes, he hopes so. So now it’s gone from all-star break to early June to late May to mid-May.

He’ll pitch in extended spring games starting tomorrow and Saturday, and after that he might begin a rehab assignment….

GLAVINE threw a bullpen today, not just played catch as originally planned. Went fine….

Oh, and I just talked to SMOLTZ at 6:30 outside the clubhouse, and he said he feels good today.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Rafael Furcal said Volquez was similar to Atlanta’s Jair Jurrjens, who shut down the Dodgers on Sunday.
“He was pretty unbelievable,” Furcal said of Volquez.
—Dylan Hernandez, LA Times

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Had the ERA thing right on Smoltz/Glavine to begin with today (honestly), then then hurriedly glanced at their ERAs and looked at Smoltz’s MINOR league ERA, changed it and put mistake in my own blog.

Fixed now…

Justin, I saw MMJ open for the Doves (yes, opened for them) at the old Cotton Club in basement of Tabernacle in 2002. Great show.

By Pete H.

April 23, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Rammerjammer: Murph’s decline was VERY rapid. He went from great one year to pretty good the next to not being able to hit at all. I suspect his eyesight went, but who knows.

DOB: That Nick Cave album is as good as Grinderman last year. Two terrific records that are the best he has done in many year, IMO. That dark, declaiming stuff was boring. I like him rocking a lot better.

As for Willie, he did great hitting 8th. He went into the tank as soon as someone saw him as a leadoff hitter. He is not that. He’s doing fine for the Nats, where he bats…8th. I know it seems stupid, but there is a psychology to batting leadoff. I sucked at it. You start thinking about getting on base so much you sorta forget how to do it. Batting lower in the order, expectations are lower and you’re more likely to have guys on base. A much different mindset.

I hope we can pummel the fish mercilessly tonight. It just seems so unfair that our offense went south for Smoltzie’s big night.

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Torre said Jones might have been hurt in the long haul by his 51-homer season in 2005.
“It gets you in some bad habits,” Torre said of Jones, who is hitting .159 and has struck out 22 times in 63 at-bats. “He hit 20-something home runs last year, but who knows how many he would’ve hit with a different approach.”
—Dylan Hernandez, LA Times

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Only a feverish person could expect to get away with that pitch to Hanley Ramirez … wow, was that well struck.

Second pitch of the game, 1-0 Marlins lead.

By Teddy Jack Eddy

April 23, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

It’ll be interesting to see if Torre can finally break those life-long habits of AJ’s that have reached critical mass in the past two years.Bobby Cox said many times over the years that ”as long as he produces” he was fine with his approach.I’ve always thought (with a few exceptions)he was a hole in the lineup.

By TennesseePaul

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

Hanely Ramirez is so frickin good.

By scott boras

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

boy Hanley Ramirez look really good

By TennesseePaul

April 23, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Bennett stinks.

By Stuart

April 23, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz = Sure fire HOF

Jeff Bennett, not so much

By Chop Chop

April 23, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Maybe Bennett should go back to bed…

By Desperado Dave

April 23, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, with your comments about Kotsay’s hitting against lefties and Blanco’s hot bat, it begs the question: “Why all the left handed hitters against lefties?” Kelly Johnson was in the lineup sporting his .230 average and Kotsay was as well. They both looked miserable last night. They are in the lineup again tonight. Why not let Martin Prado and Gregor Blanco play? At the very worst, they could stay sharp. They can’t hit any worse than Kotsay and Johnson did last night.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Someone cue the Debbie Downer music — wha, wha, whaaa

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

2 powerful homeruns…its gonna be an offensive night

By SeligSucks

April 23, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Wow. 3-0 before we bat. Nice.

By bgvt

April 23, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Ouch…I’m not so sure that Bennett’s fever is down. Even if his fever is down, his pitches aren’t. This inning is starting to make me feel sick.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Bennett is throwing everything up and right down the heart of the plate, 3-0 Marlins.

McCann isn’t helping, he’s calling mostly fastballs.

By BA

April 23, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

This Miller looks like a mechanics nightmare.

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

yep mccann just swung on a ball and easily grounded out..i feel like we will score more

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Three quick outs in the second, that is an improvement.

It’s just plumb amazing what happens when Bennett starts mixing his slider and curveball in with the fastball.

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

bonk! home run!!!

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

It seems as though this will be one of those games.

Miller needs work at Triple A.

By SeligSucks

April 23, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

That’s it boys. Chisel away.

By Pete H.

April 23, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

That Ramirez is pretty good. Wonder what the Fish would want for him. Gregor Blanco and Royce Ring maybe? He’d make a great utility guy, has a little pop, could spell Yunel.

ALERT: This is a joke, aimed at the fanboys who every five minutes come up with ludicrous trades the other team would make only if you’d already killed a few family members to prove you’re not fooling around.

By Big Easy

April 23, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Well, we are hitting tonight. Chipping away at that lead. Good sign. We need to win a game like this. Gotta show some resilience.

~E~

By SeligSucks

April 23, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

I love it when the boys prove me wrong. Kotsay and KJ…. I’m down with you…tonight.

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Wow. Not pitching to Chipper….

I hope Mark burns em.

By SeligSucks

April 23, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Alas, it was much ado about nothing.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

That was perfect strategy by Freddy Gonzalez. Walking Chipper and getting Tex to roll one for out number three.

By Choppinmama

April 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

McFann, your boy had a part in a MLB/Braves baseball milestone last night, didn’t he? Every time a retrospective of Smoltz’s career is shown, or the record is talked about, Brian will be right there in the video! So will be big hug too! YAY for the bearded one!!

Can you believe ESPN had the 3000k record as #2 last night?? I was indignant. (dripping with sarcasm I blog…)…some really huge milestone accomplishment by some NHL hockey team in winning a game that allows them to go on to the next round of the playoffs was #1. Oh yeah, that was a #1, apex, record-breaking feat - NOT!

OK, we will hit tonight….enough to win vs. Apprentice Gonzalez.

By Pete H.

April 23, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Matty sure does come out of slumps fast. He looked totally clueless the other night when he pinch hit and stayed in. Since then, he’s been killing the ball. Weird.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

April 23, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

What’s the over/under on how many steps it takes for Miller to get back to the dugout? I’m going with four… Five if he skips over the line.

By when will we get one of those Asian pitchers?

April 23, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Baseball tonight just showed Diaz’s home run and was raving about him, saying something like, “Matt Diaz is swinging the bat well for the Braves this year. He’s a weapon in that lineup, especially against left-handed pitching which he destroys.”

Personally, i agree with Baseball Tonight. Never though Diaz was struggling much, just had to make a minor adjustment. There’s other spots in this lineup that could use platooning instead of LF.

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

did you guys notice matt diaz .319 ba? he has been bashed but he still hits. all 3 years over .300 leave him alone!!!!!!!!!!

By lilman916

April 23, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

That was a total lack of respect to Tex, to walk Chipper to face him. Your clean up hitter, coming to bat with the bases loaded. It just goes to show that teams don’t fear Tex.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Five runners left on base already and we are only in the third inning. One of those was erased by Kotsay’s hitting into the double play.

By Scooter

April 23, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

There’s other spots in this lineup that could use platooning instead of LF.

the holes in this lineup look like CF, RF, and 2B. tonight and most of our games so far.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Coach, Tex has left an awful lot on base in these first few weeks, hasn’t he? An awful lot.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Pete H., but there was also some great stuff on the Abattoir Blues part of the two-disc set a few years back, too. And do you have his four-disc live thing from a year ago, with two CDs and two DVDs? That’s a great package.

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

no lilmanu got it wrong. its because chipper is in the zone

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

The Braves are tearing the cover off the ball and Cox has yet to call one single hit and run.

Chipper nails another pitch and the bat just shatters, AGAIN.

UNBELIEVABLE !

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Another potential Chipper multi-run jack erased by a broken bat. Just like the one at Florida last week, almost identical location, well-struck, and the bat snaps at the handle.

By Epinephrine

April 23, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Wow talk about bad luck there with Chipper. That ball would have been a double easy, maybe gone.

By Ben

April 23, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox’s post-game assessment, according to the crystal ball:

“We just hit it right at ‘em tonight.”

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Smart play by Yunel there, not to try to make an impossible throw and end up airmailing one.

By Shaun

April 23, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

To all of you simple minded folks who think I was saying Kelly Johnson=Pedroia: I was saying Pedroia got off to a horrible start last season. If some of you were in charge of the Red Sox you would have sent him back to AA-ball. I could have substituted any of these names: Rafael Furcal, Mike Cameron, David Eckstein, Joe Crede, Michael Young, Ryan Zimmerman, Manny Ramirez, Luis Castillo, Robinson Cano, Paul Konerko. Some of the morons would have platooned, benched, traded or sent these players down after April 2007. But you would have been complete fools.

I also never compared Johnson to Utley. I said he would be the second most valuable secondbaseman in the league behind Utley this season and the next several seasons. And he will pass him in value at some point within the next 2-3 years.

Five years from now if KJ continues to start, you’ll still be waiting for his breakout year like we were all waiting for AJ’s when it finally came in ‘05, 9 years after his rookie campaign in ‘96.

Well, try telling that to a ton of folks that know baseball probably better than either of his and think Kelly is/will be a star.

Also, maybe you should check the facts regarding Andruw. He was really good in 2000 and 2002 and pretty good in 1998, 1999, 2003 and 2004. And he wasn’t bad in 2001. But your probably one of these that thought he was destined to become Willie Mays for some odd reason even though it was clear all along that he probably wasn’t going to become an elite hitter, just a pretty good one.

By BamaBravesFan

April 23, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Agreed DOB. Not impressive at all. Very Andruw-esque so far.

By richie

April 23, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

It is obvious we need/or should get a bonafide leadoff hitter, a real table setter. And the only positions they can play are either 2B or LF. That would mean someone would have to be moved. That would be either Kelly or Matt. What do you all think?

By Crack

April 23, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

What is the latest news on Moylan? Is he definetly out for the rest of the season?

As an Aussie i was keeping a pretty keen eye on him and bit disappointed that he is injured.

However it is good to see a few Aussies in the bigs. With Moylan, Huber, Rowland Smith and now Harman at the Phillies (only until Rollins is back)

Go Aussies!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

O’Brien, it goes beyond just Tex.

The Braves style of station to station baseball, sitting back and waiting for the extra base hit or home run is Bobbyball at it’s worst.

They may yet score more runs off Andrew Miller, but this offense is lacking in aggression tonight.

They have outhit the Marlins through the first four innings and yet still trail by one run. It’s totally inefficient offense.

When Atlanta pounds the ball over the fence, they score. Otherwise we are left with this.

Live by the sword, die by the sword.

By Yars

April 23, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

DOB….are you a fan of Morrissey’s solo work, or just a Smiths fan?

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

trivia question?

who hits more ground balls to 2nd base. Mark kotsay…grrrrrrrrr

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Twelve base runners through five innings and two runs scored.

THAT IS BRUTAL OFFENSE.

By i cant take it anymore

April 23, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

jeff going 6?

By beachcomber

April 23, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson made the most ridiculous statement of this young baseball season earlier in tonight’s game when he said, “We may be watching the NL MVP” in referring to the Marlin’s shortstop.

For God’s sake, hasn’t he seen his own third baseman this season?

By keylargo

April 23, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

That’s a quality start for Bennett. It’s up to the bats.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Braves are 1-for-8 with RISP so far tonight.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Yars, like a lot of the solo stuff, too. Most of it, in fact.

By bfan54

April 23, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

I have long been ready to cast my vote for Diaz. I will accept that he is (apparently) not exceptional (but is he average)defensively. I skip over posts which talk about platooning him- his numbers support his position as a starter.

On some “etc”, fwiw, I do see Smoltz as first ballot (assuming he doesn’t Willie Mays or Dale Murphy his career.

I yield to nowone in my support for the Braves’ (my moniker says it all), and I appreciate the inclusion of Lew Burdette in the top 50 (or whatever the challenge was. I recall him as 20 game winner a couple of times, won 3 games in ‘57 vs the Yankees, won in the double digits maybe another half dozen times. Great competitor!

FWIW - Dale Murphy’s decline, as I recall, was “fault line”. As I recall it, he went from (CAUTION: again…memory supplies this, and can be faulty!)hitting .340 early in his “fatal” year to .260 (with similar drop in HR, RBI’s, and after that season…well, the epilogue wasn’t pretty either.

Don’t even want to see Clemons included anywhere among the greats, feel the same way about Bonds. There has to be a “penalty” that we, the ultimate arbiters of fame and fortune impose upon those who break the written and unwritten rules. It’s harsh, and admittedly minimizes otherwise stellar careers. But…stay with me on this before you think I’m overly harsh: I have followed this team since 1954, and I damn-well resent Clemons’ assault on the position of Warren Spahn on the all-time list. I also resent that many players of this ERA prevent HOF “props” from being given to Fred McGriff (not, that he would otherwise be a shoo-in). 500 HR’s are now vastly overrated, so a guy like Fred with 491 is nowhere! I’ve said my piece-don’t want to hear about Clemons, and Palmiero, Bonds, and their ilk.

Also, please no lectures on “presumption of innocense” - nowhere is that concept involved. This isn’t a criminal jury, I’m not taking Mr. Clemons’(etc)liberty from him, but he can’t diminish the records of people who played by a different set of rules. Peace!

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Crack, I talked to Moylan this afternoon. He’ll stay back here and rehab while team’s on road. When they return, he’ll throw and see how it feels. But they’re not expecting miracles. I’ll be shocked it it’s not season-ending surgery.

He didn’t give a very encouraging or hopeful response when I asked how he feels. Sort of a shoulder-shrug sort of answer.

By keylargo

April 23, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

I’m not arguing with ANYONE because this will never happen. I would not give Furcal $15M but I would give Hanley Ramirez $20 for as many years as I could sign him for. He may be the best SS in baseball.

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

How many times can you hear ‘chased after that one’, ‘chasing it up and away’ in a game…. Come on guys, patience and conviction in those bats now. There’s room for hits and runs here.

btw, disappointing that Bennet didn’t last another one or two innings.

Go Braves!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 23, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Another quality start by the Braves rotation. Another one run game trailing 3-2.

I cannot watch one more second of this, it’s killing me.

I hope the Braves come back and win this game, but it is to hard to watch.

Time to get some sleep.

By richie

April 23, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, make that 1 for 9…chances are starting to run thinjust like last night…AGAIN

By LuisGuillermo

April 23, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Talking about broken bats… did anyone see during last night’s game between the Yankees and White Sox, I think it was Nick Swisher. He struck out swinging and broke his bat in two parts while swinging. It was ‘kind of weird’. What’s wrong with all these bats this year?

By scott boras

April 23, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

why do braves offense stops when they are behind 1 run

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Finally some agressive base running. Just a bit weird the call comes at 2 outs and 2 strikes. You’d allmost think Bobby would want it to fail, so Chipper could lead off in the 7’th…. Or am I imagining stuff now???

Go Braves!!

By Kev

April 23, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

OH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANOTHER 1-RUN friggin GAME….WHY this torture??? Wathching the Braves struggle to manufacture a damn RUN!!!!!!…OMG! Pathetic,Pathetic,Pathetic…go on a 5-game W streak and then comeback to been MISERABLE OFFENSE and cant score a SINGLE RUN(i.e Yesterday)

By ncscoots

April 23, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

disappointing that Bennet didn’t last another one or two innings.

Considering the guy had a temp of 107 yesterday (or day before, I forget), it’s more surprising we didn’t see him tripping over his own puke around the 3rd.

By McFann

April 23, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Choppinmama—

He sure did!! What a career he’s had already! Cann you imagine what it would be like to grow up watching a guy, and then you become his personal catcher, catch his 200th win, and his 3000th strikeout? Not to mention the NLDS homer off Clemens, catching an 18 inning play-off game, 2 All-Star games, a Silver Slugger that first full year……

He’s got two hits tonight—unfortunately neither of them were with men on base!!

By JP

April 23, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

DOB

Now that Dan Johnson has been DFA’d again, this time by the Rays….do the Braves have any interest in Him???

By Saltywoody

April 23, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with all these bats this year?

Louisville Slugger decided to debut their “Hampton” model bats this year…and so far, have been very pleased with the results.

Just as planned, the bats shatter or break in half as soon as they are brought out onto a baseball diamond and come in contact with a baseball.

The bats, themselves, cost a small fortune and a player can only buy them if he signs on to a 7 year contract with Louisville Slugger. Though we can only speculate, the bats appear to be made of Balsa Wood…in honor of the similarly brittle genetic compostion of their namesake, Mike Hampton, an intensely fragile pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

By Dutchie

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

@ncscoots I stand corrected. You’re absolutely right. Missed that info (different timezone:)).

By radoncbravesfan

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

frenchy has to hit the ball to the right side to get the runner over to third

but grounds out to short

I dont get it

By 22oz

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

Wanna bet Tex gets stranded at second? Francouer did a great job moving him over..

By Saltywoody

April 23, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Now that Dan Johnson has been DFA’d again, this time by the Rays….do the Braves have any interest in Him???

You mean do the Braves have any interest in a 28 year old guy who can only play 1st (and barely do that), was released by the A’s (who desperately need offense) AND the Rays already this year, and has hit .234 and .236 consecutively the last two years with only a little bit of pop in his bat?

They already have a carbon copy of him that’s younger and hopefully has more upside. A not-so-little guy named Scottie Thorman.

So, my guess would be they don’t want Scott Thorman Senior.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

JP, I don’t know, they don’t send me e-mails every time someone’s dumped by another team, updating me on whether they have interest. We’ve got a game going on right now, front office is watching it like I am.

By Interested Observer

April 23, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

I have a question regarding Moylan. Maybe I’m missing something, but why would a bone spur require Tommy John surgery? Can you not fix the spur without replacing the ligament? You’d have to fix the spur either way, I would think, or it would just compromise the new ligament too.

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Not only are Braves 0-7 in one-run games this season, they’re 0-7 when trailing after 7 innings.

By McFann

April 23, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Calling Brayan Pena! Calling Brayan Pena!

But OK, that foul ball was scary! Think I missed a few heartbeats on that one…

If Francoeur woulda moved that guy over, the game would be tied.

By shocker

April 23, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

I know this is apparent to all but Jeff has got to increase his baseball IQ. Inexcusable to not contribute when you are not going good, big a55 swing on second strike rather than a ground ball to the right side. The little things are lost again, shocking the poor record in one run games. Have to move him to the six hole regardless of the matchups.

By Kev

April 23, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

The Braves offense today is AWFUL, Sucks,,Another 1 run loss…good god!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 23, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I just read this article, the one entitled “Opposing fan assaulted at Braves game” on the Braves ajc.com page.

That’s unacceptable to happen anywhere, much less Turner Field. I hope that they find the guy(s) responsible for the Pirates’ fans injuries, and if a stiff fine, punishment, or lawsuit comes his way, then so be it. That’s just ridiculous.

Hopefully any of you have enough class to respect the opposing team’s fans while you’re at a Braves game. I’m not talking about your average trash-talking exchanges or good-natured ribbing that might occur — that’s understandable to a point. But if you’re the kind of fan who, whether you’re drinking or not, sees someone else in the stands with the visitors’ cap on and you think “tonight I’m going to need to toss my cigarette at that guy and then punch him in the face,” then you need some serious counseling and anger management.

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

DOB Statistically, then it should be about time to win a one runner in the ninth! :)

Go Braves!

And yes, statistics are allways right….for any reasoning:)

By geauxbraves2000

April 23, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

There goes the blowpen again, letting another game get out of reach. Heads must role, this is getting old and getting old fast.

I can’t see nor hear the game. I have no idea why.

Geaux Braves!!

By He Hate Me

April 23, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

The Braves are just a wierd team. There just hard to figure out.

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Fundamentall of baseball: DO NOT throuw after a runner……. 1 and 3, 1 out…..

Did I just say it was about time to win a one runner in the ninth?

Come OOOON Braves!

By 22oz

April 23, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Poor Boyer is getting the Moylan treatment-5 games in 6 days. I smell some elbow soreness in the near future.

By Saltywoody

April 23, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Ok, fellas. Not a one run game anymore. You’re allowed to win now.

Thanks Blaine.

By Stuart

April 23, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Tex was hitting .167 from the right side coming into tonight. I bet that has something to do with it.

Law of averages would say frenchy would luck into moving a runner over once a year at least. He cannot even run into one to the right side with a runner on second.

This team FINDS WAYS TO LOSE GAMES.

I posted this last night:

Averages late in close games (source braves.com)

Frenchy .182 0BB Chipper .182 0BB Tex .250 3BB Diaz .222 0BB KJ .143 1BB
McCann .091 0BB Kotsay .222 2BB Escobar .000 5BB

Those are damning stats. This team is a bunch of soft players. They have not one ounce of guts or fortitude. They are all bonus babies who do not have to earn anything.

There has been a secondary discussion about the attendance at Turner Field. I now know why people don’t come. Why would anyone want to pay 10-20 bucks to park and another ever how much tickets are to watch this team throw the ball around like little leaguers.

BTW, I think the Nats stumbled on the strategy to beat the braves offense. The Marlins are following suit, and I think this will be a pattern the rest of the year. Play deep in the OF and cut off the extra base hits. The league has found out that Atlanta cannot string more than 2 hits together without striking out or hitting into a DP. It worked brillantly for the Nats and tonight as well.

By HaRam

April 23, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Face it Guys, Were Doomed!!!!!!!!This game is lost and we will probably lose tomorrow as well…God We suck….Nice Play there Gold Glover Jeff, IM GOING FOR TRYOUTS in RF for 09,put me in Bobby!!…none of those runs shouldve scored there!!! God were playing Awful!!…Is not the Fact that there losing….IS THE WAY THERE LOSING…ITS HUMILIATING!!!!!! We need ANOTHER metting Cox!!! Only scored TWO RUNS,2 FRIGGIN runs!!!! off a Guy that had a 9+ ERA…OMG!!!OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! We made him look like Sandy f-ing Koufax!!!!!!!!!! May the Lord help the Braves…THIS OFFENSE IS TOO FRIGGIN INCONSISTENT….ENOUGH!!! I”ve had it with this s** @$$ team for today…were going to lose anyways!!!

By Bravesfan79

April 23, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Until Tex gets going…..Cox needs to move whoever is hottest on the team to hit 4th. Right now, against a lefthanded starter….that person is Diaz! You swap Diaz with Tex tonight and the Braves are winning this game.

By lilman916

April 23, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

When the Braves get behind after the 5th inning, it seems as they just give up. Do they have one come from behind win this season?

By Kev

April 23, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

At least its not a 1-RUN game *ANYMORE,guys!!!

By Overlord

April 23, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

%&/·%&/·$·$%)=(/

By LuisGuillermo

April 23, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson sacrifices to pitcher??!!!! Down 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th?!!!! I don’t get it. What happened there? Can anyone…??

By Saltywoody

April 23, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Face it Guys, Were Doomed!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHA. AHHHHHHAHAHAHAHA.

Oh, that’s good. That should be an AJC poll.

“ARE THE BRAVES DOOMED?” -Yes (98.6%) -No (.5%) -Too Early to Tell (.9%)

By JT

April 23, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

I think every inning we LEFT a man on base…another inning one or two or even Three are left on Base…this is trouble,oh dear we are in trouble…another 3 or 4 or 5 L streak…

By Different Year Same Team

April 23, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Just like last year, score a hundred runs in 5 games then can’t score. Think this funk will last 5 or 6 games?

Can’t expect your pitching to go to the 8th or 9th without run support and keep it close night after night.

If you aren’t going to score, you can expect the pitching to fold late. Doesn’t matter if your team ERA is 3.00 if you get shutout or score 2.

I hate this lineup! Like a bunch of dogs. When there’s a dog that’s hurt, they all can jump on him. But none of them have the stones to step up when the game is on the line.(with the exception of Chipper)

The fair haired McCann gets a couple of singles with no one on, but comes up early with men on and looks pathetic. Francouer hitting over .300 with men in scoring position, but what about with men in scoring position when down by a run or tied?

Situational hitting? All they know about situational hitting is if there are men on and the game is close, that’s a situation they aren’t going to hit in!

About time some of these young stars start acting like stars instead of wide eyed kids with potential.

If Chipper goes down for any reason, this team is going to be in big trouble. There isn’t anyone on this team that isn’t scared to death when the game is on the line if Chipper isnt in the lineup. Escobar might be an exception.

By tl

April 23, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

What is it I am hearing the Braves are looking at trading Smoltz/Teixiera to the Yankees for 2 young pitchers and Giambi. Not liking that Idea.

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Just a stat at 4.00 am in Holland. 0-11 RISP equals 0.000…. It’s not brainsurgeary :(

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

wow, three pitches, two base hits. Now that’s closing folks!

It indeed is getting rather embarrassing…

Go Braves?

By Bo

April 23, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

DOB Willie Harris is from Cairo, Ga. Not Hahira. Hahira is where the Drew Boys are from, You might want to tell Smoltz before he dunks on Willie.

By Chop Chop

April 23, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

resoP…resoL…

?ecnereffid a ereht sI

By Kev

April 23, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

I just want to have a 1 on 1 Q and A with Frank Wren!!!…1st Friggin Question is:

WHY IS CHRIS F—-ING RESOP ON THIS TEAM??WTF???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD, HE SUCKS, I would volunteer to pitch in relief for the Braves instead of THIS GUY!!!!!!!!!!…

Its true that TYLER YATES sucked pretty bad…BUT EVEN HIM HAD good days DOB,right???….OMG!!! THIS GUYS SUCKS…yeah he throws hard..But seriously…WHO GIVES A DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Efrim

April 23, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Well that was fun.

4-6 against the Nats and Marlins.

Night all.

By Don!

April 23, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Andres Thomas.

That’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. I remember the old joke we used to tell about him back before the Braves became the Braves.

Why is Andres Thomas like Michael Jackson? — They both wear a glove on one hand for no reason whatsoever!

Ha! The memories …

Later,

Don!

By niaccm

April 23, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

The pen gave up a total of 9 runs in the final inning last night and the final two tonight. That sounds bad and in fact is bad. However, if your offense is sucking and you go into the late innings trailing, the opposition is loose and just teeing off on your pen.

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Did anyone notice how Resop immediatly cupped his marbles, even before the triple actually was hit?? Looked like he was a bit ashamed for the two men on, befooooore he pitched to nice K’s…..

This team really is getting their (deserved) bad karma.

Go Bra…..ah, never mind

By Bama

April 23, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

I hear the Fat Lady singing..Boy, how can the Braves play so well one day and so Bad the next? Fla. eats them alive.

By Mark in PA

April 23, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Came on to see what was happening, since piece of S&!# MLB.com has cr&pped the bed—AGAIN! Judging by the posts, though, I don’t want to watch it any more. Thanks, MLB.com!

By PrincetonBrave

April 23, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

We suck again!

By HaRam

April 23, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

If Chris Resop is on this Team by May 3rd…Frank Wren…and Bobby Cox…Im calling for your RESIGNATIONS!!! Cause youre Blind not see what Resop does EVERY time his in there!!!..I agree with some guys…Tyler Yates left the Braves…but his spirit its STILL here..The Blowpen does it again…i mean Resop!!

By Overlord

April 23, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

%&”&”$/%/%&(/&(%·”$&$&!·$!%%·&$%$&/%$/$%$%/%$/%$/··$%/”&$·%$·”%$%·!”%·!&%$(&%)/(=(/%)(&%$&”!$·%·”!%$·&%$/&%(/&(=(/)?=)?)(=%/&%$”&!$·%·”!^^^*^^^Ç

By Dutchie

April 23, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Well, that’s a ballgame everyone. I’m off to dream some nice dreams.

Hopefully better fames to come!

Nite all.

By niaccm

April 23, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Wonder if Bobby will re-think his philosophy about team meetings? He may need to have another one tomorrow. It worked last time.

Is it just me, or does this team have a lot of guys with millon dollar ability and ten cent heads?

By Saltywoody

April 23, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Hudson: Anyone seen my roo nads? Moylan: Haven’t seen mine in a couple weeks either. Hudson: Swear I left them right here. Moylan: Know what? Ever since mine went missing, things have really started to go bad. Hudson: I know…velocity’s down, can’t beat crap teams, your elbow’s shot.

(Pause. Chris Resop walks by)

Resop: Huddy-you and Pete really shouldn’t leave those delicious little cheese puffs lying around. They were just begging to get eaten.

Braves Nation: (Collective Sigh)

By Andres Thomas

April 23, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

By Andres Thomas

April 23, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Braves face Andruw Miller tonight in the opener of a two-game set with Florida. The former Detroit prospect is 0-4 with a 12.15 ERA and .408 opponents’ average in seven starts since Aug. 3. Yikes Anyone want to bet the Braves don’t score more than 3 runs off him? Time to go to Vegas…

By The Axe

April 23, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Oh Frank Wren…where are thou??…Make a move NOW…not in May or in the July Trading deadline..MAKE IT NOW…thats TWO nights in a row the Bullpen BLOWS the game OPEN..get creative…make a move,the team needs something…like Bama said we get eat alive by the Florida Marlins and THEIR 20 Million Payroll makes me want to PUKE!!..No wonder why they were 25,000+ in Smoltz 3,000 K night!!

By Cody

April 23, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Resop is a scab…….I am now boycotting the piece of s*, I will leave the game if he comes in. He is a AAA hasbeen and will never be an effective pitcher in the Bigs. Send this joke along with Caryle to the release list. I am ashamed that we have to relie on this piece of crap. I am tired of the bullpen projects they are scum. I guess Bobby’s excuss will be that he had a bug in his eye. RIGHT!!!!!! Gerr. We sweep the Dodgers and can’t sweep the Nats and the fish. WEEEEEE ARE IN FOR A LONG ONE UNTIL BETTER PLAYERS ARE PUT IN THE PEN. Thank God Soreano and Gonzalas are due bac soon. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BEAT THE LOW PIECES OF GARBAGE IN THE NL TO WIN THE EAST. Beating the Mets won’t win the crown.

By CC Rider

April 23, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

I know we all admire Bobby Cox for his patience and loyalty to his players. It is one of the attributes that has made him a Hall of Fame manager. BUT!! I hope he learns quickly the limitations of this years players sooner than later. The past 2 years he has waited to make changes in the lineup, bullpen and rotation too late to save the season. The Kyle Davies, Andruw Jones, Willie Harris, Numerous bullpen Pitchers Etc. This year the culprits are Resop, Boyer and starters Kelly Johnson, Matt Diaz and Mark Kotsay. Resop is too underdeveloped as a pitcher and is not ready for the major league level. Trade him to a team that is not in contention and let them try to develop him. Boyer is a 2 pitch pitcher with inconsistent control, one night he’s throwing 98 with a knee buckling yakker: the next night he’s throwin 94 with a lot of hanging breaking balls. He too should be traded to a team with time to let him develop. Matt Diaz is below average defensively and struggles with right handers. Start NOW with a straight platoon with Blanco and make them the leadoff hitters. Kelly Johnson is not a leadoff hitter and never will be. HE also is terrible at hitting lefthanders with runners in scoring position. Once again, Platoon him with Prado and move them to the 7th spot in the order. Kotsay can also not hit lefthanders with or without runners in scoring position. Either, trade for a righthanded hitting centerfielder to platoon with him or use Infante as the other part of the platoon as soon as he is ready. The bullpen positions will be taken care of when Glavine and Hampton(MAYBE) are ready. Bennett goes back to long relief, Chuck James goes back to stay ready at AAA and they bring up Stockman to tryout for the bullpen. Bobby please don’t wait until the Braves are 6 games out and we have to try and makeup all that ground on 2 or more teams!!

By Bobby's Cox

April 23, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

BTW, I think the Nats stumbled on the strategy to beat the braves offense. The Marlins are following suit, and I think this will be a pattern the rest of the year. Play deep in the OF and cut off the extra base hits. The league has found out that Atlanta cannot string more than 2 hits together without striking out or hitting into a DP. It worked brillantly for the Nats and tonight as well.

Amen stuart. You hit it right on the spot. I was thinking in the 4th inning today that this team can’t go base to base because they’ll never score. There’s got to be a different approach at the plate that what these guys are doing. Hit and run, steal, something to shake up the defense or to put runners in scoring posiiton with < 2 out, cuz once they’re in scoring position with 2 out, NOTHING.

Breaking NEWS: Second base no longer is scoring position for the braves. Check back next week to find the status on third base.

By Roman Gal

April 23, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Interested Observer The bone spur is compromising the ligament. If the spur has been there for a while there is probably a bit of damage already so they would want to fix it before it gets worse.

ncscoots Considering the guy had a temp of 107 yesterday

I’m sure you realize this but if he had a 107 degree temperature he would be in a coma or more possibly dead.

-Sorry, just thought I’d show off my mad nursing skillz.

By lilman916

April 23, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Andres Thomas, you were right with your 4:18 pm post that the Braves would not score more than 3 runs off of Miller. Good call. Can I take you to Vegas with me?

By richie

April 23, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

I am sorry but we can’t blame Resop on this guys. This clearly goes on the Braves offense. 1 for 11 with RISP, over 10 hits and only 2 runs to show for it. Come on…Resop wouldn’t have been in the game if they cash in on some of those hits. Miller was giving us every opportunity to get in the game. But we absolutely STINK at small timely ball, the type of winning that wins championships. IF Yunel throws to the 1st base side of home plate, they dont score 2 more runs to make it 5-2. If the braves are in a no Doubles defense to prevent the run that ball doesnt get over Diaz head but they weren’t. What we should do is consider having Blanco play defense in the 9th inning. Just a thought

By Mark in PA

April 23, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

two losses in a row is no fun, but come on, it’s not that bad. Heck, it’s been days since anyone was put on the DL. Mike Gonz. is possibly coming back earlier. Glavine is gearing up for next start (tomorrow night is Chuck James last start in his place, this time up), and even Mike Hampton is beginning the path back to the mound. Huddy apparently will not need Tommy J surgery, and Smoltz has 20 K and 1(or 2?) earned runs in his last two starts, and his last one was visibly more comfortable and went 7 innings. Chipper leads (or almost leads) in all the big offensive categories. And Tex is cranking up rapidly.

Unlike LAST week, when it seemed Braves nation was really coming unglued, there’s a lot to look up for. Yeah, losing bites, but dang! we’re 5-2 in our last 7—take it easy!

By bfan54

April 23, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

24 LOB - can’t believe this! I am not a statistician, but my baseball instincts tell me this is an awful performance by “a team who would be a baseball team”. Will the team leader please stand up!- the other 25 players can remain seated!.

O Braves, 134 years since your birth…you leave 24 of your brethren on base…and call yourselves, WARRIORS… oh, the dread, the HUMANITY…!!!!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

April 23, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Looks like the blog has been taken over by a bunch of blathering idiots! (oops, I called someone an idiot….)

Yes, Resop stinks. Yes, the bullpen is struggling. Yes, I know you have a man-crush on Marteeen. Enough already.

OK, let’s trade Smoltz and Tex for Mussina, Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi! Let’s blow up the team.

You guys are a real piece of work.

Hi to all the regular, sane denizens!

By niaccm

April 23, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Braves pitching, even after the pens performance the last two nights, is not my main concern.

When the pen has had a lead this year, they have done a decent job of holding it. If the offense will give the team some runs early, your starters might be able to go a couple of extra innings thus shortening the game. The starting pitching this year has been ten times better than last year! I mean geez, what more can you ask for than last night going to the ninth and only giving up one run? If you scored a couple, Acosta is in there trying to close it out instead of your lesser bullpen help. Bennett had a rough first inning tonight but settled down nicely after that.
What did the Braves do tonight, 12 hits and 2 runs? 150 left on?

Resop? Yeah he sucks. Even in the games when he hasn’t given up runs, he’s been scary. If the Braves are down by a run in the ninth, I don’t think he’s in the game. But maybe he is?

If this team doesn’t succeed this year, it will be because of the Jekyll-Hyde offense, not the pitching. Pitching is already much better this year than last.

By DAP

April 23, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

that was ugly.

By Overlord

April 23, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Year Braves vs. Record

2006 Marlins 11-8

        Nationals           10-8

        Pirates             3-3

        Cubs                6-1

        DBacks              1-6

        Rockies             3-3

2007 Nationals 11-7

        Marlins             10-8

        Reds                1-6

        Pirates             5-1

        Dodgers             4-3

        Giants              4-3

2008 Nationals 3-3

        Marlins             1-3

        Pirates             1-2

        Dodgers             3-0

T O T A L 77-65

Thats adds up to a .542 winning PCT, against the bottom 2 teams each of the last 2 years and the “worst???” teams they have faced this years (that might be at the bottom of each division this year). This means that if the whole season was played against those teams, braves record for the season would be something like 87-75. Now asks ourselfs how great is a team that cant do better against those teams.

Question……. How can you have a championship team if they are not even able to beat the worst teams in the league in a big way. I mean…. .542 winning %???

Championship braves teams (and maybe others) just take the weak and eat them alive. Anything but a .750 W% is acceptable against the weak, maybe .666, but .542??????? That just leaves the braves looking as the weak ones, not the marlins, nationals and pirates.

Keep dreaming that this is only april. If Braves keep with this circus against the so called “weak teams”, they will fail for the 3 straight time to reach the playoffs.

GOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!

By Kev

April 23, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Thank you Baby Jesus, Tomorrow is pitching a Right Handed Pitcher… that has a 7.00 ERA 2 Starts…ANY predictions Andre Thomas???

By David O'Brien

April 23, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Bo, that was MY mistake, not Smoltz’s. He said Cairo, and I just typed Hahira. Thanks for pointing it out, because we can get it fixed for all papers, or should be able to.

Again, my mistake, not his. He said it correctly.

By Matt

April 23, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Another day, another lefty, another loss! Why am I not surprised? This team SUCKS against lefties!

By Overlord

April 23, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Year Braves vs. Record

2006 Marlins 11-8

    Nationals       10-8

    Pirates          3-3

    Cubs             6-1

    DBacks           1-6

    Rockies          3-3

2007 Nationals 11-7

    Marlins         10-8

    Reds             1-6

    Pirates          5-1

    Dodgers          4-3

    Giants           4-3

2008 Nationals 3-3

    Marlins          1-3

    Pirates          1-2

    Dodgers          3-0

G R A N D T O T A L 77-65

Thats adds up to a .542 winning PCT, against the bottom 2 teams each of the last 2 years and the “worst???” teams they have faced this years (that might be at the bottom of each division this year). This means that if the whole season was played against those teams, braves record for the season would be something like 87-75. Now asks ourselfs how great is a team that cant do better against those teams.

Question…….??? How can you have a championship team if they are not even able to beat the worst teams in the league in a big way. I mean…. .542 winning %???

Championship braves teams of the past (and maybe others) just take the weak and eat them alive. Anything but a .750 W% is acceptable against the weak, maybe .666, but .542??????? That just leaves the braves looking as the weak ones, not the marlins, nationals and pirates.

Keep dreaming that this is only april. If Braves keep with this circus against the so called “weak teams”, they will fail for the 3 straight time to reach the playoffs.

GOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!

By Jburro

April 23, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

You can squabble all day about which player should be in and which out but the problem is still sitting on the bench. There is no plate discipline with RSIP (Frenchy tonight), no fouling off pitches until you get a good one, and no fire (the last Brave to have any fire was David Justice and they sent him packing as soon as he won the WS). We need a new manager who doesn’t sit back like Cox did tonight after the game and say we’ll get them tomorrow.

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 23, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

So many missed opportunities tonight…

So which one of Moylan’s tattoos is going to get mangled by elbow surgery? He has them pretty much up to his armpit, doesn’t he?

By ET90210

April 23, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Rollins may have a break in his ankle. Wow!

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/04/23/report-rollins-has-break-in-his-ankle/

By bruce

April 23, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Dave: that Smoltz promise to dunk on Willie in Cairo after the season is very funny and a remarkably astute competitive response. great article. thanks, Bruce

By CJ

April 24, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

No HOF for Smoltz. How many seasons has Smoltz won more than 20 games. (1)Uno. Marlins are amazing. Great GM, best group of young players in the MLB and great Manager. No team consistently gets more out of less ($) than the Marlins. Another world championship is in sight.

By scott boras

April 24, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

resop is sooo good . he can throw it fast..im just kidding

By 1957 Braves Fan

April 24, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

12 hits and 3 walks and we settle for 2 runs. Once we fall behind early that’s the ballgame. At least our closer will have plenty of rest this season.

By Jimmy H.

April 24, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

DOB..

Hello from Texas. In my mind there is no question that Smoltz is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He has done the very rare combination of being a top flight starter and a top flight reliever in the same career and that accomplishment should speak for itself.

On another note it looks like a stadium trip will be happening this year (last year’s trip got postponed). A friend and myself are planning to catch one of the Diamondbacks/Giants games the last week of May as part of an Arizona trip. Would you have any recommendations on good places to eat in the area of Chase Field?

Jimmy H.

By jbutler

April 24, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Wayne in UT Hey there fellow Rocky Mtn blogger..this blog was hijacked by some kind of crazy mob. There was quite a big pot rally at Univ. of CO…maybe the movement has spread already..

Will check back after this wave of users has moved on…

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 24, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Sixteen baserunners, sixteen baserunners, sixteen baserunners, sixteen baserunners.

S-I-X-T-E-E-N

F-N

B-A-S-E-R-U-N-N-E-R-S !!!!!

A-N-D T-W-O measly runs, one of which was the HR by Diaz.

Pethetic would be a complement.

And that blowpen, I believe it might be time to fire somebody.

Nothing will drive me crazy quicker than this, watching a playoff caliber baseball team consistently underachieving against lesser talented teams.

It’s April and thankfully there is still time to fix this.

The five game winning streak wasn’t enough. This 2008 Braves squad has to stop giving games away.

By Matt (Punkin') Diaz

April 24, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

Hey Rider, I can’t hit leadoff. I’ve gotten too fat, first of all. And when I go up there and hack away mindlessly, the other legitimate major-leaguers wouldn’t have a chance to see enough pitches. Plus the only walk I consistently take is from my car into Pizza Hut.

By Santa3247

April 24, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon in Jinhae(Sea of Glass)city southkorea.

Hey! Kelly Johnson!! You have to do a little bit more down swing specially about outcorner’s pitched ball. Do you understand? Without a little bit of down swing, you can’t do well about hitting about opposite area. You are now weak at outcorner’s pitched ball and for the purpose of over .300 AVG, you have to do well at hitting outcorner’s ball to opposite direction. You got it? ^*^

And leading hitter must have consistency at bat, but, your swing speed is top class in MLB I think and you could be wonderful in consistency at bat, because the faster swing speed you have, the longer you can look the pitched ball to the end. Keep in mind! please sir!

High .SLG never come from power of muscle. You have to use the weight of bat with high speed and with softness and grip. Too much power at grip must make your arm such as bat. Do you understand?

May the force of Messiah be with you

By Moby Grape

April 24, 2008 4:38 AM | Link to this

I’m not so sure about Smoltz getting into the HOF on the first ballot. In fact until recently I never really thought he’d make it at all. At this point I am leaning more toward him making it, but when might depend on who else is on the ballots as he becomes eligible. I personally do not consider him a first ballot player, but since he is a Brave I certainly hope he makes it at some point.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 24, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

HEY DOB

Thanks for mentioning NICK CAVE. He is my cousin, seriously. He is also one of the few music items I can relate to from you.

By ncscoots

April 24, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this

RomanGal, that “107” was a little hyperbole on my part, yes, LOL. Bennett pitched pretty well for a dead guy, huh? You mad nurse, you.

Always good to get the first “no guts” posts out of the way in the young season. Thanks to those folks. We’re bound to get ‘em some time, and constancy IS comforting, after all.

But even I will admit the Braves had a bad night last night. Too many baserunners not to plate a few. DOB’s losses-after-trailing stat is much more distressing than one-run losses. Just have to hope that’s a statistical aberration for early in the season, and that it evens out over the course of the year.

I’m starting to get on the dump-Resop bandwagon, too, I’m afraid. The guy has high-leverage tools, but hasn’t been able to bring them to the ballgame, it seems. Bobby has to have somebody down there besides Boyer to bring in late. Even Blaine is gonna have a bad day if you run him there 5 out of 6 days.

By Jeff R

April 24, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

“We want to keep adding arms and build for the future,” general manager Bobby Cox said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t want to win now.”

“Our plan has been to get as many good arms as we can.”

Hmmm…excellent strategy. Pitching as the priority. Might be worth having Wren chat with Cox.

By .

April 24, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Nothing will drive me crazy quicker than this,

COOCH, U already crazeeeeee. Dey retardito crazeeeee. Shame. Watch mANY baseballs. Know nuthin’ still. Dat is de COOCH. Dey nuthin’ man.

By Shaun

April 24, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

ncscoots and DOB, how often do teams win when trailing after seven innings? I can’t imagine it’s much more than 30 percent of the time if that much. Maybe somebody has those figures.

We are still only 21 games into the season. Maybe a little surprising but I don’t think it should be all that surprising or concerning that we haven’t seen the Braves come back after the 7th.

As far as one-run games, I guess we should be a little concerned because this team has lost a lot of one-run games since Opening Day 2006.

Maybe this weekend I’ll get some time to do some win probability and win expectancy analysis on the Braves’ one-run games. This may give us some insight on why the Braves have lost so many since ‘06.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

April 24, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Alright Somebody needs to say it. Francour needs to sit a couple of days. He’s starting to kill us in the field. There were a couple of catchable balls last night that it looked like he just didn’t have the speed to get to…..and I would argue that yesterday’s hit by Willie Harris that scored the eventual game winner was catchable if he was healthy…Time for him to sit for a while….To heck with the Irnonman thing.

By Shaun

April 24, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Jeff R, yeah, but back then the Braves could afford to trade quality major leaguers to stockpile the farm system with arms. What did they have to lose? It’s hard to do that when your team has a legitimate shot to contend and you need quality major leaguers now.

By nolie

April 24, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

As far as one-run games, I guess we should be a little concerned because this team has lost a lot of one-run games since Opening Day 2006.Shaun

I don’t think there is much reason to worry about one run games. I think it’s as much a crap-shoot as it is anything. A lot of good teams have losing records in them and some poor teams have winning records in them. Looking at it one way you might expect a good team to lose a lot of one & two run games cause they are good enough to most always be in a game.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan:

I think you might be right. Francoeur doesn’t look like he’s able to get to the ball quickly — there was the one that bounced only a few feet in front of him, and had he been able to run at full speed, he should’ve caught it. (I’m talking about the one that almost got behind him off the bounce.) I also agree on Willie Harris’ double, though that’s a hard call.

I also wonder how much his ankle affects his hitting. I know it’s his right ankle and he’s not stepping forward with it, but if he’s got to plant it and turn on it in his swing…I would think that he feels it in his swing.

By braveswin

April 24, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

If you have a vote for the HOF what excuse do you use to not put Smoltz on your ballot? I don’t believe there is any way you can not have him as a first ballot entry.Simply put, a class individual and a world class pitcher with the heart of gladiator. It has been a pleasure and an honor to watch Mr Smoltz for his entire career. Thank you John for the experience.

By Dan Tucker

April 24, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan:

I agree with your thoughts about Francoeur. If his ankle hurts his defense, he ought to sit until it heals, and if his bat doesn’t heal real soon, he should sit until it also heals. His plate appearance with Tex on second base was too sickening for words.

By Shaun

April 24, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

nolie, I think that is mostly right. The Braves’ hitters have not performed well in high leverage situations. This is largely because Jeff Francouer and Mark Kotsay have the second and third most plate appearances in such situations yet have not performed well in those situations. (Teixeira has the most and he’s actually performed very well.)

But high leverage is only about 20 percent of their total plate appearances.

By 22oz

April 24, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll can forget all the talk of Francoeur sitting, it ain’t gonna happen. Not with a player’s manager like Bobby. I’m all for playing hurt and toughing it out. But when you are doing it for selfish reasons, and not for the benefit of the team, thats what i have a problem with. An ankle injury obviously affects speed and movement, and thats not good for an outfielder. And don’t get me started on him pulling the ball instead of moving Tex over. Shades of Andruw right there.

By Renegator

April 24, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

This looks EXACTLY like last year.

Win 3 - lose 3

Win 4 - lose 4

and new for this year…

Win 5 - lose 5

By nolie

April 24, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

DOB

Good call on Ryan Bingham. I too liked Hayes Carll and now I like Bingham too.

By Shaun

April 24, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I think this “first ballot” stuff is ridiculous. A player is a Hall of Fame player or he isn’t. It’s just dumb that certain voters won’t vote guys in on their first ballot.

I think Smoltz should get in and I think Blyleven should get in.

What would help Smoltz is retiring the same year as Maddux and Glavine. I’m sure a lot of voters would then be tempted to put them all in together.

By STRETCH

April 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Same thing as 06 and 07, win/losing streaks….ANOTHER 3RD PLACE FINISH…IF THEY ARE LUCKY.

By Yars

April 24, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

DOB….I can only tolerate solo Morrissey in small doses. ‘Viva Hate’ in my opinion is his best solo album. One thing I like about Morrissey is that he isn’t afraid to speak his mind, & has a personality. Something a lot of musicians today lack. I kinda wish he & the other ex-members of the Smiths would kiss & make up & work on a new album & go on a massive world tour. One can dream, eh?

By KC

April 24, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Let’s play what if…

IF Mike Gonzalez is healthy and sharp when he returns (or shortly thereafter)…

and IF Soriano can get healthy…

and IF Acosta continues to impress…

We could have a “Nasty Boys” type trio at the end of the bullpen in just a few weeks.

Again, those are all “ifs”, but I don’t think any of the 3 is particularly unlikely. In fact the only one of those 3 I’m really worried about is Soriano.

By Efrim

April 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson went 2 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. Average is up to .250. OPS sits at .741.

And this is him being terrible to date.

Anyway, last nights game was rough. Braves don’t seem to hit for extra bases against left handers, at least they haven’t this year. A lot of singles against the southpaws. The pitching matchups still favor the Braves over the next four games. Then we get Washington for 2 games, then the month of April ends. And FINALLY, people can stop saying “It’s only April”.

It will be an exciting time when mid May comes and we can actually evaluate the team’s performance.

By McFann

April 24, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Hi to all the regular, sane denizens!

Hi to you, too, Wayne!!

22oz—

I am in complete agreement with your 9:32 post! We’ve had lots of players play hurt over the past couple of seasons, but they did it because they knew the team needed their help. If Francoeur is doing it because of his “consecutive games played” nonsense, then that’s just selfish, and he needs to sit. But he won’t. I’d bet my birthday money he’s in there tonight!

I read an article about it, and nowhere did he say, “If the team needs me, I’ll play,”—you know, emphasizing that he like to rest.

I’m all for a player toughing it up and acting like a man—not toughing it up to pretend he could beat Cal Ripken’s record. (Did I spell Ripken correctly?)

* TrueBlueBravesFan*—

Those balls were very catchable for a healthy Francoeur, I think. Would like to see him sit for at least one game at this point.

And speaking of sitting (sorry for this freakishly long post I got goin’ on here), maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to use the BUC tonight.

By Jeff R

April 24, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Shaun, trades and free agent signings were one component in building the pitching staff. The other was the farm system.

The 90s Braves set the standard for the better teams around now. The Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Tigers have all torn a page out of the old Braves playbook and stocked their farm systems with top shelf pitching prospects.

Not all that talent will make it to the majors: some will, and of those some, there will be washouts. But its like the Marines: only looking for a few good men.

The bigger point is that the Braves used to have a much better pipeline. Frankly, it was a superior model. As I’ve said before, management has done a fine job developing position players. It needs to get back to developing the pitching talent.

Cox knew then that pitching and defense are the cornerstones of year-in-and-year-out competitive ball clubs. I don’t know what the pressures are on mangement today by the ownership, but they need to return to the model that worked so well for this team then and is working so well for the better franchises now.

By Big Easy

April 24, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

You know, my wife and I were discussing this last night: What is more frustrating, not hitting at all? Or hitting, but not scoring runs?

Two tough losses that we really could have won. Gotta get on track tonight.

~E~

By DAP

April 24, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

15 men left on base for our 3-6 hitters. its these guy’s fault we didnt score two nights ago, and didnt score enough last night.

24 men left on over all. unbelieveable.

chipper is in a little slump his last 3 games, and i think thats killing us.

lets get ‘em tonight, braves!

By .

April 24, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

The Hall of Fame loses meaning the more the meaning of a career has to be explained to justify inclusion.

By Lew

April 24, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Has anyone been hired to clean up the dead bodies every morning after a Braves’ loss? Got to keep the world clean of suicide cases. Rene-we’ll be looking for your carcass any day now. I’m surprised we haven’t found you hanging somewhere.

By Shaun

April 24, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Jeff R, have they really developed fewer pitching prospects now than in the late ’80s-early ’90s? I’m not so sure. I think the major difference is they developed/helped develop Smoltz and Glavine and that’s what sticks out for obvious reasons. But those are once-in-a-generation type players.

Sure the Braves deserve credit for finding and developing/helping develop those two, but I don’t think they’ve done an aweful job since.

Kevin Millwood, Odalis Perez, Horacio Ramirez had a couple of good years, Jason Marquis , they developed Adam Wainwright and turned him into an MVP season from JD Drew (and another improbable division title), Joe Borowski. You could argue very convincingly that that group turned out better than Pete Smith, Derek Lilliquist, and Tommy Greene.

We just remember the “high-end” pitchers of the group so many of us assume that the Braves haven’t done as good a job finding and developing pitchers.

By Efrim

April 24, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

KC

I’m not as big an Acosta fan as some here. Walks far too many guys for my taste. I am always very nervous when he is on the mound. I’d like to see him in a spot at Shea this weekend where we have a one run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Hopefully he can get the job done.

I know he has given up some key runs, but I like Boyer a lot more than Acosta.

By Epinephrine

April 24, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Tonight is a big game. It is the difference between a successful homestand (5-2, with Hudson and Smoltz only going once), or 4-3 against the Nats and the Marlins.

If we go 5-2 on this homestand, with Jurrjens, Hudson, and Smoltz going against the Mets, you feel really good. If we do not, you start to feel the need for a sweep. It is just a big difference. So let’s get it done tonight guys.

By Efrim

April 24, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

I said it before this 13 game stretch against the Marlins, Nats and Dodgers started. 8-5 in that stretch and 11-11 going into Shea stadium would be great. If we win tonight, that is the reality. Hopefully James can pitch a decent game. 5 IP, 2 ER. It would be nice. More importantly, lets win a game with the bats. 11-3. Something like that.

By DAP

April 24, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

havent seen any mets trolls here for while.

the braves really need a win tonight, to get back on the right track. id love to see another long win streak to get safely above the .500 mark.

on a side note… are we ever gonna play the phillies?

By Shaun

April 24, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Epinephrine, is 11-11 really that much of a difference from 10-12 in a 162-game season?

By DAP

April 24, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

efrim yeah, chipper and tex needs to make up for the last two nights tonight, and go into shea hot.

By ernesto

April 24, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Day 1 of the Chris Resop DFA watch.

Haven’t scrolled up to see comments from last night’s game but - down by, what 3 in the 8th, why is KJ trying to bunt his way on? I know if that play works he’s heady, but it seemed like a pretty low % gamble.

Last night’s game showed a Braves weakness, they are an undeniably talented team, that isn’t good at doing the little things to scratch out wins. If they’re not “hot” and wearing out the ball, we’re not going to win.

At least so far.

By chase

April 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

After reading over the majority of the posts ALL I CAN DO IS LAUGH AT MOST OF YOU PEOPLE

The same ones of you who were kissing the Braves’ @zz and saying “here we come”…“this team is great” and generally talking about how “AWSOME” this team is duirng that 5 game win streak

are the same ones who are now saying “win 5 lose 5”…“this team can’t beat anybody”…“this is exactly the same as 2007”

All I can say is GET A GRIPP..If the Braves win on Thursday they will be 6-2 in the last 8 and leave town after a 5-2 homstand!

I don’t know about you people but I’ll take pleanty of 5-2 homstands and winning 6 outta every 8!

This is baseball!!!!! YOU CAN’T GET TOO HIGH OR LOW ON A NIGHTLY BASIS!

Too many of you are guilty of Putting this team in the WS after a couple of wins..and condeming them as a terrible team after a couple losses

Just too ridiculous…Win a couple and you’re great..lose a couple and you suck and will never win again!

CALM DOWN!

By DAP

April 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

i didnt get to watch the beginning of the game last night, but i just saw that diaz’s homer was oppo field. thats real good. if he can muscle some out that way, that would be huge. he needs to teach francoer to do that.

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

No HOF for Smoltz. How many seasons has Smoltz won more than 20 games. (1)Uno.CJ

Really? How many 20-win seasons and overall wins for Don Drysdale in four-man rotation days? That’d be a 209-166 career record, two 20-win seasons, 2,486 strikeouts and a 2.95 career ERA over a period when his league ERA was 3.55.

How ‘bout Jim Bunning? One 20-win season, 224-184 career record, 2,855 strikeouts, 3.27 ERA with league ERA of 3.73, no Cy Young award.

Just two prominent names that come to mind. Both starters virtually their entire careers.

Smoltz: 210-146 record, 154 saves, 3,006 strikeouts, Cy Young Award, 3.25 ERA in period when his league ERA was 4.13.

Nice try, CJ….

Jimmy H: Don’t really know places to eat around Chase Field, because I’ve never stayed anywhere near there. I always stay out in Scottsdale, either in Old Town or out somewhere like the Westin Kierland (good rates at great hotels in dead of summer out there)

By Overlord

April 24, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Hey gang, this video is a must see. As they said it on the news, you wouldnt believe it if you didnt see it by yourself. Amazing YouTube video

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

HAMPTON starts in Richmond tomorrow. Will be at the game, but no lap-top. Will give you what I see.

CHARLIE MORTON pitched last night. Six innings, gave up three runs. Four good innings, two not so good. He has plateaued at this point. His overall progress for the season about the same. If he begins to improve from here, I think the young man will be in Atlanta by early call-ups.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 24, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

HEY DOB

Thanks for mentioning NICK CAVE. He is my cousin, seriously. He is also one of the few music items I can relate to from you.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

CJ: Some other great pitchers who don’t have a bunch of 20-win seasons:

• Maddux: 2 (‘92 and ‘93)
• The guy that Smoltz gets compared to more often than others, Dennis Eckersley: 1 (‘78)
• Whitey Ford: 2
• Nolan Ryan: 2

And if single-season accomplishments determine a player’s place in the HOF, you could argue against Hank Aaron for having 0 50+ hr seasons. Roger Maris, despite hitting 61 hr in 1961, isn’t in. Neither is Mark McGwire, despite setting the single-season record in ‘98.

I think the point is that it’s a player’s career that gets him into the HOF. Certain one-year accomplishments can help and make a difference, but to say that only one 20-win season would keep Smoltz out is ridiculous.

By Overlord

April 24, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

This video is as A M A Z I N G as the last one i posted, very highly recommended, maybe Braves pitchers could use this routine to warm up so they dont get injuries. Video link

By Shamus Thacker

April 24, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry guys/gals, there’s always Hammy to fall back on. He He Ha Ha AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH HA HA HA HA

By TJ

April 24, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

According to some method created by Bill James, and posted on baseballreference, the following not-yet-eligible pitchers are virtual locks for the Hall (in order by “likelihood”):

Clemens (of course this just takes into account numbers, not the steroid issue), Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Mariano Riviera, Tom Glavine, Curt Schilling, John Smoltz, and Trevor Hoffman.

Only one of those I don’t quite see is Schilling… 216 wins, 3.46 era, 0 Cy Youngs, never higher than 10th in MVP voting - but he does have 3000+ K’s and outstanding post-season numbers, so I guess maybe it makes sense;

On the bubble but with decent chance are: John Franco, Mike Mussina, Jose Mesa, Billy Wagner, and Andy Petitte.

By richbrave

April 24, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

DAVID O’BRIEN:

Thanks for the great breakdown on Smoltz’s numbers vs. other HOF’s. Its done. He’s in.

By Halberstram

April 24, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

DOB, sorry to be late to the discussion, but I must admit you had a glaring omission from your list of great alternative bands from the 80s. Where is the Pixies?

By Clemson rules

April 24, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

DOB

It’s nice that John Smoltz has your endorsement for the Hall of Fame. But as the team’s beat writer and a guy who picks them to win the N.L. East every spring, you are not exactly a beacon of objectivity are you?

By DAP

April 24, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

clemson rules

your and idiot. find me one expert that DOESNT think john is hall of fame. they all say he’s in. were not being homer’s were using common sense, which you may not be to familiar with, being a clemson man.

By MGL

April 24, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

There is a petition floating around to waive the five year after retirement rule for a current player. Led by ESPN reporters, it states that David Wright is such an exceptional player that he should be on the next ballot, rather than having to wait. The feeling is that he will be a unanimous first round selection.

By Lew

April 24, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Clemson Rules-Have you ever listened to XM Home Plate? The Rob Diddble/Kevin Kennedy show? The Holden Cushner show? Charlie Steiner? All have proclaimed Smoltz a first ballot HOFer and have done so on more than one occasion. I suppose they are Braves’ Homers, too? I second DAP’s evaluation. Your And Idiot.

By KC

April 24, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Efrim: I agree that Acosta still has some proving to do. But so far, so good. Apart from one bad outing (his first one) this season, he has been excellent… really, ever since he came up last year.

He has closer type stuff, and seems to have pretty good poise. We’ll see. If he shows us something against the Mets at Shay… I will feel pretty good about his getting the ball in any situation.

But if he IS as good as he appears to be, and Soriano can get healthy… we could still have a helluva pen, even without Moylan.

By Beacon of objectivity

April 24, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I am not the beat writer and I hereby endorse Smoltz for the Hall of Fame.

By brian

April 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

great post on Smoltz DOB.

Add on top of that his post-season career and you have a 1st ballot Hall of Famer

By Efrim

April 24, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Smoltz and Chipper are Hall of Famers. First ballot, whatever… They both belong in the Hall and most reasonable people would agree.

Shaun

I think Epinephrine doesn’t want to go into Shea riding a 3 game losing streak. Probably be better to go in on a high note. I agree with your point that there isn’t much difference between 10-12 and 11-11.

By beachcomber

April 24, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Our big three are a lock for the Hall. One guy not in who needs to be there as much as Gossage is Bert Blyleven - only member of the 3000 K club eligible but not there.

He crafted an exellent career pitching for some so-so teams. Forget his impressive numbers, just ask anybody who hit against him!

By Murphy

April 24, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

There is a good article up on SI about Smoltzie and another reporter declaring him Hall of Fame worthy (which he IS of course). It is a great read. Sorry if someone else already posted this…

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Clemson rules: Nice, smarmy post. Well done.

By Salty

April 24, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

D’OH! Nice going clemson rules…not! Alumni are like family…can’t pick ‘em. Don’t judge all us Tigers because of one…please! Right, Scoots!?!

By Renegator

April 24, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Any news on Soriano? Has he thrown again to see if he has any pain?

By Chop Chop

April 24, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I wouldn’t cite Rob Dibble or Kevin Kennedy on anything, dude. They’re right about Smoltz, but the likelihood of those two guys being completely wrong about something is so great that I’d be worried that HOF voters might stay away from Smoltz.

By Carroll Rogers

April 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

new blog should be up shortly. should we leave clemson rules here on this one? kiddin….

By Gene Garbage

April 24, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

got the new MMJ- it is tight. jim james is the man. Evil Urges- what a title

By Chop Chop

April 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Clemson rules,

Your nickname is a lie. Go Dawgs.

By ncscoots

April 24, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Wayne, Salty, and I disavow all knowledge of the poster “Clemson rules”, LOL. More likely a Gamecock fan trying to get us in trouble. :-)

But, if not, then you Jawja guys try to remember robdawg06 is one of yours, too. All we alumni have SOME cross to bear!

By ncscoots

April 24, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Well, there is a high probability that attending a fine institution such as Clemson University will turn one into a fine-looking, articulate, intelligent, and charming man or woman.

But it’s only a 98% probability, it ain’t an iron-clad guarantee, LOL.