AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGlavine ready, Soriano … not so fast
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New York — You can expect to see Tom Glavine on the mound Tuesday night at Washington, probably see Chipper Jones at third base for that series opener against the Nationals, and possibly see Yunel Escobar.
But don’t expect to see closer Rafael Soriano come off the DL at least until we get back to Atlanta and play a weekend series against the Reds.
That’s the long and short of developments this morning within the Braves infirmary, er, clubhouse.
Oh, and good morning (or early afternoon) from Shea, where we’ll spend one more chilly, damp day here in scenic Flushing before heading south for an off day in D.C. (and a two-game series against the Nats, the result of moving a game to make ESPN happy and create a single-game special opener at Nationals Park).
Chipper’s back spasms have subsided, but he said he’s still got pain in his middle back and that there’s no way he could field his position or swing at 90-mph pitches without making things worse.
“I could try to play, but they’d be carting me off the field in the first inning,” said Hoss, who added that the back thing made it difficult watching the NFL draft in his room last night. Dammit.
He was here early this morning, doing the hot tub, stretching and getting “adjusted” by the trainer. Chipper said he hopes to be ready to play Tuesday and sounded optimistic about it.
Escobar said the swelling in his injured right index finger has decreased and that he expects to play Tuesday. But Bobby Cox said “we’ll see” and pointed out that Escobar couldn’t even grip a bat on Saturday.
Glavine threw a bullpen this morning and felt good. Said he injured right hamstring felt much better, and barring any unexpected setbacks he’ll come off the DL to start Tuesday.
Soriano, that’s another story. He threw a bullpen today, first time he’s thrown off a mound in exactly three weeks, since an April 6 game against the Mets, after which he went on the DL with elbow tendinitis.
Said the elbow felt better today, but still had a bit of soreness in there. Didn’t throw anything but fastballs, either. So yes, there’s reason for concern, if you ask me.
Cox said it was “encouraging,” however, and that Soriano would throw another bullpen in D.C., then probably one more after that.
Let’s say both of those sessions go well. That’d still probably take it through next weekend before he’d be activated, since Braves are off Thursday and I wouldn’t expect him to throw that second bullpen Cox alluded to on an off day (yes, two scheduled off days for Braves in next four days. Not typical.)
But we’ll just have to wait and see on Soriano. I’m going to guess that it’ll be at least Sunday or Monday before he’s activated. And even then, I don’t know if they will need to monitor him when he gets back, to make sure he doesn’t make back-to-back appearances or whatever until the elbow feels completely healthy.
Today’s lineup: Looks like we’re going to start on time, and hopefully get in a game before the rain arrives.
Braves have three young’uns in the lineup — Gregor Blanco in left, hitting second against RH Nelson Figueroa, and Martin Prado and Brent Lillibridge in the seventh and eighth spots in front of Smoltz.
The full lineup: 1. Johnson, 2B; 2. Blanco, LF; 3. Francoeur, RF; 4. Teixeira, 1B; 5. McCann, C; 6. Kotsay, CF; 7. Prado, 3B; 8. Lillibridge, SS; 9. Bearded Icon.
A big absence: Chipper leads the majors with a .433 average, but did you realize he’s batting .550 (22-for-40) with runners on base? Pat Burrell (.474) is second in the NL, and Reed Johnson (.464) is third.
Bringing up the rear? Andruw at .100 (4-for-40) and another frequent blog subject, Austin Kearns (5-for-40).
Campillo, bueno: If he keeps up anything close to this pace, reliever Jorge Campillo is going to make a Braves scout and the front office look very astute for signing him off the scrap heap this winter. Already has, really.
I mean, who could ever have expected this from the journeyman and longtime former Mexican League pitcher?
Campillo’s two hitless, scoreless innings with four strikeouts on Saturday reduced his ERA to 0.96 in 9-1/3 innings and trimmed his opponents’ average to .103, second in the NL to Mets closer Billy Wagner, who’s yet to give up a hit in nine innings entering today.
His 6.4 baserunners per nine innings ranks third among NL relievers.
On the road, Campillo has allowed one walk. That’s it. Opponents’ are 0-for-21 with eight strikeouts and one walk against him on the road.
And regardless of where he’s pitching, he’s not allowed a hit with two strikes. In two-strike situations hitters are 0-for-25 with one walk and 11 strikeouts against him.
All this from a guy who made five appearances last season for Seattle and had a 6.75 ERA, with 18 hits and 10 earned runs allowed in 13-1/3 innings.
Wow.
Even other Braves pitchers are amazed at the unusual movement he’s getting on his pitches. Bobby says his success all stems from locating the fastball, first of all.
Campillo doesn’t say much. Doesn’t speak English, and walks around with a serious look that says, I’m here to pitch and only to pitch.
I like it. You need that in a reliever or two, don’t you? Especially when the scowling closer isn’t able to scowl on the field these days.
City never sleeps: Stopped by the Virgin music store in Union Square last night, was amazed it was no only open but crowded at almost 1 a.m. Roamed their huge selection. Dropped some coin on six CDs, including two of the Replacements expanded reissues, Let It Be and Hootenanny, plus the new Billy Bragg CD, and the debut by the duo She and Him (him is M. Ward, she is versatile and extremely cool actress Zooey Deschanel), and a remastered, first-time-on-CD version of 70s folk/blues singer Karen Dalton’s In My Own Time. Ever heard of her? Without exaggerating, she’s one of the greatest female singers ever. I mean, Billie Holliday-like greatness. And a serious guitar player, to boot.
OK, game’s starting. Fill it up, folks.
My dad used to play some great music on his newfangled car cassette player when I was a kid, including a lot of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jr. Walker and the All-Stars, Fats Domino, Lorette, Sinatra, Nat King Cole … and this: From her seminal album “Tapestry.” (Hey, my old man had eclectic taste.)
“IT’S TOO LATE” by Carole King
Stayed in bed all morning just to pass the time
There’s something wrong here, there can be no denying
One of us is changing
Or maybe we just stopped trying
And it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died
And I can’t hide and I just can’t fake it
It used to be so easy living here with you
You were light and breezy and I knew just what to do
Now you look so unhappy and I feel like a fool
And it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died
And I can’t hide and I just can’t fake it
There’ll be good times again for me and you
But we just can’t stay together, don’t you feel it, too
Still I’m glad for what we had and how I once loved you
But it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late
Though we really did try to make it
Something inside has died and I can’t hide
And I just can’t fake it
Comments
By Slider29
April 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Looks like we’re gonna have to score Smoltzie some runs today.
By JEB
April 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Carole King, man does that bring back memories! I remember when that came out in the 70’s. I believe that is from the “Tapestry” album. Is that correct! Good song. Soriano really concerns me, I just think this thing has gone on since February now and I don’t see this ending any time real soon. May be better to shut him down for a month and see if that gets him back for the rest of the season. Hard to say but may just be the fact of things!
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
April 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Uh-oh. 3-0 Muts, lets crank up the Delta charter and we’ll see you Tuesday night in DC.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
talk about unlikely: that was Smoltz’s first homer allowed this season, and the first that Casanova’s hit.
By Tomas
April 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
3 nothing mets. Those two out walks really come around and hurt you.
By Terence Moore=retard
April 27, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
ooooooh YEAH lets hope the mutts get struck by lightning today. the lightning that is Smoltz’ bolts!
By NCBravesFan
April 27, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
One gets the feeling that Smoltzie’s arm is held together by paper clips and rubber bands. I hope he’s able to stay healthy this year.
By JerseyGil
April 27, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Ours 1 and 2 picher need to be disabled, bring two pitcher from Richmond…Smoltzy don’t look right today, he is in pain, Huddy lost velocity, need to be rest.
By Epinephrine
April 27, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Velocity is 88-90. Yikes, these Braves look pretty bad.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Mets had been planning on getting Alou back tomorrow. Now they’re saying he might have a hairline fracture.
By JerseyGil
April 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Hate to said this but is your are on pain , please, please, don’t Pitch.By may we be the “Richmond;Atlanta Braves”
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Not that I have any mind powers, but there is no need to see the whole game to know the outcome of this one. Chipper and Yunel are out. Reyes makes Prado look bad. Inning ending DP. Reyes gets on base to start the offense. Smoltz throws WP. Game over.
What are the braves going to do when chipper is gone? It seams as if they are playing softball when he is sitting. The look like the pirates when chipper is on the bench.
Few players I can recall have had this much impact on their team.
Joe Montana, Elway, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Jonhson.
Braves just cant find a dominate if chipper is out. He sit, they look like a AAA team.
They have no inspiration once chipper is down.
As Im typing this, a HR to Smoltz, guess that is a clear example of what im talking about.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
After all the critics, what really amazes me is how the hell are we still only 2 games behind 1st place.
Young Figueroa totally lost home plate with top to hitters and Jeff bounces to Castillo…….. I suppose we are missing Chipper, right?
By Patrick
April 27, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Smotlz obviously doesn’t have it today. How badly is Smoltz favoring the shoulder today DOB?
By AmazinsAgain08
April 27, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Youse can’t say I didn’t come by earlier and warn youse. Mets having some bar-b-que Braves butt for Sunday brunch today. Say good night Gracie.
Chipper being out makes a huge difference without question even with Tex in there.
By radoncbravesfan
April 27, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Can this lineup score enough runs today to bail out Smoltz???
Possible but looks unlikely at this point. But I didn’t thinks the Hawks would beat the Celtics either.
By Duke
April 27, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
DOB, Smoltz looks really uncomftorble and HURT. It just makes me think that we may be seeing him on the DL soon. Do you think that Frank Wren starts looking for another starter outside of the organization?
By Ray K
April 27, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Ah, I see… it’s one of those games where the Braves leave 13 runners stranded and score 2. Wasn’t sure if it was an even or odd numbered day. I guess they will score 14 on Tuesday.
The Braves are so mind numbingly predictable. I know they are first in the league in losing one run games; are they first in double plays, too? I wouldn’t be surprised one bit.
Okay-Teixeira double. Let’s see what happens…
By albanian braves fan
April 27, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
is all homer runs for mets none for braves. braves need big poppy for homer runs. texiera fit in big poppy socks not so big for homer runs.
By eric the elder
April 27, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Overlord, exactly right about Chipper - - in all respects.
This would have been a time to see whether Tex, the guy we want to pay a godzillion dollars, can carry the team. I don’t see it happening.
By eric the elder
April 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Overlord, exactly right about Chipper - - in all respects.
This would have been a time to see whether Tex, the guy we want to pay a godzillion dollars, can carry the team. I don’t see it happening.
By Original Jon
April 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB Do you think Bobby would use Campillo as closer if Acosta needed a night off? I mean, with the numbers the guy has, how could you not even consider it?
By Bravesfan79
April 27, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Man i could tell Smoltz didnt have it today just watching the first batter of the 2nd inning. (i was asleep in the 1st) I had a bad feeling about smoltz today considering he went 7 innings last time out, and i feel like if it had been any team BUT the mets, Bobby probably would of let him skip this start.
My question is when does it benefit the Braves more to have Smoltz in the pen and throw an inning here and there in a tight spot late in games than going out there for 5 innings once a week? I love Smoltz, i really want him to get at many wins as possible as a starter. But if its less stressfull on his arm to be in the bullpen then maybe thats where he should be in the regular season.
Regardless of where Smoltz pitches in the regular season, if its game 7 of the World Series or NLCS, i still want Smoltz on the mound to start!!
Just like the last year when Smoltz was a closer and watched helplessly as Bobby stubbornly started Mike (im not a big game pitcher) Hampton against the Astros in that game 5.
I had a strong bad huntch that the game would be out of reach before Smoltz could make a difference. And sadly, i was right.
2 me, thats one of the WORST moves (or non-moves) that Bobby has ever made.
I love the old man, but him showing that inability to do anything but stick by the book and start Hampton (NOT a big game pitcher) instead of taking a risk and starting Smoltz (one of the BEST BIG game pitchers of all time!) was really the beginning of the end of Cox’s coaching career to me.
By the president's economist
April 27, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien: thank you very much for spending all your disposable income on CDs. You are setting a fine example for American consumers everywhere. I hope you are putting your purchases on a credit card.
By Original Jon
April 27, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, Smoltz doesnt look like Smoltz today. Hope that shoulder isnt barking at him. How awful would it be if Smoltz and Huddy had to be shut down for any lenght of time? I would imagine that Frank W would have to get a starter in a trade or something.
By fastasballs
April 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Another lead off double wasted. Hard to get back in the game when opportunities to score are wasted.
By Ray K
April 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Ha ha ha!!! Did anyone just hear Joe Simpson say, “ball game!” after he thought they had gone to commercial.
That is hysterical. It’s only the 4th inning and even the Braves announcers have thrown in the towel.
By Ray K
April 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Ha ha ha!!! Did anyone just hear Joe Simpson say, “ball game!” after he thought they had gone to commercial.
That is hysterical. It’s only the 4th inning and even the Braves announcers have thrown in the towel.
By Original Jon
April 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
I also say the Mets got lucky these last two games having to face a Lineup that has Gregor Blanco, Lillibridge and Prado in it.
By eric the elder
April 27, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Do you think that Frank Wren starts looking for another starter outside of the organization?
I’m pretty sure the answer is No. For better or worse, this is the team for this year.
Next year, we will be without Hampton, Glavine, probably Tex, and possibly Smoltz. Looks like a re-building year to me, and another kind of long-term drought for Braves fans.
By albanian braves fan
April 27, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
is unbelievable! is more homer runs for mets. is problem with smoltz also? oh, no! will be reported that he is also “fine” just no location.
By Mike R
April 27, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Ok, time to raise the white flag on this one. Get Smoltz out of there and let Caryle finsh it up, regardless of how many runs he gives up. Uplike Chipper, Smoltz has guts and will play with injuries. Hopefully Escobar will learn from Smolz and not Chipper. The line-up the Braves are fielding can’t hit a AAA pitcher, remember he hasn’t piched in the majors in 3 seasons prior to this one.
By MEB
April 27, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Yuk! Leadoff double by Tex and we leave him stranded still standing on second. Heard Boog and Joe comment “Ball Game” answered by “Yep” as soon as Prado flied out. They thought their audio was off going to break. Not very encouraging play by the Braves today.
GO BRAVES!!!
By DAP
April 27, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
this game has been tough to watch so far. i feel really bad for smoltz, cause he looks like hes really having a tuff time out there today.
but with escobar and chipper out, its gonna be hard for us to come from behind and win games, to.
we really need frenchy and mccann to step up in situations like this, and they really havent.
By N8
April 27, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
If anybody cares, Dale Murphy’s son (Shawn) was taken with the 110th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins this morning.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
is only natural for “fish” to be number one: is still age of pisces
By BosnianBaller
April 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Wow the braves look flat
By Original Jon
April 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Wonder what the slider to fastball ratio has been in this game for John? Maybe 5:1
By JerseyGil
April 27, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Ray K Your are right ..i hear to…so bad that still ours announcer give already the Games…
By AMG
April 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Ray K - I heard him and he was right.
Think maybe that trap muscle is starting to affect a nerve?
By N8
April 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Can this team be any more consistently mediocre than they’ve been for the past 2+ seasons?
WITH Chipper in the lineup, we’re a decent team (but still inconsistent), Without Chipper in the lineup, the only word that comes to mind is…..YIKES.
With the strange amount of injuries that this team has endured, and appears that they’ll have to go through this year as well, I’m beginning to believe that the Braves are cursed.
For YEARS we didn’t have injuries to deal with. Now we can’t get away from them. What goes around comes around, huh?
If Smoltz and Hudson go down, we’ll know what it feels like to be Mets fans when Pulsipher, Wilson and Isringhausen were supposed to be “the next big thing”, decimated by injuries.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
ok. so is reading blog and is confused by “throwing bullpen”. says glavin “throwing bullpen”. is glavin temper tantrum why “throwing bullpen”? is more logical that bobby cox “throw bullpen”. also could be “batting infield”. maybe.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is pitching without his best stuff.
The Braves have some kind of patchwork lineup.
Chipper and Escobar are walking wounded.
Cox came into this three game set with Jurrjens, Hudson and Smoltz lined up. We all know Chipper loves to hit at Shea stadium.
And Bobby’s plan has gone up in smoke.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
No word on an injury to Smoltz. Rather, it appeared he just signaled that he was done as he came off the mound after that last inning.
I’ll let you know if I hear otherwise.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
is story again for braves: zero zero zero zero zero. is more zeros coming. is thinking yes.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Bad timing for the braves, all the wheels coming off at the same time (chipper, yunel, hudson, smoltz).
What is funny is that the bullpen suddenly started looking good, and they the starters that were doing a magnificent job, now look like they did in 2007….
It will be no surprise to me that next week offense and SP will come around and then bullpen will look like guano.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Original Jon, I think they could use Campillo in ANY relief capacity, the way he’s pitching. That could change quickly, of course, but long as he’s getting guys out like this, why not try?
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox, take Smoltz out right now, put Resop in, let him pitch the rest of the innings no matter what, not even if the game is 20-0. Let hi throw 200 pitches id necessary. Save the rest of your arms, go to Washington and regroup.
By bravesfan
April 27, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Is this the Richmond Braves or the Atlanta Braves…I mean Lillibrige, Prado, Carlyle. I hate to say this, but we are a little too old.
By N8
April 27, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Why intentionally walk Delgado with Buddy?
The guy has enough control issues, without Bobby asking him to intentionally throw 4 balls outside the strike zone.
The game is 4-0. We have no Chipper and no Escobar in the lineup. Does Bobby REALLY think this lineup is gonna score 4 runs in the next 4 innings?
The old man has officially lost it. “It” being, whatever “magic” he allegedly previously possessed, according to Braves fans.
Nice stretch, by McCaulay Culkin on that throw by Tex. Do you think he makes that “face” (along with that scream), in the mirror, everyday when he puts aftershave on his face?
If I were him, I’d do it in the clubhouse on a daily basis. Of course, after the 2nd or 3rd time, it would followed with a good azz wuppin’.
Whaddya know? Carlyle walks another guy. Like I said. Nice call Bobby.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Theres something really strange i have noticed. Lillibridge has not fielded a ground ball in 13 innings. At least not that I remember, i must have missed maybe a couple of ground balls, but how could that be? Strange things happen as they say.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
braves now using “buddy” for pitching. is part time player so gets paid by the pitch. is throwing many pitches each inning make more money. smart.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
As Tanner would say, “The cruddy game ain’t over!”
I mean, at some point Braves have to come back after trailing through six innings. Don’t they?
By N8
April 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Well, there you go. I’ve been watching the NFL draft for the past two days.
Checked in occasionally yesterday, to no avail.
Checked in today, and we’re sucking air.
I start b!tching, pizzing and moaning, and a rally begins.
YOU’RE WEEEEELCOME!
Nice Hustle, McCaulay. Who says speed doesn’t help get you runs?
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Lillibridge is overmatched, but he just got a hustle RBI there. Good for him.
By MEB
April 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Y’all need to slack off on Buddy for awhile because he is doing some good work for the Braves. Looks like the Richmond Braves may come back and make a game of this mess.
Maybe Boog and Joe will stick around and announce the entire game.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
My only explanation to all this bad start (april), is that this whole injury stuff is way to distracting for the team. I think that the absence of some guys (specially chipper) plays with the minds of the players, there is way too much uncertainty, they are think about the injuries and not focusing on the game. Id say even with the injuries, there is enough talent to look better than we have, way much better.
So my conclusion is that tuesday will be the turning point for the season if we get chipper, yunel and glavine back in a single day (and of course if they, the 3 of them, make a statement, make their presence feel in the same game). After that it could all be uphill and get better if hampton, soriano and infante get back before may 10th. Then Gonzo may 18th aprox.
ITs sad to watch our braves look this bad.
Lets keep our heads up and hope for the best (but prepare for the worst).
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
cannot hear what Cox say to little bridges for encouragement. is saying “come on LILLY”? perhaps.
By fastasballs
April 27, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Good to see a little life out of the offense. If they could have scored Tex after his lead off double in the 3rd or 4th they would have just tied the game.
By Bravesfan79
April 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
DOB: Do you think the bullpen, or being a starter is rougher on Smoltz arm?
Obviously if Smoltz was brought out of the pen in games were out of hand that would be no good, but if Cox was VERY picky in how he used him…..i think Smoltz could pitch another 2-3 years out of the pen.
By TJ
April 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Well said, MEB.
By BosnianBaller
April 27, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
The Braves better not over use Campillo like they did Moylan last year.
By Dan
April 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Eric..Tex hasn’t really had a chance to “carry” the team, being that frenchy ended to innings with men on base. But yes without chipper and yunel this team looks really bad. I’m also really starting to really like this kid G.Blanco. Love the way he works the pitchers and his ave,obp. But lillibridge looks BAD at the plate…he’s barely getting the ball past the pitcher….when he’s not striking out. Do they have anyone better then him to play SS.?
By Dan
April 27, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
nothing for nothing i would’ve took my chances and walked D. wright in that spot. So that BC would’ve had his lefty lefty match up with a possible double play in C.Delgado.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
O’Brien, it is highly unlikely that the Braves will get anything of value in trade for Brayan Pena.
He is strictly a pinch hitter and not doing so well at that one task.
By KC
April 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Why was Ohman brought in with 3 right-handed hitters due up??
And Carlyle got out of it… but why was Carlyle brought in PERIOD??!!!
Stockman gets sent down, while Carlyle remains. Shameful.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Even Ohman looking human, this is not right.
Get on that plane now guy……..
What is funny is that keith hernandez and ron darling are sooooo high on this mets team, and to tell you the truth Im more worried about our bad performance than about the mets. This aint a hard to beat mets team. No bullpen, little starting pitching, offense is dead. Braves on full throttle will bring them to their knees.
By Mark in PA
April 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I recall making an argument about one run losses evening out over the season…
Back when we were 0-3 in one run games.
By fastasballs
April 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
unfreakin real………… how the hell does Church make that catch?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Wow, Kelly Johnson and Mark Teixeira nail two pitches right on the money and the Braves have nothing to show for it.
The baseball Gods must hate us.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
later in afternoon is pitching matchup of brandon webb versus jake peavy. is hoping braves pitchers stay in clubhouse to watch. see pitchers who are “fine” but also “in location”. braves learn maybe.
By Steve from OH
April 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Braves have been showing a lot of warning track power lately….
By Slider29
April 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be nice to win a game, I don’t know, say 6-5? It is OK for us to win close ones right….
We seriously need to pick the bearded icon up.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
TEX just missed tying the game up or at least making it a little more interesting. As I said before, muts bullpen sux. Scott Schoweieoaamoeis is really bad. Bad think Chuck made that catch, tip my hat to the guy, great play.
6 outs to go for us.
By bob
April 27, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
overlord - keith hernandez isnt even in the booth what are you talkin bout? also johan maine and perez scares me
By Slider29
April 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
ok, ok, I’ll take 7-6.
By Tomas
April 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Another homerun for Delgado, damn him.
By N8
April 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I’m glad we have that “situational” Lefty to get the lefty power hitters out, huh?
Don’t give me the crap that Ohman was good everywhere else, other than Wrigley field. EVERYTHING I’ve seen of this guy, screams LOSER.
Nice pick-up Wren. How’s Infante working out for our bench, too?
Yikes, Yikes……DOUBLE YIKES!!
Back to the NFL Draft I go.
L8r.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The Mets have three home runs.
The Braves have none.
6-3 Mets. Live by the sword, Die by the sword.
By Bravesfan79
April 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves can and will be contenders the next couple of years. But ive known for years once Chipper and Smoltz are gone, things just wont be the same.
I say for next year….have a bullpen consisting of Soriano, Gongalez, Moylan, and Smoltz. The Angels won the WS a few years back with a killer bullpen, whos to say we couldnt do it? (besides…only half of them would probably be healthy at a time anyways)
Also we need another Escobar on the bench (maybe bring back Renteria) that can play SS or 3rd when Chipper or Escobar needs a rest or is inured. Chipper will still be a crucial player for us 2 years down the road, even if he only plays 70% of the time.
As for Glavine i think he would be a good spot starter/5th starter next year. I say we resign him next year for around 3-4 million and use that extra money along with ridding Hamptons contract….. to get another front line starter. (a Roy Oswalt, or Holliday type)
Resign Tex for around 19-20 million, and well again be in contention next year.
Regardless of Tex slump right now, i dont see any 2 $10/million players that will be free agents being more valuable overall than 1 $20 million Tex.
By AMG
April 27, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
In order to win close games and come from behind games a team needs certain things: speed, bullpen, bench.
What do the Braves have?
By bravesfan
April 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
WOW! Those shots Tex and KJ hit would have been way gone at Turner Field.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks for stopping by, N8.
By TJ
April 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Don’t give me the crap that Ohman was good everywhere else, other than Wrigley field. EVERYTHING I’ve seen of this guy, screams LOSER.
Yeah, that .245 ERA (even after the dinger today) just screams LOSER.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t matter if Delgado’s slumping, not when he faces the Braves. Shawn Green’s done, but Delgado still has some Braves-death in his bat, obviously.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
blog is speaking of “bearded icons”.
personal favorite bearded icon is st. nicholas by bulgarian georgi chapkanov. bloggers should go to more museums less time watching baseball when braves losing.
By TJ
April 27, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Pretty funny… Met fans were begging for Delgado to give a ‘curtain call’ after his second hr. Given that they’ve been booing him unmercifully since about the 2nd day of the season, he decided to have a seat in the dugout. As one met fan put it, “quietly giving the fans the finger.” Good for him.
By FIREFRANKWREN.COM
April 27, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
199-198 over the last 397.
By jed
April 27, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
have we got warning track power or what?
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
albanian baves fan that was a good one.
Coach worst part of it is that mets are not hitting HR this year. Beltran and Delgado are still in spring training and they just killed us.
By ncscoots
April 27, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
In order to win close games and come from behind games a team needs certain things: speed, bullpen, bench.
Luckily, the Braves are built to win blowouts, instead, and they’ll play (and win) a lot more of those games than the ones of which you speak.
The fascination with “winning the close ones” has been exacerbated beyond belief by the number of one-run losses suffered by the Braves, and this is the key phrase, so far.
But I couldn’t care less about the record in one-run games, because that will even out over time. Contrary to bloggers’ beliefs. Of course, I’d be more than happy to end the season with an 0-8 record in one-run games…it ain’t hockey, after all. All that matters is the number in the first column, not the victory margin thereof.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Lillibridge crushes another pitch off Billy Wagner and it dies on the left field warning track. One out.
Matt Diaz singles to right for the first hit of the season off Wagner.
Kelly Johnson flies out to left field.
Gregor Blanco is the Braves last hope. And he strikes out looking, completely over matched.
Well, at least it wasn’t another one run loss.
By loosing sucks
April 27, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
like the Educated Blacks say on BET “WE GOTS TO DOS BETTERS”
By Fsubravefan10
April 27, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Coach O’Brien, it is highly unlikely that the Braves will get anything of value in trade for Brayan Pena.
Maybe in your own mind, however, switch hitting catchers do not grow on trees, how much does Pena remid everyone else of Johnny Estrada? Estrada may not have stayed with many teams but he has been a solid starter for many clubs, to say that Pena, is essentially worthless when it comes to trade value, in my mind is one of the most rediculous comments made on the blog today.
By ncscoots
April 27, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Shoot, may as well blame me for the series loss, I guess. I almost never blog on the weekends anymore, but here I was this weekend and we see what happened, LOL. Won’t happen again.
Glad to see N8 and the various members of the same cohort haven’t forgotten us here. Just takes a loss of two to bring ‘em out, I suppose. :-)
By Typical Coach Observations
April 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
The Mets have three home runs.
John Smoltz has more than 3,000 strikouts.
Gregor Blanco is fast.
Chipper Jones is a switch-hitter.
Water is wet.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
is finalized. win by mets 63. braves now with less wins than loss. means worse than mediocre by little bit.
now expect braves officials report pitchers all “fine” simply not “in location”. everything fine, not worry. but fans thinking something else.
By Duke
April 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I see Matt Morris was released by the Pirates. Might not be a bad idea to sign him and see if a change of scenery and Bobby can get him going.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
April 27, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
When do we play the Dodgers again?
By N8
April 27, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
TJ
“Yeah, that .245 ERA (even after the dinger today) just screams LOSER”
You’re right. The Braves would be HAPPY having a few more guys hitting .245 with RISP in the lineup. My bad.
DOB
“Thanks for stopping by, N8.”
Anytime.
If Warning Track fly-balls were an official stat in MLB, we’d be leading the league in that category.
Coach
“The Mets have three home runs…..The Braves have none…..6-3 Mets. Live by the sword, Die by the sword.”
Couldn’t agree more. But Cox will talk about how they were hitting the ball hard all day, and just couldn’t “catch any breaks”.
(sigh)
As the announcer says “Strike one….Blanco didn’t like the call”
I’m reminded, that the only thing Bobby is good for, is teaching the kids how to pizz and moan over the strike zone, rather than actually being prepared to adjust to it, and do something while they’re up at the plate.
(sigh)….or did I already say that? Sorry. Seemed to fit.
Lose two. Win one. Lose one. Win two. Lose three. Win two. Lose three. Win five. Lose two. Win two. Lose two.
End result? 12-13.
People, need to stop complaining about LACK of consistency on this team. HOGWASH! This team is as consistently mediocre as it comes. Two years, running on three. The players have changed. The announcers have changed. The television broadcast has changed. One consistent remains……
I’ll let Robert take over.
But hey. We’re +26 in run differential, and only 2.5 games behind the Marlins. It’s gotta turn around, right?
I guess our fortunes will change for the better with Mike Hampton and Gonzo returning 2 months earlier than expected, right?
This season looks like a LOT of the same that we’ve seen for the past two seasons. That’s too bad. This team (unlike the past two teams), is MASSIVELY under-achieving.
This team treading water, along with my Chiefs having a FANTASTIC draft, has me pining for the football season to start.
Yikes.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
AMG, I could not agree more. Well said.
By albanian baves fan
April 27, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
oh is one other thing…
is confused of purpose of brayan pena. is simply pet for yunel escobar to make happy? should give biscuit only if make hit. probably.
By jed
April 27, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
loosing sucks
you’re obviously not an Educated White either so i’d watch it with the rock throwing.
we do remove racist posts around here, dont we?
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Braves are built to win any kind of games. The problem is half the team is injuried and the other half is in panic or asleep.
How could a team win if there panorama looks like this.
Gonzalez—-closer————————DL
Soriano——runner up to closer—-DL
Moylan——-top setup man————-DL
Hampton——4th starter(3rd?)———DL
Glavine——3rd starter(4th?)——-DL
Chipper——our michael jordan——hurt
Yunnel——-our 2nd hottest———-hurt
James———our 5th SP—————asleep
TEX————cleanup——-barely awaking
KJ————-leadoff——-bare awaking?
Bench—— little or no experience
Ill be positive today and say, all this will slowly get better and we will kick some buuttt.
But even think positive wont take away the horrible feeling of losing this series to a weak muts team, that teams doesnt scares anybody, last year they looked better.
By Philliesuk
April 27, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
i love reading what ‘albanian braves fan’ writes. i don’t even understand any of it, but there’s nothing wrong about offering a biscuit to brayan pena.
By N8
April 27, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
scoots
“Glad to see N8 and the various members of the same cohort haven’t forgotten us here. Just takes a loss of two to bring ‘em out, I suppose. :-)”
How about 13 losses in 25 games. If it was just a “loss or two”, I’d remain silent more often than not.
Besides, it’s not like I wasn’t posting positive things during the 5 game winning streak.
For the record, I’ve only posted on the Diamondbacks blogs, in a negative manner, 7 times. So that’s proof right there. Win games. I stop complaining. :-)
“Luckily, the Braves are built to win blowouts, instead, and they’ll play (and win) a lot more of those games than the ones of which you speak.”
Based on what? We were one of the worst teams in baseball the past two seasons, in one-run games. How’d we finish? Around .500 ball.
This year, we ARE the worst in one run games, failing to win a single 1-run game in the first 6th of the season, and are now one game UNDER .500.
Coincidence? I don’t think so. While it is true that we might play in (and win) more blowout games than we lose one-run games, the fact remains, that losing so many tight, close (1 run games) has cost us making the playoffs the past two seasons - which I think it will this year as well, if this trend continues. Period.
Duke
“I see Matt Morris was released by the Pirates. Might not be a bad idea to sign him and see if a change of scenery and Bobby can get him going.”
Uh… how about NO?! That guy makes Ohman look like a good option.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
fsubravesfanmoron wrote :
Coach O’Brien, it is highly unlikely that the Braves will get anything of value in trade for Brayan Pena.
Maybe in your own mind, however, switch hitting catchers do not grow on trees, how much does Pena remid everyone else of Johnny Estrada? Estrada may not have stayed with many teams but he has been a solid starter for many clubs, to say that Pena, is essentially worthless when it comes to trade value, in my mind is one of the most rediculous comments made on the blog today.
first thing, have you ever heard spacing? Apparently not.
Second, how many games has Pena caught behind the plate thus far. Better yet, how many games has he played in the field.
The Answer too both questions is ZERO.
Third, why did Pena lose his catching job in Richmond last season?
Because he stinks behind the plate. His defense is non-existent.
Fourth, just how INCREDIBLY IGNORANT are you, fsubraves ignorance is bliss fan ????????
Fifth, why won’t the Braves get anything of value for Pena, you ask.
Because he isn’t worth anything of value.
Once again , I must implore. DO YOUR DAMN HOMEWORK before starting an argument with me.
By Savannah Guy
April 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
The damn paper chase.
How many times have we lost a game that was understandably pre-determined to be won on paper? The first game of this series we had Jair on the mound. As good as he’s been this year, a rookie loss could have been rationalized easily. Besides, we had two other games with our tried and true, one and two studs. Surely the series would be ours.
So, the games were played. Jair stumbled early in the first game, thanks to a skinny home plate, a self-important umpire and rookie emotions, yet Jair picked himself up, toughed it out and prevailed. Now we were looking at a series sweep. That first game was huge.
Next up, staff ace Huddy. Whoops. Three and out… again. OK, OK… rubber match. Just wait until we get our perennial war horse out there. We’ll surely take game three and the series. Game three comes… whoops. Smoltz out in the fourth, many warning track flies and a Braves loss.
Damn, that paper game lies. Injuries, age, the way the ball bounces and that beautiful but merciless field just don’t read very well. Nor does Lady Luck.
We’ll win Tuesday. Uh, what’s the line on that series?
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Smoltz’s shoulder was worse today than it’s been all season, and he plans to have it checked out in a couple of days.
He wouldn’t call it pain, but said it was “discomfort.” Either way, it was hurting him and he couldn’t make adjustments today the way he has previously. Said that was all he had, four innings, and that he was surprised he even made it that far.
He said if they decide in a couple of days that rest would help him, then he’s going to rest.
(Braves had best hope that’s all it is.)
If I had to guess, I’d say this is probably not a surgery-type injury, but rather just the wear and tear he’s going to deal with all year, going on and off DL probably, or at least missing a start here and there and going only 5-6 innings most days. But I’m just guessing.
Could be worse than that, but I think if if it was something bad, he’d concede it was pain and not mere “discomfort.” Then again, he sounded very frustrated and, yes, concerned.
By Lew
April 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter if Joe and Boog think it’s all over. It ain’t over until Coach says it is.
By TJ
April 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Just saw Smoltz’ postgame interview. I’d bet N8’s life that John is headed to the DL. Oh well.
Bullpen is great (even without most of our best relievers). Starting pitching will be okay, because we have depth. Unless Smoltz or Huddie are lost for months - and I don’t think that’s likely.
Biggest problem has been scoring. Forget “1-run games.” We’re 2-9 when we score 3 runs or less. Of course, any team is gonna have bad days offensively, or run up against tough pitchers, but 11 times in 25 games is too often.
I do think the O will come around. Tex has started swinging much better.
But the key is scoring: we’re 10-4 when we score 4 runs or more.
By Bobby's Cox
April 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Albanian Braves Fan
I was getting sick of reading your posts early, but the more i’ve read the more i agree.
is confused of purpose of brayan pena. is simply pet for yunel escobar to make happy? should give biscuit only if make hit. probably.
That was classic. When infante returns, Corky’s gotta go. Pena will then be less of pet.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Watching the Marlins/Brewers. Those division leading Marlins just scored two runs in the sixth to take a one run lead, 2-1 over the Brewers.
Now they have the bases loaded here in the seventh with nobody out.
The Brewers Mitch Stetter just struck out the first two batters.Then got a pop up for the third out and left them loaded. Holy Cow.
Damn good game going here in Milwaukee. 2-1
By Savannah Guy
April 27, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
It ain’t over until Coach says it is.
Just read that and spit up my Diet Coke. Damn that burns the nasal passages when that happens. Not good for the keyboard either. Lew, how ‘bout some warning next time.
By Fsubravefan10
April 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Coach,
Maybe you should do homework as well, Estrada also had little, to no Major league time, the fact is he was a switch hitter who could hit, same with Pena, I have read this blog the past year or so, the one constant I have found is that you, sir, have no respect when someone stands up to you and questions you. I questioned you in a respectful manner and you fire back that I am basically inept as well as a moron… please explain how I was ignorant, you are the one picking a fight on the blog… oh, and as far as homework goes? Millwood, Villareal, Cormier…what do they all have in common? All were traded for a switch hitting catcher with little power, who is far from a gold glover behind the plate (Estrada), a lot similar to…oh yes, our own Brayan Pena.
Do not tell me to go do homework, this is an informal blog and frankly I am too lazy to type correctly as I just finished finals, last time I checked I am not getting a grade on a final for what I write here, and if you are truly going to nitpick about how I write and my lack of spaces, than atleast write back with a post that contains no grammatical errors as well.
If you somehow took offense to the way I presented my opinions and infrmation in my post, than I guess your self confdence is low, in the end you can have your opinions, and I will continue to have mine. oh, and I am a double major in accounting and English, with a minor in sociology so please do not sit here and judge me on how I type, it is an informal blog, with an inside look at the team and nothing more.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Lew, thanks for playing.
You’re just another bandwagon fan, pulling the plug after twenty-five games.
Bye bye now.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Lew, jealousy will get you nothing but heartburn.
Any fool who thinks the season is over after 25 games played should be lobotimised.
By AMG
April 27, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I would not be surpised if Glavine comes off the DL and Smoltz goes on.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Lew, jealousy will get you nothing but heartburn.
Any fool who thinks the season is over after 25 games played should be lobotomised.
By N8
April 27, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
TJ
“I’d bet N8’s life that John is headed to the DL.”
I’m not sure what that means? Does that mean that you’re REALLY confident that’s gonna happen, or not very confident?
“Biggest problem has been scoring. Forget “1-run games.” We’re 2-9 when we score 3 runs or less…..but 11 times in 25 games is too often.”
VERY good point. Most teams will struggle to win when scoring 3 runs or less. So that doesn’t bother me. But the fact that we’ve scored 3 runs or less in 44 percent of our games this year, is the alarming number.
If it was June, and we were 2-9 when scoring 3 runs or less, I’d be less worried. If that makes any sense.
Again. Good point.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 27, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Johnny Estrada is eight years into his big league career.
Brayan Pena is on his way back to triple A.
That’s the reality of it all.
Want to make your prediction fsubravesfan10 and we will find out who know their baseball.
Put up or shut up.
By Supes
April 27, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
The Braves are finished. Smoltz is hiding some serious injury, and they need him to make his starts if they have any chance to win the division.
They are also gutless without Yunel and Chipper in the lineup.
Lillbridge is completely overmatched, needs to put on some weight and learn how to hit.
Josh Anderson needs to be playing for Kotsay, who is just mediocre at best. At least with Josh you’ve got the speed element.
DOB, ask the Braves why they are playing without heart and guts when Chipper and Yunel are not in the lineup? Do they automatically expect to be defeated without our 2 best hitters in the lineup?
By TJ
April 27, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
N8, don’t worry about the bet. Just try to keep one eye open when you’re sleeping.
Anyway, yeah. I downloaded the game stats for ‘07 (I’m a database geek…what can I say?). In 2007, Braves scored 3 or less in 38 pct of their games, and went 9-53 in those games. That’s 62 games (nice, round number, eh?). And that was in a year when we won just 84 games.
This year, at 44%, we’re on pace to score 3 or less in 72 games.
This offense should be better than that. I’ve never bought into the “offensive consistency” argument - put my faith in Pythagorus - but I’m starting to. Because we’re near the top in scoring overall, and yet … 44% of the time we don’t score enough runs to reasonably expect to win.
I keep waiting for it to balance out. And waiting, and waiting…
I do think (based on history) that Tex, KJ and Diaz will get better as the months go on, and we’re much more likely to score 5,6 or 7 runs than 0, 1 or 2.
By I'M WITH STUPID
April 27, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
yup yup yup dem braves are done.no chance at all. only five more months of useless dumb dumb cox. im smart, cooch is stupid. yup yup yup, burnt toast.
By AMG
April 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Supes - I don’t think the braves are “finished” but I do believe Smoltz’s injury is a lot more serious. He had this injury last year, then does not do much during Spring Training … same problem this year. Something is up and it is not good.
By Beavis & Butthead
April 27, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Beavis. YAYAYAYAYAYASYYYAA braves blow monkey turds.
Butthead. umm, yaaaaa, what he said.
Beavis, smok’em if ya got’em. wheres my stash.
Butthead, weed, cooooool. can we play catch with the hand grenade.
Beavis, my nose itches, im gonna pull bobby cox out of my left nostril.
Butthead, eeeeewwwwww, dude. that is gnarly.
Beavis, heeee heeee heeeee heeeee, yaa, yeaaa, then im gonna give birth to some smelly fart blossoms.
Butthead, I’m gonna go get my bat and beat you to death.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
The Braves are finished. Smoltz is hiding some serious injury, and they need him to make his starts if they have any chance to win the division.
At first i said to myself “I agree with this guy, smoltz is hiding something very serious but he is not willing to say, he is a warrior”
On 2nd thought, Id say Smoltz is not hiding anything. Age, thats all, it comes with aches included, specially for a guy that has been reinventing himself over and over and over. All the “adapting” and “hiding from pain” is catching up with him as it has with Glavine and Pedro.
Good thing JJJ and Bennett are around.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 27, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Wes Helms just homered for the Marlins in the tenth inning to break a 2-2 tie.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Braves had that kind of bat coming off the bench late in the game.
By mets fan in atlanta
April 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
At least now if i make a mets comment, i won’t have that one guy who says “Remember the Braves are 2-0 against the Mets—shake in fear and be prepared to lose the rest of your games all year” haha.
Maybe Delgado gets a little confidence going—he needs it.
By Metropolitan Man
April 27, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Horrible game Friday but 2 out of 3 isn’t bad. Neither team looks imppressive so I’ll take this series with a grain of salt. Can’t really judge the wins accurately when Chumper takes his days off. How do you injure your back while giving an interview? Was it his first one? Not buying that one Chumper, hopefully Smoltz will confront you on that one. Anyway even taking 2 out of 3 still doesn’t do much for me because the METS have been very confusing. They are playing very poorly and are still in the thick of things, heck the Nats are still in it and we know how bad they are. The numbers mean nothing and a 3 game series can put a team in 3rd into 1st just that quick if everything falls right. I guess there is no room for trashtalk right now, just optimsism that when your team wins, its the start of a new winning streak. Nothing more, nothing less. How do you lose to the rookie you had on the ropes, and beat the 2 aces fairly easy, go figure??
By Supes
April 27, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Mets fans, you better worry about the Phillies right now.
Unlike Atlanta, their lineup is hitting extremely well and the Lidge experiment is working (so far).
Braves have to figure out how this starting rotation is going to be, and the pen is so shaky without Soriano and Gonzo. Need those two back if they are to have any shot.
Chipper and Yunel must play 150 games if the Braves have any shot offensively to stay in games.
Can’t have scrubs like Lillebridge and Prado in there for Chipper and Yunel!
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
I dont want to disappoint you guy, but im not really sure how is it that may is gonna get better for the braves. Not to mention we finish april against the nats on the road, a team we have not exactly owned.
Here is the schedule for the coming weeks
Nationals —— 3-3 against them this year.
6 against reds——— 1-5 last year against them.
Pirates———- 1-2 against them in 2008
Phillies ——- playing better than us right now.
4 vs arizona——- no need to say much
milwaukee——- another tough series
4 vs mets——- just won a series, not easy.
SD—— you thought it was hard to score runs? wait till we play them (same for arizona).
Oakland——- playing very good baseball and in AL, dont expect us to run all over them.
April was a like a bed full of roses. So what are we gonna do in may???
Of course if braves play up to their potential, we could go 22 and 8 in may. But then again, when was the last time we played up to our potential for more than a week???, maybe maddux was still around.
And no, thats not all, from MAY 6th until JUNE the 8th, brave only have 1, count them, 1 day off. That includes a DH against the mets right after the only day off (MAY 19th). 34 games in 34 days. Wonder how our oldies and injuried plagued arms and players will hold up against that task.
And yes it gets worse, if you go beyond that date, Braves will be playing 50 games in 51 days. I guess if they can survive ALL that, they will be ready for the playoffs.
By AMG
April 27, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Metro. Man - I agree with your line of thought. It seems both the Mets and Braves are “spinning their wheels” in April. Injuries and old age to some key players. I still think when August comes, both teams will still be around. I don’t think the Phillies have the starting pitching … but I might be wrong. It is a long season.
By Lew
April 27, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Hey-At least we’re not wearing out our starting pitchers.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Right now you have to wonder, if playoffs started next week and Braves were playoff bound (clinched). Do you people would feel optimistic? I mean, What do we have to go against a playoff caliber team. HUDSON and SMOLTZIE, right now have become as reliable as Hampton and Glavine as far as i know, We would be in deep cheet if playoffs were to start in the near future and we were in it.
I can already picture the headline on AJC.COM:
Game 1 NLDS: Hudson collapses and sits after 3 as DBacks pound Braves 12-0.
Next day Headlines: Smolts, Braves lose a nail biter 2-1 to fall 0-2 in NLDS (and 0-65 in one run games this season).
By Epinephrine
April 27, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Smoltz needs to go on the DL. We replace James with Glavine, Smoltz hopefully with Hampton, if not, with Reyes.
So: Hudson, Hampton/Reyes, Glavine, Jurrjens, Bennett
If JoJo continues to light it up:
Hudson, Hampton, Glavine, Jurrjens, Reyes
or something to that effect.
I said before the weekend this was a big series because the Braves need to start showing what they are capable of. However, that was before Chipper and Escobar went down. The simple truth is those two are far too big components of this team to read anything into a performance without them. Braves are playing banged up, and it shows.
By Metropolitan Man
April 27, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
I’m just not seeing good solid extended play from none of the so-called big 3 teams. The philthies are without Rollins and continue the .500 surge all while hitting bombs left and right. The braves are now playing better and seem to have caught up to the METS shabby play. Win some, lose some, win some, lose some. The Marlins know they are holding on to first for dear life, but they are holding. We keep saying the 1st team to get hot will most likely be the division winner but it may not happen this season. We may actually witness a team at around .500 win this thing the way it has started. METS and braves have plenty of injuries and keep on trucking but no team may ever get the team at full strenght this year. This may go down to who young guys peak the most down the stretch with the veterans lending a helping hand. I’m looking forward to some early call ups, anything to get this team playing like they want it. Remember, a three game sweep in the divison can take your from 4th or 3rd to first. Its tight, but it sucks at the same time.
By JEB
April 27, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I am really scratching my head!! How is it we have one of the top offences in the NL and one of the top starting pitching stats in the NL, the bullpen basically doing well, and we are struggling to play .500 baseball. Does not make sence!! This team really looks like they are struggling to find themselves. When Chipper is not in there, or there is a new injury, you would think that they have just suffered a death in the family. Somebody needs to step up! The Phillies suffered through all sorts of injuries last year and won the division! What is the difference???
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Dont tell me 15% of the games is way too early to tell. We are in big trouble indeed if we hit the 20% of the season mark and are at .500 or below and in 4th place.
Dont give me the “its a long season” crap, cause yes, its a long season and the more games are player, the more chances we have to lose chipper, KJ, Soriano, Smoltz, glavine and james. This are key players that are playing injured and might end their season in the blink of an eye.
When are we supposed to start worrying? in july? come on. Thats Cox way of thinking and look here it has driven us? Mediocre baseball.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Gotta tell you, you couldn’t help but feel for Smoltz today, watching him get knocked around, then listening to him afterward. He was concerned, speaking softly, not making any excuses about the cold or anything else.
He knows. I’ve never heard anyone so confident of his own ability, yet also so realistic about his increasing limitations. The man wants it so freakin’ badly, none of us can probably even imagine.
It’s so obvious that there’s nothing he wants worse than one more trip to the postseason, just one more chance to go to the playoffs with a potent Braves team and go out with a bang.
By richie
April 27, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
I was going to suggest that we go after Oswalt hard in the offseason but if Smoltz’s shoulder woes persist, I would suggest that we start the process to go hard after him now. James, Heyward/C.Johnson, Lillibridge and Reyes or Morton would do it.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Supes, do you consider yourself a “fan” of the Braves? Just curious, after reading a couple of your insightful posts.
Oh, and Smoltz isn’t hiding anything. The man said his shoulder is hurting and he’s going to get it checked out. What more do you want?
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Metro man, from one Met fan to another….It’s only April. The season isn’t even a month old. But this we know, the braves aren’t as good as advertised by ESPN.
By AMG
April 27, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Metro. Man - Very good assessment.
By StingerSplash
April 27, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Is any place more aptly named than … Flushing? That place really is a toilet.
By ncgary
April 27, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
How do you lose to the rookie you had on the ropes, and beat the 2 aces fairly easy, go figure?? choreographed outcomes due to amounts of money bet maybe?
By Train Wreck Bystander
April 27, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
I see this team finishing within 5 games of .500, either side. And I am afraid that will not be enough to win the division. Probably not quite enough to win the wild card, either.
Too many things have to go exactly right for the Braves to win the division. There’s just no wiggle room. I would say it is the odds that are against us and not the baseball gods.
By McFann
April 27, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Boy, what a cruddy game. When is that catcher gonna start hitting with RISP, anyway?
What separates the Marlins so far from the, ahem, “Big Three”, has got to be effort. They know they might not be as good as those three, so they’re giving all they’ve got and then some. The other three are having injuries left and right (Smoltz???), and aren’t quite stepping up enough to fill in the holes (and they’re big holes).
So Glavine’s coming back, eh? That’s good. Because if we lose Smoltz (who has lost his last two…), it’d be nice to not have to call someone like—dare I say it?—Ho-Ho Reyes.
By Yars
April 27, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Weekend series against Mets proved that the Braves can’t afford to lose Chipper & Yunel for even a short period this season. With Lillibridge not ready for the show, I was hoping Bobby would have started Gotay, somewhere. Can’t he play 2B, SS, & 3B? Not trying to suggest he would have changed the outcome of the game, but Lillibridge looked lost again today. KJ & Frenchy both need to step it up when the lineup is missing Yunel, & especially Chipper. now playing the great commandment by camouflage.
By McFann
April 27, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
DOB (or anyone else who knows)—
Why did that pick off of Not wRight by Ohman count as a caught stealing for McCann?
By Epinephrine
April 27, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Yars,
Look man, there is simply nothing this team can do if both Chipper and Yunel go down. It’d be nice if they could scrap out some victories here and there missing those two-but to be a playoff team? Ain’t going to happen. I doubt any team could afford to lose 2/3 of its best offensive players. Baseball teams just are not built that way.
Did it help that Smoltz and Huddy played bad? Nope. Didn’t help that our pen has been getting used heavily either. But our team is built to take some punches to the pitching staff. While it wouldn’t be ideal for Smoltz to go on the DL, I truly think the Braves (if otherwise healthy) can easily stomach the temporary loss.
But this team isn’t built to lose 2/3 of its best offensive players. It can’t take that kind of it. And that is reasonable. These injuries are just plain bad luck. Its too soon to make a judgment on this team until they are back.
But during the stretch when everyone one on offense was healthy-LAD, Nats, Marlins, and first game against the Mets-we looked pretty good. If we are that team, we can deal with hits to the pitchers. If we are not, we just aren’t a playoff team. Pretty simple.
By MIBravesFan
April 27, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
DOB:”Gotta tell you, you couldn’t help but feel for Smoltz today, watching him get knocked around, then listening to him afterward. He was concerned, speaking softly, not making any excuses about the cold or anything else.
He knows. I’ve never heard anyone so confident of his own ability, yet also so realistic about his increasing limitations. The man wants it so freakin’ badly, none of us can probably even imagine.
It’s so obvious that there’s nothing he wants worse than one more trip to the postseason, just one more chance to go to the playoffs with a potent Braves team and go out with a bang.”
This is the first time I’ve ever really been afraid he might be close to the end of his pitching career. This is scary.
By McFann
April 27, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
…chipper, KJ, Soriano, Smoltz, glavine and james. This are key players that are playing injured… Overlord
You forgot one. Joe Simpson talked about this (but I remember you can’t watch the games, right? So it’s not your fault):
A couple days ago (April 23), McCann fouled a ball off his right shin, and Joe said it’s got one of the ugliest bruises he’s ever seen (he says that about every bruise though), and that it’s swelled a little.
Now, that was on Friday that he said that, but I gotta tell ya, this day-off came just in time, IMHO. If they were playing tomorrow—I know Corky can’t hit the broad side of a barn, but I’d put him behind the plate! If McCann’s AVG with RISP was better than .111(?!), then you know, I’d say leave him in. But DUDE!! .111?? That’s just SAD right there! So his everyday AVG is .292, but…but…OK…I need to stop before I lose my mind…
By brent a.
April 27, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
We are firmly entrenched in year 3 of mediocrity.
A lot of it is payroll reduction; but, another big part of it has been the inability to keep Chipper Jones on the field, and our starters healthy.
If Chipper had played 150+ games, and Hampton had pitched 30+ times a year the last 3 seaons (and for this discussion I’m including this season, as well), then I think we’d be a lot better.
The year is not over. I keep hearing how long the season is; but, if the first month is any indication, then we are a 78-82 win team, which is just good enough to be interesting, and just bad enough to be frustrating.
By McFann
April 27, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
But this team isn’t built to lose 2/3 of its best offensive players. * Epinephrine*
Who’s the other 1/3?
OK…I need a break…
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 27, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
DOB
Currently enjoying the Bruce Springsteen Video Anthology 1978-2000 and the NYC Concert from 2000 is on tap.
By GentlemanJack
April 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
DOB - What’s your gut feel on Chipper? Back on Tuesday? With the way the schedule falls this week, I wouldn’t mind seeing him miss 2 games and have him back 100% for the weekend. Ideally we wouldn’t need him anyway to beat Redding and Hill.
By Supes
April 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’ve been a fan of the Braves since 1992 when I first moved to the US.
However, I’m objective and I call it like it is…some say that such negativity doesn’t belong here and that N8 and other like-minded should have our own blog? How about passing that idea to your AJC superiors?
I still stand by comments, that the Braves are heartless without Chipper and Yunel in the lineup. They seem to play defeated, much like yesterday.
Chipper give them the confidence, and the records prove they play much better with him in the lineup.
Yunel brings the moxy, and play hard attitude, including flipping the bat and pointing to the stands (in miami), which the Braves need more of.
Fire and passion has lacked seriously on most Braves teams since David Justice got traded.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
McFann the 1/3 is TEX, I suppose you were joking while asking the question.
That stat you gave about McCann is why I have been saying Jeff should be #5 every day. That L/R switching Mc/Jeff, has no sense. Jeff to me is more reliable than Mc. I dont care about any number anyone could bring up after reading this. To me thats clear, I dont have to go look at the number to know that the guy that should protect TEX and that can drive in runners in scoring position if TEX fails, is Jeff.
That does not means MCCann is not a great player, that means that Jeff is the best option for the team.
Same goes for taking KJ out of the leadoff spot. The main reason is that yunel gets on base (which is by far more possible), then even if KJ makes an out, maybe it could be a productive out. While putting KJ as leadoff is limiting his chances to help.
Why? OK he has power, let him come to bat with yunel already on base. He makes contact and can drive the ball to the gap, even if its a fly out, it could be a sac fly.
By Metropolitan Man
April 27, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69:
Its only April might have been consoling if this was 07’. So far all I can remember is the hot start last year that fizzled toward the end because they played with no sense of urgency. All I’m hoping for is an “ok” fisrt half and a monster second half. That is the only thing worthwhile about what is going on with the METS, (philthies, and braves). Anyone of these teams can heat up and run away with it. It’s only April was an excuse that got lost in the collaspe of 07’. Every game is important and should be treated as such. I’m still waiting on what team we have because no METS fan can get a good assessment on what we are dealing with.
By McFann
April 27, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Overlord—
Joking? Hmm…maybe…I don’t remember. We got up really early this morning, and after Church went over to the house of some of our cousins. (They invited us over for their Easter). Anyway, I’m tired.
Don’t think I’ll debate your comment, because as much as I hate to admit it, I guess……I guess……Well, maybe you’re correct. And it’s crushing me to watch—not because Francoeur is better at driving them in, I want all our players to drive them in—but because McCann is not driving them in!! The only thing he’s driving in those situations is me nuts!! (And sense he is tied for the freakin’ lead in ABs with RISP on this team, it’s even more annoying!) To think that half his RBI have come in those spots…Never would have guessed…
So thank heaven for the day-off!! And the less we see of those dang 24 hitless ABs, the happier we will be.
Oy! Night, all! (If you respond, OL, I’ll respond tomorrow.)
By chase
April 27, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Most of you people must suffer from Bi-polar disorder!
Braves win a couple and the are GREAT and going all the way BUT..
The Braves lose a couple and it is the end of the world and the team is “less than mediocre” and “inconsistent”
Had they won today most of you would be lauding how great they were for taking the series and winning 4 outta five BUT since they lost the season might as well be over!
JEEEEZ…They have a lot of DL players and such right now and are still managaing to stay afloat like everyone else…when they get some of those guys back they’ll take off!
What do you expect when your two best hitters are on the pine for two games?
I’LL say this for all you nightly extremist..THE BRAVES WILL BE FINE and they WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS
CALM DOWN
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
How about passing that idea to your AJC superiors?Supes
What do you think the AJC is, exactly, a platform to set up various blogs by non-AJC employees? Show some initiative and set up your own blog if you’d like to have one. Why on earth would we exist to help you or anyone else build a blog?
Get real, Supes. There are literally thousands of non-newspaper blogs out there, covering every imaginable subject. If you’d like to set up one to share your personal experiences and views, then by all means do so. But don’t be so naive and/or apathetic as to think we would or should do it for you.
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Glass Half Full, did you or anyone else go to the Boss’ concert Friday night in Atlanta?
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
The key to the Mets are Delgado and Heilman. If those two get on track the NL East race won’t be one. Delgado may have broken out today but only time will tell.
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Where’s Lew when you need him to bring calm to the blog? He’s always there to tell us how great the braves are and how old and injured the Mets are(even if the Mets have finished ahead of the braves the last couple of years). Where is our secret guardian……
By Metropolitan Man
April 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69:
I’m trying to get my METS fan swagger back, but until the team finds there swagger, I’d just be talking smack like I’ve done for so long. Just like the team feeds off the fans, its vice versa. You cant bump your chest when you know your team is going to win 5 in a row only to win 1 of the next 5 or 6. That right there will drive any fan crazy especailly if they were picked to win the division, or go to the WS. When these MEN start playing like they want it, this fan will let every other fan take notice if they haven’t. Until then, I’m going to call it like I see it and I see a .500 club that has million dollar players.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 27, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
DOB
Oh, yeah! The wife and I were there and the show was incredible. Opened up with “Reason to Believe” even dusted off “Blinded by the Light” and “Bobby Jean” by request. Played for two hours + straight then a five song encore.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 27, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
He didn’t play “Backstreets” but I’ll live.
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Metro-man, have faith. These players are people with the same ups and downs as anyone else. Like I said, in 2006 Heilman and Delgado were dominent. Last year they were’nt. They are the keys….
By Dylan
April 27, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
You could tell in the middle of 2nd that Smoltz was hurting. The look on his face and walking around moving arm etc. Why didn’t Bobby pull him then?Man what luck…half the team on DL or should be. I don’t believe Soriano will be back. He stays hurt and Braves knew that before giv’m that 2year deal. What ever still love the braves.
By Overlord
April 27, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
The key to the Mets are Delgado and Heilman.
If the key to braves season was on the shoulders of players like Delgado and Heilman, I would be very worried.
DOB, take it easy, remember there is tons of frustration around (me included). No fighting between braves fans, we are a family. And you are the head in here. Cheers.
Supes Dont lose your cool, and as DOB said, get real. Its not easy to get around on a blog, dont make it harder on you. I know youll understand. Easy. Learn to value the blog and youll have a good time. Dont get me wrong, Im not against or in favor of you, just trying to make things easier for you. Cool it. Let it go.
By Steve-O
April 27, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
**By Philliesuk
April 27, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
i love reading what ‘albanian braves fan’ writes. i don’t even understand any of it, but there’s nothing wrong about offering a biscuit to brayan pena.**
Simply hesterical.
I have been infuriated all day. Nelson Figueroa is a chump and watching him win was sickening. EVERYONE stop bashing Chipper when he has played 21/23…He’ll be back Tuesday so shut up…. Esco will be back too….Campillo is this years Moylan, it is not luck the way he is pitching, dude has nasty stuff, period. I am worried about Soriano. Gonzo will be back soon. Glavine will be back Tuesday and WILL NOT get hurt again this year. We need to rest John every 2-3 starts. Or skip him against chump teams and make him pitch the tough games… JJ will be our savior this year winning 17+ games…Our offense will be fine. Tex is just now coming around and was robbed today. We have not caught a break ALL year yet… We have 140 games left so everyone chill..You all deppress me with your negativity….John needs to rest a little and all will be cool. Glavine will be consistent..JJ will be consistent…Huddy is not a machine but once the weather heats up we will be good, and the weather is just now getting to that stage…Smoltz needs to skip a start or two and he will be fine. The weather needs to heat up for him and we need to let him rest a start here or there, healthy or not, same with Chip. Bottom line we got the rotation and offense to rip off a ton of games this month and I believe it will happen. The bullpen can only get better at this point with Gonzo and Soriano coming back. Looking past this year though we need Oswalt and to sign Tex for whatever it will take…. Everyone keep your head up we have played as bad as we will all year and we are still a series win from being in first….Sleep well…And lets all pray Smoltz just over did himself the last 3 weeks and just needs a start or two off….and Hampton, when he comes back I will take ANYTHING from him….10-15 starts and some bullpen action would thrill me…We will be fine, Smoltz and Huddy are not machines…They will have an off day here and there but at the end of the season Nelson Figueroa wont be 18-5 and Ryan Church will not be batting .340 and Tex won’t be batting .260 …..Tables will turn all, tables will turn….Let’s get that summer heat pumpin in!!!!
PS - I think we should bring up Chuckie J and maybe let Smoltz hit the DL for precautionary reasons and take it easy with him so he can dominate the post season….Remember Chuckie won 22 games the last 2 years…We need him as our #5 and like I said JJ will be our savior this year and our #1/#2 for the future kids amazing….We just need Oswalt with him….And sign Tex with Hamptons loot off the books …..
By Metropolitan Man
April 27, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69:
Its not lack of faith that has me like this, its lack of production. The numbers dont lie so I’m not setting myself up for anything until I see all players play with the passion of D. Wright. Even though he was scuflling lately, you can see he doesnt take kindly to losing or not playing bis best. I’m ready to go hoarse for these guys like I have done over and over at the games year after year. I just want better results because latley I’ve been going hoarse because of booing and not cheering. One thing is certain though, win or lose the METS are my team and that will NEVER change. I’m losing my “Homer” status and turning into the man that calls it like he sees it.
By Steve-O
April 27, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Metro Man it’s nice to have a normal Met fan on here…You are welcome to post your input…It makes sense and is not annoying…
In regards to the Mets…I forgot to mention Angel Pagan will not bat .330 this year with 80 RBI’s and DOB reporting Alou has a hairline fracture don’t sound too good for you guys and one more time Church aint winning a Gold Glove and batting .335 with 90+RBI’s either like he’s on track too….and The Major thing hate to discourage you Met fans but Delgado is WASHED up…He didn’t break out of ANYTHING today ….Wow he hit a 88MPH fastball off a worn out pitcher on a damp dreary day over the fence to make him 5 for his last 46 and then another homer off a chump reliever who served one 90 MPH right over the plate….Don’t get too excited …Dude is washed up….
By Bo
April 27, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Go get Oswalt. We need him now! Make it happen Wren.
By Anita Blogge
April 27, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien,
Can I call you Dave? I’m so excited. I understand your superiors at AJC will now fund startup blogs. So cool.
Consider this my application for a blog of my very own. All I require is a nice salary, say high 6 figures, plenty of IT support, a computer, a writer or two, a researcher (for those pesky stats), an internet account for finding song lyrics and a little expense account. $200 a day would cover it. Oh, almost forgot, free meals too. Oh, and a car. A cute little soft top mercedes coupe.
Thank you in advance.
Anita
By Metropolitan Man
April 27, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Steve-O:
Some thngs just bring you down to earth and watching the METS since Sept. 07’ is one of them.
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Overlord, the braves aren’t even .500 so SHUT UP!!
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Steve-o, Last year Wright didn’t hit a homerun at all in April. I think he turned out OK. I’m not ready to say Delgado is washed up. He’s only 35 not 45. In 06 and 07 the Mets dealt with adversity. They couldn’t close the deal last year but for most of the time they were in first place. They will fill in the holes and overcome in 2008.
By Steve-O
April 27, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
MetMan that was a violent collapse I do have to say I just love baseball and those Philly games with you guys were the best baseball I have seen in years…The only thing I HATE about your Mets is Reyes, his tongue wagging, immature celebrating and showing up other teams with his cockiness. Dude goes wild like he hit a Grand Slam to win the world series when he gets you guys up 2-0 in like the 3rd inning…Otherwise I respect your team and the way they carry themselves. I was just looking at upcoming schedules for Philly Mets and Braves…I do have to say you guys have it the toughest with Yanks Angels and Seattle interleague Phils got it rough too.. We have the schedule benefit of all 3 but we need to rest Smoltzie NOW or he’ll be the next Pedro…Again glad to have a sensible Mets fan here…I just graduated from St. John’s in Queens last May and it is so hard to hold conversations with an average Met fan….But your pleasent to deal with…This year will be fun and I think it will come down to the wire and as a general baseball fan I can’t wait to see the sory unravel…..Goodnight champ..
By i cant take it anymore
April 27, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
mets fans celebrating their 2 out of 3 series win on the braves blog? their own fans fighting each other in the stands? i am so confused
By Lew
April 27, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Snipper-Dude, you don’t need me to tell you how much the Mets suck-MetroDude is doing fine all on his own.
He may be right, too-it will all go to whichever of the three-Atlanta, The Mutts or Philadelphia-can keep the most healthy players in the lineup for the most time this season. You ain’t doing any better than we are in the injury department and no one is running away with it to this point.
I hear Moises may have a stress fracture in addition to the rest of his ills. He can keep our pitching staff, Pedro, El Duque and Rollins company some more on the DL. He’ll sure as hell have plenty of company the way things are going in the NL East.
By SNIPER-69
April 27, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Before I go to sleep I have to say Glavine and Smoltz are old. Just look at them. Latley they’ve been complaining of aches and pains like old people do….face the truth. Without El Duque the Mets aren’t counting on any 40+ players to take them to the promise land….the braves are.
By Steve-O
April 27, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
David Wright is the 2nd best 3rd baseman in basbeall Snipe…He might have lacked power early last year but everyone and their dead ancestors knew dude was going to come around last year, he’s the next Chipper…Delgado just looks lost man, I watch every Met and Philly game as I am a die-hard Braves fan praying the other two teams lose every game….Delgado is not showing me anything and it started last year dude…His numbers have been decreasing hard since ‘06….But don’t worry if our GM decides to be an idiot you’ll have our Golden Glove switch hitter dominant Tex next year, who himself hasn’t done 50% of what he is capable of yet this year….So like I said OUR keys are to get Tex signed and Oswalt or Holliday to take Smoltzies place….Anyway like I said this will be a fun year…Looking forward to see how the story ends…
By BA
April 27, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
When Delgado comes up to bat, his spanish-language gang music is so charming. What would it take to get Oswalt? We traded a lot of people for Texeira; I hope they don’t destroy our farm system Omar Minaya-style. Then you end up trading for scrub Ryan Church type players. Too bad about Alou, though. Apparently urine bathing is NOT benificial to bone strength. Maybe they should bring David Cone in, you know, a Mutts team meeting. He could get in there and jerk some people around…What is it about New York that basically reverts people back to throwing their own poop at each other in a baseball stadium?
By supes pushy brother
April 27, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, lets get this AJC build-a-blog cracking. I’m itching to start up my Phil Stockman blog since “somebody” won’t give up the insider scoop on Phil.
By Steve-O
April 27, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Lou Vales….
Had to post this…
You. Are. An. Idiot.
Yeh lets just shut down Smoltz because he had one bad start..He is so pathetic…The dude just needs some rest and for the weather to heat up…Check his stats the last few years when you and the rest of the world wrote him off…. Smoltzie is baseballs Jim Brown….He limps around, gives discouraging interviews, when you watch him on the field between pitches he looks like his arm will fall off any second then he DOMINATES 80% of the time….Just like Jim Brown did, Brown would get crushed on a carry, get up 30 seconds later and look like his career was over then rush for 200 more yards that same day….Don’t EVER count out the Bearded Wonder until HE counts himself out champ….He will continue to prove you naysayers wrong…As much as you Met fans want him to be he is no PEDRO, he is not a woman with no heart who just collects checks, he fights and puts his a* on the line everyday….So until HE declares he is done stop wishing something that aint happening….
By David O'Brien
April 27, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Glass Half Full, that’s good to hear. Always a great show from Bruce. Always.
Did he dedicate anything to Danny Federici?
By BA
April 28, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
Remember when Clemens decided to just skip the first two thirds of the year so he could be at home to help feed his wife a steady diet of ‘roids? It’s too bad Smoltz has too much guts to pull that trick. I’ve seen Smoltz the whole way, from tying his shoes compulsively to winning the Cy Young to hearing his arm fall off in Florida that dreadful year. This guy is the epitome of class and determination. Shut it down, if you have to, Smoltzie. Just pull the old Pedro, and come back when it gets really hot. Wren, we need a move for a big time starter. No excuses. No more waiting on Mike Hampton’s strained left teot.
By OurWhiningHero
April 28, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
I see that our big-mouth whiner Smoltz is now making excuses for himself again, whining to the press as always.”Oh I had a bad start so I might have something seriously wrong. What an excuse maker. Always has been, way back to before the shrink when he used to blow late inning close games on a regular basis.
Calls out a 12 year teammate over a strained oblique and since then has missed a bumch of starts himself. I think Chipper should have and still ought to kick his sorry passive-aggressive azz.
By The Voice of Reason
April 28, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Smoltz, Glavine, Soriano, Moylan, Hampton and James……..have all spent time or are on the D.L.
Hudson is pitching like he belongs there too.
The Braves began the season with eight starters. At one time or another, five of them have been ineffective or injured.
Jair Jurrjens, the rookie of the bunch has been the one bright spot along with Jeff Bennett who has spot started.
Did I mention that Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar, Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann are all walking wounded?
If any casual fan is wondering why the Braves are 12-13, look no further than the litany of injuries that have torpedoed this team so far.
The fact that the Braves are just one game under .500 is almost a miracle. If this team ever gets healthy……knock on wood. They will compete.
By nolie
April 28, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
With the strange amount of injuries that this team has endured, and appears that they’ll have to go through this year as well, I’m beginning to believe that the Braves are cursed.
For YEARS we didn’t have injuries to deal with. Now we can’t get away from them. What goes around comes around, huh?N8
yes I posted same on end of last blog. Lovely Lady Luck has become La Belle Dame Sans Merci.
By P-Town Brave
April 28, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Enough is enough!
Can we please just clean house on the entire coaching staff and start over new…
Its evident Bobby just can not do the managerial things to get the job done anymore…
Also, the rest…they just plain blow!
Get rid of em’ all!
By nolie
April 28, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
to say that Pena, is essentially worthless when it comes to trade value, in my mind is one of the most rediculous comments made on the blog today.FSU
we’ll see what he brings. If they trade only him it won’t be that much. The guy is not a decent catcher nor can he play anywhere else worth a damm, which is why he has yet to play an inning in the field, and his BA is a weak one too. He’s not worthless, but he won’t bring a whole lot either. maybe we can get a package deal done
By Zeppo
April 28, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
I’m so glad to see there’s another blogger who sees Smoltz for what he is: a whiny, self-serving ego-maniac.
In the last several years, there has always been an excuse for his rare bad outings.
In the last few years it has been the “one bad pitch” or “I can’t believe he hit that pitch” routine. Now it is the shoulder and those dramatic walks behind the mound when things aren’t going right…oh the pain.
Yet he has somehow convinced hero-hungry fans and media that he is a “warrior.”
By nolie
April 28, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
When infante returns, Corky’s gotta go. Pena will then be less of pet.BobbysCox
when Infante comes back Pena will be traded ASAP, then Corky will be back if he ever leaves at all.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 28, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
The Yankees Jorge Posada is headed to the D.L.
If ever there were an opportunity to trade Brayan Pena, this is it.
If Pena has any value at all, the Braves should be able to trade him to the Yankees.
If the Braves cannot trade Pena under such favorable circumstances, it will say much more than words can convey as to the real worth of Brayan Pena.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 28, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this
Guess what team ranks first in the National League in offense. (.284 BA)
Guess what team ranks second in the National League in team ERA.(3.63)
The same one with 11 quality starts, 10 more good starts and just 4 to the bad.
It has outscored the opposition 124 to 98. While outhitting them .284 to .233
This N.L. team has a record of 12 wins and 13 losses.
It is playoff caliber.
It has also been beset by the injury bug, which has completely hobbled it’s ability to win as a team.
Word to the wise, be patient. It will get better.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 28, 2008 5:34 AM | Link to this
The Richmond Braves play at Durham Monday at 7:05. Charlie Morton is slated to pitch for Richmond against Scott Kazmir. Now any of you Braves fans live in that area, tonight would be a great opportunity to see a couple of great young pitchers.
I know I would pay to see that match up…
By nolie
April 28, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
Guess what team ranks first in the National League in offense. (.284 BA)
Guess what team ranks second in the National League in team ERA.(3.63)
The same one with 11 quality starts, 10 more good starts and just 4 to the bad.
It has outscored the opposition 124 to 98. While outhitting them .284 to .233
This N.L. team has a record of 12 wins and 13 losses.Coach
It’s when, not how many
By ncscoots
April 28, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this
It’s beginning to appear that Hampton’s contributions this year will have to be more than “icing on the cake”. Unless Smoltz’s shoulder miraculously heals and Glavine wakes up tomorrow 32 instead of 42, Hampton is the best bet to add quality to the rotation in their stead. A three-headed monster, if you will, for two spots in the rotation.
Maybe the three of them combine for 450-500 innings. Makes the rotation overall less formidable, certainly, but a Hampton contribution would absolutely lessen the impact of Smoltz and Glavine missing some starts.
That’s certainly more realistic than Oswalt trade scenarios.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
P-Town Brave, read the numbers in Coach’s 6:24 post. I’ll wait a few seconds for you do so…
OK, not exactly a get-rid-of-‘em-all scenario, is it?
Wait, I should re-phrase that. Not exactly a get-rid-of-‘em-all scenario in the real word.
I’m talking about the world where many, many millions of dollars and man hours have been, and are being, spent trying to formulate a roster, then juggling that roster in the face of an ever-increasing number of injuries.
The real world, where that team has played 25 games in a 162-game schedule and sits 1-1/2 games behind the only two other teams that are serious contenders for the NL East title, NY and Philly.
By the way, just for kicks, when compared to a few AL preseason contenders, the Braves (12-13) have the same record as Cleveland, a better record than Detroit (11-15) or Toronto (11-15), and a half-game behind the Yankees (13-13). We add that strictly for the sake of perspective.
By MathMan
April 28, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
the Braves (12-13) have the same record as Cleveland, a better record than Detroit (11-15) or Toronto (11-15), and a half-game behind the Yankees (12-13).DOB
How can they be half a game behind the Skanks if they are both 12-13?
By Jeff R
April 28, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Management couldn’t have really anticipated injuries to Soriano and Escobar.
The nagging pains of, or injuries to, Smoltz, Jones and Glavine should have been considered as real possibilites going into the season. Glavine and Smoltz are 40-plus, meaning they’re more prone to pains or injuries. Jones has an unfortunate track record of injuries and he’s not getting any younger.
Got to be developing a younger crop of pitchers. Got to be thinking past Chipper. Yes, he’s a super talent, but let’s see how many games he plays this season. If it’s a 140, I’ll eat my words.
By Glass Half Full
April 28, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
DOB
He dedicated “Blinded by the Light” to Danny after giving a brief history of the early days of the E Street Band. The show started with a video montage of Danny while “Blood Brothers” played.
By Arkie Fan
April 28, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I wrote this same thing in spring training. THE BRAVES ARE OLD. Do not expect old pitchers to hold up. Look at what the Merlins have done with young players. I have been and am, a long time Brave fan. Baseball is a business. Our old pitchers have been great. HAVE BEEN. Wren, if we do not have minor league pitching talent, get them. Smoltz is pitching on guts. He needs to rest his shoulder - several weeks. JJ is a thrower learning how to pitch. A potential great talent. James is a number 5 pitcher. (now - hopefully he can mature to a 4)Is this the best we have? With out better pitching, its going to be a ? season.
By Random
April 28, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
A question for you DOB, or for any other denizen:
Line-up for Friday’s first game against the Mets’ RHP Pelfrey had LH McCann 5th and RH Francoeur 6th, as per usual.
But then Cox put RH Diaz 7th and LH Blanco 8th — a total reversal of his previous practice with Diaz and LH Kotsay.
Wouldn’t seem to matter much, except that Diaz grounded out with the bases loaded to end the first inning, and Blanco led off the second inning with a solid single. If Blanco had batted before Diaz in the first, the Braves would probably have scored two additional runs in that inning.
May still not matter, since the Braves won the game, but do you have any insight as to why Cox went against his own established practices to bat Diaz in front of Blanco facing a RHP? Especially since Blanco was on fire and Diaz — not so much (esp against RHP).
By redgoat
April 28, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
JJ is a thrower learning how to pitch. A potential great talent.
A completely ignorant statement
By Jeff R
April 28, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Amen, Arkie Fan.
Look, I’ve written this before, but it bears repeating: the Yanks, Bosox, Tigers and Angels, especially, have copied the Braves 90s playbook. They’re all taking the time to develop outstanding pitching talent.
Seems to have been a change on the thinking at Braves Central in the last 5-7 years. They’ve bought into a bit of the “Let’s win it now” mentality that dominates pro sports these days. I’d rather they develop the talent that allows the team to compete year in and year out.
By BT
April 28, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Just heard Smoltz on the zone. Sounds like he would not be surprised if he is finished. Says he will definitely miss at least his next start. We better hope Hampton can bring something!
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Jeff R, if it was easy to develop a crop of young pitchers, every team would do it.
Also, I think Prado is a solid replacement for Chipper when he’s out. I assume they don’t want to use too much of their resources on a backup third baseman when they have a Hall of Famer and a solid, cheap backup (in Prado).
By redgoat
April 28, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
They’ve bought into a bit of the “Let’s win it now” mentality that dominates pro sports these days.
Not true at all. The owners have financially handcuffed management. The result is a marginally competitive, marginally profitable product. The win it now philosophy has not been present at all and that’s the problem. It’s not quite rebuilding. It’s not quite World Series or broke. It’s not quite anything but a mediocre marginally competitive, marginally profitable baseball team. The problem will persist until fans wake up to the reality of it.
By DumbOldBillyGoat
April 28, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
The problem will persist until fans wake up to the reality of it.RedGoat
and just what the H are the fans gonna do about it goat, even if they do “wake up”? What an asinine statement.
By brent a.
April 28, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
BT:
Your post requires some elaboration.
Thanks,
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Jeff R, how about McCann, Francoeur, Escobar, trading Renteria for Jurjens? I wouldn’t say that’s a win-now mentality.
Jeff R and redgoat, when have the Braves not been competitive? Last season they finished 5 games out in the NL East. In 2006 they were within shouting distance of the Wild Card spot and only three games worse than the World Champs. It’s been only a couple of seasons and a month since they were in the playoffs. Try telling Pirates, Reds, Nationals, Royals, Rays, Rangers, Blue Jays and Mariners die hard fans that the Braves are only a “marginally competitive” franchise.
By CC Rider
April 28, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
A Sobering Thought: I, like many on this blog have been Braves fans since they moved here. I was born and raised in Atlanta and have suffered through, it seems like a thousand seasons of bad teams (Falcons,Hawks, Flames, Thrashers and Braves). My children and I have been Braves fans first and foremost. The last 17 years have been filled with memories to last a lifetime. Unfortunatley, today I see the near future too clearly! We all on this blog will have to face the facts that next season the Braves will have to take a step back and rebuild and hope that it can be accomplished as quickly as possible. The Braves will almost surely be without Glavine, Hampton, Texeira, Smoltz. There are also questions about how long and how effective Hudson and Chipper can continue to be with the unexplainable lost of velocity and control of Hudson in 2 of his last 3 starts and Chipper’s body constantly breaking down in a varity of ways. Reality has reared it’s ugly head and for the first time since 1991 the Braves will probably not be competing for the playoffs. The free agent market is poor both for starting pitching and postion players where we need them. 1st base, centerfield, leftfield and 2nd base all are average at best. Mccann and Francoeur have both proven to be very good players, but not the 3, 4 hitters that we will need. J. Jurrjens, James, Bennett, Jo Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton could be our starting rotation next season, If Hudson turns out to have serious undetected issues. The bullpen has perfomed well, but Soriano and Moylan could be big question marks. All in all, the sobering thought is a rebuilding must start and our best pitching prospects are at least 2 years away. Most of our positon players are 2 years away. Heyward, Hanson, Rohrborough, G. Hernandez, Schafer, etc. will be fine players in time but none but perhaps Schafer will be ready to contribute next season. I am NOT writing off this season at all! I think with our pitching depth and a little good health we can still make the playoffs and go deep in them, but the future is at hand and Frank Wren has his work cut out for him to find more steals like JJ and Gorky for Edgar. I hope he has success!
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
DumbOldBillyGoat, good point. Even if there was something wrong with the management of the Braves (which I don’t think there is, at least relative to about 80 percent of other baseball franchises), what could the fans do about it?
You see what Red Sox fans, maybe the most rabid fans in baseball, did for their team for 86 years. I suppose they were just asleep for 86 years while management didn’t care. I suppose Pirate fans have been asleep for the past 16 years. If only they would wake up, all would be right with Pittsburgh.
By BT
April 28, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
brent a,
To elaborate on what Smoltz said:
Not able to contribute right now, he has been going on smoke and mirrors, quality of life is the most important thing, had nothing after the first yesterday, arm/shoulder has not been getting better. Going for evaluation today but did not sound like he expected good news. Paraphrasing of course, but he said nothing that was optimistic, said he was not helping the team at all.
By redgoat
April 28, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Jeff R and redgoat, when have the Braves not been competitive? Last season they finished 5 games out in the NL East. In 2006 they were within shouting distance of the Wild Card spot and only three games worse than the World Champs. It’s been only a couple of seasons and a month since they were in the playoffs. Try telling Pirates, Reds, Nationals, Royals, Rays, Rangers, Blue Jays and Mariners die hard fans that the Braves are only a “marginally competitive” franchise.
if you think this team has truly been trying to win the world series since they traded justice and grissom for financial reasons, you are one gullible sucker
By Gary
April 28, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I agree BT. I heard the same conversation with Smoltz and it sounded to me like something was wrong, bad wrong. He even admitted that he can’t hide it anymore and he sounded more than frustrated to me. I can’t believe I am saying this, but it sounded so much like Smoltz is done. I really really hope I am wrong.
For the rest of you chin up. We are 12-13 which is not that bad and could be a lot worse. Its only April and so far the Braves haven’t lost the division. Chipper will be back and Yunel too. Though I do wonder how long the Braves will go without an extra bat in the lineup. The bullpen will be fine, we just need the starters to get healthy and go 6-7 innings night in and night out. Also don’t be too concerned about Hudson. His velocity was there on Saturday, but his location was off. Even John Maine admitted that the humidity was non existent during the game and he couldn’t get a good grip on his pitches. If you can’t grip the ball well, then you are not going to locate the pitches right and that is what happened to Hudson. Bobby took him out early to keep the team in it. He pretty much said so himself after the game.
By brent a.
April 28, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
BT, Thank you.
Sad news. Makes me that much happier that I went to his start against Washington last week and saw strikeout #3000.
You never know what the future holds.
We’ve all gotten so used to watching Smoltz gut it out through the regular season, and then hope that he still has something left for the play-offs; but now, it sounds like Smoltz never really got fully healthy this winter and it’s carrying over to the season.
No need to write his career obituary yet; but, regardless of what happens, John Smoltz is a legend, so let’s hope that he gets one last opportunity to show us all what he’s made of.
By OurWhiningHero
April 28, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Paraphrasing of course, but he said nothing that was optimistic, said he was not helping the team at all.BT
He’s a crybaby. always has been. talks big to the media when things are going ok, whines to them when they aren’t. Shoulda kept up with those shrink sessions. Good pitcher, but a prima donna.
By Big Easy
April 28, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
DOB
Ever hit The Jackson Hole while in NYC? Probably the best burgers I’ve ever had. There are several up there. If you are heading from LaGuardia to Manhattan, you go right by one. It is on Astoria Blvd, I believe (there are also a couple in Manhattan, as well). The one on Astoria is across the Grand Central from the huge cemetery. Great little dive of a diner.
~E~
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Just to put things in perspective here: There are only 13 teams in baseball that have a winning percentage better than .510 since Opening Day of 2006. Braves are at .501.
I wouldn’t say the Braves franchise is down in the dumps as some of you seem to think. Sure it’s fallen back from it’s days of dominance, 1991-2005. But how many teams can sustain that level for three or four consecutive years, much less 14. Yankees, Red Sox maybe. That’s about it.
I’m sure the franchise loves the high expectations (it beats the alternative). But it’s unfair to think any franchise is going to win 88-95 games every single season. But I see no reason we shouldn’t expect that every few seasons and being at least at or around .500 the rest.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
if you think this team has truly been trying to win the world series since they traded justice and grissom for financial reasons, you are one gullible sucker
It’s not like they got a great leadoff hitter and a solid reliever in return and had a young stud outfielder to insert into the lineup. Yes, that move was purely financial.
Also, it’s not like they’ve kept their two Hall of Fame caliber players when trading them could have re-stocked and re-loaded their farm system and/or given them young, star major league talent.
This team has rolled over and played dead since 1996…yeah, right.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
redgoat, not to mention that year they signed Maddux to a record one-year deal to keep him and avoid arbitration.
Yes, management has done all they can to avoid the World Series since 1996, haven’t that?
Nevermind the fact that they actually reached the playoffs every season from 1996-2005 and actually reach a couple of World Series since then. I guess they weren’t trying to win the World Series in 1996 or 1999, they were just trying to get there. Nevermind that they destroyed the Yankees the first two games in ‘96. I guess management came in after game two and said, “You have to take it easy. We can’t win the Series, for God’s sake!” That explains it.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Also, there are no financial advantages to winning the World Series, are there? Management has had absolutely no incentive to win the Series since 1996.
That’s ridiculous. Again, go ask Pirates or Rangers or Rays management if they would trade places with the Braves.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Also, there are no financial advantages to winning the World Series, are there? Management has had absolutely no incentive to win the Series since 1996.
That’s ridiculous. Again, go ask Pirates or Rangers or Rays management if they would trade places with the Braves. Go ask how many owners would love to have Schuerholz and his staff right now if they could.
By Tom in NYC
April 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Big Easy,
I actually have a Jackson Hole a couple of blocks down from me, I live on the Upper East Side and I think there is one around 83rd Street or so over here. I agree, great burgers.
By SNIPER-69
April 28, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Lew, It look like it’s your braves that are dealing with adversity due to age and injury. Lets see how they brave handle it. Yes, the Mets have had those same issues but have handled it well enough to win the division on 2006 and come within one game from doing it again in 2007. Lets see how deep the braves realy are.
By brent a.
April 28, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Speaking of Greg Maddux:
neyer: not the smartest man in the room
By DAP
April 28, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
C C Rider i think youre right that the braves will have to do alot this offseason to improve the team, but i dont expect a rebuilding process at all, and i do expect this team to continue to contend.
we have a great young core that isnt going anywhere. frenchy, mccann, yunel, kelly, jurjens. i think the oldest of these guys is yunel who is 25…? maybe kelly, im not sure. but this is a good core. there is lots of money coming off the books to fill in holes and get some big-time players to help us out. we will have the money to sign guys, and we have the players+money to trade for big time players as well.
this team will be contending for the forseeable future.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
I’m amazed that anyone would be concerning themselves with what needs to be done next offseason to improve the team. I mean, seriously. We’re TWENTY-FIVE GAMES into the 162-game season, folks. Not one-sixth of the season has been played….
Meanwhile, I’m rolling through Jersey right now on Amtrak, on a dreary day in the Northeast, with drizzle and total cloud cover as the towns tick by … Secaucus … Newark …
OK, gotta get going on scoutbox and story. I’ll try to put up a new blog later, if it looks like there’s enough interest today to make it worthwhile.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
brent a. i love at the end of the article when the writer claims that casilla and lopez were two guys that cant hit…castilla had a pretty good deason at the plate, and javy…well…you know.
By Overlord
April 28, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Lew, It look like it’s your braves that are dealing with adversity due to age and injury. Lets see how they brave handle it. Yes, the Mets have had those same issues but have handled it well enough to win the division on 2006 and come within one game from doing it again in 2007. Lets see how deep the braves realy are.
Mets are not (never have) dealing with injuries and age, they are dealing with being the mets, that enough incompetence to deal with.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Big Easy, you’re right about Jackson Hole — great burgers. Ate at the one out by LaGuardia/Shea last year.
Not as good a burger as Blue 9 in the Village, though. You should definitely try that place, if you haven’t already….
Oh, and to the person who said Smoltz was “whining” … you couldn’t possibly be more wrong. You must be young and impervious, still? That or you’ve never been really good at something and felt it slipping away.
Because if you saw the interview with Smoltz, or if you were there for all 10 excruciating minutes of it, you know that was a middle-aged man coming to grips with reality and the chance that his career could be nearing its end — a bit quicker than he had very recently hoped.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 28, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Concerning Jeff Francoeur, the young man has turned the corner and really amped up his game.
From March 30th to April 15th he hit .264 with 8 singles, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR’s and 12 RBI. Scored 9 runs with 2 walks and 6 strike outs.
Since April 16th to today, he has hit .326 with 8 singles, 8 doubles, scored 6 runs and driven in 7 RBI with 3 walks and 3 strike outs.
Francoeur has stopped hacking at the first pitch so much and is working the count, getting his pitch and driving the ball while using the whole field.
Frankly, he has turned into a damn good contact hitter and I hope he keeps it up.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
brent a.,
Where were you when this trade happened? Were you praising Schuerholz for it? If not, I don’t think you have room to talk.
Obviously Schuerholz knew what he was doing but I suppose you could very reasonably argue that the Braves could have received more for Millwood.
I think Neyer’s assessment is reasonable and frankly what a lot of us thought, I’m guessing:
Estrada is 26, he spent most of last season in the International League, and there are a dozen guys just as good, kicking around in Triple-A and waiting for a major-league catcher to get hurt.
That’s not to say Estrada won’t end up with a nice little career; he might. But considering how many teams are anxious to trade for one year of Bartolo Colon — who’s going to make nearly as much money in 2003 as Kevin Millwood — does it really make sense that Schuerholz couldn’t get more than Estrada for one of the better pitchers in the game? No, it doesn’t. Which indicates some pretty crummy planning in Atlanta.
It’s not that Neyer thought that it was a bad trade but he assumed that there was probably a better one out there. And who’s to say he was incorrect. I would think Schuerholz knew something Neyer didn’t but who knows? Maybe Schuerholz could have received more. I think Neyer was being reasonable.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
Glad you pointed that out about Francoeur, Coach. I was crunching numbers this morning and was going to write in a new blog how Francoeur was 11-for-33 with six doubles and five RBI in his past eight games, and his strikeout Sunday was his first in that span.
Eight games, one strikeout for Francoeur.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
By the way, Chipper is 5-for-6 with a homer and five RBI against tomorrow’s Nats starter, Tim Redding…
By Overlord
April 28, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Yunel
KJ
Chipper
TEX
Jeff
Brian
Diaz/Kotsay
Blanco
Hudson, Smoltz, JJJ, Glavine, Hampton
Gonzo, Campillo, Bennett, Boyer, Ohman, Soriano, James.
1.Diaz/Kotsay
Infante
Prado
Peña
Gotay
This Should be the 25 man roster for at least 2/3 of the season.
Issues:
As I said before, Blanco should be given more playing time. Defensively, he is an upgrade from diaz and equal to Kotsay. Offensively he brings up speed and has a very good OBP (.475), it 33 AB, but if he was not for good, he wouldnt be able to put that number not even for 10 ABs, so let that guy start against righties in left and against lefties, in CF, that way Kotsay rests his neck and back (it was stiff and will be bothering all year). Kotsay is no better than Blanco offensively, has more power but thats all.
James needs to stay in the bullpen, that guy has nothing to prove or do in the minors, he goes down there, he is on vacation, ZERO progress whatsoever, he does not belong to the SR, so put him in the bullpen all year an let him adjust to major league hitting there.
Miller a must go.
I think if soriano comes back and moylan comes back, they will be flipfloping DL and therefore their place in the rotation with james, so it will be 2 spots for 3 good pitchers.
As i said yesterday, KJ is making way too many outs as a leadoff hitter, put him #2, that way if yunel gets on base and KJ makes an out, it at least could be productive (or could be a DP) or he could hit a HR with yunel on base and not with the bases empty.
If Blanco stays hot, I would let him lead off and put KJ in the 7th slot. At least til KJ proves hotter than blanco (on the OBP stat, we dont want power a top the lineup, we want base runners).
Giving Blanco more playing time automatically give us something we are screaming for, a good veteran off the bench as PH (Kotsay of Diaz)
By Wayne in Utah
April 28, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Tough few days for the Braves. In a long season, a team will go through a lot of bumps and obstacles. Let’s hope Smoltz is able to patch together a successful season.
Who could imagine losing the players we have lost so far this season. As things go, 12-13 is probably not bad for what this team has gone through. There are some bright spots too.
I think Chuck James will end up with a decent season, and Jurrjens has been a real pleasant surprise. We have a few pitchers who would ideally be in Richmond, or released if our injuries weren’t so severe.
Let’s hope that our early season misfortunes lull the Mets and Phils into a sense of false security, and when (if) our team gets healthy, we can come on like gangbusters!
By flange1
April 28, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
On The Neyer remarks about the Estrada /Millwood trade:
Guys, I remember this one very clearly. The Braves WERE NOT EXPECTING Maddox to accept arbitration. When he did, JS had to purge salary and the Millwood contract was the one that had to go.
I remember an AJC article and also I think a quote from JS’s book that said basically, JS called every team in baseball and the only team that offered anyone for Millwood was the Phillies.
WIthout the pressure of HAVING to make the trade, JS might have been able to get more for Millwood,
I guess you can blame the Braves for poor planning, but Boras and Maddox took arbitration that everyone thought they would reject.
Estrada had a pretty good year as a Brave if I remember.
By jbutler
April 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
1st Springsteen show I ever caught was the Tunnel of Love tour..WAY back in the day. He was still doing marathon shows- got out at 1am..insane. He presented Dan Federici with a washing machine to mark his anniversary playing with the E Streeters. Hilarious…heard he did a video tribute prior to GA show.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
question for the blog…smoltz has a vesting option on his contract…$12mil next season if he pitches at least 200 innings…what happens if he doesnt pitch those innings? does anyone know?
By Lew
April 28, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Where do I start the daily diatribe?
Snipper-Dude, keep trying to convince yourself that the Braves and not the Mets have injury issues this year.
While you’re at it, keep trying to convince yourself that Jose Reyes .240 something batting average since last June is an aberration, too-ever since Randolph pulled him for dogging it. You should have heard the Mets’ announcers talking about THAT all weekend (unfortunately, I got the Mets’ feed both on TV and XM this weekend). Seems at least the Mets broadcasting staff has a sense of reality, even if you don’t. Maybe you need to re-evaluate. MetroDude did. Damned if he wasn’t right in his re-eval, too.
Coach-I know I have a history of argument with you, but your 4:09 post early this morning is right on. Well said.
PTown-Get real Dude. You do not have a clue if you think they will get rid of all the coaches and start over again. Whatever. As if that even appears on the radar. If Bobby Cox were to leave, do you seriously think they would even clean house then? More likely they would promote from within and most of the present coaching staff would remain. Count on it.
CC-The Braves future does NOT start two years from now. We are not bereft of options until the laundry list of rookies you mentioned is ready. If the injury bug leaves and goes elsewhere, I still like us for the division this year. If not, then there is still more than a vague possibility to contend again next year-including trading Tex at the dealine to get our new pitching staff started.
It may take some wheeling and dealing, but it can be done. I’m betting it will happen, too.
The Boss and the E Street Band-On the day that Federicci died, VH1 Classic ran a Springsteen tribute show and aired a couple of concerts. One was fairly recent and was, as usual, quite good.
However, I was lucky enough to catch a digital remastering of a show at the Hammersmith Odeon in England from the Born To Run tour-back when the Boss was a grungy, disheveled looking younger man. What a phenomenal show!!!!!! I only wish I had seen them live back then. Oh!! The Intensity of Youth.
That was one hell of a great live show they put on. They started with Thunder Road and then went to Spirits in The Night-my favorite E Street tune. Hope they re-air it soon.
By 3trees
April 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Glass Half Full/DOB - Great show by the Springsteen and the E Street Band at Phillips. They did Rosalita, a great version of Point Blank, No Surrender, Tenth Ave,…. Not a lot of banter just MUSIC! Everything I’ve heard is that the set list is the most wide ranging its been in years (ever?) We took our 14 year old and he was blown away. I will say its getting kinda hard to watch Clarence move around these days. I guess its his hips/knees/feet or something. Still sounds good. Pretty moving video tribute for Danny. The keys guy from the Seeger Sessions is on the tour.
Hope the Braves can get healthy this year.
Go Braves!
By Jeff R
April 28, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Shaun, management has Chipper when he’s playing, and, in recent years, that hasn’t been nearly enough of the time. I know he’s a fan favorite, but relying on him every year is goofy. Granted, we need to think in terms of what the team has and needs now, and Chipper’s in the mix. But if he can’t give the team 140 games this season, then it’s not good enough.
As to “if it were so easy to develop pitching, every team would do it,” or something to that effect, I’d say: It’s not easy. But the really, really good franchises are doing it. Don’t we want to the Braves in that category?
As to being competitive, sure, the team is “competitive.” But not next-level competitive. Anything could happen in the post-season (if the Braves get there), but I don’t think this team is as good as Arizona or Chicago, not at this point, anyway.
By brent a.
April 28, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
Why are you questioning my write to talk? I was just posting an article, that’s it.
I certainly wasn’t mad at Schuerholz for the trade, I took it for what it was, an unfortunate payroll dump.
I gave the link that title because I thought that Neyer was a bit over the top in that article. That’s it.
By KC
April 28, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Those surveys on the main Braves page drive me crazy sometimes. More people find the “inability to win close games” more troubling than the injuries???
Get real.
Health, particularly the health of Smoltz and Soriano, have to be the greatest concern this team has right now. And as far as the close games are concerned, here is the bottom line…
Think about all of the injuries/health issues:
• Smoltz’s shoulder has limited his innings and placed more stress on the pen, and last night, it rendered him ineffective.
• Hudson had that loss in FLA where his arm wasn’t right.
• Chipper missed 2 key games, and half of another.
• Escobar missed 2 key games.
• We’ve been without our closer, Soriano, for most of the season so far.
• We lost our best reliever, probably for the year (Moylan).
• Glavine goes on DL with hammy.
• Hampton misses first month of season.
• And Kelly Johnson miss a couple games early on.
Despite all of the health problems, including problems with our ace and being without our two best relievers… THE BRAVES ARE RIGHT AROUND .500, AND OF THEIR 12 LOSSES, 8 OF THEM HAVE BEEN BY ONLY ONE RUN. Personally, I think that’s a positive, not a negative.
If you keep that many games close… eventually, more of them will start to go your way. Especially if you have a good bullpen, which we will when Soriano and/or Gonzalez return.
But hey… would it make you feel better if the Braves had lost those 8 games by 5 runs?
By Overlord
April 28, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Coach I totally agree with you, thats why I have said 10 000 times he should be our everyday 5th hitter.
I have also seen what you mention, he is not hacking at the 1st pitch as much, and he has noticed that is helping his hitting.
He still has that hack swing, but way much better contact ABs and is hitting more liners for singles than does fly balls that just end as an out at the warning track.
By jbutler
April 28, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
3 Trees That’s great to hear Springsteen open his setlist back up. Last show we saw (Rising in Seattle) was pretty melba toast. Only songs not from the new album came from Born USA. He’s not hitting Denver this time around- I wasn’t bummed at first…but maybe I am now!!
By GSU-Lee
April 28, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
DOB, do you think Smoltz will finish this season as an active player? Meaning will he be on the team and pitching all year? Thanks.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
i was just looking at some stas…did you know adam dunn is only hitting .192 on the season? however, his OBP is .381. this is made possible by having 23 walks in 24 games. thats pretty amazing.
dunn is a free agent after this year…might be a guy worth spending some freed-up payrole on.
so is pat burrell…hes in the same vein as dunn, maybe better.
By Glass Half Full
April 28, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
LEW
If you purchase the 30th anniversary of “Born to Run” boxset, you’ll get the 1975 concert DVD you were referring to and a “making of Born to Run” DVD. The remastered disc and the DVDs are excellent! It’s like hearing the album for the first time.
By beachcomber
April 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
DOB - Did not get to catch up with your latest until Monday late a.m. Your Dad and I are obviously of the same era. Thanks for the Carole King. There is book he might enjoy called Always Magic In The Air - the story of the Brill Building in NY where King, Barry Mann, Bacharach/David, Pomus/Shuman and other prolific writers of our generation plied their trade.
Another matter. Very much enjoyed the re-print of the Gerry Fraley story from the 80’s. Gerry’s an acquaintance dating back to his Clearwater Sun days.
But to get to the point, that article says volumes about Braves scouting. There is nothing statistical in the article to suggest that we had just traded for anything close to a Hall of Famer. Someone in the organization sure earned his money on that deal!
By Slider29
April 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
NY Daily News is reporting that Roger Clemens had a 10 year affair with Country Music Singer Mindy McCready that allegedly began when she was 15 and he was 28 and with the Sox.
By Reid in EAV
April 28, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
I discovered a new must-visit spot for burgers in NYC on this last trip: The Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. The lines are insane (and the waits even after you place the order are possibly even worse) but food (and, of course, shakes) are spectacular and the prices are gentle. http://www.shakeshacknyc.com (there’s a live web cam so you can gauge the line before heading over.)
By Glass Half Full
April 28, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Atlanta: Springsteen setlist
Reason to Believe Out in the Street Radio Nowhere No Surrender Blinded By the Light Your Own Worst Enemy Trapped Murder Incorporated Prove It All Night She’s the One Livin’ in the Future The Promised Land Bobby Jean (requested by soemone with a poster) Point Blank Devil’s Arcade The Rising Last to Die Long Walk Home Badlands * * * ENCORE Thunder Road Born to Run Rosalita Tenth Avenue Freeze-out American Land
By Chop Chop
April 28, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
KC,
Do you honestly believe two games in late April are “key” games? After all, it’s just the Mets. I’m thinking very negatively about the Braves right now, but they might still be in the hunt if Smoltz never pitches another inning. They won’t win the division without him, though.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
if smoltz doesnt get his vesting 200 innings, the the contract over? does anybody know what will happen if he doesn pitch 200 innings this year?
By DAP
April 28, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
chop chop we oughta treat every game as a must-win. they are all important.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
GHF-Thanks Dude-I’ll check it out.
JeffR-Counting on Chipper is goofy? You mean we can’t count on the guy with the highest BA in MLB since the start of the 06 season? A guy who puts up numbers that all others take 160 games to put up? The guy who leads all of baseball in hitting so far and who has missed all of two games this season? We can’t count on the guy who hits at least .325 on an annual basis and just gets better with age-a guy who plays through much pain and when he does miss time comes back like there’s been no layoff at all? Who exactly SHOULD we count on? A sub who will play 20 games a season?
What would YOU do? Would you try to trade such a paragon-a guy who not only hits as well as he does-a guy who continuously reworks his contract lower so the Braves can sign additional help? Would you just dump his contract and hope you could find a suitable replacement to play more games? Who is the equivalent player you would replace him with? Is there such a creature in baseball someone would be willing to trade-for Scott Thorman and Brayan Pena, right?
Sorry if you think this is not “Good Enough”, but I for one, don’t see any other better options. Do you? Chipper for 140 games is better than anyone else out there that could be obtained. Do you even realize that missing 20 games a year still leaves him playing 7 of every 8 games? Just be glad his name is not Rolen.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I saw that story on “The Rocket”. Boy. Boy. Boy. It sure does appear that Barry Bonds isn’t the only scumbag in baseball despite reports to the contrary. Good ‘ol “Mr. Virtue and Real American” doesn’t seem so pure now. Now, it just appears he is a steroid injecting little girl sexing jerk!
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Beachcomber, don’t know if my dad would dig the book, but I knew I would. I’ve read several fascinating stories about the Brill Building and that whole era of the music industry.
Gerry Fraley’s a great dude. Run into him often, including most recently down at Dark Star and over at Clearwater this spring (he was based down at Clearwater during spring training; he’s from there, as you know, and has a sister who lives there, if I’m not mistaken)…..
I know he’s a fan favorite, but relying on him every year is goofy. Granted, we need to think in terms of what the team has and needs now, and Chipper’s in the mix.Jeff R
Jeff, you want to know what’s “goofy”?
Oh, nevermind.
By BamaBravesFan
April 28, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
DAP
No thanks on Adam Dunn. He strikes out WAYYYY too much for my liking. Plus, he isn’t exactly a gold golver out in the field.
Burrell…meh..He is having a career year so far. Let’s see if it holds up before starting a conversation about him. If i remember correctly, phillies were ready to send him packing last year.
GO BRAVES!!
By Gary
April 28, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Wow all this negativity is sad. The Braves are 12-13, 3 games back of the Marlins with two pitchers coming back soon from injury and two others set to join them in the next two to three weeks. No one knows how much they will help or hurt the club but this panic only 25 games in is ridiculous. Chipper had back spasms, they hurt yes but they also go away with a couple days of rest. He should be back on Tuesday and continue to swing his hot bat. Yunel had a freak injury and those hurt. Heck try taking one off of an aluminum bat, it hurts much worse. The point is he will be back soon too.
I agree that I would like to see Blanco get more at bats but his on-base %, while good, is only for about 30-35 registered at bats. Don’t count out Kotsay just yet. Its not like he is sucking out there. He is getting contact and hitting the ball hard though mostly it is right at someone. His luck will eventually change.
The one concern that I have is Smoltz. As stated earlier I heard his conversation on the zone this morning. No he was not whining. The man was frustrated to say the least. He can’t hide the fact that his shoulder is hurt and he cannot go anymore like he has so far this year. Its not in the best interest for him physically and its not in the best interest of the team. I pray for John and hope time off heals the problem, but I am also fearful that I heard a little bit of concern in his voice this morning that this might actually be it for him. Again I hope I am wrong.
Anyway loosen up people. If we get to July and the Braves are worse off then maybe we need to start focusing on the future, but right now we are more than still in this thing. The Braves can win the NL East. It’s not like the Phillies, Mets, or Marlins are going to run away with this thing.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
DAP, it’s an option that vests with 200 innings. But rest assured, if Braves want to, in effect, pick up the option they can simply re-sign him to another contract. Smoltz isn’t going anywhere else at this stage of the game, I’m fairly certain. His family situation and all would likely keep him in Atlanta even if his loyalty to the Braves wasn’t enough to (and the latter has been enough in the past).
GSU-Lee, I’ll wait to see what the checkup of Smotz’s shoulder in a couple days shows before I express any opinion about the likelihood of him finishing season on active roster. I mean, what’s the point of speculating now when he’s going to see the doc in another day or two?
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
brent a., I guess my only point is that it was reasonable to write something like that at the time. Estrada looked like he would be a decent player at best and Millwood looked very promising.
Jeff R, The Braves have had above average hitters at virtually every position for the last three years. I think the goal is to have a solid backup infielder to take over in the 20 games Chipper can’t go and take their chances. Which seems reasonable considering Chipper for 140 games and a decent player for the rest is better than a lot of other guys playing 162 games.
As to “if it were so easy to develop pitching, every team would do it,” or something to that effect, I’d say: It’s not easy. But the really, really good franchises are doing it. Don’t we want to the Braves in that category?
Sure. But what franchises are developing crops of young pitching? And have the Braves not developed any pitching?
The franchises you mentioned have maybe one guy each who has had some success in the majors. Not all of those Yankees and Red Sox pitchers getting hype are going to have good careers. Some will get injured, some won’t be that good, some both.
As to being competitive, sure, the team is “competitive.” But not next-level competitive. Anything could happen in the post-season (if the Braves get there), but I don’t think this team is as good as Arizona or Chicago, not at this point, anyway.
Is any team going to be the best team in their league every season, besides maybe the Yankees and Red Sox? Every single franchise has up and down years. They’ve put themselves in a position to still be contenders year-in and year-out. Only the Yankees and Red Sox really have a shot at being “next-level” competitive year-in and year-out.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope that our early season misfortunes lull the Mets and Phils into a sense of false securityWayne
I can assure you, there’s no sense of security, false or otherwise, with the Mets. They’re dealing with a multitude of injuries of their own, and you wouldn’t believe how many boos they’ve been getting at Shea, specifically Delgado (relentless booing when he was introduced Sunday; then he hit two homers) and Heilman, but Reyes also still gets booed any time he does something they don’t like, and a few others do, too.
Just a very different atmosphere that you’ll find in most places. NY and Philly, they’ll boo you one day, cheer the next. Got to have a very thick skin to play in those places, at least if you want to keep your sanity.
By Overlord
April 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Forecast for tomorrow in DC
It will be around 58ºF at game time. Just hope its not too cold for that Glavines injury to reappear.
Chippers back and Yunels finger will also be a issue with that kind of weather.
Winds of some 10 mph.
Is there any god?
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
According to the Hardball Times, Chipper had 26 win shares in 134 games all by himself, better than all but three major league third basemen. So 134 games of Chipper (assuming he’s close to his 2007 production) plus just a decent third baseman is better than almost if not every other third baseman in baseball.
By Tom in NYC
April 28, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Reid in EAV,
I actually work across the street (The really tall building with the clock on it on 23rd street) from the Shake Shack, and let me tell you, people have been raving about it since I’ve been here. I haven’t actually tried it myself, since I’m the brown bag type, but I might actually have to one of these days if I can catch it on a day where the line is short.
By Overlord
April 28, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
If braves would have won half the 1 run games, 4-4 instead of 0-8, they would be sitting at 16-9, all alone in 1st place and tied for the 2nd best record in the majors. That pretty good.
Maybe, so that tells us how close the braves really are to being that good recordwise.
By Steve-O in NY
April 28, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, anyone mention yet that the Miami Dolphins drafted Dale Murphy’s son? Apparently he is a behemoth, weighing 320, I guess I can see why he didn’t go into baseball.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
bamabravesfan
No thanks on Adam Dunn. He strikes out WAYYYY too much for my liking. Plus, he isn’t exactly a gold golver out in the field.
thats true about his fielding, but some of the best hitters in the game are guys that strikeout a ton. dunn will hit about .250 with 40 homers and 100 walks, making his OBP very good. he is a great offensive player, and would be good batting cleanup on this team with a good #5 hitter.
Burrell…meh..He is having a career year so far. Let’s see if it holds up before starting a conversation about him. If i remember correctly, phillies were ready to send him packing last year.
pat burrell isnt just having a career year, hes having a great career. he has done it over and over in his career. his only bad year was in 2003. the fans in philly were ready to send him packing because they are stupid.
they are both great offensive players, and if we need a cleanup hitter after this season, i think we have to give both these guys a look.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
BamaBravesFan, Dunn and Burrell are very good players but many underrate them for the same reason you are. They strikeout “too much.” But they get on base at great rates and hit for power.
I wouldn’t want the Braves to go after them primarily because of their ages.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
DOB-You got that insecurity thing right for sure. I saw all Mets’ feeds this weekend and the Mets’ fans tried (in vain) to get DelGado out for a curtain call after his second HR yesterday-after roundly booing him earlier. He refused to make an appearance. The Mets’ announcers made a big deal out of it. There is definitely dissension at that particular Chop Shop. I wonder how much will carry over to the clubhouse, further intensifying their troubles.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
I’d take Burrell in LF in a second if we could afford him. The guy doesn’t get much credit on a team with 2, and maybe soon 3, MVP’s. But he just goes out and puts up 30 HR, 100 walks and about a .900 OPS every year.
That said, I don’t see the Braves paying what he’d command for a left fielder (and he’s not getting any younger). Too many other needs.
‘Course, you could argue that if Tex walks, a strong bat in LF would allow us to pursue a “lesser” hitter at 1B, which could be done cheaply.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
shaun burrell will be 32, and dunn will be 29….whats wrong with thier ages? especially dunn?
By DAP
April 28, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
DOB thanx for the info on smoltz
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
DAP, I agree. Both are fine hitters. But they will want fairly big contracts and 1) they aren’t young and 2) players with their skill sets don’t age all that well.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
I too, thought Burrell was much worse than is stats show. Must be the 162 game averages of 159 K and 13 GIDP that gives him his bad rap.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
It is amazing to read some of this garbage that you folks are writing.
If you don’t like the Braves and think they stink, why don’t you stop watching and stop blogging about them?
I understand that all fans get frustrated when their team does not play up to the fans expectations, but some of these comments on the blog for the last couple of days are quite astounding.
There is no doubt that everyone is unhappy that Moylan, Soriano, Hampton, Glavine and now Smoltz, Chipper and Yunel are hurting.
But Glavine, Chipper and Yunel will be back tomorrow. Hampton will be back soon. Hopefully Soriano too.
Also, we have all be happily introduced to Prado, Blanco and Acosta. I have been happy with most outings by Boyer, Ohman, Bennett, Chuckie and Campillo.
There is no doubt that the team still even with all of the injuries has a good chance to make the playoffs.
All of us would be on top of the world if we had split the 1 run games.
And Coach might be right, the time might be NOW to trade B Pena to the Yankees.
I don’t want to trade Prado, but the Rockies are in DIRE need of a 2B. They are considering calling Marcus Giles back.
Don’t they have some depth at 1B? Coach? I am pretty sure you have been suggesting a future 1B from the Rockies who is blocked by Todd Helton.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
it was only a matter of time before smoltz’s shoulder would start hurting him at the start of the year. He should do what Clemons did and join the team in early July every year so he gets more rest, that is if he still has the passion for it. He should take a few months off & might have to pending his physical today. He should also stop swinging the golf clubs during that span.
Smoltz has turned into my favorite brave over the years. He’s been one of the the best and clutch competitors i’ve ever seen.
We need to expedite Hanson a little bit faster. If a pitcher has the K/IP ratio he’s got in the minors, they typically end up being damn good starters in the Majors. I’d like to see a bump to AA soon to see if he can put up similar numbers there.
By Yars
April 28, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Burrell is having a great season so far, that much is true. Didn’t the Phils try trading him last season & over the winter? I know his bat will cool off soon. Regarding Dunn, the guy makes too much $$$ & is 2 dimensional. He either hits a bomb, or takes a walk. now playing Headhunter by front 242
By Lew
April 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Maybe the knock on Burrell is from his substandard fielding. Like the 162 game average of 7 errors-or maybe the fact that since the end of ‘05 he has had as many assists as Francoeur had last year.
By Wayne in Utah
April 28, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Would the Rockies give up Baker for Prado? Baker is more of a corner man, and in the past has shown some pop in his bat.
Also Pena is almost a giveaway now, what with his lighting quick start!
How many more starts at Myrtle Beach before Tommy Hanson gets an all expense paid trip to Mississippi?
When is Chuck James schedule to pitch for Richmond? Thanks goodness for this 5 day work week for the Braves!
By DAP
April 28, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
yars He either hits a bomb, or takes a walk
thats sounds like a great player to me.
i would love to have either guy on the braves…but i dont think id pay the, more than tex is making right now. if they were good defensivly, then maybe.
more than likely, that aint gonna get it done for these guys.
ive just been brain storming on who besides chipper could bat cleanup for us next year. i know chipper would like to stay in the 3 spot.
in my dreams, (if we lost tex) we would get a slugging left fielder (like a dunn or burrell), and then trade for nick johnson to play first and bat third. chipper would bat cleanup up and our new slugger would bat 5th. a lineup like this would score alot of runs, i believe.
i know im talking alot about next season…it doesnt mean im writing off the guys this year, ok? just thinking about it.
By GSU-Lee
April 28, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Fair enough DOB, but the way you wrote it made it sound like you were doubtful. Either way, I hope he can serve in som capacity this season.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
So let’s see now. We should definitely pick up on Burrel because A. He has fewer HR and RBI than Andruw Jones averages every year, but strikes out as much and grounds into just as many DP. B. He can’t field anywhere NEAR Andruw Jones’ capabilities. C. He is making over $13 million this year and likely to make over $15 mil next as a free agent. D. Our only other outfield options are young guys who are excellent fielders with incredible speed and make the major league minimum (or in Diaz’s case less than one quarter of what Burrell will make).
Yes, I can see the logic of going for him. If the Phillies would trade him for Thorman and Pena, I think we should move heaven and earth to acquire him NOW. If that can’t be made to happen, we should move heaven and earth to grab him in the offseason-especially when we will need new pitching when Glavine, Hampton and maybe Smoltz will be gone. Makes perfect sense to me. Sure it does.
By Wayne in Utah
April 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Guys, with all the potential we have coming up from the farm, we don’t need to spend the big money on a leftfielder. (Jones, Schafer, Hernandez, Johnson, Hayward, etc)
If we need a stop gap, lets go for somebody less pricy that Burrell and Dunn.
I want to see some $$ being spent on starting pitching, if anything. Realistically, we won’t have the salaries of Glavine and Hampton, and maybe not Smoltz next year. Who are the big choices out there next winter?? (I ask the question rhetorically, but I don’t really care for the guys that are coming out next winter.) Sabathia, Wolf, Burnett, Sheets, Garland, or Lohse?
Sheets is the most intriguing of this bunch, but he has been bit by the injury bug too.
Gotta run. I will check back in later….
By Saltywoody
April 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
that was a middle-aged man coming to grips with reality and the chance that his career could be nearing its end — a bit quicker than he had very recently hoped
That sounds so ominous. I know DOB doesn’t have a time frame or a gauge on Smoltzie’s shoulder and I haven’t seen the interview…but that’s really not encouraging news about your ace, especially when your other ace hasn’t been exactly lights out lately.
I feel for Smoltz. The last few years must just grate on him, considering he’s a guy that just absolutely lives for the postseason stage and it was certainly within reach and slipped away.
Like a few others here, I’m actually kind of encouraged by the beginning of this season. Last year started out extremely well and then fell apart because the team wasn’t equipped to deal with the adversity they had to face.
This year is drastically different. Just about everything that has gone wrong has, the injuries have mounted at an incredible pace, we’ve lost every single 1 run game, our closer AND setup man have hardly pitched at all and who knows if they will again…and despite all of that, we’re right around .500 and pretty close to the division lead.
If Smoltz is out for a long time and the injuries to Hampton and Glavine and Chipper are nagging and persistent, then I would concede we’re in some trouble. But, on the other hand, to have Jurrjens stepping up like he is, Tex picking up some slack in Chipper’s absence…we’re in a much better position than other teams would be in trying to deal with everything that’s come along.
I just really hope the rotation can round into some form of consistency…meaning that Hampton could come back and bolster things, and Glavine can pitch continually like he did earlier this year.
If that happens, I’m confident Smotlz can get the rest he needs and we can set ourselves up for an October run. And if this team gets to the postseason and is fairly healthy, I’m confident they can hang with any other team in the league…in fact, I’m pretty sure they could beat any other team in the AL or the NL.
But, we’ve GOT to be more consistent. And that’s such a big question with this team. The uncertainty surrounding whether Chipper will play and Smoltz/Hudson/Hampton/Glavine will pitch, etc., has got to be undermining any sort of a roll the team gets on and any confidence they build because of it.
True, we’re only 25 games into the season. But, it’s also true that the team already looks like a patchwork quilt some days. And if you’re running a completely overmatched Brent Lillibridge out there at one of your main infield positions, that doesn’t bode well either.
By Wayne in Utah
April 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Guys, with all the potential we have coming up from the farm, we don’t need to spend the big money on a leftfielder. (Jones, Schafer, Hernandez, Johnson, Hayward, etc)
If we need a stop gap, lets go for somebody less pricy that Burrell and Dunn.
I want to see some $$ being spent on starting pitching, if anything. Realistically, we won’t have the salaries of Glavine and Hampton, and maybe not Smoltz next year. Who are the big choices out there next winter?? (I ask the question rhetorically, but I don’t really care for the guys that are coming out next winter.) Sabathia, Wolf, Burnett, Sheets, Garland, or Lohse?
Sheets is the most intriguing of this bunch, but he has been bit by the injury bug too.
Gotta run. I will check back in later….
By Fantasy Baseball Stud
April 28, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
flange1
if we traded Prado to the Rox for a stud 1B being blocked by Helton, then why wouldn’t we let the kid play this year & trade Tex before we lose him?
Your reasoning sounds good in theory, but if we were going to trade and rebuild for next year year, then wouldn’t we go the full 9 yards and trade Tex this year too if we knew we already had his replacement? True we would have a backup 1B, but I’d be upset if we just let Tex go and didn’t get anything for him if we knew for sure we weren’t going to resign him.
It’s still a little too early to talk trades, although the Pena to NY sounds like it could work for both clubs now.
By AGTfan
April 28, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
DOB Justin Townes Earle was interviewed this morning on NPR. You can catch the interview and a few songs on NPR.ORG.
I also found out he’s coming town (where I live, not ATL.). Even the middle of nowhere can get good music every now and then.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Last night on Baseball Tonight Peter Gammons was high on the A’s trades this offseason. He said their trade for Haren was a steal in that it netted them 2 major league ready starters, and that the trade for Devine was also a steal as Devine finally looks like the pitcher he was when he pitched for NC State.
That trade for Kotsay was entirely stupid.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
ok, Lew, i get your point. burrell isnt the best option, but i would argue thats mostly because of how much money he will make, and his defense. he IS a good offensive player. better than andruw jones, so dont try and pull that.
By Yars
April 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
DAP…..what I meant to state was, Dunn either hits a bomb, draws a walk, or strikes out. In any case, I just can’t see Dunn ever playing for Atlanta.
By McFann
April 28, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Oh brother. People are always blaming the “cold weather” for the Braves’ problems. Other teams play in cold weather, big deal. And 58º isn’t that cold.
Yes. There is a God.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Fantasy BB Stud,
I believe the guy that Coach has mentioned is a AAA or maybe even a AA 1B, so the trade would delete Prado from the major league roster (just in time for Infante) and add a minor leaguer.
In terms of Tex, I hope he can be resigned, but reality is not in our favor. The powers that be were happy to trade 5 Minor league prospects for 1.5 years of Tex and MAYBE more.
That is what it is..
By BossLady
April 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, Joe and Jon brought up the cameras to your seat for some acknowledgements and you were not there yesterday at the pressbox.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
That trade for Kotsay was entirely stupid.
BC, I think that’s a little strong. First, the Braves (wisely) didn’t want to go into the season with an unproven rookie as the starting CF. Blanco’s done a good job so far, but is hitting well above anything he ever did in the minors. And the vast majority of his AB’s have been against RHP. It’s much too soon to think he’s an everyday player (especially if he was gonna be backed up by another unproven rookie, Anderson).
I hated losing Devine - he was a 1st round pick. He is off to a good start with Oakland, but again, really too soon to anoint him as a great pitcher. I do wonder if we gave up a little much for Kotsay, but I’m glad we got him.
And for better or worse, I think Cox had lost confidence in Devine. I thought Cox got too down on Devine, too soon, but … whatever.
Braves obviously felt they had a lot of bullpen depth (and that’s been proven so far - despite losing our best 2 relievers, the ‘pen has been great.)
By Reid in EAV
April 28, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Tom in NYC, indeed. Being so close, you can watch the webcam and pick your times and dates. Today, being cruddy, is a pretty good bet, though you won’t be enjoying your meal in a sunny, breezy park. That said, a 45 minute wait for food last week was only tolerable because I had people to talk business with.
By King521
April 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
This is a vital two games against the Nats…the Braves need to win them and finish April with a 14-13 record. The next homestand is shaping up to be a positive one as the Reds come to town and the Braves will miss Harang and young Johnny Cueto. Then when the Padres come to town, there will be no Peavy and no Maddux on the mound.
So it looks like a clear chance to build on the fact that the Braves are 1ST IN THE NL IN HITTING (.282) and 3RD IN THE NL IN PITCHING (3.63) yet still under .500 for the season!
Lets turn it around boys!
By A Great American
April 28, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Fellow ”Great American” Roger Clemens is reported to have started an ”affair” with country music singer Mindy McCready when she was 15 years old, he was 28 years old and pitching for the Bo-Sox at that time.Roger (pimple back) Clemens denied the charge saying he is just a family friend.
By timthebrave
April 28, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
One thing for sure is Lillibridge is not ready for the majors. He looked completely lost up their at the plate. It’s not like he even took some good swings. It looked like me facing major league pitchers….We need to get healthy and the braves can still make a run at the division. Between the Mets, Phillies and braves whoever has the least injuries might win the division. If nobody stays healthy than the division is completely up for grabs and you would have to add the Marlins to the mix. Go Braves!
By CC Rider
April 28, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Lew and DAP, I appreciate your response to my post. I stated that I think we have enough to contend this year even with the injuries. I was just stating that Glavine, Hampton (If he gives us much), Texiera and Smoltz will surely be gone next year and NO free agents or trades can replace Smoltz as our NO.1 starter and NO free agent can replace Texiera at cleanup hitter , you can look at he list! Kotsay is not an answer and Schafer if he comes back and performs at AAA, will still be a rookie and not likely to pickup the slack in the offense that will be created by Tex’s departure. Leftfield is still below par for a corner outfield position. Kelly is still not a leadoff hitter and very erratic both in the field and at the plate. So our offense will take a step back. Our starting pitching having lost Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton will be less experienced and I am not sure that Hudson isn’t showing signs of a major problem. We won’t go after CC. Sabatthia because we would have to overpay and he hasn’t pitched well enough to rule out something being wrong with him. We may be reduced to JJ, Reyes, Bennett, Morton and James. The other top pitching prospects are too far away and the Braves won’t rush them(and wisely so). So, the options are overpay for veterans Like Vlad Guerreo who is older than Andruw and showing signs of slowly down offensively and defensivly and 2nd tier pitchers that will give us no NO.1 starter. No matter weather Hudson is sound or not he is a No.2 at best and a lineup with out a true cleanup hitter and a No. 1 starter will not go far. PS: Lew, We had a debate in the fall about my suggestion that we should attempt to trade Kelly Johnson, Lillibridge, Brandon Jones and Chuck James for Tim Lincecum. I think with the pitching problems we have now and will have in the near future you see my thoughts in that direction. Chuck, Brent, Brandon will likely never start for the Braves or in Chuck’c case be more than a 5th starter and Kelly has yet to prove he is above average despite and couple of big games. Lincecum on the other hand is showing the potential to be the No.1 starter he could be. I know it was a gamble but so was the Beckett trade for the Red Sox and that worked out pretty good.
By Bowie
April 28, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
I blame Cox for destroying Devine when he first came up. He put to much pressure on him and left him in to get his brains knocked out, he never got over it.All the blame goes to Cox. Bobby’s Cox…I agree Kotsay trade was Stupid. I’d Rather have Anderson in CF. He hit 350 last year after call up in Sept.Got speed and good arm. Give him a Chance.
By ncscoots
April 28, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
A total non-baseball note, but on a subject dear to the denzines’ hearts:
Gym Dawgs won another national title last week. Ho hum. Leotards got strapped, with the usual results. Coach Yoc retires after next year, but looks righteous to out with yet another title. Congrats to her, and thanks for her contributions to this blog…without even knowing it.
By DAP
April 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
C C Rider if next year’s roster (and payroll) doesnt have tex, glavine, hampton, smoltz and kotsay…do you know how much extra payroll wew ill have? my quick estamates give us OVER $40mil to spend without those guys. i know it would be wuite a blow to lose all of them, but we would have no reason to assume we could not contend. with that money, we could find capable players to fill those holes.
1b, SP, SP, CF. 4 holes to fill with over $40mil, maybe just three since we have many options to play center. and i say just two SP because hampton doesnt count! :-)
your suggestion this off season to trade four player for lincecum was crazy then and it still is!
and kelly’s career stats show he IS above average offensivly.
By DonCoburleone
April 28, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
It really is amazing to me the number of injuries this team has had to deal with already. I undoubtedly see Smoltz heading for his 2nd DL stint in a few days, and who knows for how long this time? I just hope he can keep making starts in between his time on the DL, maybe end the season with 25 or 26 starts, somewhere in the 130-150 inning range. I think if Smoltz can give us that, it will help us big time. The depth of the rotation this year should be able to absorb the extra 70 innings (or thereabouts) we won’t be getting from Smoltz.
That said, some things need to happen for this team to be successful this year: 1)Glavine & Hudson have to stay healthy, 32 starts apiece at least.
2) Jair Jurrjens must keep up what he’s been doing. He has been better than advertized and has really solidified the middle of the rotation.
3) Chipper - stay healthy man! With you out of the lineup it just doesn’t look the same, not nearly as scary (especially with Tex struggling - as expected - early on.)
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I guess it’s a matter of reasoning TJ. Looking at the facts from last offseason; we had a few pen guys we were going to lose to waivers or couldn’t resign. Joey Devine had a good year last year in the minors, and KJ hit better in the 7th spot than the leadoff spot (he is not a leadoff hitter). I’ve never met a player that lost Cox’s trust, especially a young player that needed more seasoning. Shoot, he still trusts Resop.
Andruw Jones hit .222/.311/.413 last year and the offense still scored a bunch of runs (though inconsistently). Any speedy rookie centerfield replacement could’ve matched AJ’s output and could’ve hit leadoff, a customary spot for a speedy centerfielder.
I was upset when i read that Wren had the pieces he wanted but was still looking for a veteran for center. I was even more upset when he actually pulled the deal he did, after already trading for Anderson. Sometimes veteran presence trumps rookie consideration, and that was the thought of our management. The baseball of today is a “young man’s game” again according to Peter Gammons.
I would’ve like to see a rookie everyday in center and Devine given a chance to provide bullpen depth. I’ve never seen a team give up on a first round pick in as little as 3 years, especially for a injury prone veteran very average short term stop gap player.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I guess it’s a matter of reasoning TJ. Looking at the facts from last offseason; we had a few pen guys we were going to lose to waivers or couldn’t resign. Joey Devine had a good year last year in the minors, and KJ hit better in the 7th spot than the leadoff spot (he is not a leadoff hitter). I’ve never met a player that lost Cox’s trust, especially a young player that needed more seasoning. Shoot, he still trusts Resop.
Andruw Jones hit .222/.311/.413 last year and the offense still scored a bunch of runs (though inconsistently). Any speedy rookie centerfield replacement could’ve matched AJ’s output and could’ve hit leadoff, a customary spot for a speedy centerfielder.
I was upset when i read that Wren had the pieces he wanted but was still looking for a veteran for center. I was even more upset when he actually pulled the deal he did, after already trading for Anderson. Sometimes veteran presence trumps rookie consideration, and that was the thought of our management. The baseball of today is a “young man’s game” again according to Peter Gammons.
I would’ve like to see a rookie everyday in center and Devine given a chance to provide bullpen depth. I’ve never seen a team give up on a first round pick in as little as 3 years, especially for a injury prone veteran very average short term stop gap player.
By P-Town Brave
April 28, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
P-Town Brave, read the numbers in Coach’s 6:24 post. I’ll wait a few seconds for you do so…
OK, not exactly a get-rid-of-‘em-all scenario, is it?
Wait, I should re-phrase that. Not exactly a get-rid-of-‘em-all scenario in the real word.
I’m talking about the world where many, many millions of dollars and man hours have been, and are being, spent trying to formulate a roster, then juggling that roster in the face of an ever-increasing number of injuries.
The real world, where that team has played 25 games in a 162-game schedule and sits 1-1/2 games behind the only two other teams that are serious contenders for the NL East title, NY and Philly.
By the way, just for kicks, when compared to a few AL preseason contenders, the Braves (12-13) have the same record as Cleveland, a better record than Detroit (11-15) or Toronto (11-15), and a half-game behind the Yankees (13-13). We add that strictly for the sake of perspective.DOB
Ok…so let me see here…Detroit was in the WS 2 years ago, Cleveland was 1 game from the Series last year, and the Yankees were in the playoffs once again…I wasn’t asking to compare teams…besides, how can you mention Toronto?! They haven’t been to the playoffs since the first Bush era!
How exactly can anyone feel confident in a coaching staff that has produced a 0-8 record in 1-run games?
Oh, DOB, could you get me a record for the Braves in 1-run games dating back to 2006 when we stopped making the playoffs…I’m guessing its not going to be pretty…
Hitting coaches are supposed to teach scouting and patience, he DOESN’T!
Pitching coaches are supposed to teach strength and weakness, he DOESN’T!
Managers are supposed to make logical decisions (not putting Will Ohman out there to face David Wright)…well, you can see where I am going with this…
I’m just not a big fan of the direction things are headed..or have been headed for awhile.
Everyone in the clubhouse loves BC because he doesn’t do any yelling or bench his players and blah blah blah…
The players have become lackadaisical or more simply put, FLAT…
They need something that Bobby just can’t give, and thats a swift kick in the you know what…and no, I’m not talking Ozzie Guillen style, but it is evident that whether we’re up 0-2 in the count and a pitcher tries to sneak a fastball by a hitter that couldn’t hit a slider if his life depended on it and he bombs a homer into the LF seats, or after 2 straight walks (insert name here) comes up and swings at the 1st pitch and hits into a DP or pops out…
I could go on and on, but its a simple as this…some changes need to be made because obviously there is something seriously wrong when you have the top average in the league and #2 ERA, but can’t win the close ones and sit under .500.
By DonCoburleone
April 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
And for those of you b!tching about the Kotsay/Devine trade you are clearly just looking at it in a vacuum. If you really sit back and think about it, you realize it has been a win/win so far. Devine was done in Atlanta, he needed a “fresh start” in a new city. He was NEVER going to fully realize his potential here. And Kotsay has given the Braves pretty much exactly what they wanted - above average defense and average offense in CF. Devine may well become a big time closer or top setup man in Oakland and Kotsay may very well not even be with us in 2009, but that still wouldn’t make this a “bad” trade. Devine had his shot in Atlanta (whether he was rushed up or not is another argument), and it was never going to work for him here, so quit looking at this trade in a vacuum!
By Shamus Thacker
April 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Roger Clemens is becoming the OJ of baseball. Has he EVER done ANYTHING that he doesn’t deny? Wonder whose throat he’ll cut? Petite’s? McCready’s? McNamee’s? Canseco’s? Mitchell’s? Got quite a list to choose from; hope he cuts his own…
By Kevin
April 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
DOB Have you heard much about Tom Petty’s new band Mudcrutch? I heard a little of it last night during Sunday Night Baseball and it sounded pretty good. I just didn’t know if it was really new or what and figured you would probably know. Thanks.
By Shamus Thacker
April 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Wonder if Furcal could play center?
By TJ
April 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, you’re right, there’s a lot of reasoning to consider.
Remember, the Braves expected Brandon Jones to make the team as a part-time LF (platoon) and emergency CF. So we’d have had an unproven commodity in CF with an unproven commodity backing up both him and Matt Diaz. And an unproven commodity (Anderson) in the minors backing them up. A lot of faith in rookie OF!
Easy to say now that Blanco starting would’ve been okay, but let’s see how he progresses before reaching a conclusion.
Also, even though he mashed in his relatively few games batting down in the order, KJ had an OPB of over .370 in the leadoff spot… better than anyone in the NL except Hanley Ramirez (among guys who led off enough to qualify).
Plus, remember that this was in the height of Schafer-mania. Jordan was seen as the CF of the future, and there wasn’t a lot of interest in developing a rookie, since he’d probably not be there more than one year. (and Blanco is NOT a longterm corner outfielder, I’m pretty sure).
Hopefully, Schafer still is the CF of the future, but he’s sure given Gorkys an opening in that competition.
Devine had Cox’s lack of confidence (justified or not), the fact that we were deep in the ‘pen and short on experienced OF, and a history of injuries, working against him.
Anyway, I’m not totally defending the trade… I’d love to have Devine. But I think given our personnel and other factors, it was a reasonable move to make.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Kevin,
Mudcrutch was tom Petty’s first band. They signed a contract and put out a couple of singles. They then broke up and TP and Mike Campbell (who was also in Mudcrutch) put together the Heartbrealers.
So, TP is returning to his roots to play some pld and some new Mudcrutch music!
By Drummerdad
April 28, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Watched Smoltz try to bring it yesterday. Have watched him since the Braves got him for Doyle Alexander back in the 80’s. It was hard to see him humbled that way. He is a class act thru and thru. This reminds me of a Kevin Costner line from Open Range. When asked if he was taking his dog with him on a trip to the town he says not. He says the dog’s heart was up for it, but not his legs. Smoltz’s heart is every bit still in this, but his body says it’s twilight.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 28, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Wow, you guys get paid by the word?
By Kevin
April 28, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks flange1, it sounded pretty good, do you happen to know when the CD is coming out?
By CC Rider
April 28, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
DAP, A quick reply. Do you really think Brandon Jones, Lillibridge, Kelly Johnson and Chuck James aren’t worth a Young cheap No.1 starter. Brandon and Lillibridge have nowhere to play here. Chuck is a No.5 starter at best and Kelly, I guarantee, will never be more than an average player when you figure in his defense and hitting together. We have replacements for Brandon and Lillibridge in the minors and better pitchers than Chuck and a number of options at 2nd. BUT WE SURE could use a Young, CHeap No.1 Starter.
By Kentavo
April 28, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
I thought Clemens was a tool ever since he tossed the sharred end of the bat at Piazza and denied he was trying to hit him with it - when clearly you could see that’s what he was doing. Lying is contagious.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 28, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Someone asked about when Chuck James was scheduled to pitch for Richmond.
Likely Tuesday as Morton starts tonight and Hampton is penciled in for Wednesday. They will have to DL a pitcher however for Atlanta to bring him back as it has not been 10 days since they sent him down.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
P-Town Brave
Amen.
TJ
I’ve been saying the same thing about Kotsay since spring when i first starting bloggin’ this year on DOB’s apple-a-day blogs, not just because Blanco is hitting .400. Seeing him overmatched at times, he’ll be hitting under .300 soon. Some infield squibblers are a product of that .400 BA. He can’t hit lefties. If he plays he should be platooning with Diaz.
Never did like Adam Jones, not last year, not in spring, not now. But with Schaffer and Anderson, and with Gorkys a few years behind, we did not need a stop gap seventh hitting CF at the expense of the pen, mind you a 1st-rounder at that. It was time to get a speedy CF back in the mix of things in Atlanta, to provide speed at the top of the order, to get pitchers throwing more fastballs to our 2,3,4 hitters, to put pressure on defenses, and to provide havock to opposing teams late in 1 run games. Mission was not accomplished, in fact it was aborted.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Kevin,
I think Mudcrutch comes out tomorrow. You can Googlr mudcrutch and there is a web site that talks about the reunion and the album.
The other main player is a guy named Tom Leadon who is the brother of ex-Eagles guitarist Bernie Leadon.
What a small world!!!!
By TJ
April 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
It was time to get a speedy CF back in the mix of things in Atlanta, to provide speed at the top of the order, to get pitchers throwing more fastballs to our 2,3,4 hitters, to put pressure on defenses, and to provide havock to opposing teams late in 1 run games.
And exactly which speedy CF’s, who could get on a base at an adequate rate, put pressure on defenses and who were available, and affordable (for just a year or two), did you have in mind?
By DAP
April 28, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
C C Rider Do you really think Brandon Jones, Lillibridge, Kelly Johnson and Chuck James aren’t worth a Young cheap No.1 starter.
if, by “young cheap No. 1 Starter” you mean tim lincecum, then YES!!! thats exactly what i think. lincecum has never started 25 games, and has never pitcheed 150 innings! trading 4 good players for him would be idiotic! what if he never does anything? he certinly isnt established.
chuck maybe no more than a #5 pitcher, but he compares favorably to THE BEST YOUNG PITCHERS in the game right now. find some pitchers with similar MLB experience as chuck, and the only ones with better results will be #1 stud pitchers.
also, it doesnt matter how much you say it, kelly johnson is not an “average” player. he is one of the better offensive 2nd baseman in the game right now.
brandon jones and lillibridge? ok. its not like we have a place for them anyway.
any trade involving chuck james would have to include an ESTABLISHED starter (which lincecum is not) like peavy or oswalt.
and kelly shouldnt be traded, period.
im not against trying to get lincecum (no one will get him) but not for that package of players.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox,
Who is Adam Jones (I am guessing not Pacman?)
I really don’t see all the hate for the Kotsay deal. Devine is not pitch that great for the Braves and the scouting that I read on him showed him to be an average middle reliever who struggled with control and struggled against lefties.
The Braves lost AJ and Renteria and need a vet in the lineup. Kotsay fit the bill and has played well so far. If he continues hitting like he has so far and the balls start to fall, he will be doing great.
You can’t have rookies or near rookies at every position. I don’t think anyone in the Braves braintrust would have thought Blanco would have made the team and then played as well as he has. I like Anderson and would love for him to be on the team, but I like Kotsay in CF.
By SNIPER-69
April 28, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
LEW, You went on and on during the off season about the Mets being too old and injury prone to win the division. But don’t look now, it’s your braves that are dealing with the same issues you predicted for the Mets. I do agree….repeat, I do agree the Mets like any other team will face injuries. I just think the Mets will prove to be deeper than you think and stay in the hunt for the division all season regardless of the injuries. compare the body count for both teams and you’ll find the braves have a higher number…..Lets Go Mets!!
By Chop Chop
April 28, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I’d trade those four players for Tim Lincecum in a heartbeat. Lincecum is an established starter in my mind. Unless he mangles his arm, he’s going to be a top-five starter in the NL for years to come.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
wasn’t looking for a trade TJ. We had them players in our organization. Wren said Anderson was ready, so why not play the kid while it was planned to give Schaffer 1 more year in the minors? Especially at the expense of the bullpen. I wouldn’t have minded so much a Kotsay for Adam Jones trade, or turned right around and traded Anderson, but for Devine? That was, like i said earlier, stupid. Not at the expense of the bullpen.
That change of scenery argument was a joke too. AJ still sucks after a “change of scenery”, Grienke is pitching better in the same scenery, and everyone knows players play better in atlanta. These are professionals, they’re supposed to play no matter where or what the conditions. Devine needed more seasoning which he obviously got last year.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
Have you seen or read any of the scouting on Linecum? Most say he is a shoulder injury just waiting to happen.
His delivery is very stressful on his arm kind of like Mark Pryor.
He really has not pitched very much yet.
Maybe 1 step above Andrew Miller in development.
I don’t see those 4 for Lincecum. Maybe B jones and Lillibridge, and Royce Ring and or Chris Resop…….
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
exactly Flange…who is Brandon Jones besides trade bait….get my sarcasm?
i’d trade those 4 players for Lincecum in a heartbeat too.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox,
The Braves have a corner outfielder in Richmond named BRANDON Jones, but I have never heard of Adam Jones.
By JC FROM UT
April 28, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Flange1 I agree with your point about Lincicum, very awkward delivery. Would send BJones, KJ and eithe Jojo or Chuck to Oakand for Joe Blanton and Mark Ellis?
By Jeff R
April 28, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Shaun, let’s hope Chipper is a 140 game player. Over the last four seasons, he hasn’t been averaging even that…
About developing pitching, you’re helping me make my point. Very few good prospects stick in the major leagues, for the reasons you stated (injuries or just washing out). All the more reason to have a solid pipeline of pitching talent. You need a lot of talent to catch a few bona fide major leaguers.
I really don’t see the Braves having that pitching pipeline. I do see the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Angels having it, and I think if they stay with that model, it’ll pay off over time.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Someone mentioned the braves should spend money this next offseason on starting pitching. Out of all the list of free agent starting pitchers this year, who would you sign:
Kris Bensen BAL A.J. Burnett TOR (may opt out) Paul Byrd CLE Jon Garland LAA Tom Glavine ATL Mike Hampton * ATL Rich Harden * OAK Orlando Hernandez NYM Jason Jennings TEX Randy Johnson ARZ John Lackey * LAA Esteban Loaiza OAK Braden Looper STL Derek Lowe LAD Pedro Martinez NYM Matt Morris * PIT Mike Mussina NYY Jamie Moyer PHI Mark Mulder * STL Carl Pavano NYY Brad Penny * LAD Odalis Perez WAS Oliver Perez NYM Andy Pettitte NYY Mark Prior SD Horatio Ramirez SEA C.C. Sabathia CLE Ben Sheets MIL John Smoltz * ATL Julian Tavarez BOS Steve Trachsel BAL Brett Tomko KC Claudio Vargas MIL Randy Wolf SD
Doesn’t look like a good list. Sheets in injury prone, CC will get signed by a big market club, Same with Lacky, maybe Penny too. That doesn’t leave a lot of good young pithcers left. I mentioned trading for Harden this year. He’s injury prone, but it could put our old injury prone staff on a 6-man rotation & harden is one of the younger pitchers on the list, and we like trading with the A’s. His nagging injuries have to stop sometime.
Although with my reasoning with Harden, I guess that puts Sheets in the same catergory of guys we could sign. Maybe Hampton can be signed for a big discount too. Anyway you look at it, it doesn’t bode well for next year’s starting group.
By MGL
April 28, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
The odds of Wren buying into the Free Agent Fracus are pretty slim. I’m sure there will be pitching acquisitions this coming year, but they will be trades.
By flange1
April 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Jeff R,
So the question back to you is how do the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Angels have such a great “pipeline” of pitching?
Any clue?
Here is your answer, they all pay above “slot” for draft choices. The Braves do not (or rarely do). So highly touted pitchers that have agents are passed over in the draft by MOST teams because they are not willing to buck the Commissioner and let the studs get drafted in the later rounds by the money teams who will pay up.
Good example id the UGA closer the Braves drafted last year. He wanted BIG bucks to sign. The Braves stuck to the slot and he went back to UGA.
The Braves on the other hand have drafted more position players that they could pay “slot” money. Thus they have the ability to trade Elvis and Salty for Tex.
Or next year they can trade a few out of the group of Lillibridge, Anderson, Schafer, G Hernandez, Prado, Blanco or KJ for whatever they need.
Their pipeline is for position players.
It all goes back to how much money is spent.
By Jeff R
April 28, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Braves should have much more flexible budget situation at the end of the ‘08 season. They should make a run at Penny, but it remains to be seen if they’re willing weigh into the market in a big way.
By Jeff R
April 28, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Follow the money…
By 1957 Bravees Fan
April 28, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Center fielder Adam Jones was traded among others by the Mariners this winter for pitcher Erik Bedard.
By timmy
April 28, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
I was thinking of Pena for Betemit or Ensberg trade. Both of them would help us and them tremendously. Betemit while being to play all infield positions, isn’t the offensive threat from the right side of the plate, that he is from the left side. He would be a stronger Gotay or Pena. Actually, Ensberg would help more by giving us another strong bat in the line up, in event Chipper or Tex is out of the lineup?
By Lew
April 28, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Snipper-Y’all ain’t doing so well, either. Isn’t it a bit early to start thumping your chest and grabbing your crotch? Go chop down a car or something.
DAP-So Burrell is better than Andruw, is he? Dude-check out stats. BA, average HR and RBI, K and GIDP per 162 games-they’re the same player-except Burrell sucks on defense. Don’t YOU try to tell me otherwise. Look it up. If that’s what you want, then we should have signed Andruw and eaten the $3 mil more he costs than Burrell will (if that much). You should realize that Pat Burrell is either going to resign with Phillie or become someone’s DH..
Besides-we don’t need another outfielder. What you are talking about is the need for a cleanup hitter if we either trade Tex at the deadline (which is appealing to me if we aren’t in the race), or let him walk in the offseason. So how in the name of whatever, is Burrell an option? He doesn’t play first base does he? What we will need is a first baseman-not another outfielder.
The thing to do would be to pick up a first baseman that can hit. All this talk about Colorado and their guy who Helton is blocking ain’t the deal either. The Rockies will want to keep this young stud. How about instead of that, we work a deal where the Rockies trade us Helton and pick up most of his salary like we did in the Kotsay deal. Wouldn’t THAT serve a better purpose? You get a decent defensive 1B with a track record of good hitting this way. Then they can develop their own in house option to take over first in a couple years. Makes sense to me. Burrell? Not so much.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox-Of course the free agent pitching list is not that great and those who are worthwhile will be expensive. However, stop and think. How did we acquire Hudson? How about Jurrjens? THAT’S how you get more and better pitching in the offseason. We have the farm to use as tradebait and will have plenty of $$$$$ through attrition. No free agency necessary.
I would also consider what Tex might bring in, but if we’re anywhere close to the division lead at the trade deadline, I don’t see that happening.
By OrlandoFan
April 28, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
There are a lot of optimistic amateur GMs in this group. I’m just glad it’s so early and trades of desperation are not yet required. The Braves are only a few games behind and have been beset with an epidemic of injuries that would ruin most teams. Let’s tread water for a while and see how it goes. If June 1 rolls around and things are no better, then we think about young talent for potential need. I think it’s way too early to start throwing mult-young-player trades out there. But I admire some of the creative thinking expounded here.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 28, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I could make a pretty good living selling bridges to some of you guys…
Example of an oxymoron.. Young, cheap number one starter Only folks I know that would have anything close would be the Nationals and the Marlins but it is by necessity. Not by design.
The Braves were very fortunate to get Jair from the Tigers. He has the look of a number one some day…
They are also lucky to have Chuck James available. Sorry he does not throw 100 mph so he would score high for your fantasy league but I am glad the Braves have him around. I doubt the Braves would let him go very cheap. Certainly not as cheap as some of you folks would.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Even if this team is 10 back at the deadline, I don’t see them trading Tex. Take the draft picks. Yanks sign him, we’d get a late first rounder and a high compensation pick. I’d be really suprised to see any team pony up a quarter of what we gave up for Tex when the guy will only be on the team for 2 months and a possible playoff run.
Keep Tex, after he leaves, take the draft picks….and pay above slot money for those draft picks. Look at the Mets, they have 18, 23, and33 in the draft. They can restock their farm system if they pay above slot money. It doesn’t always work, there is a risk in every decision you make in baseball, but look at the Red Sox and Yanks- they now use this method and have two of the top farm systems in all of the sport.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is gonna be checked out tomorrow in Atlanta. I’ll be surprised if he’s not DL’d. At the very least, he’ll miss a start.
The fact that the Braves have three off days in next eight days (including today) should help them cover a while. And obviously, if HAMPTON is ready and can actually get to the mound and pitch without another injury, it would be a huge help at this point.
If Hampton’s next rehab start goes incident-free, he could be activated next week.
If Smoltz is DL’d, Braves can bring back Chuck. If he’s just going to miss a start, they can go with Bennett.
Something to consider perhaps, down the line if starters keep getting hurt: Jorge Campillo made 22 starts in Triple-A last season with Mariners organization, so if they could him stretched out at midseason, a mid-season conversion wouldn’t be out of the question. Of course, he’d have to miss at least a few weeks go down and make some starts in the minors, build arm stregth. But just mentioning it as a possibility (I haven’t heard any Braves people discuss that).
Of course, with the bullpen injuries, I don’t know that they could afford to lose him there unless absolutely had to have another starter.
He was 9-6 with a league-best 3.07 ERA in 24 games (22 starts) at Triple-A Tacoma in 2007, and that was before he starting piling up strikeouts like he’s doing now.
By SNIPER-69
April 28, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
LEW-Ser. I’m not thumping my chest or grabbing my crotch. I’m only pointing the reality of the current situation. Read my previous post. I said I did agree with the vulnerbility of some of the Mets to injury. I don’t think you anticipated the braves to suffer a greater rash of injuries than the Mets. If Smoltz and Glavine can’t produce as you thought they were due to age/injury, the division will be fought for by the Mets and Phils.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
hey flange…never heard of Adam Jones? He’s the CF for the O’s. Mariners traded him (their top prospect) for eric bedard….thought you would get the irony of me saying adam jones instead of brandon jones repeatedly, implying that B. Jones is the guy we should’ve traded instead of pitching much like the A’s and M’s are doing - trading position players for pitchers.
guess you didn’t get it though. looks like we’ll have to do the same this next offseason, but the whole point of my argument is that this mgmt has gotten away from stock piling pitching over the last few years in exchange for mediocre role players. That instead, most of the recent moves in the offseason, were trading pitching for position players, or talented position players for more position players.
This season is long from over, but it’ll be interesting to see what mgmt does beyond this season to exchange the old in the rotation with the new, especially with all the money that will be available and plans by corporate to keep increasing spending limits.
By Chop Chop
April 28, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Lord, have mercy.
flange1,
“don’t see those 4 for Lincecum. Maybe B jones and Lillibridge, and Royce Ring and or Chris Resop”
(If only the Giants were dumber than we give them credit for…)
So Kelly Johnson’s eye and bat (both legitimately good, of course) and Chuck James’s attempts to systematically tear down any and all ballparks by baseball impact would preclude you from making that trade, eh? Lincecum is a beast on the mound. Your concerns about Lincecum being “an injury waiting to happen” led me to my dear friend Google. Check this page out Tim Lincecum’s mechanics and see what this guy thinks. It’s dated from March 2007, but I think this is about as good of a breakdown as you’re going to get of Lincecum’s delivery.
I’d say Lincecum is a hell of a lot more developed than Andrew Miller. He’s less than a year older, has better velocity, and locates his pitches pretty well. He also keeps the ball in the park (12 HR allowed in 175 career IP; 0 in 29.1 IP this season)
By DAP
April 28, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Lew i apologize because i dont have tome to give a really in depth response, but ill say this, i HAVE looked into the stats in depth and decided burrell is a better offensive player than andruw. if you still care tomorrow, ill explain more in depth.
and what if we cant find a 1st baseman to hit cleanup? then a left fielder that can bat cleanup would make alot of sense.
and your idea with helton would make sense too…but helton might be a little on the old side for me.
By Curt
April 28, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
I loved that break down of Lincecum’s delivery you posted. He really does do some amazing stuff off the mound with his body and it is just crazy the velocity he generates given his size. I can see where people are scared of his pitching style but given how he generates a lot of the velocity by leading with his hips and being closer to the plate than almost any other pitcher when he releases the ball I would not be scared to have him on my team. I just dont think there is anyway the Giants part with him without the greatest trade bounty in history. I mean if they thought he was going to get hurt it seems they would have already pulled the trigger on a move.
By Shaun
April 28, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Lew, Burrell is pretty close to Andruw as far as offensive skill:
Burrell - .260/.369/.487
Andruw - .261/.341/.494
Now Burrell can’t touch Andruw with the glove and Andruw beats him in career value because Andruw has been around longer.
Speaking of Andruw, check this out.
By DonCoburleone
April 28, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
I am really worried about Smoltz. If he has to have surgery, I don’t see him going through with it. No way, at this point in his career, does he want to go through surgery, rehab, and then possibly be back to pitch a half season in 2009.
So hopefully this is just a really bad strain and a couple of weeks off can fix it, cuz again, I just can’t see Smoltz opting for surgery.
By albanian braves fan
April 28, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
why is not braves trading for “big poppy”? big poppy can hit ball from
Gjirokastër to Tirana.
“tex” is no “big poppy”. more medium poppy.
also buddy carlyle still “no location”. must trade. is not hitting broad side of stallë. hardly.
is all for now.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun, congrats on the publication. Fox… big time!
I agree: Andruw has been around longer!
By JEB
April 28, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Smoltz should go to the DL for awhile. John Smoltz is a man who is not only VERY competitive but also one who has great pride!! Listening to John in post game interview and interview today on the zone, you can tell he felt like he really let the team down. He took the HR’s given up and the loss personally. He doesn’t need to be rushed back. In the mean time we have several young guys (besides Chuck James) that can come up and alternate out starts until Smoltz is ready to come back. We need to start preparing these young guys for the future of the Braves NOW! As for Campillo - I’d keep him right where he is!! He is awesome in that long relief, middle relief role!
By ncscoots
April 28, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Tim Lincecum may indeed be the second coming of Cy Young, and he might also join the long roll call of comets briefly flashing across the sky, before burning out to ash.
Frankly, his body mitigates against a long and illustrious career. He is still a kid, however, so he may put on some muscle as he matures. But, unless he does, the chances of that frail bod holding up aren’t good. He simply isn’t a good risk for the kind of gutting trade that’s been bandied about here by bloggers who want to be Steve Phillips.
By DonCoburleone
April 28, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Now is the time for Mike Hampton to freakin’ step up and come through for this team. Smoltz is gonna be out for some time, and if Hampton can step up and fill (or half-way fill) his shoes this team won’t lose a beat. Hampton, its time to earn your pay!
By Kev
April 28, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Well…Things are just not going the Braves way….im really worried about Smoltz..his career could be over…or could miss a long time resting…i just hope that IF hes going to the DL and for more than 2 or 3 starts(i.e a month or so)…Wren HAS to make a move…i dont care for who…Lincecum,Oswalt,Blanton, Cain or whoever…IF Smoltz is going to be out for and extended period of time…Wren has to find somebody that brings estability to the Rotation and be a No 1 or No. 2 at least….and stay healthy too.. MAKE IT HAPPEN WREN..>YOU CAN DO IT!!
By Saltywoody
April 28, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Re:Lincecum I’ve watched the kid pitch in person a few times this year and would say that there are few pitchers in the game as exciting as he is right now.
He is flat out dominant, with some of the nastiest breaking stuff I’ve seen, and a totally unhittable fastball that range anywhere from 93-98 mph. The kid’s a star in the making and to suggest that he’s only a year ahead of Andrew Miller is absurd. Miller wishes he were half as good as Lincecum.
As far as Lincecum’s mechanics go, certainly his delivery is a little herky-jerky. But, the kid’s built like a brick sh!thouse. Local sportscasters around here point out all the time that while he’s small, he’s also incredibly well put together and athletic as heck…can literally walk across the entire length of the field while standing on his hands.
The Giants have always been careful with him, really holding back on the number of innings they let him throw last year until he built up arm strength. They’ve been a little more lenient this year (I think he threw 120+ pitches in a game the other day). But, still, I think they probably know what they’re doing.
And I love that someone here thinks we can get him for the pile of nonsense that you suggested. Lincecum’s going to be a number 1 for years to come and he costs nothing by comparison. The Braves would have to give away their entire farmsystem and then some to get him. This pretty much sums it up:
I just dont think there is anyway the Giants part with him without the greatest trade bounty in history.
Couldn’t have said it better.
By AdirondackDave
April 28, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
DOB — I think the reason some folks are looking ahead to building a team next year is because things are looking pretty shaky with the pitching staff these days. Last year with Chipper and Tex (and others) pounding the he11 out of the ball, the starters beyond Smoltz and Hudson just couldn’t cut it. This year Chippers still pounding but Tex is starting slow (not to say that will continue) and the stalwarts Smoltz, Hudson, and Glavine are starting to look vulnerable. Of course most I think would be thrilled to get 6 wins from Hampton before he exits. That leaves Jurrjens as the rotation bright spot.
I’m not writing this year off by any means. We’re barely a month into the season with 5 months to go and anything can happen including winning the division title and more. However, enough bad stuff has happened already to give me cause for plenty of concern. I’ll also say this, god forbid, if Smoltz shoulder problem is serious and he call it a career then that much praised staff depth won’t get us into the playoffs.
That’s why I’ve got one eye on this year and one eye on ‘09.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Did someone say Kelly Johnson, Chuck James, Brent Lillibridge and Brandon Jones for Tim Lincecum?!?!?!
Please people. Brian Sabean has made some huge mistakes in his career(Zito’s contract), but he would be ran out of town if that was the bounty he brought back for Lincecum. I like Kelly Johnson’s game a lot, maybe more than anyone on this blog, but that offer is more quantity than quality for the rights to Lincecum.
He doesn’t have very much projection because of his short frame, but the kid is pretty rock solid. Weird, self taught mechanics.
Anyway, that trade isn’t going to happen. #1 starter? Here’s to hoping Scott Kazmir has a healthy remainder of the season. And the Braves look to trade for him this offseason with two years left before he is a free agent. Even though the last thing this team needs is another starter who constantly gets hurt.
By ncgary
April 28, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
By Saltywoody
April 28, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Re:Lincecum I’ve watched the kid pitch in person a few times this year and would say that there are few pitchers in the game as exciting as he is right now.
fydrich was exciting too, an ace as well, lasted one year, bad wing
By Dan
April 28, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I’ve said all along that the Braves were better off looking for YOUNG starters rather then signing T.Glavine. Bedard was my fav. but i also liked Haren alot. Yes i am aware that it took alot to get either or. BUT at least right now the future would be looking MUCH brighter. Just dont understand why they would give up a ton for a 1B rather then a future stud.
The Giants would trade Lincecum, but their need is bats and power bats. They have none. Since Bonds is gone their next top HR hitter is molina which he hit about 20 last year. So unless the braves give up some power bats that i’m not to sure they have. Doubt they could pull off a trade for Lincecum.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Well, the Giants reported entertained Alex Rios for Lincecum, didn’t they? And then turned it down.
You could probably start with Francouer, and add a piece or two, and get their attention. Any takers?
By flange1
April 28, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, yeah I know who Adam Jones is. You keep talking about the Braves trading him. Yeah, I get your point.
I am not against a trade, heck I propose more crappy trades here than anyone.
I don’t agree that the Kotsay deal was crappy. With Kotsay, we got what we thought we were getting, a stop gap, good clubhouse guy, decent offense, and decent defense. No complaints there.
But let’s not start this Devine is the greatest bullpen arm in history garbage.
Shades of the Wilson Betemit trade….
MAYBE Devine will become a productive ML reliever. I think middle guy max. I hope he does better, I always liked the kid.
But if he turns into Tyler Yates, was it a good trade? I say yes.
If he turns into Dan Kolb post Braves, was it a good trade? I say yes.
If he turns into Peter Moylan, was it a good trade? I still say yes.
If he turns out to be Billy Wagner, was it a good trade? I guess….
By Saltywoody
April 28, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I’d do Frenchy for Lincecum in a heartbeat.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
TJ
I completly forgot about the Rios for Lincecum trade offer. Giants turned that down. Alex Rios….monster…. and they said no thank you.
Start with Frenchy and then consider Rios has had a better start to his major league career, so now we are talking, what, adding Jeff Locke or Eric Barrett or some other promising pitching prospect at Rome or Myrtle Beach. Then maybe Sabean would consider it. No Braves fan would want that to happen though and I can’t blame them because Lincecum could blow his elbow out. But really, before making trade proposals on the blog, realize that Rios for Lincecum was turned down by the Giants GM.
By Wayne in Utah
April 28, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
I don’t think you will see Frenchy traded, no matter what….
I would propose a trade for Matt Cain of the Giants. While he is not the flash that Lincecum is, he has a heck of an arm.
What would it take to get a Matt Cain? I think you start with either KJ or Lillibridge (one, not both) and add in a hot OF prospect (Brandon Jones, Cody Johnson, or Gorkys) and add in one top flight pitching prospect (JoJo, Evarts, Locke, Morton, etc and try to refrain from trading Hanson or Rohrbough).
What say ye?
By AdirondackDave
April 28, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Yes, I imagine Francoeur plus a couple quality prospects, maybe Hansen and ‘lil Bridge for Lincecum would at least get the Giants attention. Looking ahead the Braves need at least one, more likely two young pitching studs to go with Jurrjens and Hudson. James should be adequate for the 5-slot. I’d give up 4-5 of our farm’s best prospects and Francoeur if we could flip them for Lincecum and another quality young starter from somebody.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
SaltyWoody
We will need Frenchy to hit in the middle of our order next year. We really shouldn’t be trading him.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Efrim, on the other hand, Frenchy is a few years younger than Rios (24, vs. 27), and at least a year further from free agency (didn’t Rios do a 6/65 deal, or something like that?).
Anyway, I think the Giants would want a big bat (and Frenchy would probably qualify), plus some “quantity”… like a Lillibridge and maybe a pitching prospect. (just guessing, of course)
I’m not expert enough to know if Lincecum is a major injury risk… but aside from that, I think I’d do it.
If you deal for a guy like Oswalt, you give up prospects PLUS millions and millions of dollars to pay them. Lincecum would be dirt cheap for several years.
I can’t believe the Giants would trade him, but I continue to read that it’s halfway likely that they’ll deal either him or Cain to get some offense/youth.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah
I would consider Cain just as untouchable as Lincecum.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
then i guess we’ll agree to disagree flange.
if you’re looking to see what devine does in his career to rate the trade, then there’s no use to arguing. But i’ll do the same:
The braves were obviously looking for immediate results when they pulled that trade. They thought kotsay would hit .300 if he were healthy this year, and his veteran presence would help this team reach the postseason. So far he’s been healthy and he’s hitting .268 for the first month in which the braves are 1 under .500. So, if Kotsay doesn’t hit .300 and the braves miss October while the bullpen is missing that extra arm, then i’ll have to say the trade was a bust and this year could’ve been better spent with a rookie learning to patrol center, hitting leadoff stealing bases, with devine in the pen. That would’ve seriously helped to ease the adversity this team is going to face in ‘09.
Let’s hope Kotsay does stay heathly, cuz if not, then they truly would’ve given Devine away for nothing, a former #1 pick having put in his time in the minors looking to breakout.
By JC FROM UT
April 28, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
WAYNE: like your trade idea for Cain. It seems to me that KJ is not only the player to begin any trade talks with, he is also most expendable. Prado may not have his power but he gets on plays good defense and is like an old time scrappy second baseman. Another starter I like is Tim Redding. I know same division and Jim Bowden is hard to trade with. I would not give KJ for him just stating that I would like to have him.
By THB
April 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Wayne-I completely agree. Cain should be someone of consideration, and also someone who would be possible to get. He had a frustrating year last year, posting a good ERA and really pitching very well while getting next to no run support thus having a losing record.
I was thinking an offer of Lillibridge, Reyes, Jones, and another player would be ideal, but we will probably need to give up one of the players we like more (Gorkys, Hanson, Rohrbough).
Next year will be another huge change. We’ll likely lose Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton, along with Tex. We need 2 front line starters and a clean-up hitter, not to mention possible bullpen help. Leadoff is not settled yet, and we’ll see how Blanco performs through the course of an entire season.
Our best pitching option in the FA market next year are probably Sheets, but he’s off limits unless he pitches 180+ innings this year. We’re going to need to trade for our cleanup hitter, because I don’t see anybody who will be worth the money, really.
Next year, we’ll likely see Hanson sometime through the season, as well as Schafer (if he’s playing well) and Medlen, and in 2010 we’ll likely see Rohrbough, Heyward, and Gorkys. Some nice prospects right there at least. The others need to be used in trades if we can pull something off.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Yes, If you’ll notice, I said that Burrell and Andruw were the same player offensively, but that Burrell was a lousy defensive outfielder. I think urrell is way too expensive for any of our needs.
By JC FROM UT
April 28, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
How about Bronson Arroyo. He is 0-3 but he plays in a little league park. What would the Reds want for him?
By THB
April 28, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
How about an update on the Richmond vs. Durham game?
It’s tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 3rd right now, each team 1 hit a piece.
In case you didn’t know, Charlie Morton is up against Scott Kazmir who is getting his last start before returning to the majors. Diory Hernandez hit a homer off of him in the 3rd. It seems that we keep developing SS’s as well as OF’s. We’ve had Furcal, Escobar, Andrus, Pena, Lillibridge (not our job tho), and now Hernandez. He’s playing pretty well.
By Saltywoody
April 28, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Efrim
What I think you meant to say is that we need Frenchy in the middle of the order to swing away next year. He doesn’t exactly “hit.”
:)
Actually, I like Frenchy. Really do. I just don’t think he’ll ever mature into a 3 or 4 hole hitter. And what do I know? I just think if having Chipper call him out publicly can’t motivate him to be more disciplined, nothing really will.
And if he and the Braves remain as far apart on money as it seems they are, then let him walk when it’s time. No sense in shelling out a bunch of cash on a long-term deal when he isn’t even motivated to work on his game produce by the promise of one. If he’s not hungry enough to improve (aside from just building more muscle) now, how hungry do you think he’ll be a year into a 7 year deal?
By JC FROM UT
April 28, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Shaun/Lew: Burrell may be the answer for 1st base next season.When he first came up he palyed abour 80 games for the Phillies at 1st. I live in Philly and the radio talk going around is 3-4 years at 10-12 per. He could be decent at first. He strikes out alot but he always seems to drive in 100. The fans here kill him I doubt he wants to re-sign with the Phillies or even if the Phillies want to re-sign him.
By Lew
April 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
DAP-Dude, No, I really don’t want to debate whether or not Pat Burrell is better than Andruw-mainly because we just dumped one and ain’t getting the other, but……
Consider this from Baseball Reference’s 162 Game averages. Burrell and Andruw are essentially the same age, so that is no issue.
Batting Average-B. .260, A .261
OBP-B. .369, A .341
SLG.-b .487, A .494
BB-B 97, A 66
K-B 159 !!!!!, A 129
GIDP- B 13, A 15
Dude, these are essentially the same numbers. Burrell gets on a bit more frequently, mainly because he walks a bit more, but he strikes out 30 more times than Andruw. I couldn’t stand to watch that. Could you?
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I’m hoping for Smoltz shoulder to be all right, but I am not holding my breath. If there is a serious issue and he needs surgery, I doubt he would do it, rehabd and try to come back next year. What’s the point? Hall of Famer right now if he never even pitched another inning in my book. As for next year, if Smoltz didn’t come back, we would have 50 million coming off the books, but we would need two starters(one of them being a front of the rotation type) and a cleanup hitter First Baseman/Left Field type guy. I don’t think we would need bullpen help. Gonzo, Soriano(barring no surgery), Moylan by May, Boyer, Acosta. Plenty of time for that to shape up. But the only certainties for the rotation would be Hudson and Jurrjens…maybe James.
By Saltywoody
April 28, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Another starter I like is Tim Redding.
That’s like saying you like herpes…it just doesn’t make any sense.
Cain should be someone of consideration, and also someone who would be possible to get.
Are you guys crazy? The Giants are NOT trading Lincecum or Cain. Those two guys are young, cheap, and great pitchers to anchor a rotation for years to come. There’s no way the Giants even think about trading them…not in a million years. And especially not for anything that the Braves could offer.
By Dan
April 28, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
I remember hearing Chris Russo on the yes network saying the Giants are willing to trade any one of their pitchers BUT they WANT and NEED BATS (power bats at that)and i’m sorry , but for all you guys mentioning Lillibridge HE is not a BAT. he (to me) is far from major league ready. He looked man-handled…man vs baby. I’d say depending thier positions in need would have to be a frenchy tpye plus a few minor league Bats….maybe Flowers? Jones? and even a CF being that the Braves have a few of those.
Now getting a lincecum. Would mean cheap for a few years to come, so the extra money could be spent on TEX. and another arm via free agency. Leaving a rotation of Hudson, JJ, Lincecum, as your top 3 then fill in the rest.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
I said that Burrell and Andruw were the same player offensively
Lew, you’re just looking at 2006 and before, right?
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
SaltyWoody
I understand. I can’t believe Frenchy wants a David Wright type deal. At least that is what MLB.com reported. NO WAY. Wright had a structured 5 years deal worth like 50 million. I don’t think Frenchy deserves that. He’ll probably want Rios money, but again, I don’t think I would give it to him….not yet. Good thing they don’t have to decide for a while considering he won’t hit free agency until after 2011.
By Hampton Update
April 28, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton recently returned to visit the children at Homosassa Elementary School. Mike’s boyhood home was only about 400 yards from the school.
Back for the annual Mike Hampton Celebrity Weekend, the pitcher made his yearly trip to Citrus County. Hampton feasted on a sloppy joe, macaroni and cheese and chocolate milk from the cafeteria.
To mark the event, and to honor Mike, all children were granted a sick day today. They will receive full credit for all tests and assignments missed during the day. “Hey, when you’re home sick, you shouldn’t have to do homework” Hampton explained.
By THB
April 28, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
*Are you guys crazy? The Giants are NOT trading Lincecum or Cain. Those two guys are young, cheap, and great pitchers to anchor a rotation for years to come. There’s no way the Giants even think about trading them…not in a million years. And especially not for anything that the Braves could offer. * Saltywoody
Are YOU crazy? Have you watched the Giants lately? It is going to do them no good if they only have 2 pithcers and a bunch of little-league position players. If they want to get some quality players, they’re going to need to trade one of the two in the near future. They aren’t going to win now, and I’m not saying they’re going to trade one of the two right now, because they’ll probably wait til the two hit peaks, and trade as high as possible. But seriously, they’re going to need to get Zito off the books and rebuild with young talent starting now.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
That�s why I�ve got one eye on this year and one eye on �09.Adirondack Dave
That’s fine. Enjoy that discussion of potential moves for next year, 99.9 percent of which will never be considered. In the meantime, we’ve got at least 137 games to play and, well, we’re paid to cover them.
By the way, was we said several times the first two weeks of the season, Teixeira starts EVERY SEASON SLOW, including last year (he just wasn’t a Brave then, remember?) Teixeira has hit .368 with six extra-base hits and 10 RBI in his past nine games. In other words, the slow start is history. As anyone who’s followed his career had to know what probably happen, since it does ever year.
By Shaun must have a hookup at Fox
April 28, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Interesting stats regarding KJ.
The braves are 4 games under .500 in 256 games that KJ has played for them.
In the 130 wins, KJ is hitting .302/.417/.552 with 110 runs, 147 hits, 31 doubles, 7 triples, 22 HR, 93 rbi’s, 84 BB’s, 85 K’s, 10 SB. He’s got a .907 OPS in those games.
In the 126 losses, KJ is hitting .204/.288/.303 with just 41 runs, 87 hits, 9 doubles, 6 triples, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 46 BB’s, 121 K’s, 4 SB. In those games, his OPS is .591.
Being the 1st batter of the game (99 games) KJ is hitting .211 with an .289 OBP. Leading off an inning, KJ is hitting .245 with an .325 OBP.
These are all career stats. If you wish, you can check the stats here
Would the Giants trade Lincecum for Jeff Blauser? Probably not, but KJ’s is looking more like a Blauser than a Utely.
No wonder Cox likes him so much.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
By the way, how long will this pointless Lincecum obsession last? Do you folks not understand that teams in this era don’t trade away young, hard-throwing, budding-ace pitchers after their FIRST SEASON in the majors, or their second season, or usually even after the third or fourth?
Oswalt, Adam Dunn, Pat Burrell… I mean, sometimes… OK, sorry. Nevermind. Enjoy.
I don’t mean to throw a wet blanket on the harmless fun. It’s an off day, anyway.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, as far as discussing next year, didn’t you write an entire blog about how the Braves should sign Rafael Furcal next off season?
By Tomas
April 28, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Right now there is no way the Giants will trade Lincecum or Cain, especially now with Zito showing how bad he really is. The Giants are just tooo stupid, to give a contract like that one to Zito. I mean his fastball barely reaches 90 and he has a very good curveball, but be serious, he always got hit hard and Oakland, but fortunately for him he was able to mantain a good ERA. If a team is going to give a contract like that to a pitcher, the pitcher must have excellent control, at least a 93 mph fastball, and very good movement on his pitches.
By Prime Time Deon the Neon Sanders
April 28, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
By the way, if you’ve done any research, or simply read it here, you’d know Teixeira starts EVERY SEASON SLOW, including last year (he just wasn’t a Brave then, remember?) DOB
Yo DOB, can you please tell us what KJ’s best month is supposed to be based on years past, then tell me what he’s hitting this April? Oh wait, i think you did that 2 weeks ago in your blog Tex heating up, but what about KJ? I think you blogged KJ’s stats in his last 50 or so games. Just thought you could repost those stats for us all in HOTLANTA! Wait a sec, Hotlanta…those were the priiiiiiime-tiiiime days.
By THB
April 28, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Another update on the Morton vs. Kazmir game:
In the bottom of the 5th, still tied 1-1, both teams with just 2 hits. Kazmir so far, 5 IP, 2 H, 3 K, 0 BB. Morton came out after 4.2 IP, with 2 H, 5 K, 5 BB. The issue was definetely the 5 BB, really brought his pitch count up. If he can keep his control down, he’ll do well in the bigs.
Diory Hernandez has both hits for Richmond, a homer and a single.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Wet blanket well tossed. Later.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Garza was traded for Delmon Young. Not saying Garza is Tim Lincecum, but that was a unique trade that you don’t see very often. Garza could very well turn out to be a front of the rotation type hurler.
Not much else to really talk about on an off day, and I think the Smoltz injury has people thinking that there needs to be some youth installed into the rotation.
Shaun
Nice stats on Kelly.
By Dan
April 28, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
DOB. All this talk is most likely the worry everyone (including myself)has IF Smoltz goes down for a long period of time. Plus the fact that Hudson hasn’t looked great Glavine just coming off the DL and Hampton, well we all know about Hampton. SO just wondering IF in need of an Ace, who would fit? that the Braves could maybe go after. And i said before i heard Chris Russo (big giants fan) on the Yes network saying the Giants WOULD trade a young arm for bats. I’m not looking at next year. Just a little worried about the pitching staff right now.
By Giants Front Office
April 28, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
We will never ever ever EVER trade Lincecum.
Just so that everyone is aware, we visit the blogs and newspapers of the other 31 teams in baseball to quiet discussion.
Good luck and be easy on us this year.
By albanian braves fan
April 28, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
is often sleeping with wet blanket in old country when hole in roof.
By Efrim
April 28, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Discussing next year is apart of baseball and sports in general. Fans always look to the future. That’s why I like keeping up with the minors, why I buy Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook and why I read MLBTraderumors.com. I’m still into this season, obviously, there are 137 games left. But it is always nice to see what the 2009 Braves might look like even though it is a LONG WHILE until the Hot Stove season begins.
Speaking of prospects, does anyone know when Cole Rohrbough is going to begin his season? Hopefully his elbow is okay.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
TJ, Furcal was in town with the Dodgers, he’s going to be a free agent next winter, he has quite a lengthy history with the Braves, and someone in the organization brought it up that week. I thought it was interesting.
If that is in some way comparable to discussing trading for Lincecum or Oswalt, my bad. As I said, didn’t mean to throw a wet blanket on the trade talks.
By Steve McP
April 28, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Just thinking about Smoltz and the DL, I know that it is back dated to his last game, but is it 15 days or 15 days that the team has a game that he has to miss? With a blank today and two more on the 1st and 5th May it makes a difference on his likely return date.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, sorry to go all smarta@@ on you; frankly, I was enjoying shooting the breeze with other baseball fans about possibilities….
Anyway, apparently you see no possibility of the Braves trading for or signing any good pitchers. I don’t really agree with that position. Good pitchers get moved all the time (Santana, Bedard, Haren, etc etc). I’m pretty sure there will be more next year. I don’t know why it’s absurd to discuss possibilities.
I really disagree with your Furcal idea (but if someone in the organization brought it up, okay, that’s some credibility that you have access to, and most of us don’t), but that’s not the point. We’re talking baseball here… what’s the problem?
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Prime Time: Unlike Teixeira (or even Diaz), Kelly Johnson hasn’t played enough to make a study of his best month or worst month really matter. I mean, when a guy has fewer than 100 at-bats in every month except one entering this season, there isn’t a body of work to make it meaningful….
But seriously, they�re going to need to get Zito off the books and rebuild with young talent starting now.THB
Get it off the books, huh? The guy signed a seven-year, $126 million contract SIXTEEN MONTHS AGO, and he’s 0-6 with a plus-7.00 ERA this season and was demoted to the bullpen today.
Yeah, they should have little trouble getting that contract off the books — in about six years.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
This is hard to believe, that the Hawks are staying in this game into the fourth quarter….
By Steve McP
April 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
One other thing, I notice that both the Mets and the Braves are scheduled for an off day on May 19th - would it not have been less stress on the players to have made up the rain off from earlier this month on that day rather than playing a double header on the Tuesday? What was the thinking in going for the latter choice?
By N8
April 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
“Teixeira has hit .368 with six extra-base hits and 10 RBI in his past nine games.”
Yet the Braves managed to only go 5-4 in those 9 games.
I was as optimistic as ANYBODY before this season began. Still am optimistic about making the playoffs, but it has much more to do with the ENTIRE NL EAST (north of Florida) playing down to our level, rather than us stepping up.
I was under the impression that our “depth” was overflowing all over the south, and NOTHING would slow us down.
Injuries to Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, Escobar, Hampton, James, Soriano and Moylan have kinda shown that we really DON’T have much depth.
This team would be just fine and roll, with NO major injuries. But then again, the Mets would be better with a healthy Pedro and Alou too, right?
But Lillibridge is over-matched (at least so far) at the big-league level, so he should NOT be considered “depth” at the SS position. NOBODY that we’ve brought up to fill into the rotation, would even remotely be worthy of being called depth if Smoltz or Hudson (still think something is wrong no matter what he says - and if he IS healthy, that actually worries me MORE), were to go down for an extended period of time.
If Tex were to get hurt, we’d be in DEEP trouble. Or does anybody out there STILL think that Brayan Pena is an “option” over there?
Hampton should be back soon. Call me crazy, but I’m not getting excited about that until AT LEAST the 20th warm up pitch in the bullpen before he takes the mound.
Gonzalez is coming back…..TWO MONTHS EARLIER than expected last based on the winter predictions. Call me crazy again, but that SCREAMS desperation on the parts of Cox and Wren. I don’t really blame them, but this guy has the chance to ANCHOR our bullpen NEXT YEAR. Let’s hope by bringing him back too soon (IMO), he doesn’t go all Dave Dravecky on us.
Infante? The guy that was SUPPOSED to be our depth at many positions? Well, he’s been hurt for a while, and is no-where to be found. In the mean-time while we’ve been waiting for him, two of the guys (3 if you count Kotsay’s recent neck issues), that he was pegged to “back-up” have missed time. Yikes.
Like you said. Tex WILL heat up. That I don’t doubt. Whether it will be too late, or make a difference, is the REAL question.
I hope he tears it up.
1) That will help us win. It obviously won’t hurt our chances.
but
2) If these injuries DO CONTINUE (which they very well might), SOMEBODY is gonna give us something for him down the stretch. If we choose to trade him. Which if we are 10 games out at the break, we should do.
But hey…..it’s early, right?
Did I mention that the Chiefs got BOTH Glenn Dorey AND Branden Albert, THEN had Brandon Flowers fall to them in round two?
At least SOMETHING seemed to go my way this weekend, as far as sports go. LOL!
By THB
April 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
DOB-What the Giants need is for Zito to turn it around and have a couple solid starts, so that they can trade him (and yes, eat most of the salary, but get some off of them, and get a small return). They have no other choice other than release him if he doesn’t do well in the pen. It’s similar to the Morris situation, except Zito makes even more money.
By JEB
April 28, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
As far as Lincecum we can hang that conversation up - it is not going to happen!!
Oswalt… now that is a different story. Espesially since Oswalt said he would like to come to Atlanta.
By Prime Time Neon Deon Sanders
April 28, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
DOB Not enough stats on KJ yet? Well i guess there’s not enough statistical seasoning to compare him to an Utely either like these KJ lovin’ bloggers do. .240 doesn’t cut it. Neither do his harmless walks at the top of the order if the braves play station to station and can’t manufacture. The guy’s bat needs to wake up. Maybe that’s why those in the organization were discussing Furcal for next year eh DOB?
BTW, KJ is a career .167 hitter with 2 strikes. Maybe another reason why pitchers are adjusting to him this year and the end of last season. Hit the guy 7th or 8th and use his walks to turn the lineup over. Or put in another option others on here have blogged about. But for the time being, the braves need a speedy catalyst at the top of the order, or it’s same ol’ same ol’ in Hotlanta.
By Wayne in Utah
April 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Do you folks not understand that teams in this era don’t trade away young, hard-throwing, budding-ace pitchers after their FIRST SEASON in the majors, or their second season, or usually even after the third or fourth? DOB
Actually, sometimes they do, if they are the Oakland A’s!
Personally, if I were the GM of the SF Giants, no way would I trade Lincecum or Cain. They are going to be studs! That other lefty they have might be a budding star also (not Lowry or Zito, but can’t remember his name).
The Giants need almost everything though, except for a couple of OF spots that are fairly well manned.
If you overwhelmed them with bats/gloves that would not decimate our team, would they bite??? Probably not, but it is good fodder on an off day!
By TJ
April 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Okay. So we’ll sign a $45 million shortstop when we’ve already got a stud at short, and a stud at 2B. Good call.
By bfan54
April 28, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
CC Rider (“see what you have done!)at 9:25 am, has it right. I, too have followed the Braves, but since they left BOSTON! (LOL - it doesn’t give me any special insight, but as one gets older perhaps a certain objectivety sets in.)
Any who - while the season is young (yeah, yeah, yeah, etc) a few things are obvious and CC Rider has it down. My impression is that Smoltz is seriously worn down, but not injured in the season ending sense. Huddie is ominous - and key. Francour and McCann are not the 3,4 we were hoping for. What’s positive? For starters, were 12-13 with a horrendous DL history; bullpen has not melted down, JJJ is a godsend, team ERA is good, for both starters and relievers. Bennett, James Boyer, Carlyle and Campillo all have ERA’s between 0.79 and 4.05, and have a combined 53-25 SO/BB. Something to work with - admit it! Also, Blanco has been a pleasant surprise and Esco and Chipper more productive than expected. BLOG -wake up, this team has significant over the season challenges, and clearly will need to rebuild when it’s over, but…
Kotsay has been inconsistent - shows occasion spark, but may not be starting CF material on a playoff team. Tex has not yet proven self, and regardless of what he does, should not be “the anchor store of this shopping center” - for reasons I would give in a much longer piece.
Prediction: watch the DL - if Huddy goes on it, big trouble, unless any combination of Glavine, Hampton or Smoltz can stay off the DL for weeks at a time. I am not holding my breath. It would be the height of idiocy for me to predict a number, but this team is can achieve 75-88 wins, at best.
Bench is poor - Pena is not major league, Gotay started good, but faded fast.
By Dirty Birds
April 28, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Go HAWKS!
it would be nice to see the braves get this pumped up every now and then.
joe johnson and josh smith are on FIRE.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
DOB-What the Giants need is for Zito to turn it around and have a couple solid starts, so that they can trade him (and yes, eat most of the salary, but get some off of them, and get a small return). They have no other choice other than release him if he doesn’t do well in the pen. THB
With all due respect, ARE YOU INSANE?! This is not even remotely comparable to the Matt Morris situation. Not even in the same universe.
A “couple of good starts” and trade him? Do you understand that he’s owed more than $110 million? You think the Giants are going to eat most of that salary after barely more than a season of watching him struggle? You cannot possibly be serious. Tell me you’re kidding.
Even Colorado didn’t trade Hampton until after two seasons of his contract, including one 14-13 season. And they had to work a three-way deal with Florida, which also had some players it wanted to pay to go away.
NO ONE is going to take on Zito’s contract with him pitching like he has last year and especially so far this season. No one. And no baseball team, no team in pro sports, has ever eaten even half that much salary before.
Release him if he doesn’t do well in the ‘pen? Oh, my.
“Thanks, Barry, but it’s just not working out. We’ll be sending you more than $110 million over the next six years, but we’re gonna have to let you go. If you can hook on with another team, good luck. We’ll still have to send you your money, of course. But no problem. We’re rich. It’s not like we have huge debt to pay off on our privately funded ballpark or anything like that. Oh, what’s that? We do have huge debt on our privately funded ballpark? Well, still, no problem. We just can’t wait around for you to get better. We’re impatient like that. Impatient and rich. Now go away.”
By adirondackDave
April 28, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
DOB — I agree with the others who are responding to you about looking ahead to ‘09, possible needs and deals, etc.
By radoncbravesfan
April 28, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Incredible win by the Hawks. Celtics are steaming mad, fun to watch.
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Wayne, which pitcher did Oakland trade after his first or second season? Because that’s what I wrote.
The rest of it was “or usually after the third or fourth.” Meaning that sometimes, though very infrequently, a team might trade a good younger pitcher after three or four seasons.
But what top young pitcher did Oakland trade after one or two seasons, a pitcher comparable to Lincecum? Who are you referring to?
By Triton
April 28, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Okay. So we’ll sign a $45 million shortstop when we’ve already got a stud at short, and a stud at 2B. Good call TJ
Stud at 2B? Hardly.
By bfan54
April 28, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
I have said this before, but count the number of double-digit, multi-year contracts that have been provided value to the team against the “dog” contracts that you regret. These contracts make no business sense - any more than buying a Chevy Suburban does in an era of $4/gal gas.
Mo Vaughn, Mike Hampton, Barry Zito, and a host of others come very quickly to mind, but when was the last time anybody ever said “that 6 year, 126 million contract we gave to “X”, was a steal.”
Even Glavine was quoted as saying (re: his declined option with the Mets this year)”I wasn’t a $13million dollar pitcher”.
Ask yourself what the Braves can do with the $36 million they won’t pay to Andruw this and next year, in terms of scouting, player development.
This is why - short of a team leader, WS playing season - the Braves should not return Boras’ phone calls. Folks, I am serious about this. (See Barry Zito, and 2 dozen other “bad” contracts”).
Tex is being paid to produce this year. At the end of the season, we say ‘thank you’ and ‘best of luck to you’. My view won’t change if he hits .340, 45 HR’s, and 130 rbi -not even a little. Sayanara, Tex, nice knowin’ ye!
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Hey TJ, I’ll pass along your evaluation of the current second baseman/leadoff hitter to the person who brought up the idea. And if it’ll make it easier, in the future I can e-mail or call you privately and run by you things like that that I hear in the clubhouse, so you can let me know if they make sense and whether you approve of me relaying them to the rest of the blog. OK?…
Adirondack, good to know (10:49). Your vote’s been counted.
By richie
April 28, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, if Oswalt were to become available, and that is an “if”, what player/prospect combination would it take to acquire Oswalt? Whether it be this July or next season?
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Espesially since Oswalt said he would like to come to Atlanta.JEB
Let me say, Oswalt’s one of my favorite pitchers in baseball. He’d be an incredible pickup for any team. But my point is, I haven’t heard one credible voice out of Houston to indicate he’s been shopped. And Oswalt did not say he’d “like” to come to Atlanta. He was approached by a reporter about the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause, and said he’d agree to do it if they wanted to trade him, but he’d only do it for a trade to one of three teams: Braves, Cards, Red Sox.
That’s not exactly coming out and saying he’d like to play for Atlanta. It’s answering a question honestly and saying he’d only waive his no-trade to go to one of those three teams.
And by the way, on a related note, the reason, in case anyone was curious, that so many of these guys say they’d waive a no-trade clause to come to Atlanta? Some of you won’t like to hear this, but it’s usually because of Bobby Cox and what those players have heard about playing for him.
By TJ
April 28, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Geez, DOB, you’re mighty surly tonight.
So, let me get this straight: someone “connected” to the Braves, or whatever your term was, says something, and you feel the need to write an entire blog on it? And to spend about 2 days defending the position? I thought you claimed some degree of autonomy.
Seems to me you should’ve taken the day off, and stayed off the blog. All you’ve done is call your “customers” idiots.
By AdirondackDave
April 28, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
DOB — You have a lot of positive qualities we all really appreciate here. Your sarcasm isn’t one of them.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
The best possible pitcher to trade for actually is from Oakland and actually is not in his 1st or 2nd year, and actually is a free agent next year that the A’s will want to dump.
His name is Rich Harden. Injury prone and all, he’s the best pitcher that you’ve all named and is only 26. I’d take him in a heart beat right now, especially since he’s hurt Oakland might take him for a discount in talent, rather than have him get healthy in 2 weeks (he’s close) then trading him while he’s hot.
His current injury is less to deal with that what’s going on with Hampton, Smoltz, & maybe hudson.
How does that sound DOB?
By TJ
April 28, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
And to put my comments in perspective, DOB, as you know, your first harsh “response” to me was deleted. That’s okay, wish I could delete comments sometime too, but your doing it puts mine out of context.
By BA
April 28, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, the Hawks WIN! They’re making my Hawks predictions come true, about a year early. Braves baseball was my first love, but I haven’t enjoyed a basketball season like this in ten years, maybe never. Still, I regret missing the Braves blog tonight, you’re on quite a roll…
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
DOB
great 11:07 post. I heard the same thing regarding Oswalt. I also recently heard that he and Houston had cleared up any misunderstanding they had regarding that discussion with the media and that Oswalt was dedicated to pitching in Houston. He’s not going anywhere.
And ya, no way ever that SF trades Lincecum. You guys are nuts. Maybe I am too for suggesting Harden, but it makes more sense that the previous aforementioned.
By N8
April 28, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
AdirondackDave
“DOB — You have a lot of positive qualities we all really appreciate here. Your sarcasm isn’t one of them.”
Totally disagree. DOB’s sarcasm is his best trait. At least in text format. LOL!
Then again, this world would be a HELLUVA lot more pleasant place to be if everybody shared MY love of sarcasm.
AdirondackDave, for making that comment, one must conclude that Your AND idiot! NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!
By BA
April 28, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
I thought the Furcal thing was compelling. A good idea, and not exactly a reach. The Braves have a history of bringing guys back (Pendleton, Franco, Jordan, etc). And I for one advocate the sarcasm, I would even say MORE sarcasm is needed.
By JEB
April 28, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
DOB I agree Oswalt did not say “like to come to Atlanta” but, there is a good reference to that fact when he states he will waive a “no trade clause” for only 3 areas. I agree with you also - it is because of Bobby Cox.
TJ I think DOB is tending to the customers by just putting himself in a place to read and answer some of these blogs today! DOB understands the inside of this game better than 95% of us on this blog (not only a watcher, studier, and up close and personal guy to the game). Then to have to plow through these blogs and have to say “What the heck???”, “Geezzzzz”, “Where do they come up with this stuff??”, “What game are they paying attention to?”, and so forth. If I was DOB, I would have taken a ride on the Harley today, but he is here and giving info, and reading this stuff… Then you want to tell him to stay off the blog??? GEEZZZZZZZ!!
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
TJ, I should’ve stayed off my own blog? Oh.
(I’ll avoid the obvious response to that one.)
Actually, as much as I disagree with basically everything you’ve said tonight, I’ll probably take you up on that one and call it a night.
Because as “customers” go, you, my friend, are not making it worthwhile to keep the store open late.
You and Adirondack don’t like the witty banter if it’s in disagreement with you, eh? If I don’t eventually cave and say, “maybe you’re right,” even if I believe otherwise — strongly?
Oh, well. Guess we should reexamine the format and tone of the blog.
On second though, naah.
And I like sarcasm, Adirondack. A lot.
By Mark in PA
April 28, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
DOB, I think you’ve gone over to the sarcastic side tonight, and on an off night!
It’s not often I can offer the Crusading Everyman some dining advice, but I found (by accident, when leaving the Navy Yard) a pretty decent seafood place (and a good price) somewhat near the ballpark. SW Water Street, between the 395 overpass (to the west) and 9th St SW on the east side, on the water (the place is, in fact, a barge). It is right among the fresh seafood sellers. There was a pretty big crowd of folks getting it to go there. The crabcakes are great! THey also sell great looking desserts there too. Sorry I have forgotten the name of the place (Pruitts?), but I’ll bet you can get there with these.
If you can recommend a BBQ (or other) place down there, I’d be eternally grateful!
By David O'Brien
April 28, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
JEB, believe me, if I’d have been home in Atlanta, I would’ve taken a long ride on the Harley today. No question about that.
But the only thing I was riding today was the rails, taking a train to Washington from New York. I was using the broadband card when I was on the blog this afternoon, actually was on Amtrak at the time.
By Bobby's Cox
April 28, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives.
Feelin’ for you TJ. I too disagree with you often, but yes it does suck getting ganged up on as I have been the last couple weeks for my KJ bashing.
Get some rest, regroup, and come back swinging tomorrow. See you then, or wednesday or whenever. Night to you all.
By BA
April 28, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
The truth is, it’s damn hard to trade for top-flight starters anymore. If we’re going to wish upon a star, wish that JoJo Reyes developes some compusure. Wish for Chuck James to master that elusive slider. Personally, I’m hoping for the next brilliant trade for an erratic 19 year old minor league starter that becomes the next Smoltz. Maybe I’ll throw some salt over my shoulder or something.
By AdirondackDave
April 29, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Dave — That’s two votes for sarcasm… darn, it must be infectious.
By N8
April 29, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
BA
“Personally, I’m hoping for the next brilliant trade for an erratic 19 year old minor league starter that becomes the next Smoltz. Maybe I’ll throw some salt over my shoulder or something.”
Make sure not to hit Sea Bass with it. He’ll spit on your burger and then hunt you down in a bathroom stall.
goodnight all.
By Mark in PA
April 29, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
DOB- ditto for N8. It is great when you can break out the sarcasm. I know you can’t use it too often. My comment was not a critique.
By Wayne in Utah
April 29, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
DOB Maybe I mispoke. I was thinking about Haren/Mulder/Hudson. I guess most of those guys were beyone that 1-2 year threshold. How many years did Haren have as a top starter? Could Bedard be put into that category with the O’s?
Do you guys think that Maddux, Glavine AND Smoltz will all go to the Hall on the first ballot? If so, wouldn’t that be appropriate! For that to happen, the JS would have to retire after this year (which looks more and more like a possibility, depending on the shoulder).
If I am John Smoltz, I don’t think I go under the knife again, if it ever came to that. Just my guess…
As for good starters to go after, I see Brad Penny, Ben Sheets and maybe Randy Wolf as possibilities. Kyle Lohse would be a long shot 4th choice.
Maybe we should just develop what we have? Or take a flier on someone like Rich Harden?
Imagine next year if there is no Tex, no Glavine, no Hampton, and no Smoltz. That’s gotta be nearly 50 million! No way do we go out and spend that kind of $$. For my money, it would be time to develop our players within our own system, and start to get long term agreements in place with the core players of the future (Frenchy, Escobar, KJ, Hudson, etc.)
Let’s hope Tommy G has “it” tomorrow night!
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
DOB
Never did get a response from you on my return comment…Were the feelings hurt?
Anyways, the question was “could you give me the Braves record in 1-run games dating back to the beginning of the 06 season”
Also, for you KJ lovers, he is now hitting a crisp .266/.365/.440 in 398 AB’s and 464 PA’s as a leadoff hitter w/ 61 BB and 79 K’s…
The spot I thought he should be in (7th), he has hit .355/.444/.602 in 93 AB’s…granted not a huge sample size, but well enough from the former to realize the kid just isn’t a leadoff hitter…
Can we say Blanco v righties and Escobar v lefties?
Oh…and a few more stats from KJ for you stat heads…KJ is hitting .461 in 191 AB’s when he pulls the ball but only .138 in 130 AB’s when he hits the ball to LF
Lastly, KJ is a .169 hitter in 479 AB’s when he has 2 strikes on him.
At least if we’re not going to get rid of the coaching staff (which we should), please shake up the lineup, sit some guys because obviously something isn’t working!
Even though I just stated such, I do still in fact believe its at fault w/ the coaches because how else do you explain being under .500 w/ top 2 teams in Avg and ERA..?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 29, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
Wayne, I don’t even want to think about next season yet.
As for Smoltz, he has made it clear that if surgery is the only option, he is done, career over.
Jo-Jo Reyes is 1-0 in four starts with an ERA of 0.43 down in Richmond, giving up eleven hits and one run in twenty-one innings of work with twenty-four strike outs and six walks.
Why Chuck James(2-1 with a 7.62 ERA) keeps getting the nod in Atlanta is beyond me.
But, the one thing that is really getting under my skin is the situation of Brayan Pena and Ruben Gotay.
Having two players on the bench who do nothing more than pinch hit is just all wrong. I can see having one, but not two. It’s bad baseball strategy and Cox knows it.
Something has to give when Omar Infante is ready to play.
And Buddy Carlyle, why is this guy on a big league roster? why !
Phil Stockman has just a little more to offer in the pitching department than Carlyle does.
Maybe I’m just nitpicking or is it that nobody in the Atlanta media will question the decision making process of our venerable Hall of Fame manager.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 29, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
P-Town Braves, I’m with you on the fact that KJ isn’t the prototypical lead off hitter.
But, that is Bobby ball. The Braves live and die with the extra base hit and long ball.
Meanwhile, down in Richmond. Josh Anderson is hitting .319 with an OBP of .376 and 9 stolen bases. He also has 1 HR and 9 RBI.
We can all see how well Gregor Blanco is playing. His .364 AVG is outstanding.
Makes you wonder about the Mark Kotsay trade doesn’t it?
O’yea, Joey Devine is 2-0 with an ERA of 0.96 in 9.1 innings of work. He has 3 walks and 8 strike outs.
Can I bring up Willy Aybar and his .292 BA with 1 HR and 2 RBI in a back up role for the Tampa Rays.
The second guessing is well underway.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
How about instead of that, we work a deal where the Rockies trade us Helton and pick up most of his salary like we did in the Kotsay deal. Wouldn’t THAT serve a better purpose? You get a decent defensive 1B with a track record of good hitting this way.Lew
I don’t know Lew,Helton is not nearly as good a hitter anymore away from Coors. His power number have taken a tumble everywhere. He is not close to being able to replace Tex as a cleanup hitter at this point.
Actually getting a strong hitter for left is not a bad option as it would allow them to use a guy like Johnson at first. Whichever position offers the best opportunity to procure a cleanup hitter would be ok IMO.
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
Coach
Some of us aren’t second guessing though…We were already wondering why they did the things they were doing in the first place…
I mean why trade for Kotsay after you already nab Anderson?
Why trade Devine who was just waiting to break out?
Frank Wren seems like he is destined to change the team into a speed team…Unfortunately, that method will never work w/ Bobby as manager because he doesn’t manage a game that way…
That being said, it leads me to believe that either before the end of this season or after the season, it will be made known that the entire staff will be sent packing in some shape or form…
Otherwise, we will be back where we are now come next season with a staff and general manager whose systems do not mesh.
Thoughts?
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this
Coach
Also, I can tell you why they keep going to James v Reyes…
Bobby!
BC has been seen and known to be visibly upset during Reyes outings and I feel that like Devine, Spooneybarger, Marquis, and Schmidt in the past, Jo-Jo will never get a true shot while Bobby is still manager. Bobby has his boys (namely Kelly and Frenchy) and Jo-Jo is certainly not one of them, and I felt this was much of why Joey D was traded instead of keeping him and getting rid of Yates or one of our other bullpen has-been’s or never will be’s.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
What would it take to get a Matt Cain? I think you start with either KJ or Lillibridge (one, not both) and add in a hot OF prospect (Brandon Jones, Cody Johnson, or Gorkys) and add in one top flight pitching prospect (JoJo, Evarts, Locke, Morton, etc and try to refrain from trading Hanson or Rohrbough).
What say ye?Wayne
well for one thing I think Lillibridge at this immediate point has not a whole lotta trade value. He’s never made anybody’s top 100 list even when going well and his poor start at AAA and very visible flailig in Atlanta right now would have to lower his value. If he rebounds that would be great, but right now I wouldn’t expect other GMs to place enough value to make him a cornerstone of a trade for an above average MLB starter. Jones hasn’t looked good enough lately to be that desirable either. They would both have brought more over the winter than they will now. Of course things could change back in the future but I have never been a big believer in either one of them becoming impact players in the bigs.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 29, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
P-Town Brave, it’s almost a certainty that our new GM and Bobby Cox don’t have the same cozy relationship that Schuerholz and Cox seem to have had for so many years.
I have nothing more than my opinion to offer on this next statement, so don’t quote me.
I think Frank Wren went and got Josh Anderson of his own volition.
Ditto for the trade of Edgar Renteria.
Where as Mark Kotsay for Joey Devine has the stamp of Bobby Cox.
The same can probably be said for Willy Aybar. Cox did not want him on this team. However, after what Aybar dragged the team through, it’s understandable.
But then again, there is Otis Nixon who received a second chance from Bobby Cox.
I understand that Mark Kotsay is the proven veteran and I’m fine with him playing everyday.
But, SPEED KILLS.
The Braves inability to manufacture runs late in games against good pitching will continue to be a problem unless Cox changes his mind and goes with someone other than KJ at the top of the order.
On the other hand, KJ can flat out out rake when he is on his game. When that will be is anybody’s guess.
This team can score runs in bunches, they just need TEX and KJ to start hitting consistently and for the pitching to get healthy.
Chipper and Escobar have been carrying the offense and Frenchy has recently improved at the plate.
I have used the term : Bobby ball before.
It revolves around great pitching, solid defense and overpowering offense.
I’ll be patient, Cox is going to do it his way. We will just have to see how successful he is at getting it to work once this team is healthy.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
Yeah, they should have little trouble getting that contract off the books — in about six years.DOB
maybe the Braves will trade for him to replace Hampton?
By nolie
April 29, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this
But the only thing I was riding today was the rails, taking a train to Washington from New York. I was using the broadband card when I was on the blog this afternoon, actually was on Amtrak at the time.DOB
Ever get a chance to see The Nighthawks while in DC? Pretty decent old-time blues band. Been around forever as I’m sure you know.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 3:37 AM | Link to this
That being said, it leads me to believe that either before the end of this season or after the season, it will be made known that the entire staff will be sent packing in some shape or form…
Otherwise, we will be back where we are now come next season with a staff and general manager whose systems do not mesh.
Thoughts?P-Town
Bobby sent packing?… You don’t wanna know my thoughts on that one.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 29, 2008 4:42 AM | Link to this
I love it when people give up on players who are 24 years old based on less than 10 ABs.. Shows real baseball acumen…
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 4:56 AM | Link to this
Nolie
Yes, actually I do…open forum…Vent brotha!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 29, 2008 4:59 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB Is Chuck with the big club in Washington? JoJo is scheduled to pitch for Richmond tonight. It has been a week since Chuck pitched anywhere…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 29, 2008 5:24 AM | Link to this
Gil , you will just have to forgive nolie.
He doesn’t know that Lillibridge hit .282 with 13 HR’s 58 RBI and stole 32 bases while posting an OBP of .341 and playing solid defense during the 2007 season between AA Mississippi and AAA Richmond.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 5:30 AM | Link to this
Yes, actually I do…open forum…Vent brotha!P-Town
Not really anything to vent about. whether any of us think it should or shouldn’t happen, it ain’t gonna happen, and anybody who actually believes it will happen is outta touch with reality IMO
By nolie
April 29, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this
Gil , you will just have to forgive nolie.
He doesn’t know that Lillibridge hit .282 with 13 HR’s 58 RBI and stole 32 bases while posting an OBP of .341 and playing solid defense during the 2007 season between AA Mississippi and AAA Richmond.Coach
I don’t really need y’alls forgiveness cause yes I do know all that. Thanks to Baseball America and MILB.com I knew about him when he was still with Pitt, probably before you did, and I have followed and watched him since the Braves got him.So it has been a whole helluva lot more than 10 ABs on which my thoughts are based.Could I be wrong? Of course I could but that is my considered opinion at this point Obviously you and Gil think differently, thats what baseball is all about, dude. I said impact player and thats what I meant.You do know what impact player means don’t you? As he has advanced from level to level his ability to get on base other than hits has taken a rather noticable decline, and he has always had trouble with a good breaking ball. And right now his possible trade value has taken a real hit. Even the Braves line has eased a bit as to whether he is a future star or a regular starter or a super utility player. Too early to tell, but unlike you I do have some experience judging the talents of professional and potentially pro players, no matter your constant claims about your baseball experience. Heck you can’t even explain why we outscored the Mets last season when they stole 3 times as many bases than we did even though SPEED KILLS according to you.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 29, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
Come on now, nolie. don’t get your panties in a wad.
Can we at least agree that Lillibridge isn’t going to be traded anytime soon and call it even.
And as for the 2007 season series with the Mets, it was split right down the middle 9-9. The Braves scored 76 runs compared to the Mets 77 which again, is almost dead even too.
By CC Rider
April 29, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
TO all the Denizens of the Braves blog: I apologize for restarting the Lincecum trade discussion that I had with Lew last winter. At the time Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Kelly Johnson and Chuck James were at their peak in trade value. The Giants were desparate for young quality position players. I proposed the trade because I was looking toward the future without Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton. Lew and I disagreed over the future health of Lincecum and the value of the players above. In the time between that discussion and now Lincecum is pitching lights out, while Brandon Jones, Lillibridge and Chuck James are struggling. Kelly is what he is, a below average fielding 2nd baseman with some pop in his bat that will hit .260-.270 with a .340 OBP., which is fine at the 8th spot in the order but not the top, but at the time according to Frank Wren he was the most asked about player during the winter. That trade couldn’t happen now, but might have happened then. Water under the bridge. The Braves need to focus on the Young pitchers and Young hitters they could trade for this year to replace Smoltz, Glavine and Texirera. Matt Garza was moved, Jair Jurgjens was moved this off season. Frank Wren needs 2 starters for next year and one needs to be a potential NO.1 starter. I personally am worried about Hudson and wonder for his future. I’ve seen the same symptoms of lost velocity and control in pitchers about to have major injuries, particularly slight built pitchers ie: Pedro Martinez. I hope i’m wrong!!! I have hope for our long term pitching Jair, Reyes, Hanson, Rohrborough, Morton and a few others, but you can’t have a staff of 22 to 24 year olds. We need a veteran NO.1 to lead them and we will need a true cleanup hitter when Tex leaves. If, Frank Wren can fill these holes before next year we can contend again, but if not, we will have to start a rebuiilding process that will take at least next year and the following to allow our young hitters and young pitchers to develop. DOB, I was just trying to look ahead with ideas to keep the Braves contending for the future, not giving up on this season. I sure hope Frank Wren is doing the same thing because the injuries and age of our pitchers and the probable loss of Mark Texiera will leave holes which I don’t see being filled by what is available in free agency. Schafer, Gorky and Jason Heyward could probably fill the centerfield, Leftfield and 1st base position, but not for 2 years. I admit I am spoiled by the last 16 years of making the playoffs or at least contending for a spot, I don’t want to take a trip down memory lane to the 1980’s when the uni’s were ugly and the record was worse!
By Shamus Thacker
April 29, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Summa you folks got mighty thin skin.
I love the thought of Furcal coming back. Can he play center?
I’d let Tex lift n’ stretch somewhere else next year. If gas prices keep rising, he’ll be lucky to be playing baseball for a living at ANY price… There’ll be empty ballparks all over the place when fuel hits 5-bucks.
By Shamus Thacker
April 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
I can remember MLB’s concern about becoming a “studio sport” when TBS went nationwide. Fuel prices could actually make that happen, or worse.
As prices across the board continue to rise, it wouldn’t surprise me to see players [such as Tex] receiving offers they’d now view as insulting. Owners will eventually realise that fans’ pockets aren’t nearly as deep as their own. Maybe as early as next year. Player salaries are about to become reacquainted with earth.
By Ron H
April 29, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, the Bucs released MATT MORRIS…maybe the braves pick him up cheap to help out rotation, seeing all the injuries we’ve had…
just a thought…
anyone?
By Original Jon
April 29, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Ron H No way in hell!!!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
April 29, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Shamus, regarding your 8:27 post: Want to bet?
By David O'Brien
April 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Gil, they were probably holding back Chuck to make sure Glavine was going to be ready.
As for whether he’s here, hey, yesterday was an off day. Braves don’t communicate with us on off day and tell us who’s here and who’s not.
By KC
April 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Ron H: “For what it’s worth, the Bucs released MATT MORRIS…maybe the braves pick him up cheap to help out rotation, seeing all the injuries we’ve had…”
Pick up a castaway pitcher to fill in for an injured starter… I’m sorry, I’m having Mark Redman flashbacks.
We should be just fine in our rotation. Bennett and James give us 7 major league starters… so we don’t need to look for another starter unless there’s an opportunity to get another top-of-rotation kind of guy.
By McFann
April 29, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Arizona is scary right now…19-7…
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
The Blauser-Johnson comparison just isn’t valid:
Jeff Blauser through 1037 plate appearances: .262/.322/.398, 21 HR, 91 RBI, 111 R, 244 H, 81 BB, 47 2B, 8 3B, 7 HBP
Kelly Johnson through 1037 plate appearances: .262/.358/.433, 29 HR, 119 RBI, 151 R, 234 H, 130 BB, 40 2B, 13 3B, 5 HBP
I know it was a different time and different era and Blauser was a shortstop but that’s a .036 edge for KJ in OBP and a .035 edge in SLG.
Plus, I’m not sure why it would be so bad if Kelly became a “rich man’s” Jeff Blauser.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker, baseball will still make a lot of money from advertising revenue and from people who can afford to buy season tickets or luxury boxes. The advertising revenue comes in until the TV contract agreements run out. And the owners that want to spend will spend because they have money no matter the price of gas.
By Lew
April 29, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Shamus-Yeah right, Dude-and Oil prices are going to hit $20 a barrel again by winter and I’ll be down to 150 pounds by next week. Yeah, bound to happen. Right? Don’t you just LOVE the sarcasm?
CC Rider-Look again. We DO have a Veteran number one starter if Smoltz retires. His name is Tim Hudson.
Coach-I hate to say this, but I agree with you again (this is scaring me). Health is the pen that will write the history of this season for the Braves.
PTown-Dude, With all due respect, Bobby and the Braves’ staff is not going anywhere until Bobby retires. I have it on very good authority directly from a quite knowledgeable source-That will not happen this year. He will never be fired, no matter how much you, Robert and others want it to happen. It just won’t.
Did it occur to you that JoJO Reyes p!$$ed off everyone with his inability to lock down an inning? Could it be the fact that he never pitches to his ability in the bigs and can’t retain command of his pitches like he does in the minors?
Marquis? Schmidt? Who cares? Neither one excelled while with Atlanta. Marquis never excelled much outside of Atlanta. Ask the Dodgers what they think about Schmidt. What did he have? Two decent years five years after leaving Atlanta? What a loss. He sure would help us now, wouldn’t he? We were in first all those years after he left and the two we didn’t win, he was basically injured for at least half that time. So he would have helped us over the hump what? One season? Big loss.
In case you haven’t noticed, Yates DID get traded. Tell me about Devine in a few years when and if he actually does something. He hasn’t yet. To this point, the ONE pitcher I wish we still had was Adam Wainwright. No one else.
By N8
April 29, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Bobby didn’t pencil Jeff Blauser to be the leadoff hitter. To me that’s where the “issue” is.
Not with KJ himself, but where he is in the lineup.
Not to mention, that MOST of the time that Blauser was in the lineup, we had 3-4 potential Cy Young candidates taking the mound.
BIG difference.
I’m a KJ fan, so don’t get all worked up. I was a Blauser fan too, but I would have NEVER been real happy, and would have been pretty hard on him, had he been our leadoff hitter.
Bobby is just stubborn. Plain and simple.
Who ELSE in their right mind would put Bret Boone in the 2-hole for a whole season? That guy had/has every trait that you hope your #2 guy DOESN’T have. Yet, there he sat for an entire season for us.
Said it a thousand times. If Bobby doesn’t have a pitching staff that’s DOMINATING and allowing the team to win more than they lose, he’ll find a way to F up the bullpen AND the lineup.
It’s time to admit one of two things.
Either our young “studs” that we have on this team, aren’t as good as WE all think they are (thus this team ISN’T underachieving at all), or our (ahem) beloved Bobby Cox, can’t lead teams to victory when he doesn’t have 3 HOF pitchers in their prime in the rotation.
Which is it people? I know that I think, based on my own eys, that our team is FULL of talent.
So draw your own conclusion, on how I feel.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
N8, KJ has a .358 career OBP. Who else are you going to bat leadoff? Chipper?
Escobar is at .389 but it’s his first full year and, given the players in the lineup, Escobar and Johnson have to bat 1-2.
Kotsay has a .337 career OBP and, while he’s still solid, he’s not likely to post a signficantly better OBP than that and become a good everyday leadoff or #2 option.
Diaz would be a solid option but I think it’s become clear to everyone that he wouldn’t be against right-handed pitching.
McCann and Teixeira are middle-of-the-order guys.
Francoeur’s career OBP is .319.
The only real option here is KJ in the leadoff spot or the number two spot. And if he’s fine at number two, why is he such a bad option for the leadoff spot?
And I agree with you on Boone, but did Bobby have many options that year?
By Efrim
April 29, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Arizona 19-7? It helps that you have Webb, Haren and Owings at the top of the rotation. Although, Smoltz, Hudson and Jurrjens have been nearly as good.
By N8
April 29, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
There IS a third option, after further thought.
Our guys we are relying on to carry us to the promise land, are just getting old and can’t (and probably won’t) stay healthy for long periods of time. To which our bench and depth comes into play.
All winter long, we heard of our improved depth and numerous options on our bench. In fact our bench was SO DEEP, we didn’t have room for an actual 1B (Thorman) to make the initial 25 man roster.
In reality, our “paper” 25 man roster can compete with anybody. But who cares about paper. Grant Hill was a great player for the Magic, that never saw the court. Nick Esasky WOULD HAVE helped the late 80s Braves, he too never saw the field. David Justice MIGHT HAVE helped us win the 96 WS against the Yankees.
My point is that championships are won with your bullpen, bench and rotation depth (what we had in the 90’s - a rotation that NEVER fell apart due to injuries - even with Smoltz’ many surgeries - will NEVER happen again…period).
Our bullpen, bench and rotation depth is pretty weak. Which means that we greatly over-valued the players pegged for our bench in general. Or Bobby has chosen the wrong guys to take north.
Either way, if Bobby is/was as great as everybody thinks he is, he’d be able to make chicken salad out of chicken sh!t, right?
Approximately 93 million of our 102 million dollar payroll, is being taken up by Hampton, Hudson, Smoltz, Tex, Chipper, Glavine, Kotsay, Soriano, Gonzalez, Ohman, Infante.
11 guys (many of whom ARE NOT contributing to their “ability”), make up 91 percent of the payroll. The OTHER 14 guys on the roster make up the other 9 percent of the payroll.
Unfortunately, the other 14 guys are seeing way too much playing time.
I guess the old saying of “you get what you pay for” is ringing true, huh?
Time to EVEN this payroll out a bit, this upcoming off-season, and spend some of that money on the bullpen and bench, IMO.
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Shaun:
Where are the strikeout totals in that KJ and Blauser comparison?
.035 slugging differential is not far off, especially when a guy has 8 more HR’s. Neither are the rest of the stats.
KJ is not a rich man’s Blauser. He’s a Blauser in a different baseball era, where small ball is no longer relevant and a a few more HR than a player in the same number of plate appearances is more valued.
Also during Blauser’s first 1037 plate appearances, there were 4 less teams in MLB, meaning roughly 45 less pitchers and a stronger pitching core in general throughout baseball.
Thanks for throwing out the stats though to again counter my arguments, but i’m afraid this time you made mine stronger.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
N8, it’s not too hard to see that this team is good. Third in runs scored and third in fewest runs allowed. So the “young studs” are good and the team is good. They are essentially playing to their talent but not winning.
The Braves are under-performing based on runs scored and allowed because of close games—luck, bullpen, timing, leverage, etc.
Last year, Andruw Jones had a huge number of plate appearances in high leverage situations and didn’t help the team in those situations, in fact he hurt the team. And the basically made the difference between the Braves making the playoffs and going home. The year before it was the bullpen.
This year some players are under-performing so far in high leverage situations but it’s not players that we should expect will continue to do so.
The bigger concern is pitching injuries…not the young studs…not Bobby Cox.
By McFann
April 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
This team can score runs in bunches, they just need TEX and KJ to start hitting consistently and for the pitching to get healthy. Coach
We could use a slight improvement of someone in the AVG with RISP department as well. Not namin’ any names here, just sayin’…
McCann and Teixeira are middle-of-the-order guys. Shaun
Haha! Yeah, don’t know if we’ll ever see Mac hittin’ leadoff! But I don’t know, he’s got a triple now…
; )
Yeah, Arizona’s got some good pitching goin’ on. I dread the thought of playing them…
By DAP
April 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
these injuries are a bummer. this weekend, i think the braves would have bee bale to win both games they lost if hudson and smoltz were on thier game. and, i think the team may have scored enough to win despite husdon and smoltz combining for 7 innings…but they both happend at once. bummer.
glavine to the rescue tonight, hopefully. id like to get him his first win, get the team back to .500, and then leave it far behind with a strong winning streak.
we need to sweep the nats here. no mercy!
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 29, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
DOB
First of all, I don’t want this to sound like a panic question but I base it on us having lost some top notch free agents in the past without getting some players in return via trade, and also on comments made about us not spending 20m on one player if your budget is projected where ours currently is…85-90m.
Do you foresee a situation where Wren might decide that Tex is unsignable and consider moving him during the course of this season? Of course, timing is everything but I am just wondering if his philosophy is the same as Schuerholtz’s for this type of situation? Do you settle for a draft pick and be done with it or do you try and get more by taking the risk of trading him during the season?
Peterbilt, Peterbilt
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Our bullpen, bench and rotation depth is pretty weak. Which means that we greatly over-valued the players pegged for our bench in general. Or Bobby has chosen the wrong guys to take north.
I’m not sure it’s any weaker than other teams. Blanco and Prado could probably start for a lot of decent teams. Pitching depth is diminished because of injury. But 1) name more than one or two teams that have pitching depth and 2) the teams that win are usually the good teams fortunate enough to stay healthy anyway. Can you name very many really good playoff caliber teams in recent years who weren’t lucky enough to keep key players healthy or didn’t have enough money to buy a ridiculous bench and bullpen?
And I suppose Bobby is the Master of the Organization. Cox doesn’t make all the roster decisions. I’m sure he has input, but even if you think the bench is weaker than it should be, it’s not all Bobby Cox.
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
N8, KJ has a .358 career OBP. Who else are you going to bat leadoff? Chipper? Shaun
Mr. Statistician, did you miss those posts about KJ’s stats when he leads off a game or leads off an inning? Let me repost those for you:
Leading off game: .211/.283/.356 Leading off inning: .245/.325/.395
More stats when games are close:
Game within 1 run: .248/.335/.428 Game within 2 runs: .252/.342/.422 Game within 3 runs: .256/.350/.426 Games > 4 run diff: .287/.383/.512
I’m afraid that is what’s been wrong with this team for the last 2 years. Can’t hit when the games are close. Have no problem hitting when games aren’t.
Here’s the rest of the stats that were posted at 9:37 yesterday, conveniently by Shaun must have a hookup at FOX:
Interesting stats regarding KJ.
The braves are 4 games under .500 in 256 games that KJ has played for them.*
In the 130 wins, KJ is hitting .302/.417/.552 with 110 runs, 147 hits, 31 doubles, 7 triples, 22 HR, 93 rbi’s, 84 BB’s, 85 K’s, 10 SB. He’s got a .907 OPS in those games.
In the 126 losses, KJ is hitting .204/.288/.303 with just 41 runs, 87 hits, 9 doubles, 6 triples, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 46 BB’s, 121 K’s, 4 SB. In those games, his OPS is .591.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, you have to strikeout a whole lot, if you walk and get a decent number of hits and a lot of extra-base hits, before it starts to eat into your on-base abilities enough for it to affect your ability to help the team.
By Big Easy
April 29, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I still do not understand what all the clamor is about with Kelly leading off. You guys have got to be kidding me, right? Who else is going to lead off? Escobar? A guy who is a prototypical 2-hole hitter? Kotsay? Sorry, I don’t buy putting him there. Not enough speed to make up for the pop that is lost. Sure, if Blanco is playing, he makes a nice, speedy, contact hitter to lead off, but the bottom line is, Blanco is not going to play every day. And you need consistency at the top of your lineup. KJ, Escobar, Chipper, and Tex gives you consistency. There is nothing wrong with KJ leading off. He has some pop, a great eye, and decent speed.
I dunno what he did to some of you that you dislike him so much. But the guy is a great player, and he’s fine where he is.
~E~
By Renegator
April 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Prediction: 1 - 1 against the Nats in this two game series
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Also during Blauser’s first 1037 plate appearances, there were 4 less teams in MLB, meaning roughly 45 less pitchers and a stronger pitching core in general throughout baseball.
During Blauser’s first 1037 plate appearance there were also less Latino players, I’m sure the world and US population was smaller.
Thanks for not offering up any evidence so that you look like you are pulling things out of your own opinions instead of trying to figure out if Blauser was equal to or better than KJ.
It’s easy to be right when you don’t have to have any criterion for your proof.
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Don’t get me wrong Shaun. I loved Blauser. I loved being p** at Blauser at times. I love KJ. His longest game streak without a hit last year was 5 games, and only went i think 3 games 1 other time without a hit (though he had countless 1-4, 1-5. 1-3 game stretches where the avg suffered).
With that said, this lineup desperately needs a shakeup. With all the injuries to the pitching and depth of the bullpen, the lineup is the one thing you can manipulate, and Bobby did manipulate it like he did last monday against Washington with Prado at 2B, Blanco in Center, and Diaz in LF, the lineup really responded.
I wouldn’t mind a platoon at 2B and LF with KJ and Blanco only playing against righties.
By DAP
April 29, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
bobby’s cox those stats on KJ leading off a game are not great, the ones for him leading off an innings arent so bad, one thing youve got to realize about the leadoff guy, is that its not just what he does in the first at bat of a game that matters, but he moves the lineup along to get to the big dawgs. he does that well, by getting on base, putting himself in scoring position, ect. hes not the perfect leadoff hitter, but i think he is the best everyday option.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, why don’t you throw out stats that are actually telling?
Actually Kelly’s career numbers as the leadoff batter: .266/.365/.440 in 464 PA
Kelly’s overall numbers (which are a pretty good indicator of how good he is): .262/.358/.433
By N8
April 29, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Shaun
“Last year, Andruw Jones had a huge number of plate appearances in high leverage situations and didn’t help the team in those situations, in fact he hurt the team. And the basically made the difference between the Braves making the playoffs and going home.”
I suppose you would “file” that under the LUCK category, right?
You say potato I say potato (not sure how to “pronounce” a word differently in text format).
You are ABSOLUTELY right. Andruw coming up in “high leverage” situations caused us to lose games we shouldn’t have.
Once question, Sally? WHO THE HELL MADE OUT THE LINEUP CARD everyday?????
You say it’s pitching injuries that have doomed us so far.
Fair enough. Odd, isn’t it, that two 40 somethings would run into health issues, along with a guy that hasn’t pitched in two years? How about a guy (Chuck) that was hurt last year and DID NOTHING for it in the off-season?
How about a closer with a history of elbow issues? Big shock there, right?
What’s that? You say our main set-up guy, who pitched in seemingly EVERY FRICKIN’ game last year, has elbow issues now?
Nope. Bad luck has nothing to do with it. Call it what it is….short-sightedness.
“…the teams that win are usually the good teams fortunate enough to stay healthy anyway. Can you name very many really good playoff caliber teams in recent years who weren’t lucky enough to keep key players healthy or didn’t have enough money to buy a ridiculous bench and bullpen?”
Thanks for helping me make my point about Cox in the 90’s though. We had 3 HOF pitchers in our rotation, and a few other guys that would have been ACES on most teams, filling out our #4 and #5 spots. We had MONEY to burn on the players that the “have-nots” couldn’t afford, and other than Smoltz, we never took and HUGE hits on the injury front for any extended period of time.
Yet Cox is a genius. Like I said….thanks for the help in clarifying that for others.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
With that said, this lineup desperately needs a shakeup.
Braves are third in the league in runs. Why would you mess with it?
What they need to do is wait until McCann, Johnson and Escobar start hitting in high leverage situations. When that happens, assuming the pitching gets reasonably healthy, this team will start to win.
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, you have to strikeout a whole lot, if you walk and get a decent number of hits and a lot of extra-base hits, before it starts to eat into your on-base abilities enough for it to affect your ability to help the team. Shaun
And where’s the “criterion of proof” to support this shaun? Tell that to Tony Gwynn, Ichiro, Bonds, Fernando.
Oh sorry, guess i didn’t provide proof when i said 4 teams weren’t in the league. I guess only when you provide numbers they count as statistical proof.
Sorry shaun, and sorry to Fernando Valenzuela, Dennis Martinez, the Alou’s, and all the other influx of Dominican and Puerto Rican talent that starting flowing into MLB since the late 1960’s that are being disregarded by you.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
hes not the perfect leadoff hitter, but i think he is the best everyday option.DAP
I agree. I can’t think of anybody else on this team at this time that is better suited to lead off regularly. He ain’t perfect, but he gets on base at a good rate, often to second with doubles and has above average speed though he ain’t a burner. My big complaint against KJ as a hitter is his extreme streakiness but that will occur no matter where in the lineup he hits.
By N8
April 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Shaun
“N8, KJ has a .358 career OBP. Who else are you going to bat leadoff? Chipper?”
Will you STOP with using his ENTIRE history to determine if he is the right guy to bat lead-off RIGHT NOW!!!???
Since September 1st of last year, he has on OBP of .305. WOW! What a lead-off hitter!
You and Bobby need to open your eyes to what is ACTUALLY going on around you, in the moment, RIGHT NOW, or life will pass you by, without you ever finishing in the winners circle.
During the same time frame, Escobar has and OBP of .402.
Add to that, when Escobar is in the leadoff spot for his career (short as it may be), he has an OBP of .396, when he is the first hitter of the game (35 games), he has an OBP of .514, when he is leading of any old inning, it is .402.
If that guys doesn’t SCREAM leadoff hitter, I don’t know what does.
But keep fighting the “good fight”, my man. SOMEBODY other than Bobby Cox, is bound to agree with you, sooner or later.
By AGTfan
April 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Lew Please let me know how you plan on getting down to 150. I need all the help I can get.
I’ve decided that no matter how bad things might look, I’m going to believe in the Braves to go all the way. If the Hawks can take 2 from the Celtics, ANYTHING is possible.
GO BRAVES!!
By McFann
April 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Going off topic here (not that I was ever really “on topic” today), but why can’t I read AJC articles from two years ago (dated May 22, 2006)? I tried Goggling it and everything—results were nothing even close.
The article is totally irrelevant to anything happening with the Braves right now, but when it came out I wasn’t an internet surfer, and every once in a while, I like to go back and read stuff I didn’t get to read at the time. It’s weird, but it passes the time.
Thanks!!
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Ya whatever Shaun…i thought those numbers are really telling. I thought they were more indicative on the type of hitter KJ is and the type of hitting team my Braves unfortunately are. Thanks N8 for the clarification on leverage and AJ’s lack of hitting in leverage situations.
Shaun, do you really want to know KJ’s stats in leverage situations? Do you? Fine. here they are:
High Leverage: .221/.299/.352 Medium Leverage: .265/.361/.467 Low Leverage: .275/.376/.431
source
one thing youve got to realize about the leadoff guy, is that its not just what he does in the first at bat of a game that matters, but he moves the lineup along to get to the big dawgs DAP
Guess that’s why the Braves inflate their numbers in those blowout wins eh DAP, must be from the leadoff guy.
By Shaun
April 29, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
N8, so Cox was supposed to sit an ordinarily good hitter assuming he would be as bad as he was all season? Hindsight is 20/20, my friend.
Why are you blaming Cox for roster decisions? He’s the FIELD MANAGER not the GENERAL MANAGER.
And finally, is there a manager in history who’s record isn’t affected by which players he has? Funny how Casey Stengel wasn’t a good manager until he got to the Yankees. What a coincidence. Does this mean Stengel didn’t have any strengths or shouldn’t get any credit for the Yankees’ wins?
I’ve only been around for about 30 years but maybe someone else could tell me of a manager who consistently won and who got more praise from his players, other teams’ players, other managers, GM’s, the media, other insiders.
By N8
April 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Here is one more “stat” for you regarding Escobar and KJ in the lead-off spot.
Escobar has been the lead-off hitter 35 times in his career. Leading off those games, he has 17 hits and been HBP once. In those 18 times he’s gotten on base to start a game, he’s scored 13 times. That means 37 percent of the time he’s gonna score a run in the first inning of a game (pro-rated over a 162 game season that comes out to 60 first inning runs alone).
KJ has been the lead-off hitter 99 times in his career. He has ONLY gotten on base 27 times (.283 OBP) when leading off a game. Of those 27 times he’s gotten on, he has scored ONLY 18 runs in the first inning, or 18 percent of the time.
Are you writing THAT down? Can you comprehend that? Escobar has led off 64 LESS times than KJ has, yet he has scored ONLY 5 less first inning runs than KJ.
What does all this mean?
Escobar ignites the lineup from the FIRST INNING ON, when he is the lead-off hitter. KJ on the other hand (no matter how hard you twist the numbers) is one of the reasons that we score so FEW runs, when he is in the lead-off spot.
I’ll be patiently waiting for whatever silly excuse you have for that. :-)
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
i would love for someone in the Atlanta media, or baseball media in general, to interview our top management to see if they think it’s a problem that this team can’t hit on a consistent basis game to game or in the clutch, or if they are satisfied like the Shaun’s of the world that we put up great numbers year to year. That would be a good article.
Maybe DOB can do that interview since there’s seems to be such discussion about it on this blog.
By Lew
April 29, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
AGTFan-Dude, If I had a clue how to lose half of my body weight in a week, not too sure I’d try it. It’s hard as hell to lose weight when every one of five different medications you take daily has the side effect of weight gain!!!!
Wish I could lose all that-it’s 42 and pouring rain here today. My arthritic left hip and knee are screaming-almost as loudly as Nathan. Maybe self medication will help.
BTW Nathan-potahto would work.
By N8
April 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
nolie
“I can’t think of anybody else on this team at this time that is better suited to lead off regularly.”
Then don’t THINK about it. Read my previous post comparing what Escobar and KJ have done in terms of OBP and runs scored in the first inning (you know….getting an early lead for the team), in their careers.
It’s NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Escobar should be the lead-off hitter period.
KJ needs to be hitting 7th or 8th. It’s where he has been the most productive in his career.
In 47 games batting 7th or 8th, KJ has 187 plate appearances, he’s hit .324, with an OBP of .412 OBP, with 4 HR and 24 RBI.
In 100 games hitting lead-off, he has 464 plate appearances, he’s hit .266, with an OBP of .365, with 13 HR and 50 RBI.
In other words, his value would be higher, IMO as a RBI guy, than as a guy being paid to score the runs.
By McFann
April 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
What they need to do is wait until McCann, Johnson and Escobar start hitting in high leverage situations. When that happens, assuming the pitching gets reasonably healthy, this team will start to win. Shaun
Can’t wait for that day! If you look at this team’s numbers in late innings of close games, it’s pretty bad. Bringing up the rear are Diaz, Francoeur, McCann, and Johnson as far as actually having an average goes. Escobar is 0-6 with five walks and one RBI there.
But what constitute as the “late innings”, anyway? 8-9?
By N8
April 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun
“N8, so Cox was supposed to sit an ordinarily good hitter assuming he would be as bad as he was all season? Hindsight is 20/20, my friend”
I never said to sit him. He got the majority of his AB’s in the clean-up spot. Usually a spot that has MANY of the teams RBI opportunities. As time when on, a man that was thinking straight, would have put 2 and 2 together.
As for Bobby being the “field manager”? You don’t think he has ANY say in which 25 guys he takes north?
Does he call Frank Wren and ask him WHO to hit lead-off? Does Wren chime in on when to use Soriano in games that we have a 10 run lead?
Don’t be so naive.
As for your “…tell me of a manager who consistently won and who got more praise from his players, other teams’ players, other managers, GM’s, the media, other insiders.”
Lou Pearlman (creater of N-Sync and the Backstreet Boys) has consistently had his “teams” win (grammy awards, among others), he received praise from his “players”, among other managers, the media and other insiders”, as well….. but that STILL doesn’t change my thoughts that the guy is a complete tool.
:-)
By TennesseePaul
April 29, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Payne: I’m not sure why it would be so bad if Kelly became a “rich man’s” Jeff Blauser
What is a “rich man’s” Jeff Blauser? What does that even mean? If KJ goes the Blauser route I’ll be disappointed. His chin will grow with each passing year and he’ll only really play when he’s in a “walk year”.
Contract Year .294/.385/.438
Non Contract Year .247/.338/.390
Lew: What did [Schmidt] have? Two decent years five years after leaving Atlanta?
6 years after he left. It was his 8th season in the majors before he had an ERA under 4. His ninth season before he had 15 wins in a season. And he’s had more DL trips than 15 win seasons or seasons with an ERA under 4. Imagine if the Braves had waited all those years for him to finally be healthy and good for a few years and then fade again.
By Bobby's Cox
April 29, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Funny how Casey Stengel wasn’t a good manager until he got to the Yankees. What a coincidence. Does this mean Stengel didn’t have any strengths or shouldn’t get any credit for the Yankees’ wins?
Joe Torre wasn’t that great before he went to the Yankees either. Most of the time it is the players on the field that determine the outcome, not the manager.
Without great pitching, Cox is finally facing adversity. I give the man a lot of credit and am a huge BC fan because he’s the one that built this organization from the ground up.
With that said, i do question some of the moves he’s making now. Why is Anderson not on this team? Why are we carrying 2 catchers? Why don’t we bunt with runners on 1st & 2nd with no out in a 1 or 2 run ballgame? Why is he still overusing the bullpen with lefty/righty matchups when he knows we have starting pitching issues. Why is KJ still leading off? Why do Kotsay and KJ both start against lefties when this team is ineffective against them?
However, my biggest question stems from the coaching staff he employs. TP can get guys to listen to him, and McDowell just seems lost and ineffective himself. This is what a great pitching coach does. I believe we have a few in the minors.
By N8
April 29, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
“one thing youve got to realize about the leadoff guy, is that its not just what he does in the first at bat of a game that matters, but he moves the lineup along to get to the big dawgs”
Here’s the thing. To me, those AB’s leading off the game DO MATTER. If a hitter averages 3 to 4 plate appearances per game, those lead-off AB’s count anywhere from 25 to 33 percent of his contribution to the lineup.
In the 90’s we’d score runs early and often. Putting the other team on their heels. With KJ in the lead-off spot, it’s as though we’re conceding an out in the first inning, more often than not. We might as well have him go up there and sacrifice bunt, with NOBODY on base. The end result is about the same.
As for “moving the lineup along to get to the big dawgs”?
Here’s a novel concept. How about have a lead-off hitter that ADDS to run production, rather than “moves” the lineup along.
While stats might show that as the game “moves along”, we score plenty of runs, even with KJ in the lead-off spot. I get that.
But just the same as Shaun uses “luck” as a factor, I’m gonna bring the “mental edge” factor into play. When a team scores runs in the first inning, it changes the WHOLE GAME, and how each team approaches the rest of the game.
Similar to a football game. An offensive coordinator is gonna call different plays with a two-TD lead in the 4th quarter, than he would if it were a tie game. Same goes for the defense.
It’s no different in baseball. The way the pitcher and catcher “call” the game, is VERY different if a team is leading or trailing.
Not to mention the “pressure” on the offense to score runs when coming from behind, as opposed to being semi-relaxed at the plate, if their team is up by 5 runs in the 6th inning.
For that reason alone, (to score runs early), Escobar should be the lead-off hitter.
Lew
“BTW Nathan-potahto would work.”
Thanks. You’re right. I’m and idiot.
By DAP
April 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
bobby’s cox Guess that’s why the Braves inflate their numbers in those blowout wins
hey man, did you ever think that we get blowout wins because guys hit, instead of we hit because they are blowout wins? im so tired of complaining about blowout wins.
By nolie
April 29, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Then don’t THINK about it. Read my previous post comparing what Escobar and KJ have done in terms of OBP and runs scored in the first inning (you know….getting an early lead for the team), in their careers.
It’s NOT EVEN CLOSE. N8
gee I think I will continue to think for myself Nate, that is if I can get you to give me permission. Please, Please. ???
I think that Escobar is the best choice for hitting second and that is exactly where I would bat him. To each his own, huh?
By DAP
April 29, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
love the discussion about the leadoff and top of the order…i dont think anybody would disagree that kelly isnt the ideal guy to lead off. yunel might be better…but who do you bat 2nd? not KJ! that is one of the spot he doesnt fit at all…and kotsay isnt hitting great right now either. thats why, when you look at this team and who we have, and what thier strenghts are, it seems to make sense for now to have have kelly, then escobar. maybe this is more about not having the right guy (other than escobar) for the #2 spot in the order. i see kelly hitting #3 alot in his career. that will happen eventually. for now, i WOULD bat him 6th or 7th if we had different players to hit in the first 2 spots.
By David O'Brien
April 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels: Only way you’d consider trading Teixeira is if you’re hopelessly out of contention in July and don’t believe you could re-sign him. Then, sure. Why not? But not until then.
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Guys,
The point of the matter is this…Escobar might as well be our leadoff hitter because most games he is hitting w/ 1-out already to leadoff the game.
KJ is NOT a leadoff hitter…just give it up already! You either go w/ Blanco/Prado or Blanco/Johnson…
Me personally, Kelly should sit v LHP, but I’m not too upset if he does play everyday as long as he doesn’t lead off. Kelly is a 6-7-8 hitter.
Like someone said earlier, thats like having Bret Boone hit in the 2-hole.
Even Marcus Giles thinks THAT is crazy!
I totally agree w/ N8 in a sense that either we’re overrating our players OR Bobby just can’t cut it anymore.
Other than being confused about Frenchy’s power at times, I KNOW how I value our players…
Its time Bobby…its just time…
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
DAP
v LHP 1) Escobar 2) Diaz 3) Jones 4) Tex 5) Mac 6) Frenchy 7) KJ 8) Kotsay
v RHP 1) Blanco 2) Escobar 3) Jones 4) Tex 5) Mac 6) KJ 7) Frenchy 8) Kotsay
How is that?
By P-Town Brave
April 29, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Oh, and for those of you who question my decision to put Matt Diaz in the 2-hole against lefties…
Here are his stats in the 2-hole:
.342/.400/.658 so that wouldn’t be a problem against lefties…
Gregor Blanco has hit leadoff or 2nd pretty much his entire minor league career, so against righties going Blanco/Escobar OR flipping it, I don’t think you can go wrong either way.
It just needs to be reiterated like was said earlier…Kelly needs to drive in runs, not be the run scorer at the top.
Escobar ignites our lineup and its just as simple as that!
By jimelyyes
May 10, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
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By jimelyyes
May 12, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.