AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhy Smoltz could be headed to bullpen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Washington — John Smoltz moved to the bullpen midway through the 2001 season because his surgically repaired elbow couldn’t withstand the rigors of starting.
He might go back to the bullpen this season for a similar reason, just substitute the word “shoulder” for “elbow.”
It hasn’t been surgically repaired, but Smoltz knows it would probably be just a matter of time before surgery would be needed if he kept pushing it the way he has with his shoulder since late May 2007.
Talking to him on the phone last night, I heard a guy who’s willing to do whatever he can to get back on the field and pitch for at least the rest of this season, including the possibility of moving to the closer role.
“Yes,” he said when I asked him about the possibility. “Right now I’m sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I’d like to end it.”
If that sounds like an about-face for Smoltz, it is. But the reason he’s suddenly changed his position and is open to moving back to the bullpen, after pleading (successfully) for a return to starting in 2005, is because his health situation has changed completely.
Here’s a chunk of the quotes I typed as Smoltz was being open on the phone last night. He was talking about pitching in pain, about not always saying publicly how much he might be ailing, and about the reasons he’s kept going through injuries, why he’s kept pitching and not gone on the DL every time he’s been hurt.
You might also note the edge in some things he said, which, if you know Smoltz, you understand is a reflection of how much he pays attention to what people are saying and writing about him, and how much that both motivates him and burns at him, whether or not he’ll admit the latter.
“I chose to deal with things the way I chose to deal with them, which leads a lot of people to speculate or wonder or come up with their own opinion,” he said. “But it’s the way I have to deal with things.
“Certainly this news [the diagnosis of a strained rotator cuff and severely inflamed biceps tendon] is not new to me. At the same time, I’m not going to pitch again [right away]. I just can’t right now. I went as long and as far as I could to give as much as I always have.
“The body will definitely let you know when it’s time….
“People are going to say what they want, speculate how they want. Who knows what’s going to happen? I’m totally content with where I’m at and what I’ve got to do. I’ve got to wait. Wait and rehab.
“I’m in great hands with the doctors I have….
“I’m never happy to go on the DL, but I just couldn’t keep pitching this way.”
(Keep in mind, this is a guy who, before he gave up seven hits and four runs in four innings Sunday at New York, was carrying a 0.78 ERA and .179 opponents’ average, and had recorded 20 strikeouts in 12 innings during his previous two starts, including his 3,000th career strikeout on April 27.)
“I’m never a guy that just because I’m not successful, means it’s time to sit,” he said. “This has nothing to do with that.”
He converted 154 of 168 saves for the Braves in 3-1/2 dominant seasons as closer, but Smoltz explained to anyone who would listen during his last year or two in that role, that his elbow, once he got past the second year of recovery from Tommy John surgery, could be better maintained as a starter.
He said the every-fifth-day work schedule of a starter was better for his arm than the erratic schedule of a closer, who might pitch two or three days in a row, and while making mostly max-effort pitches.
As it turned out, he was right. The elbow continued to cause Smoltz problems during his closer years, and he had another surgery after the 2003 postseason (not reconstructive surgery, but also not merely an arthroscopic procedure).
The Braves agreed to move him back to starting after he agreed to a contract extension following the 2004 season, and the elbow has not been an issue since Smoltz moved back to the rotation.
But the shoulder has. Beginning with a sub-scapula tear in 2005, when Smoltz pitched with a great deal of pain late in that 14-7, 3.06 ERA, 229-2/3-inning season and during the division series against Houston.
He had so much inflammation in his last start against the Astros, Smoltz almost certainly wouldn’t have been able to pitch if the Braves had advanced to the NLCS that year.
Smoltz bounced back from that to tie for the NL wins lead in 2006, when he went 16-9 in 35 starts and 232 innings, leading the Braves in wins and innings for the second consecutive season — at age 39.
Then there was the slip on the mound at Milwaukee last May 29, a warmup pitch that he won’t ever forget. He strained his shoulder, an entirely different area of the shoulder, but Smoltz made his next start.
He skipped his next rotation turn after that because of the lingering discomfort - Smoltz always cause it “discomfort,” but I think you or I would refer to it as “pain” - and eventually relented and went on the DL, but even then he and the Braves made it overlap the All-Star break, because Smoltz wanted to minimize the starts he’d have to miss.
A lot of people ask me how long Smoltz has been pitching with the shoulder pain he’s currently feeling. I’ve said I thought it might go all the way back to late in the 2005 season, at least to varying degrees.
But he told me last night that the ’05 injury and the strain last season were unrelated. However, when I asked if he’s been pitching in pain to some degree since Milwaukee, he said, almost sheepishly, that was a fair assessment.
“It’s fair to say that,” he said, almost sheepishly. “I‘m not claiming to be hero, or trying to be viewed as one. I‘ve been through a lot. It’s not for everybody to know. I choose to do it.
“I’ve been through a lot, and I’m not going to give in to any circumstances. This now, it’s no different than things that faced me before. I’m just older.”
Smoltz will be 41 on May 15.
“People are going to assume my time’s running out,” he said. “So be it. It might be. But that doesn’t affect my desire. When my desire to overcome these things is not there, I’ll be [finished]. But that’s not the case.”
It’s almost like he views it as a weakness, admitting that he hasn’t been able to get rid of the shoulder pain. Dude’s got a different mindset, for sure.
(Me, I’d be pulling reporters aside all this time and saying, ‘Man, my arm’s freakin’ killing me and I’m still making half the hitters in the league flail at my pitches like minor leaguers.’ On a different note, if I was a big star athlete I’d not suffer fools who ask stupid questions. I’d be, like, ‘Dude, that’s the worst question I’ve ever been asked. Come back when you’ve got something pertinent to ask.’ Come to think of it, I’d call me a real prick if I was a reporter covering me.)
But back to Smoltz.
I asked if this injury he’s got now could be compensatory, or whether the trapezius strain he had during spring might have been. And from his quick response, I could tell this is something he has been told or discussed with team trainers and or Dr. Andrews.
Yes, he said, it could be. Actually, he said it as though it probably was true. That most of his shoulder/neck problems are probably related to a degree.
He also mentioned an incident many of us have forgotten from last season, the May 14 game at Washington when he dislocated the pinkie finger on his throwing hand, a grotesque-looking injury that was caught close-up by the TV cameras.
Remember that? He didn’t miss a start.
In fact, he threw seven scoreless innings in each of his next two starts, before the Milwaukee slip-up. But in those two starts after the finger injury, Smoltz made adjustments, like he has for most of his career, to compensate for pain that certain arm angles or pitches might cause.
And after all the years of making adjustments for this throbbing shoulder or that stiff elbow, the old dude is, in my unsophisticated view, simply breaking down. It happens, especially when you’re not jacked up on HGH to get you through the fading years.
All of us over 40 marvel at what he can do, but it can’t last forever. There’s not much else to compensate with, when he’s injured all the various parts of his shoulder and elbow, and been under the knife or the ‘scope repeatedly, and continued to pile up more innings than pitchers half his age.
By the way, anyone who doesn’t understand or recognize what the man has sacrificed - and I’m just talking health, not personal matters you probably know about - isn’t looking with a nonjaundiced view.
Yeah, he’s made millions and reveled in a lot of glory (and played every great golf course).
But I’m guessing that shoulder and elbow are going to be seriously arthritic for the second half of his life, which has probably already begun.
I’m also thinking that, more than it affects you, me, or many other injured pro athletes, being told he cannot pitch, or having to sit and watch his team scramble to fill in and then lose without him, absolutely eats away at Smoltz.
He wants to go out on his own terms. Wants so badly to go out with one last blaze of glory. Wants to shine once more on that big postseason stage where he was so good for so long.
For his sake, you’ve got to hope he gets the chance.
Getting back to why he’s open to moving back to the bullpen (sorry, I just realized how much I’ve rambled here), I think it’s because this shoulder thing has forced him to chance his course at midstream, or midseason.
He said to me that, honestly, that trapezius strain this spring was entirely unexpected, and that it was more neck than shoulder. That his shoulder was not the reason he was throwing in sim games for the early part of spring training.
But it might well have led to this inflamed rotator cuff and severely inflamed biceps tendon that he’s dealing with now, and that’s going to take at least a few weeks, I’d imagine, before he’s able to pitch.
And now that he’s got this stuff going on in there, and he’s seen how ineffective it makes him as a starter when it gets to this point, Smoltz has been forced to accept the fact that, once again, his health might not (probably won’t) allow him to pitch even 6-7 innings every five days.
It sounds to me like he knows the tank is running low, and he wants to make the remaining fuel get him at least through this season and, he and the Braves hope, the postseason. He doesn’t have many arrows left, wants to use them sparingly.
Maybe an offseason of rest will allow him to return in 2009. There’s no way of knowing that right now, or even knowing how much Smoltz is thinking beyond this season or wants to think beyond this season.
As he’s said several times since last fall, he’s going year-to-year at this point, and now perhaps even day-to-day. He wants to make the most of what he’s got left.
With setup man Peter Moylan likely headed for season-ending surgery, and closer Rafael Soriano dealing with recurring elbow soreness and still not ready to return from the DL, the bullpen needs Smoltz as bad as he might need it.
”BLAZE OF GLORY” by The Alarm
It’s funny how they shoot you down
When your hands are held up high
And you open up your heart and soul
I remember this much
There is nothing
You shouldn’t speak of
If you got something to say
And there is no one
To be scared of
Just get them out of the way
Going out in a blaze of glory
My heart is open wide
You can take anything that you want from me
There is nothing left to hide
Going out in a blaze of glory
My hands are held up high
I’m learning how to hit back
I’m learning how to fight
The law of the jungle says
You look after yourself
But I remember this much
I love as I’ve been loved myself.
Don’t forget what I told you now
When the question keeps on coming
And it’s how much more can you take
When they’ve ripped your clothes to pieces
Shouldn’t you be gone by now
But you keep on
Going out in a blaze of glory
Setting your sights for the sky.
They can offer you anything at all
But your dreams must not be sold.
Going out in a blaze of glory
No price is high enough
I’m fighting back with feeling
I’m fighting back with love
When the nails are biting into your hands
And the cross is heavy on your heart
Now is the time to really make a stand
My hands are held up high.
Going out
In a blaze of glory
Going out
In a blaze of glory
Going out
In a blaze of glory
Going out in a blaze of glory
My heart is open wide
You can take anything that you want from me
But you cannot take my soul
Going out in a blaze of glory
My hands are held up high
I’m learning how to hit back
Yes I’m learning how to fight
Going out in a blaze of glory
Going out with my heart wide open
Going out with my hands held high
Going out in a blaze of glory
Going out in a blaze of glory…..
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Comments
By JimD
April 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
first?
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
I’m headed to the ballpark. Will have an update on Hampton’s fourth-inning exit after I get there.
By Satan
April 30, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
first?
By MattyO
April 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, any word on what happened to Hampton? Smoltz is a true warrior and a true Brave, you hate to see him go through something like this. Hopefully he’ll come back and be healthy enough to contribute in the rotation or the pen. He definitely deserves another chance in the playoffs, and to go out on top. Let’s hope we can do that for him. Go Braves!
By DonCoburleone
April 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Smoltz back to the bullpen, very interesting. Seems to me like that would be the best course of action for keeping his shoulder intact. Wouldn’t pitching 1 inning 3 or 4 times per week be better than 6 innings once or twice a week?
My only question would be, if we do end up making the playoffs with Smoltz in the bullpen, do we keep him there for the playoffs? I remember his biggest beef with being in the bullpen earlier in his career was that in the playoffs, he may never even get a chance to pitch a meaningfull inning. Whereas when he’s a starter, he’s guaranteed some meaningfull innings. Any chance he goes to the bullpen until sometime in September, then we ease him back into the rotation for a potential playoff run?
By OrlandoFan
April 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Good piece, DOB. Sad news to know that Smoltz is ailing because I have so much respect for him both as a pitcher and a human being. He is so professional, dedicated and loyal.
He is extremely talented and competitive. And he adjusts. He has so many weapons as a pitcher and as a person, both of which come across every time out there. And I think your blog really shows the depth of his character and his commitment to his team and his sport.
He could easily hang it up now and be set and have fun, and no one would question that. Heck, his contract is up.
But he wants to go on and wants to win. A lot of folks talk about how much they want to win, but Smoltz has proven in 10 different times, and that was when he wasn’t even on the mound.
His belief in himself (justified by his performance) and what he can provide to the team is so strong that it takes on a reality of its own. Smoltz says it, and you are inclined to accept it.
So many who have such talent — maybe more talent — lose their edge because they don’t share that fire and commitment.
I’ve been thinking that Smoltz was at this stage of his career mindful of Kevin Costner’s character Billy Church in “For The Love Of The Game.” I think they sort of resemble each other out there (not to diminish Smoltz by comparing him to a fictional character).
It would be wonderful if he could close his career in the way that Church did in the movie.
Anyway, great reporting.
By geauxbraves2000
April 30, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
A lot of ballplayers could learn of lot from Mr Smoltz. He is the epitome of this game.
Geaux Braves!!
By The Goche (A.J.)
April 30, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
i can’t believe you got away with saying prick…i love blogs
By OrlandoFan
April 30, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
When, not if, on Hampton. LOL
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
KJ and Pena for Harang
By DonCoburleone
April 30, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Hampton exited his rehab start? Please tell me you are taking advantage of the last day of April and playing an April fools joke on us DOB… UNBELIEVABLE
By DAP
April 30, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
DOB
wow. thats gotta be the best blog ive ever read. thanx for that one.
LEW i dont think im supposed to, but DOB gets a wulitzer nomination from me for this one.
smoltz is just an amazing athlete and man. i respect him so much, and i am always just amazed and inspired by him.
he is one of the greatest all-time. simply amazing.
i hope more for his sake than for my sake as a fan, that he is rewarded this season with a world championship.
he will always be #1 in my mind of the greatest athletes ive ever seen.
thanx again,DOB
By bb
April 30, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
according to R-Braves website, Hampton went 3.1 inn, 71 pitches, 1 run- maybe he hit his pitch count?
By T-Bone
April 30, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
What a pen: Soriano (when healthy), Gonzo, and Smoltz. Sounds like a perfect 7th, 8th, 9th set-up. Now we just have to get ourselves to the 7th.
As well as some clutch hitting. Chipper can’t do it all.
By TheCutMan
April 30, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB, for a thoughtful and well written piece chronicling the issues Smoltz has been dealing with over recent years.
I’ve always had deep respect for this warrior but seeing what he’s done and willing to do in the near future underscores the fact that his type doesn’t come along except about every generation or so.
By J.D.
April 30, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
you have to admire what Smoltzie has done for Atlanta…if this is in fact it for him I just hope the Braves can go out World Series champs. It’s obvious he wants it so badly but his body just won’t allow it anymore. He could be one of the classiest men ever to play baseball, and he could be a huge loss for Atlanta baseball.
By RC
April 30, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I’ve got to agree with DAP’s comments. I’ve been reading the blog consistently for the past 2 seasons, and this is the best yet (of a consistently good blog). I almost wish you had used this in a story instead of blog, just so that the piece could be up for awards (ok, I think that’s enough gushing, but great job as always DOB).
By Renegator
April 30, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
DOB
See if you can get an update on Moylan as well. They said during the broadcast last night that he threw off flat ground. Any news on how he feels or how his future looks for this season?
Thanks
By rammerjammer
April 30, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Edward R. Murrow had nothing on you. I feel like I was right there listening to Smoltz and wincing as he described his physical and emotional “discomfort,” as he put it.
Thanks for giving us the best seat in the house, and here’s hoping Atlanta’s Mr. October gets one final time on the stage.
By OrlandoFan
April 30, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
71 pitches for 10 outs… Not bad, I guess, for a rehab return.
By Kev
April 30, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
bb
Then why the trainer came out after a 0-1 count…then hampton leaves….UN friggin BELIABLE….Im no expert or anything but RELEASE the guy if hes injured again..
By McFann
April 30, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
If Moylan were only healthy too, The starter goes 3,Boyer,Acosta,Moylan,Soriano,Gonzales and Scoltz. ;-) Nolie
Haha, yeah! No worries, right? LOL.
By DAP
April 30, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
ESPN says rich harden might be traded thisnyear. what you guys think of him?
hes been injured alot, but if he could stay healthy, he would be a huge boost. and his recent injuries might lower the price. what do you think?
By N8
April 30, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
GREAT story and “inside” information on Smoltz.
If the other Braves had 1/10 the heart and love for not only the game, but his team, it would go a long way.
They might as well erect a statue of him RIGHT NOW in front of Turner Field. Better yet, Turner “sold out” and ditched the Braves.
How about rename the frickin’ stadium after Smoltz?
It will be a VERY sad day for Braves and MLB when Smoltz hangs it up for good.
Maddux is scraping right now, and Glavine has gave no guarantee that he’ll stick around next year.
Wouldn’t it be “cool” if the 3 of them retired the same year, so they could go into the HOF together (of course they might be late for the ceremony - gotta get in a round of golf, you know, right?).
Not that I want Smoltz to be done. But the end is in sight, that’s for sure.
Time to start shopping for a starter Wren.
IF Soriano ever actually pitches again, and Gonzo come back, teamed up with Smoltz in the pen, we could be pretty damn dominant at the back end of games.
Just gotta some how, stay in this pathetic NL East race long enough for those 3 guys to come around.
Still not sure how the rotation will pan out (especially with - BIG SHOCK - Hamtpon leaving today’s game), add to that, our lineup is STILL mediocre at best with KJ at the top.
Since we can’t seem to get Glavine a victory (Thanks to Boyer), maybe we could save wear and tear on Smoltz by ONLY having him pitch in relief of Glavine’s starts. LOL! Call it, two buddied teaming up for a victory.
It’ll be like having a 22 million dollar pitcher on those days.
In all seriousness, even if Soriano and Gonzo are healthy and Smoltz doesn’t close (might be needed to pitch too many days in a row as closer - and I think the closer should be defined, not “closer by committee”), he can take over Boyer’s roll, and be the “middle” inning closer?
Seems kind of expensive for a 14 million dollar reliever, but hey….anything we can get out of the man to help us win games, is a plus, IMO.
The man wants to contribute and not be lost for the season, collecting a paycheck. If the guy can give us 3-5 innings a week as a reliever (closer or not), in crucial moments of close games, I’m all for it.
Now if ownership realizes that the only way to step up and have this season NOT be a lost cause, by allowing payroll to be raised, so we can get another starter from somebody, that would help a bit too.
By Chop Chop
April 30, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Some guys just break down early. Mike Hampton is one. Whether he ever throws another big-league pitch or not, at least the guy has given it a good shot. After all, he could have just retired and kept all of that money without caring enough to put the rehab in. He obviously loves the game.
By RC
April 30, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels,
Why would the Reds trade for KJ when they’ve got this guy named Brandon Phillips already playing 2nd base for them?
By ricflair
April 30, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Hampton is a __ssy!! Suck it up man. Just reading about all the the stuff Smoltz has went through makes me really p** off about Hampton.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the Blog DOB. I appreciate the work. I hope Smoltz heals up fine while on the DL.
By P-Town Brave
April 30, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
DAP
Harden = See Mike Hampton
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
HAMMY???
HA HA HA HA HA HA AAAAAAAAHHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA
If Hammy were HALF the man Smoltz is, he’d not have missed a start so far! You think Hambolina’s boob injury woulda kept John out of the rotation? I can tell you now; HELL NO, IT WOULDN’T HAVE!!
By jack
April 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
does anyone think about the braves pitchers never going on the disable ever when leo was the coach
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Excellent DOB!
Smoltz is a hero. His desire and willingness to win never subsides to pain. In an era of ridiculous contracts, that’s somethign I can admire.
He doesn’t have to prove anything to me anymore. He already has. If it meant him retiring now to save his shoulder from being arthritic after baseball then I’d totally understand (the article i read pointed that this could be a hude sign of arthritis in older men).
Hopefully smotlz won’t need surgery. Again, the articles i read suggest that if the inflamation is that bad in men over 40, then surgery is probably likely. It said the pain could last from 6 months to a year, and if it does, surgery is needed.
For smoltz to even consider moving back to the pen, tells me something about his desire to win. The man is truly a rarity, he’s a role model.
By RC
April 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
DAP,
I personally think Harden is a great pitcher. The problem is that adding another injury risk to this rotation is probably not going to happen. Also, there are a number of other teams that will probably be willing to give up much more for him (like the Yankees). I only see it happening if there is a specific player that Billy Beane wants from the Braves, and it’s someone the Braves are willing to give up for an oft injured pitcher. I’m also not sure on his contract….I think it’s low, but possibly not low enough for the 2008 payroll.
By jack
April 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
does anyone think about the braves pitchers never going on the disable ever when leo was the coach
By jack
April 30, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
does anyone think about the braves pitchers never going on the disable ever when leo was the coach
By bravesfan
April 30, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Hampton got hurt?
By P-Town Brave
April 30, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels
KJ and Pena for Harang…
That gave me my 2nd laugh of the day…right after I heard about the Hampton injury…
They wouldn’t give us Ryan Freel for KJ and Pena right now…
KJ has lost pretty much ALL trade value!
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I predicted yesterday that Hambolina would pull his tongue. Bet that’s it!
By Kevin C
April 30, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know that it is to early to talk trade with some teams but it has to be addressed. Would the braves look enternally first like Jo-Jo or Hanson? As for starting pitching around the majors Harden will cost to much, what about pitchers like Tim Redding or one of the young Giant starters for say KJ. just throwing those names out. The division is for our taking but we need to be proactive.
By nybravesfan
April 30, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
rich harden is one of my favorite pichers when/if he is healthy - the guy is always hurt though. if he could stay healthy he would be a huge addition to the braves if they got him.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
chop chop
if hampton did retire, he’d leave all that money on the table right? I wouldn’t mind that.
However, the man’s trying to come back. He shouldn’t even be trying if the pec hasn’t healed fully, but he’s trying.
I admire that Hammy wants to come back (though it’s frustrating as hell). If he wants to sign in the offesason for a measly minor league deal, then my respect for the guy will increase 10-fold. I hope he can make it back. We actually need him.
By Bravesfan79
April 30, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks Smoltzie for all the great years youve given us Braves fans! You are a warrior and i hope your arm holds up for the rest of this year and next!
Cox should set very strict limits in how he uses Smoltz in the pen.
Dont have smoltz warming up in the 9th inning of a game were winning by 4 or so runs, try to avoid using him more than twice a week in games.
The times Smoltz should be used is like in crucial situations like last night, 1 out, bases loaded….game on the line (even tho its the 7th inning) A pitcher coming in that spot and shutting them down would of been just as meaningfull as 5 shutout innings by a starter.
I say we let someone else control the bullpen, because its clear Bobby sucks at it. No way Moylan should of been pitching in some of the games he did earlier in the year!
If he uses Smoltz like he did Peter….he wont last long. Go Braves!
By Lauren T.
April 30, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
DOB, last night on “Braves Live”, Our Katy Temple mentioned that Peter Moylan threw off the mound yesterday, but didn’t make any further comments. Is there any word from the clubhouse about his progression (if any)? Thank you!
By Curt
April 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
On the Braves website it says Hampton felt discomfort and thought it best to go ahead and leave. What is crazy is he had thrown 71 pitches and his limit was 75. So tough for him as it seems he always gets hurt at the last possible opportunity to do so.
Oh well we really could have used some vintage Hampton about now!
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
he’s been injured a lot, but if he could stay healthy, he would be a huge boost. and his recent injuries might lower the price. what do you think?
Was this about Mark Prior? Kerry Wood? AJ Burnett? Carl Pavano? Mike Hampton?
I think whatever the price for an oft-injured pitcher, such as Harden, is too much for this team to afford right now. The most agreeable pitcher to trade for in terms of career achievements, health and a very manageable contract was available this winter but the opportunity was missed. Trying to make up for it by trading for a perpetual DL tripper would be a mistake.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
DAP and RC
i’ve been saying to go after Harden now for about a week. If the braves can get him now while he’s still hurt, then can get him for less. But if they wait till he’s finally healthy, the competition for him will be greater and it will cost more in talent.
i say make an offer. The kid’s only 26. He’ll get healthy one of these days. For one of the best aces in baseball, it’s worth the risk.
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
…yes Hampton re injury the pectoral muscle again, they not know when is pitching again, the radio announcer say. Bad luck so far this year for the Bravos in the injury dept.
By etownbrave
April 30, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
DOB Terrific job as usual. You convey Smoltz’s pain, anguish, and disappointment so well, it is like hearing him talk to all of us. This article should be on AJC so you can get the credit you deserve for your writing. We bloggers know how good you are, hope your bosses do too. Do wish Smoltz the best and hope he recovers soon.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Quote by: bravesfan “Hampton got hurt?”
That’s kinda like asking if the sun rose this mawnin. lol
By brent a.
April 30, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
McFann
Your final post on the last blog illustrates my (sarcastic) point I’ve been making that I am not convinced that this team even needs a closer.
It’s really been a pretty irrelevant position for the Braves this season.
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Richmond Braves 18 inning without score, lost today 2-0 Hampton loss,Chucky James rlease him.
By DAP
April 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
P-Town Brave
Harden = (Hampton - big money contract - long term commitment)
hes only making 4.5 mil this season, which the braves wouldnt have to pay all of, since they would be getting him mid-season, and hes got CLUB option with no buyout for 2009. if the option is excersizes, he gets $7 mil.
hes injury prone, but nothing like hampton, because his contract is very team-friendly.
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Pain or no pain, Smoltz pitched brilliantly in each of his first 4 starts, throwing his fastball 95+ and snapping off sliders and splits. In his last start, he had nothing. Did something happen between the 4th and 5th starts or did whatever problem he has just get worse?
When most pitchers have arm problems, it shows up in their performance. That was not the case for Smoltz until his last start. Dealing with pain is one thing. Dealing with the inability to perform because of injury is something else. Smoltz obviously can deal with the former, but the latter is pretty much impossible to overcome.
Even if going to the bullpen is a viable option for him, the giddyness expressed by some here about having Soriano, Gonzalez & Smoltz as a late-inning weapon is sadly misplaced considering the health status of all 3.
It’s time for the offense to step up and give the pitching staff some margin for error. If the Braves don’t start scoring runs in bunches ASAP, this season is about to be pronounced DOA.
By rupert
April 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
hampton leaves after 3 pitches in the 4th. complaining about the pec,
what a b***
By RC
April 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
jack,
Leo had plenty of DL’d pitchers. It’s just that he also had Glavine and Maddux who have avoid injury for ANY team they’ve played on until recently. You remember this guy we signed named Paul Byrd? Or the fact that we never had the same closer 2 years in a row (aside from Smoltz)?
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be “cool” if the 3 of them retired the same year, so they could go into the HOF together
I was thinking about this as well. Talking it over with a friend. If Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux all retire at the end of this year they’d be in a crowded field. Other names that will more than likely be retiring this season along with those three… Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield, Mike Piazza to name a few. What aids “the three” is their lack of involvement with the roid rumors. But with that type of class on the ballots, getting in all at the same time would seem more complicated.
By Chris I.
April 30, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I probably shouldn’t be optimistic given his track record, but let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. There are no indications that Hampton was hurt. As a previous commenter noted, he was at about 71 pitches and is due for one more rehab start before heading back to Atlanta. Hopefully, he merely left the game because he had reached his target. Let’s hope that is the case.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
does anyone think about the braves pitchers never going on the disable ever when leo was the coach Jack
everything surrounding our pitching staff has been a circus act since leo left. McDowell was a clown when he was a player, so that speaks for itself.
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 30, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
RC
Maybe because I didn’t even know that they had Brandon Jones! Maybe because I was impatient and p** about Hampton and just fired off a completely irrational and random post. Ever thought of that???
GIGO
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
To Many injuries this year so far for key player, nothing wrong with hampton arm,he has 4 k 3 h 1 r,I guess with can use him in the pen to,How about 8th inning and Smoltzy in the 9th. And use Campillo as a Starter.
By RC
April 30, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
Can’t disagree with your reasoning. However, I think that Billy Beane is well aware of Harden’s value being down right now due to injury, and he knows that once he comes of the DL he’s going to generate a LOT of interest from around the league. There is really no incentive for the A’s to trade Harden right now while his value is low, unless they are just bowled over with an offer. And if we are bowling them over with offers, then we aren’t getting the discount that makes a trade worthwhile. My guess is they let him come off the DL, get about 10-15 starts under his belt, and shop him quickly in case he injures himself again.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Hampton won’t be back for another month….
Poor Jair Jurrjens. He and Hudson(barring a Hudson injury, and I wouldn’t be shocked considering the lack of velocity) have to anchor the staff in terms of innings. Glavine will give you 6 on a good day.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
i fear the injuries and lack of consistency of the team is forcing us to rush pitchers back.
Hampton, feeling any discomfort in that pec, should’ve waited till it completely subsided to pitch. Afterall, it is mike hampton.
Gonzo, rushing him back 1.5 months early could be another costly mistake. Patience is virtue.
I can believe a man like Bobby Cox, who was so patient over the years, has reverted to rushing people back so fast now. Even with soriano is spring training - he wanted him to pitch when it seemed soriano was doubtful. I don’t have more instances or facts without research, but if memory serves me right, it seems like in the last 2 seasons, we trying to get guys on the field without proper healing/rehab.
By DAP
April 30, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
jack hampton got hurt in 2005 when mazzone was the pitching coach. smoltz had all his surguries and health issues under mazzone. john thomson had health issues under mazzone, steve avery did too. paul byrd got hurt while being coached by mazzone as well.
those are just the guys off of the top of my
By Bravesfan79
April 30, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
N8: I agree man, ol man Ted got bored with the Braves and turned into a sellout. Turner field should be named something else because Ted sold us out to AOL/Time Warner….who ran us into the ground! Man i hate AOL and will never buy their products again.
I remember about 3 years ago i called up and canceled my AOL acct and of course i got connected to some lady in India.
The conversation went something like this… Me: hi, i wanna cancel my aol Lady: ok we give u more free months Me: I dont want any more free months, i hate AOL and Time Warner! Lady: ok so instead i give u 6 free months instead of 3. Me: NO, i dont want ANYTHING to do with your crap company, yall KILLED MY TEAM!! COPORATE B******!! Lady: huh, what team, me knows nothing Me: The Atlanta Braves, a baseball team, and your stupid company messed up a dynasty, and ill always hate them for it! Lady: o me sorry, how about a free year? Me: SCREW AOL, GET ME OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM, I NEVER WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YALL AGAIN!
I hate AOL just like i still hate pete babsuckacock for trading Nique when i was a kid! I guess for true fans, grudges die hard huh?
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
if hampton did throw 71 pitches, then that’s a good sign. maybe after that many pitches, i’m hoping, the pain was a cramp or hopefully some scar tissue breaking up. Hopefully.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
As you’ve probably heard by now, it was indeed the pectoral muscle AGAIN with Hampton. Couldn’t make this stuff up.
Got him on the last few pitches. Guess a 60-65 pitch limit would’ve served him better today, huh? Sheesh…
Anyway, too early to know how long he’ll be set back, if anyone’s counting the days out there.
Oh, and fact that Chuck came in after Hampton today makes it clear that Jo-Jo and not Chuck is pitching Saturday, as I suspected yesterday.
Should have that announcement soon, I’d imagine. Gonna get down to the clubhouse now.
By H-Ram
April 30, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Hampton is injured again
HA HAHAHAHAH HA HA…seriously it just makes me laugh…WHEN are they going to realize this guy wont pitch again!!!!!!!!!!!!WHEN…just cut the guy once and for all..your paying him the money injured or not….RELEASE HIM..thats the best move they’ll make this season…WHAT A JOKE HAMPTON IS!!!!!!!!!…
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I’m absolutely convinced at this point that Hammy’s LONE concern is to keep those paychecks coming!
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
i just remember our announcers commenting all the time that other teams were rushing pithcers back and it wasn’t a good idea, that it didn’t fit the braves philosophy.
i remember one spring, gagne tried coming back from a minor leg injury, and the braves announcers saying that since the leg wasn’t completely healed, gagne could hurt his arm. What happened? gagne hurt his arm.
Now it’s the reversal. Instead of a manager that would constantly give guys a day or 2 off when they were ready to come back, we have a manager that brings guys back maybe a few days to a few weeks earlier and are seeing different results in the health department. What’s with the change in philosophy from our skipper and coaching staff?
By David
April 30, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is The Man. As much as I will miss him being on the pitching mound once his body forces him to retire, I get excited at the thought of him coaching for the Braves. DOB - any talk, ever, from John as to coaching aspirations? Whether we’re talking pitching or head coaching? He just seems to be made for it. Oh, GREAT blog, as always.
By Bravesologist
April 30, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
KJ lost all trade value? First off, don’t trade him. Second off, he’s one of our best hitters dispite the slump he’s in.
By RC
April 30, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
I really hope that we don’t ask Jair to pitch too many innings this year. I understand that we need to do what is possible to win this year, but Jair is a BIG part of the Braves future, and overusing him in his rookie season would be a huge mistake.
By justdoit
April 30, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
make smoltz the closer - make a big trade for oswalt next month or even sooner who would like to play for the braves - that leaves the braves with a good rotation - an awesome pen once mg comes back - and a good run producing offense. easier said then done but what do you say? - get it doen Wren//oswalt in a braves uniform would be a beautiful thing
By tkg
April 30, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks for fantastic insight on Smoltz, DOB. I can’t begin to imagine the health issues Smoltz has dealt with throughout the years — not just the past three. His grit, determination — heck, his heart — are some of the main reasons he is my all-time favorite Brave.
I absolutely appreciate everything he has done in that uniform. It was awesome watching him outduel Santana and the Mets earlier this month. Got to see it in person, 12 rows behind home plate. Freakin’ great. Been watching the Bearded Icon for, what, 17, 18 of my 32 years and I’m gonna hate it when his fired his last bullet.
Here’s to hoping he’s got plenty of shots left for at least 2008…
By David
April 30, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox (1:38 pm) - I don’t think you can hang all of this on Leo being gone. The pitchers who keep getting injured are older guys like Glav & Smoltz, or guys who’ve come to the Braves with old injuries. As far as I know, Leo is out of work right now….
By Seth
April 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I bet Hampton reached his pitch count. He was supposed to throw 75 and today he threw 79. Chuckie pitched after him too. Maybe the plan was to get innings for both guys without having either of them do too much.
By Braves20
April 30, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Had just finished an interesting article in the current Sporting News about our ‘pen which got me thinking about Smoltz moving back.
The disturbing thing in the SN article was that MLB scouts believe that Soriano, even healthy, won’t cut it as a closer for a contender. The article didn’t mention Gonzalez.
Might be better for all concerned to move everybody up a spot and get an innings eater for the back at least until Gonzalez and Soriano are healthy. Then next year, take the money we will save with Tex et. al. and get a solid #1 or 2 to pair with Hudson.
By eware
April 30, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Is there anyway we can get a video of Smoltz punching Hampton in the face and calling him a b__tch? That would be sweet.
By Evan
April 30, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
How about a trade to bring back Kevin Millwood if we could make the money work? I read ealrier today on either espn or S.I. that Texas was willing to trade him, and even though his w/l record hasn’t been that good hes consistently eaten innings and had a decent if not good e.r.a.
By ricflair
April 30, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Vey nice Steve-O-. What are you a serial killer?
By Seth
April 30, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I stand corrected…
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080430&contentid=2614611&vkey=newsmlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
By ernesto
April 30, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Steve-O, you’d be a good Philly fan. You should hunt Hampton down and throw batteries at him, that’ll teach him to strain his pec.
By Jared
April 30, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Hampton is in desperate need of some vagacil.
By BosnianBaller
April 30, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I said before the season the Braves couldn’t count on Glavine,Smoltz,and Hampton.They didn’t count on anything from Hampton.But you cant count on Smoltz and glavine being 2 of your top 3 starters because they are in their 40’s.I wanna know whats up with this “depth” thing.Just because you have a lot of pitchers doesn’t mean you have depth.You have to have good pitchers to have depth.If it wasn’t for Jurrgens pitching the way he is pitching the Braves would be in a deep hole.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
if hampton is hurt there is NO WAY we should even think about relying on him. If he EVER pitches thats a bonus for braves and him(contract year). clearly his body is flat out done!!!!!!!! we blogs go through this too much, we have had enough of this, the scare of OH NO MIKE HAMPTON JUST INJURED AGAIN!!!
By brent a.
April 30, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
I have now reached the point of understanding why so many think the Braves should just release Hampton.
I know, I know, there is NO upside to releasing Hampton (and who knows, maybe the insurance won’t cover him if he’s released); but, truth be told, the yo-yo game he’s played with the fans the last 2 + years has to really impact the psyche of the team at some point.
He is a part of the Braves team. And he has provided ZERO for us the last 2 + seasons. Whether they will admit it, or not, the organization is expecting something out of him, as evidenced by the fact that he was warming up for a start as recently as the first week of April.
His going to the minors and hurting his pectoral muscle is not just some whimsical event. It impacts the psyche of the whole team when they hear, “Mike’s hurt again.”
It has to.
Go Hawks! Go Lakers! Go Dr. Andrews!
By macdwolfpack
April 30, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Next injury for Hampton will be a strained uterus,typical injury for a p***.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
those of you laughing about hampton have no nerve. we need him. end of story. you should be upset. maybe you will be again on saturday when jo jo can’t find the plate, or when bennett starts again and can’t find the plate for an inning.
By DAP
April 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
leo mazzone is doing commentary for someone. im not sure who, but i saw him on baseball tongiht in a pressbox with headphones on, rockin; the night away. thats so wierd, the way he rocks like that. there must be something wrong with him.
By RC
April 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
I’m as frustrated as anyone else that Hampton is hurt, but comments like “Steve-O’s” are completely classless and out of line. If you are really are 24 like you claim, it’s about time to grow up.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hampton felt a “slight bite” on his popular peck and didnt want to push it any harder. He cares about his body and will take this day by day until september, where he will try to earn a check next year!!!
By BA
April 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, has anyone considered that it may be the underwire on Hampton’s bra that’s causing this?
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
MIKE HAMPTON=FRAUD
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
MIKE HAMPTON=FRAUD
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
MIKE HAMPTON=FRAUD
By brent a.
April 30, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
For Mike Hampton:
cause he needs some support
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
BOOO HAMPTON HURT AGAIN!
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
David 1:58
This is my point:
Got him on the last few pitches. Guess a 60-65 pitch limit would’ve served him better today, huh? Sheesh… from DOB.
Hampton’s pitch count should’ve been 0 pitches until the peck healed. He warned us after his last start that he still felt it.
Now it’s reaggravated, it’s gonna take 5 weeks to heal (3 wasn’t enough last time), and another 2 weeks of rehab. He’s a good 6-7 weeks away.
By Bob Wickman
April 30, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I just don’t get the Hampton thing. I had the biggest breasts in the majors, and I NEVER had a strain…
By macdwolfpack
April 30, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I have been hesitant to call for it, but now it is obvious the time has come for the Braves to make a trade for a young starting pitcher. With the tenuous health of Hampton (may or may not ever pitch again), John Smoltz potential of not returning to the starting lineup, Glavine being 41, and the recent loss of velocity by Hudson should send a loud and clear signal to the Braves that it’s time to try and go find another Jair Jurgens out there somewhere. I wouldn’t go get another end of their career guy as a quick fix because the only thing you have in reserve right now are Chuck James and Jo Jo Reyes and both have shown great inconsistancies, and potentially Morton who hasn’t pitched at this level yet. Other than those you either have to stretch out Campbillo or go get you another starter. With this being probably Texiera’s last year and you invested so much in him you can’t afford to waste this year waiting around for something that might not work like Smoltz and Hampton as starters.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
it’s sad the hampton news is overshadowing the smotlz news.
By Chris I.
April 30, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
I’m with you RC. While I am frustrated that Hampton can’t seem to get on the mound, comments like Steve-O’s are out of line.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
BRENT A. lol very nice fit
By Cody
April 30, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Hampton needs to retire and just give it up. He will never pitch in a major league game again. if a pinched boob is going to keep him from throwing then he is the biggest man-gina I have ever seen. I can’t stand waiting anymore cut that piece of SH******. I don’t care about his contribution to this team anymore. If he came back and pitched for the Braves I would boooo the bass-terd. I demand that he donates $40 Million back to the (Braves) Liberty Media so we can go get players we were robbed of while his crappy out of shape boob, hammy, elbow and anal strain was rehabing or laughing on his couch at how he has robbed the Braves. I was always a Hampton fan but HANG IT UP, YOU ARE WASTING OUR TIME AND HOPES, YOU PIECE ‘O’ CRAP. RETIRE You are stinking up the minors as well.
By Luke
April 30, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
It’s time to go get Jake Peavy! With Smoltz likely headed for closer and Mike Hampton out for who knows how long, it’s time to give San Diego everything plus the kitchen sink and get Peavy in a Braves uniform. We can’t let what happened last year to happen this year. PLUS get Kelly out of the leadoff spot! NOW MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
where is the guy named “mike hampton update” he is soooo funny i need u
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
N8
forgot to say…great post earlier.
the blog should raise money for that smoltz statue out of appreciation for the guy. we’ll put it up at smotlz’s exxon park, formerly turner field, right after the all-star break.
(extra revunue from a naming rights sponsor won’t hurt build a solid team for next year right?).
By michael
April 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
i wish the braves were hungry.. like the hawks. i love the braves since i was 12 yrs old but i see no drive or determination in them anymore. they are happy coming to park, collecting their checks, and playing golf with tiger woods… a.k.a. living the good life(i dont blame them). I see hunger in the hawks (fan since 91 season and season ticket holder so dont call me bandwagon)… i wish we had someone to light a fire under their a** to get them to play with some intensity. I still love and support them though.. go braves
By Paddy McGillicutty
April 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Thinking about getting me another Braves jersey: Name on the back— D. LIST Number—32…
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
please donot put steve-o and hampton in the same room. bad things will happen!
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
This is interesting. I was looking at KJ’s performance. His hottest extended period of his career, to date, was from April 19th through July 22nd of last season. He hit .300 with an .889 OPS over 78 games. The following 78 games were a total reversal of those. But he managed to get the exact same number of PA and At Bats.
By flange1
April 30, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Afternoon All,
WOW! Smoltz and now Hampton again.
I think the Braves need to plan on the rest of the year without either as a starter.
Hudson, Glavine, JJJ, JoJo, Bennett
Chuckie back up in long relief when he is ready.
Smoltz to help in the pen when he is ready.
This is very much like what happened to the Phillies last year.
Time for guys to step up. Jo Jo has another opportunity, he needs to trust his stuff an pitch. He has the tools to pitch at this level, the key is if his head is on right.
Probably need to be looking for a starter. That will be tough without giving up and arm and a leg.
The offense has got to step up as well. KJ, Tex, Diaz and Kotsay have got to start hitting better especially in the clutch.
BMac and Frenchy both have to take the step up to being leaders and stars. No more .250 average and popping out with RISP on the first pitch.
The team will either put their best foot forward or not.
Maybe now we can see the true guts of these guys.
By MAV
April 30, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
All of you who think Prado should be platooning with Johnson are crazy. This guy is lucky to even be on a major league team. He can barely hit the ball out of the infield. I will take the Johnson striking out occasionally over Prado’s lack of talent anyday. Go Braves.
By BamaBrave
April 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Hampton doesn’t need a trainer anymore…he needs a shrink. It’s the muscle between his ears that’s out of whack. Wren should get the best sports shrink in ATL and put him/her on the payroll…
By N8
April 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Hampton….Priest Holmes is on the line, and says “keep on fighting” there’s people relying on you.
Don’t give up dude. SHEEEEESH!
What the hell are the Braves Brass thinking???? Are we THAT desperate??
Apparently all you homerish bloggers need to give Wren a call and tell HIM how “early” it is. Every time they send him out to rehab without being totally healthy, they’re only delaying his return. SHUT HIM DOWN UNTIL JULY!! If we get even one inning out him call it a miracle.
Here’s a prediction for a blog in the future……let’s say……around May 24th:
Mike Gonzalez was put on the 60 day DL today, after aggravating his surgically repaired elbow.
When asked when he might return, Gonzalez quietly replied: “I don’t know. Maybe I came back to soon. But I felt I had to. My team was relying on me, and with Moylan and Soriano on the DL, and now Smoltz going down…I didn’t really have a choice, did I?”
Wren needs to sit Gonzalez down and INFORM HIM that his services will be greatly appreciated NEXT YEAR, and he should take his time rehabbing from his surgery.
Just my opinion.
By StingerSplash
April 30, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Pirates are ripping Oliver Perez.
By Cody
April 30, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Back to a serious level (Had to get that Steve-O childish p** water out), I really think the only pitcher will be able to get this year is Millwood, Haren and maybe Hernandez from the Twins. Might even squeeze Kasmir from the Rays if they think they want be able to sign him long term. The bad fact is that Oswalt is pitching about as good as Chuck James and is owed 13 Million this year and next couple of years. That would be a great replacement but with Hampton on the roster I don’t think we can throw that much money on one guy this year at the trade deadline. Millwood is at $10 million this year but in July we could probably get him for about 3 or 4 million with Texas eating some salary. Harang is out of the question becuase he is the reds ace and they believe they are close to competiting in the Central. Matt Cain from the Giants is not an option becuase they will want more than he is worth and he isn’t even proven yet. In the end I believe Millwood will be a better fit just because he pitches better in the NL than the AL. I always liked him in a brave uny plus he can pitch in the mid 90s, a power arm.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Peavy, not tradeable.
Oswalt, not tradeable.
Any offers that are plausible you guys than think of? You think we can go out and shop for whoever we want, and it doesn’t work that way.
By Clueless
April 30, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Just got done booking my flight reservations to and from Pittsburgh and paying top dollar for seats right behind the Braves dugout to see Hampton’s return on the 10th. Can’t wait!!!
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Ok, repost of the end…
During the first 100 games KJ hit lead off 15% of the time.
During the next 78 games KJ hit lead off 70% of the time.
During the last 79 games KJ hit lead off 41% of the time.
By chase
April 30, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Move SMOLTZ to closer (extending his career 2 seasons) and then Package whatever it takes to get AARON HARANG from the lowly Reds
Huddy, Jurjiens, Harang, Glavine, and JO JO/Bennett
with Smoltz, Soriano, Acoasta, Mike Gonzales in th ebullpen….Works for me!!!!!!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 30, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Pirates are up 7-0 over the Mets in only the bottom of the 2nd. Looks like Ollie Perez couldn’t find the strike zone again after walking 5 and lasting only 1.2 innings.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
The almighty muts pulled out a win in extras last night against the pirates, but they are having a nightmare today.
Oliver Perez just lasted 1 2/3 IP an allowed 7 runs. He is taking a shower as we speak and Figueroa is in for him. He has already alllowed a single and a walk.
Of course this team is not a great team, as clear as it gets. Braves have not been able to take advantage of this.
Mediocre baseball as the braves. Castillo dropped a grounder hit right a him while trying to start a DP. On another play nobody covered 2B in a run down as Reyes was down at 3B waiting for a relay throw that never got there (to 2B instead).
The news on Smoltz and Hampton are classic distractions that just dismantle the braves. I would be surprised if we lose today.
Smoltzie hitting the DL is not the end of the world. Hamptons news aint a surprise nor the end of the world either. As long as Bobby give Bennett the 4th and JoJo the 5th, And Glavine holds, we could be OK.
Good thing right now is that TEX is back, is like activating him from DL.
Chipper is fine, Yunel will slowly pick up his pace.
Lets hope for the best……
GOOOO BRAVES!!!! (I have taken my Lithium Carbonate, Im not depressed anymore, LOL).
By kdbanks
April 30, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Steve-O has a well deserved metaphysical butt kicking coming. Can’t you feel it?
By Chop Chop
April 30, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Uh…
It doesn’t matter what Hampton does this year, folks. His contract is up. The Braves are still on the hook for his contract. If they had released him last year, guess what? They’d still be paying him this season. Those contracts don’t go away.
In other words, if he wants to play and try to contribute, he’s getting paid a boatload of money for the opportunity. He could just go home and collect his paycheck there. At least he wants to try to earn as much of his money as he can. There’s some nobility in that.
Cody, your and idiot. I’d like to see a doctor cut into your arm over and over again and see how often you try to come back and use that arm for your livelihood (insert “assumptions as to what Cody might use that arm and elbow for” here). You’d just rub some dirt on it, right?
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
tennessee Paul
Nice KJ stats. It shows what we’ve been saying for a while now, the guy hasn’t improved. He was a .250 hitter in 2005, except for April and July last year, he was a .250 hitter last year. And and this year he’s worse than that. No improvement from kelly in his 2+ seasons. Just like there’s been no improvement in our Right Fielder in his 4 seasons.
It’s interesting that his BA was .239 in his first 100 games, cuz that’s exactly what it is since August of last year, .239.
By OrlandoFan
April 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Hey, Bobby…. JoJo or Bennett may not be able to find the plate, but Hampton can’t even find the mound. It’s a sad truth that he needs to be erased from the list of expectations and just looked upon as found gold, if an when he ever returns.
By Seven Pitches
April 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Great blog about a great athlete, DOB: one of your best ever. Thanks.
By richbrave
April 30, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
Good point regarding REYES. Didn’t realize he was on call when they let him pitch yesterday.
Why don’t sports media have a recognizable statistic for relief pitchers reflecting inherited runners.?? Yesterday I watched JORGE CAMPILLO throw a Tee-Ball pitch to the hitter which cleared the bases. All runs charged to BLAINE BOYER. That was the sole hit allowed by CAMPILLO. Why does the previous pitcher take 100% of the heat for a mistake by the succeeding reliefer without any recognizable hit to the latter’s published statistics(e.g. ERA).?? You can’t count them twice, that’s not fair, but I know the management must keep track of such things. Seems like the public should too. Anyway, just wondering.
By Renegator
April 30, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Time for Wren to start working the phones. For the Braves to have ANY chance this year - they need another young starter. Hampton is done for the year and most likely Smoltz is out of the starting rotation for the year. Glavine is a shell of his former self so that leaves Hudson (mysterious lack of velocity) and Jurrjens (going to get hurt if he pitches too many innings this year). The Braves starting rotation is in shambles at this point. We cannot rely on Chuck James or JoJo - they have proven only to be inconsistent.
By richbrave
April 30, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
REGARDING HAMPTON:
He made a comment on local Richmond news after the three inning rehab start that he felt “it”, but that he “pitched through.” I wasn’t sure then if that meant the pec, hammy or something else due to the editing. Well, I guess now we know.
By woogidy
April 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
By woogidy April 21, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this Why don’t we just stick Smoltz back in the ‘pen when Hampton comes back. Can you say Lights Out? I mean if we’re going to need a long man ready every time he pitches, why not just pencil him in for an inning at a time 3-4 times a week. I wouldn’t be so sure that isn’t the plan when Hampton is healthy. Think about it.
*By ernesto
April 21, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Woogidy: Why don’t we just stick Smoltz back in the ‘pen when Hampton comes back. Can you say Lights Out?
Why is this news? Seems like I said this over a week ago now…
By Rob Neyer
April 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
With the latest news regarding Mike Hampton’s nipple, and I am re-re-revising my predicition for the Braves win total to 76.
By woogidy
April 30, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
By woogidy April 21, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this Why don’t we just stick Smoltz back in the ‘pen when Hampton comes back. Can you say Lights Out? I mean if we’re going to need a long man ready every time he pitches, why not just pencil him in for an inning at a time 3-4 times a week. I wouldn’t be so sure that isn’t the plan when Hampton is healthy. Think about it.
Why is this news? Seems like I said this over a week ago now…
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
All of you who think Prado should be platooning with Johnson are crazy. This guy is lucky to even be on a major league team. He can barely hit the ball out of the infield. I will take the Johnson striking out occasionally over Prado’s lack of talent anyday. Go Braves. MAV
What are smoking? Prado will hit more extra base hits even with KJ’s advantage in HR. Prado will be a .300 hitter as early as this year or next if given the time while KJ struggles around .250.
Prado’s will naturally have better D and range than KJ on the field. He’s not lucky to be on the squad. He’s had 2 good springs and put up very solid minor league numbers at the plate and in the field. Go look them up and compare them to KJ’s and even escobars.
Don’t discount the guy when he hasn’t been given a shot to play everyday. KJ’s not making a case for himself and isn’t showing any signs of improvement over his 1st 2 seasons.
GO braves.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
I think that hampton pectoral injury is nothing but a product of him trying to adjust his delivery, cause he is afraid he might blow his surgically repaired elbow. Thats why he got that really unusual injury. It will start disappearing now that he tries to stay away from the pectoral muscle and uses his arm.
Its like a guy with a wounded foot, he start limping and then pain appears somewhere else (knee, hip, column, etc) Its sad he wont be able to comeback, but he will. Remember, the good thing is that his arm has not been hurting, that would be scary.
On the other hand, If he did OK for 3 IP last time out, why not go for just 3 again? I mean, he needs to get his strength back. Specially if he said that last time out he felt some soreness. It spells out, WARNING, DANGER STRAIGHT AHEAD!!! If he need to go slow, let him go slow, rather have him back in mid june that never at all.
By DonCoburleone
April 30, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Standard Lineup today, except Blanco’s in left for Diaz:
1)KJ, 2)Escobar, 3)Chipper, 4)Tex, 5)McCann, 6)Francoeur, 7)Kotsay, 8)Blanco
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
gosh N8 i first saw the bold words about gonzalez and almost fainted. but then read your story
By Kev
April 30, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
Peavy is not tradeable no matter how the Pads are doing…but Oswalt might be another story…lets wait til June/July to see how the Astros are doing,their chances,etc an if Ed Wade decides to maybe have a fire sale..lets just wawi a bit…
By TheDunderChief
April 30, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Wow great blog DOB. You (and Smoltz) rock!
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Glad you folks enjoyed the blog. Makes it worthwhile to do it when so many people appreciate it….
There were some rolled eyes and some “you gotta be kidding me” looks in the clubhouse as guys were told for the first time about Hampton’s fourth-inning exit today….
Too early to know if he’ll make his next and what was supposed to be final rehab start, but I’m guessing no way. And you can probably scrub that May 10 start for Atlanta, I’d imagine…
richbrave, actually there is a stat kept for precisely that, inherited runners allowed to score.
It’s just not usually cited unless it’s extremely high or low for any particular pitcher. Royce Ring has stranded all 12 of his inherited runners, topped in the NL only by Jack Taschner’s 16-for-16 stranded.
Aaron Heilman is booed at Shea this season for good reason: He’s allowed five of seven inherited runners to score, tied for worst in the NL.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Orlando Fan:
I’m not expecting anything of Hampton. Those who are ragging on him obviosly were and/or still are.
Go up and read Chop Chop’s post. Very well written. Give the guy credit.
I’m respecting him trying to comeback. I give a lot more respect to a guy like Smoltz, but i still respect hampton.
Whether or not he’s doing it for money will be later determined based on what he does this next offseason. If he signs a minor league/small contract deal with us or someone else, it shows me he still wants to pitch & i’ll continue to support him. If he retires without another serious arm injury or seeks a big contract, then i’ll have no respect for the guy.
By Yars
April 30, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Too early to predict what Bobby plans on doing if KJ keeps struggling in the leadoff spot. I find it kinda funny that KJ is actually hitting better against LH pitching than RH! DOB…..excellent story on Smoltz. We all need to realize this could be his final season playing baseball. Quite sad. Had no idea you dig The Alarm. Very cool. I remember back in high school, a classmate made me a mix tape & it had, ‘68 Guns’ by the Alarm on it, along with songs by Jesus & Mary Chain, Concrete Blonde, Sisters of Mercy, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Sugarcubes, New Order, Love & Rockets, the Smiths, Fixx, Faith No More, Public Image Ltd. & the Cure song, ‘Let’s Go To Bed.’
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Clueless, that 2:42 post just cracked my a%$ up. Had to share that with a couple of others in the pressbox.
By DAP
April 30, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
bobby’s cox except for April and July last year, he was a .250 hitter last year.
c’mon, man. dont use that line. thats why they average it out…every player has months they do well and months they dont. every single player.
in may and july last year, arod hit .220. what a loser.
By ernesto
April 30, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
aaah, woogidy, serving up a little I told you so, huh?
Well played.
I remember what I said (even if it didn’t post) and I stand corrected.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Snake bit, thats what we are.
Smoltz is gone for at least one month if not more, Hampton never was coming back, Hudson is pitching like he has a monkey on his back, Chuck Homerun James is still looking for his breaking ball, Soriano is done, ditto for Moylan etc. etc. etc. etc.
When it rains, it pours.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox: I went back and looked. Can’t beleive I over looked the split that way. Here it is recalculated. His best stretch actually included more games than I previously posted. But his bad stretches… ouch.
Gm PA AB H 2B 3B HR BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS First 100 397 335 80 14 3 11 49 79 .239 .337 .397 .734 Next 86 352 304 92 15 9 10 45 72 .303 .395 .510 .905 Last 71 297 255 61 10 1 8 35 54 .239 .333 .380 .714Over his career he’s been bad more than he’s been good. His good stretch accounts for 33.5% of his career production while his bad stretch accounts for 66.5%.
That’s the sum of his First 100 and last 71 games.
By DAP
April 30, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
re: players have us and downs. kelly’s OPS each month in 2007.
april: 1.066 extremly good
may: .748 average
june: .717 barely average, but still average
july: 1.084 outstanding
august: .833 good, above average
september: .549 horrific
there is really just one month, spetember when kelly’s OPS was bad, even if his average wasnt as high some months.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I posted this on the AJC site about smoltz this morning…
One of the frustrations Smoltz had before, was that the starters and set-up men weren’t giving him many save situations….
HAMPTON…..YOUR A P@55Y….. Your are nothing more than an embarrassement to this organization. Braves fans who thinks that this wussy can help this team is a complete moron and idiot.
Its asking too much for the rookies (except Jurrjins) to fill in for Smoltz and Hampton…..I read on one of the sports blogs,( don’t remember which one), that Oswalt can be had with the right price……
RELEASE HAMPTON NOW
By tim-braves lifer
April 30, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Please someone tell me they are gonna release Hampton and end the suffering of braves fan everywhere!
By tim-braves lifer
April 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Please someone tell me they are gonna release Hampton and end the suffering of braves fan everywhere!
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Kev
Houston has a VERY formidable lineup. They lack pitching, specifically starting pitching.
If they trade Oswalt, which they already said they wouldn’t do & Oswalt already said he didn’t want to be traded anymore (plus has a no trade clause), then who do we have to offer to provide them with young, dominate pitchers that are just about ML ready?
They’ll be looking for what the A’s got for Haren if and when they do decide they want to move Oswalt, and i’m afraid the only guy we have in our system like that is Hanson & Rhorbrough who’s stil injured. I don’t think they’d take a combination of a Jo Jo, Morton, Bennett, or James. But that’s just my opinion. I wouldn’t trade Hanson for anybody, again, that’s just my opinion.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 30, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I forgot to add….GREAT ARTICLE When Smoltz and Chipper are gone, us Braves fans will realize how professional they were in all that they did.
Smoltz is one of the most underappreciated athletes of our time. We will realize it when he’s gone
By Ryan
April 30, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
The Mike Hampton thing…in spring training I was excited about the possibility of him coming back and pitching. Then the injury and he starts rehab again. Then he is set to come back again and he is reinjured. At this point, I just want him to go away….this is ridiculous.
By Greg
April 30, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Man, that sucks about Hampton. Deep down I’m really rooting for the guy. But I think now that he will never throw another pitch in the Majors. I think he is suffering from a debilitating fear of injury. This fear magnifies every little pain. I know something about this. I tore my rotator cuff and bicep tendon. It was surgically repaired last July. I still worry about it, even though my doctor gives me a clean bill of health. It was an expensive and painful rehab. And I think about it every time I swing a golf club or workout at the gym. Good luck to Mike. Good luck to Smoltzie. DOB thanks for the great interview and blog with Smoltz. It distresses me to hear Smoltz say that people are saying bad things about him. As far as I’m concerned, he is the Braves. And having him come out of the bullpen again to “Thunderstruck” might just shake up the crowd. The stadium rocked when he did that. Only problem is: He will no longer be closing for Maddog and Millwood and a healthy Hampton. Our rotation is in shambles. At the beginning of this year, I was thankful that I would no longer have to endure Jo Jo Reyes and his high fastball (gopher ball) pitch. Now, it looks like he and Chuck James are coming back to haunt us. The Horror.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
He was throwing good and then he just started feeling it during those last three pitches,” Braves general manager Frank Wren told reporters. “He just thought it was best to come out.”
lol best to come out..seems when hes on the brink of pitching for team he excuses himself!
By raindawg722
April 30, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Great blog.
Hopefully this is not the end, but if it is, as a wise man once said, it’s better to burn out than to fade away.
By tim-braves lifer
April 30, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
does anyone else think the Bravos would be better off with Escobar leading off and KJ hitting second?
By Thrillhouse44
April 30, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Your. And. Idiot. has just been upgraded to Your. Are. And. Idiot. thanks to prattvillenolzfan’s message to Hampton.
I’m a little surprised by the shock Hampton’s news has caused. It’s a bummer, but haven’t the majority of us said all along that anything from Hampton would be a bonus?
Great blog, Notorious. File it away as a classic. (Anyway Smoltz will bring back the mustache as a closer?)
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Coach (YAI):
Since you love numbers so much, here’s one for ya. Of the 6 pitchers who have started for the Braves this season, the best winning percentage belongs to Chuck “Homerun” James. No. 5 starters with a .667 winning percentage are hard to come by, but since you don’t like the way he pitches, I guess that outweighs his record.
When it rains, it pours. How insightful. Did you just make that up?
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
There hasn’t been any announcement, but I was talking to someone in the clubhouse who said Kelly Johnson’s been dealing with a sore back for a week or more. Person told me he wouldn’t be surprised if he was scratched tonight.
By RC
April 30, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
tim-braves lifer
The problem with hitting Kelly 2nd is that he is going to strike out a lot more than Escobar, but still have a pretty good OBP. Since they have similar OBPs, and Escobar makes contact with the ball more often, it makes more sense for him to be the #2 hitter. Plus, Kelly tends to see a LOT of pitches, which helps guys in the middle of the order.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
OK SOME COLD FACTS:
braves 104 runs given—-102 leads N.L.
127 runs scored —top half of NL.
tons of pitching injuries yet almost era leader!!! wow
and of course 0-8 1 run losses..everyother team has won once there. and most losses on 1 run,but no problem scoring
so bogus and frustrating.its hard to deal with all this pain.we need luck
By GentlemanJack
April 30, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
DOB — Let’s talk music for a second. Listen to Mudcrutch yet? Also, Drive-By Truckers are coming near me next week, night before a law school final. I don’t need much encouragement to skip out on studying, but how good are they live?
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
DAP
when i see KJ look bad a lot more often than good, damn right i’m going to use those splits. Hot streaks, especially when the rest of the team is hot, shouldn’t be so heavily favored.
Why do you think the NY media got on A-rod so much? He did good when the team did good, but didn’t do so great when the team needed him to be clutch.
Here’s what i posted a couple days ago in case you missed it. In fact, i should just post them everyday, cuz it seems like everyday we have a KJ discussion, and being the fan i am, i’m going to argue with those that think Escobar or Anderson should leadoff, and KJ should hit 7th and platoon with Prado.
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.
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
High Leverage: .221/.299/.352 Medium Leverage: .265/.361/.467 Low Leverage: .275/.376/.431
These don’t include yesterday’s game, but the game did go as planned for KJ. Bad leading off game/inning. Good when game was out of reach (Braves down by 4).
Have fun with the stats. Chew them up.
By Clueless
April 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
DOB - What do you mean?
By Cody
April 30, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Hey Chop Chop before you call people ignorant you need to know that I have had TJ surgery and have had a partical torn rotator cuff fixed. I know what pitching does to your arm. I never made it out of college cause I can no longer lift my arm over my head. Hampton has a psychological problem, I pulled a peck muscle in high school and could pitch threw it fine. Mine was strained diving for a bunt attempt. Let me tell you all Hampton will never get healthy because it is all in his head. 99% off all his health is related to the fact that he worries about what happens next. I have to agree with overloads post or whoever it was that said he pulled the muscle because he is trying to take pressure off the elbow so he doesn;t hurt it again. THAT is true!!! He has a head problem that makes him fear re-injury. He will never pitch until he realizes that everything will be ok. He could re-injure his freakin elbow opening a door. As somone who has pitched before I always had the fear everytime I threw the ball that I would feel that pop in the elbow that would cause my fingers to go numb. He will not ever pitch because he is to worried about that. He has a high level of anxiety. Give the prick some xanex and a bottle of whiskey and send his a$$ to the mound. Strained peck, my what a puss.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 30, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
For once, I am actually looking forwards to seeing what RichBrave has to say……
By Lew
April 30, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
DAP-No problem-anyone can make a Wurlitzer selection suggestion (doesn’t mean I’ll go along with it, but….). On this one I agree, but I think DOB would likely tell you he has no wall space left. He won four. Maybe some Maple Syrup?
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
P.S. DAP
Throw the injury bug factor in on KJ.
DOB just reported his back is bum. He had a bum knee last year/beginning of spring this year. Now the back. Missed part of ‘05, all of ‘06. Enough.
By Brad
April 30, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Great piece on Smoltz. Smoltz’s desire to get healthy and back on the hill speaks as much to his own competitive fire as it does to his belief in the team. If anyone could ever back down to the circumstances, one would think it would be Smoltz. Good for him that he plans on getting back and playing a meaningful role on this team. As long as he’s not giving up, no one in the organization should.
One thought on Hampton: Since we’ll be relying on some combination of Bennett/Reyes/James for 40% of our starting rotation, how about considering using Hampton in the bullpen? It’s next to impossible to expect anything from him any time soon, but our thinned bullpen could benefit from having Hampton become a part of it. It may also lower the expectations he faces if and when he returns.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Something appropriate for the moment, it fits the my sentiments exactly about Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOpIfbneeHg
By DAP
April 30, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
RC you nailed it on why kelly should NEVER bat 2nd. ever. #2 needs to be CONTACT hitter (puts the ball in play, doesnt strike out, like kotsay, escobar). kelly hits more like a power hitter (good power, lots of walks and Ks)
By bb
April 30, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
IF Hampton ever comes back to pitch, will the rest of the team receive him warmly? You have to think they are as frustrated as we are, right?
By flange1
April 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Now KJ is hurt too?
The way things are going Chipper, Tex and BMac will have a collision chasing a foul pop up and all 3 be out for 6 weeks.
That would really test the team!
By DAP
April 30, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
bobby’s cox 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.
did you ever think that its not that kelly hits because were winning, but that were winning because kelly hits?
if we had a player who played really well when we lost, but played really bad when we won, i would assume he had NO VALUE to the team. all these stats mean to me is that when kelly does well, the team does well…and im not sure why thats a bad thing.
it “seems” like we talk about this everyday? YOU bring it up everyday!
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Great stuff DOB.
So folks, this is my prediction for the rest of the year, starting May 15th-May25th ish:
Rotation: Hudson, Glavine, Jurrjens, Reyes/James, Bennett
Bullpen: Boyer, Ring, Ohman, Acosta, Soriano, Gonzales, Smoltz
The rotation is a weak spot. The bullpen would be disgusting, assuming Soriano was back. I mean, think about this: 6: Acosta, 7: Gonzo, 8: Soriano, 9: Smoltz
What in the world do you do there? Heck Boyer, Ring, and Ohman would be on mop up duty.
I’m starting to feel that Kelly would be better in the 7 hole. However, I just don’t know any way that is going to actually happen. I’d like for Blanco to be in center against a left hander, in left against a right hander, and have him permanent as lead off man, but I just don’t see that happening. I don’t want to platoon KJ and Prado, for many reasons-but chief among them is because I do not like the idea of platooning the leadoff hitter.
If only Schafer hadn’t done HGH. Talk about an easy solution. Oh well.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
the braves teams i remembered excelled in close games. When games were out of reach they didn’t hit, seemed like they just wanted to get off the field.
In the past 2 years it’s been a different story. We’ll be down by 4,5 runs, score a few, then go cold when the game’s close again.
Or, we’ll be up 4,5 runs, the pen will implode, the game will be cose again, and the offense goes cold.
KJ’s stats play right into this. Most players stats will to some degree, but looking at a few other players, it’s not nearly as dramatic.
KJ’s best numbers in his career, though brief, are in the 7 hole. He has done little to spark this lineup at the top of the order. It’s time to make a change.
By Cliff
April 30, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
The anti KJ crowd is moronic.
Tennessee Paul. All your splits show is batting average on balls in play. KJ’s ISO (isolated power : Slugging percent minus Batting aVerage) and walk rate are close to the same. He had a slightly below normal BAPIP of .280 and .290 in each of the two “bad” times and an unsustainable .36 in the good time.
A career OBP of .340 (the “low” period) and a career ISO of .150 (in the “low period”) is good for a second baseman.
MAYBE the crowd wanting to move him off lead off is right (I disagree) but at least that isn’t moronic.
By the way, KJ’s career arc was analyzed last off season on the Hardball Times and his rate stats are on the same arc as Chase Utley’s but at one year younger for each year.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
TOM GLAVINE:
4 STARTS
0-1 RECORD
2.60 ERA
JOHN SMOLTZ:
5 STARTS
3-2 RECORD
2.00 ERA
Thats completely ugly, zero support for those 2 guys, they deserve better. We are talking between the 2 of them they should or could be 7-2, instead they only have a combined record of 3-3.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I told Y’all, BEFORE Spring training, that I’d walk to Atlanta from Cedartown, nekkid, drunk, and on my hands, [yet dignified] if Hammy made his first scheduled start. This FRAUD has been going on for a couple [sorry “of” freak] YEARS. Bout time Y’all catchin’ on.
Flim-Flam Hammy is a scammy.
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
If a team’s leadoff hitter is not a stolen base threat, it really doesn’t make much of a difference who bats first and who bats second. In the Braves’ case, the best reason for hitting Johnson 1st & Escobar 2nd is to prevent having a LH hitter in front of Chipper.
If KJ bats 2nd, opposing managers will bring in lefty relievers to face him, and leave them to pitch to Chipper & Tex from their weaker sides, and then McCann. It’s a better balance to the lineup having Yunel hit in front of Chipper.
Also, leadoff hitters do come up in RBI situations after the 1st inning, and having someone with HR power in the leadoff spot is an asset.
For those advocating Blanco as the leadoff hitter, just remember the last out of Game 6 of the playoff series against the Phillies in ‘93. With 2 outs & the tying run on 3rd base, Otis Nixon tried unsuccessfully to bunt his way on.
Juan Pierre-type leadoff hitters are prized by those whose knowledge of baseball extends all the way from A to B. The top 2 hitters in the lineup are going to get more at bats than everyone else, and you want people who can actually hit in those spots. Not slap hitters with somw speed.
KJ isn’t hitting that great right now, but his numbers aren’t that awful and will almost certainly get better. No reason to expect he won’t approach or exceed the numbers he put up last year, and those were perfectly adequate for a leadoff hitter.
In a perfect world, the Braves would have a better leadoff hitter, but Johnson is clearly the best option on this team. It ain’t Blanco and it ain’t someone currently playing at Richmond.
For those complaining about how awful KJ’s been, check out the numbers for Sizemore, Ichiro & Reyes. Wonder if the fans of those teams are clamoring for a change at the top of the lineup.
Want some speed, let’s trade for the Bourn kid in Houston and his sub-.200 average. Or maybe the Rockies’ Taveras and his whopping total of 2 RBI in 4 weeks.
There’s lots of things to gripe about regarding this team, but the production of the leadoff hitter is way down the left. Get a grip, folks.
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Well that explains what has been going on with Kelly. A week or more would put him right where he looked to be breaking out his slump with the HRs and doubles against FLA and LAD.
Prado gets his shot, let’s hope he makes it happen. And maybe, just maybe, Blanco will get to try out for lead off man. I hope so.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 30, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Braves live is saying that KJ is out…..Gotay is starting…something about KJ’s back being hurt…
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
we have hit almost worst case scenerio and yet were almost .500. tons of injuries, almost all starters have hit DL,1 run woes, and no luck
By Kentavo
April 30, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Has Blane Boyer been sent to Richmond yet? That guy blows - especially games.
By monty
April 30, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Tip your cap to Smoltzie. One of the best pitchers I’ve seen in my 40+ years of watching baseball. A terrific battler. I wish Hudson would learn to battle like Smoltz and Glavine,it’s mostly between the ears. Hudson has much better stuff than Glavine, but Glavine is so tough minded. I wish the offense could carry the pitching for awhile, but too many free swingers who don’t know the value of a walk or how to work a count. Almost every stat of any player I’ve ever heard has a .200 point better avg. for 3-1 count versus a 1-2 count. Why do you think Chipper is a lifetime .300 hitter? Eunell is a much bettr hitter when he goes the other way. Hitting a homerun to left is probably the worst thing that could happen to him because he has been pulling offf balls lately trying to re-create.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
I’ve just stopped convulsing/bawling/spasming/ in laughter at the notion of Hammy in the bullpen… LMMFAO!!
By etownbrave
April 30, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Lineup has Gotay at second, KJ out, and hitting 8th.
By Mike
April 30, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
DOB, do you think it’s fair to at least raise the steroids question in regards to Hampton? Doesn’t his body’s complete collapse at least merit some raised eyebrows. I don’t mean to point fingers; obivously I have no idea one way or another. But in the current environment and given what’s happened to him, it at least makes one suspicious, no?
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
“Park that ambulance close to the bullpen mound boys, and keep the motor runnin’!”
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson’s been dealing with a sore back for a week or more. Person told me he wouldn’t be surprised if he was scratched tonight. DOB
Thats why I keep saying, let Prado play once every 4 games or so, if KJ is not totally healthy and not doing so great offensively nor defensively why force him into the lineup like if he was chipper. Maybe he could use the rest, maybe giving it to him could turn him into a player like Matt. Let Prado provide him the much need rest to that knee and/or back. Win win situation for him and the team. It doesnt needs to be Prado, you could add Gotay in that equation.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
DAP, the last time i personally brought it up was last week and got my A$$ chewed out. I no longer talk about it unless there’s already a discussion.
Go back up and read the threads. I started off talking about Smoltz, then backing Hampton, then trying to bring rationale to the trade ideas.
The stats that show that KJ doesn’t do well in close games gives indication as to why he doesn’t do well in braves losses. If i remember correctly, most of the braves losses this year and last are in close games.
They have quite a bit of blowout wins, which brings many to argue over the inflationary numbers this team produces and cause of inconsitancy. I have no reason to believe, from the stats, KJ is a contributor, nor am i suggesting he is. I’m saying he’s not a spark at the top of the lineup.
My argument is to get KJ out of the leadoff role and hit him 7th. His ability to get injured is a strong reason for my belief that he should be platooned with Prado. His defense is another issue (dead last in ML). By belief in watching Prado play NUMEROUS times is the other.
By Chop Chop
April 30, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Cody,
I choose to believe you because it makes the blog more interesting when people claim to know of what they speak. Sorry about your arm, but why aren’t you still out there busting your hump on a diamond? Don’t give me the “not enough talent” line. I think you quit like that leprous-appendaged Hampton. You owed it to your college to play. Go back to school right now and man up. I expect to see your stats updated on this blog. Oh, and one more thing: don’t even think of walking off the mound early.
Lew,
Just send DOB a bottle of maple syrup with a drawing of Johnny Cash on the label. That should work.
By Andy K
April 30, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Don’t jump the gun on Hampton, it was prolly just precautionary, who knows? with some luck, he mite make his next start…He already said he’ll prolly feel it for a while.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Cliff
Now those are good stats and a good argument. Makes more sense that what other pro KJ bloggers are saying.
But still, get KJ out of the leadoff spot.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Blanco’s hitting leadoff, Gotay at second base.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
brent a.—
Did you mean my post where I said:
The Braves are 4 for 5 in save opportunities. The weird thing is that they’ve only had five save situations. Blah blah blah?
If so, then yeah, we don’t need a closer. But having an arm like Smoltz’s in the ‘pen would rock. But if he cann continue to be a starter (going more than 4-5 innings), that’s fine, too. Whatever helps us WIN!
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 30, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
etownbrave — where are you seeing that Gotay is playing 2B and hitting 8th? The lineup I’m seeing right now on gameday is:
By BamaBravesFan
April 30, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Great Blog DOB. One of your best yet. Reading it, however, brings sadness to this young 24 year old. I have grown up watching Smotlz - been sort of a hero to me. The guy we always know we can count on. I hope that him moving to the bullpen will prolong his career for the rest of this year and possibly next. I want Smoltz to leave on his own terms, not on those of his aging body.
On another note, DOB, what is your opinion on what the Braves will do if indeed they do move Smotlz back to the bullpen? Do you think they will run with what they have until the All-Star break, or do you think they will try and make a move soon? Hampton should be released…i know he is owed the money and could jump on with another team, but I don’t ever want to see him celebrating a win with the team. He has done nothing and deserves the same.
Thanks again DOB.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Kev
April 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update on the lineup DOB….
Thank you Baby Jesus, Kelly is not hitting LEADOFF TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO…Blanco is way better thant him right now at leadoff spot..
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Cliff: Are you lumping me into the “anti-KJ” crowd? Fascinating. I’d never argue for Prado to play over KJ. But KJ really hasn’t been lighting the place up as of late either. I suspect he’ll come around though.
By Ben W.
April 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Hey, lets face the facts! Hampton, Glavine and Smoltz are over the hill! Things are not going to get any better! These guys have had it! Getting no younger and hospital rooms should be reserved for them!
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Johnson has been fighting back pain recently and enduring a slump even longer. He’s 11-for-53 (.208) with a .338 on-base percentage in his past 14 games, though he has three homers in that stretch.
Since Aug. 5, he’s has hit .224 with a .318 OBP in 66 games.
By Steve-O
April 30, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
P.S. - Where are you proud Met fans? You are really putting up a war-like effort against those Pirates. Argh!
By bravos
April 30, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
This team is dang frustrating. They need to quit whining about every little pull or strain they get and play some ball. You dont see your every day workers calling in sick for a strained boob muscle or tight back. They need to be like Smoltz and give it a 110% everyday. Only time he wouldnt pitch is if his arm was about to fall off.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Oh, and if you hadn’t deduced, Kelly was scratched. I had to get it filed as a burst before I could say it here.
I was told he’s been bothered by the back for a while. Not sure how long that is, I’ll ask him after game. But he hasn’t mentioned it to me recently when I’ve talked to him, so I have a feeling it’s not been the cause of his problems.
Besides, as those numbers attest, he has struggled for a while now, with a couple of nice weeks mixed in.
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 30, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
etownbrave — Now gameday’s got the right one up. You were right, Gotay’s at 2B.
By Mike
April 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I wonder how a workhorse like Smoltz who has historically pitched through so much pain feels about a guy like Hampton who doesn’t seem to be able to do so?
I really, really hesitate to say this, because only Hampton and his doctors know what the situation really is.
But I am tempted to look at it this way. If I had made a bazillion dollars over the last few years basically not working, and if, smart guy that I am, I had saved most of that money so that what happened to me salary-wise from here on really didn’t matter, and if I was in the last year of my contract with the team that had been so patient with me, here’s what I think I’d do: I think I would go out there with the mindset that I was going to give them something for their money until my arm, leg, back, and pectoral fall off. I mean, I’m not a young pitcher with his whole career to think about. The way things are going, I may never pitch again anyway, so I might as well go out in a blaze of glory.
Like I said, I think that’s how I’d approach it, but, clearly, not being in that situation, I don’t really know.
By Ole Man Bourbon
April 30, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Great piece, Dave.
But sucko news.
By etownbrave
April 30, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
DayBed: Braves Live on SportSouth. Game is on now.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
funny that Yahoo! has G. Blanco hitting leadoff at 2B and batting 8th playing LF.
One more oddity: ESPNews puts Kotsay’s picture up for Tom Glavine.
well, was gonna provide you the link to Yahoo, but they just changed it.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Greg Norton has been DFA’d by the Mariners.
He’s hitting .438 off the bench, 7 for 16 with 4 RBI, switch hits, plays first base and the outfield.
Lets see if the Frank Wren is asleep at the wheel.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Dang, Mets. The other day one of your fans was on here tellin’ us you could beat the Pirates. Huh…
By Ron Roberts
April 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Man, I’m as frustrated as any other Braves fan out there, but can we let up on Hampton?
It’s not like he’s not trying to get back; in fact, he’s trying harder than most guys his wallet-size would at this stage in their career.
He’s not won a game for us in, what, two-plus years? - and yet I got much respect for his refusal to give up when lesser athletes would walk with check in-hand.
It would seem apparent to all parties involved that we’re not gonna get a full season of starts out of Smoltz at this stage in his career, and I’m excited at the thought of him moving to the ‘pen.
With Jair Jurrjens arrival, our rotation’s better positioned to handle such a change. That, of course, depending on Glavine and Hudson getting themselves right and more consistent on the mound when their number’s called. Having the insurance policies (Chuck James, Jeff Bennett) plus Campillo and Jo Jo Reyes (I think) eventually making their way into the rotation… why not?
The furstrating part of this season, so far, is that we’re “averaging out” to be a good time, statistically, but we’re 2 games below .500. If we get solid starting, we get no hits; if we crack the bats, we give up runs by the ton. And 0-8 in one-run games… there has to be some sort of record for consecutive 1-run game losses, and we might be making our way towards that, eh?
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Hammy is a great person. Just happens to love money and womanhood, and, ABOVE ALL, absolutely HATES to pitch.
I can see the headline now…..
THREEPEAT!! Hammy Wins Least Valuable Player Award For Third Straight Year!
My poor ole dead granny is more of a man!
By macdwolfpack
April 30, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, might be time to give Kelly a rest and lets see what Gotay/Prado can do in that role. See if a this offense responds to someone leading off hitting more than .240
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
JJ is a stud.
By Rob Neyer
April 30, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
McFann
Yes, that’s the post.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
I know Smoltz is too classy a guy to ever say it publicly, so I’ll say it for him; Hammy is a HUGE p__y!
I’m sure that’s what Smoltzie would tell DOB off the record…
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
So coach
Norton’s done with seattle? Did they promote Jeff Clement yet? That kid’s got great potential.
I’m trying to find the news on it but can’t anywhere.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
macdwolfpack: I agree. I like Kelly a lot as a player, think he’s got big potential. But he doesn’t belong in the leadoff role the way he’s hit since August.
I’d start playing Blanco more in LF and some in CF and let him lead off, at least see if he can do it. Because he’s a prototypical leadoff man, much more than Kelly. And so far, Blanco has hit quite well in his first stint in the bigs.
In the case of Diaz, I think we’re seeing a classic case of “be careful what you wish for, or you might just get it.”
He wanted to play every day, the majority of fans wanted him to play every day, and now we’re seeing that perhaps overexposure isnot just a problem with the sun.
By FEAR
April 30, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
FOR THE LOVE OF CTHULLU PLEASE RELEASE HAMPTON! This is getting beyond pathetic! Also, how come Blanco is batting .347 and is benched (until today)? Smoltz in the pen is a great idea as long as Hampton gets back on the ball and Jo Jo steps up. If all that happens we might right the ship.
By Cody
April 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop I did go back to school and I have a double major in psychology and criminal justice. The reason I gave baseball up was because when I was rehabing my wife and I decided to have a child and had twins. I thought it would be better to continue on to law school and give up a basball career. Plus, my heart was in political law more than baseball. I just used my injury and what I have been through as a means to show that Hampton will never pitch until his head is clear. He must realize that he is gonna pitch no matter what or hang it up. There is a chance that anybody could throw a elbow out throwing anything, its just that you have to realize that you are gonna do it without thinking about it. I miss pitching but my priorities no lay in the lap of my family. I wish Hampton the best but if he ever pitches again it will be because he gets the mental part out of his head. That pectoral muscle is mostly in his head. John Smoltz was born special Hampton was too but his head is not as screwed on as old Smoltzy.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
When I asked Bobby today about Moylan throwing on flat ground Tuesday, the manager sort of smiled as if to say, ‘God bless him for trying.’ Cox really hadn’t heard a report on it, which should tell you something.
I just don’t think anyone in the organization really thinks there’s any chance Moylan will avoid surgery, much as they all wish he could.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Greg Norton has been DFA’d by the Mariners.
He’s hitting .438 off the bench, 7 for 16 with 4 RBI, switch hits, plays first base and the outfield.
Lets see if Frank Wren is asleep at the wheel.
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Lets hope Reyes has grown from the experience from last year, and is going to be able to bring what he did in the minors to the majors. If he does that, we still have a very good rotation, without Smoltz and Hampton.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Kotsay has hit more solid than what his BA shows for him.
By N8
April 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball
Excuse me for saying, but your 4:03 post about not having KJ hit 2nd as to not allow an opposing manager the luxury of using ONE reliever to face both KJ and Chipper, is WEAK at best.
Let me get this right. Chipper, who hits left-handed pitchers just fine, thank you is gonna get “turned around” regardless of who’s ahead of him.
So your saying, if Escobar is OTHERWISE the better lead-off option (I think he is), the team is better off putting KJ in a better situation of facing a right-handed pitcher ONCE when a manager is making a late inning move, than to rather have the ENTIRE line-up function better from the get go of the game?
You sir, are and idiot.
You might as well say, that we are better off having Tex on the bench, so we’ve got a REALLY good hitter to PH late in a game, rather than let him get 3 or 4 AB’s throughout the entire game.
Pretty much the same philosophy, IMO.
And for the record, if Bobby uses this as an excuse or reason for having KJ hit second, he TOO is and bigger idiot than I already think he is.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Maybe this is why we’re not bringing up Anderson yet.
From Rotowire:
Clement is hitting .397/.535/.692 this year with 13 XBH, including five homers. McLaren said Clement wouldn’t be called up just to sit (though that’s exactly what happened to Adam Jones last season). If so, that doesn’t bode well for the struggling Jose Vidro. The Mariners probably will wait to make the move at least until May 7, the cutoff date for this season to count as a full year in the bigs, thereby delay Clement’s eventual free agency by a year.
By macdwolfpack
April 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Agree wholeheartedly DOB
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I was sure fooled by Diaz.
By P-Town Brave
April 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is a STUPID F—-!
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Wow. Is that how things are going for the Braves, or what? Guy nearly throws a wild pitch on the suicide-squeeze play, but the pitch ends up just far enough outside for Estrada to catch it and for Jurrjens to not be able to get a bat on it. Kotsay was dead to rights.
By FEAR
April 30, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
man on 2nd not outs…..no runs….what a bonehead play that was!!!! This team is comical!
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
I dont wanna sound overexcited, but if this continues to go on, we have a lock for #2 starter for next year in JJJ. He is looking like an ACE in the making guys.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
DOB THX FOR THE WONDERFUL STORY TODAY
By woogidy
April 30, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
I’m beginning to think this Jurjjens guy can be an Ace pitcher for this team in a few years.
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Kelly needs to go to the number sixth hole. Heis more of a power guy than a leadoff hitter… and yeah he gets on base but he isn’t a speedster like Blanco. Blanco should be the leadoff hitter, and against lefties, try Matt Diaz or Yunel(who hit 350 as the leadoff hitter last year) in that spot, or even Mark Kotsay.
By Todd A
April 30, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
LOL. Guess Bobby forgot Pat Corrales was in the other dugout. Can we please put this guy out to pasture?
Time to cut bait with Hampton. How much more is the organization willing to endure with this guy?
By Kev
April 30, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Greg Norton was DFA….DOB doesnt like Norton that much,im i wrong DOB???
lets see what Frank Wren can do in that chair…ahem
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
I think Hammy’s head is screwed-on to Richard Simmons.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
I must be having some sort of nightmare, please tell me I didn’t just see Bobby Cox attempt a suicide squeeze with the pitcher in the box and one out.
Needless to say, it failed horribly.
Jurrjens never got the bunt down and Kotsay was hung out to dry.
Great job, Bobby Cox.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Wonder how good other Tigers pitchers are if they thought there was no space for Jair in order to deal him.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
* Rob Neyer*—
Thought so. I had a post after that, but it didn’t really pertain to what Brent was talking about.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
wow.
JJ perfect through 3 and 8 out of his last 9 innings.
If you don’t count that fiasco of an inning against the Muts, the last hit JJ gave up was a solo HR against Russel Martin in the 4th inning on April 20th, a span of over 11 innings. He’s given up 1 hit and 1 walk (to furcal, 7th inning 4/20) if you don’t count that inning against the mets over his last 12 innings of work.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
a stolen base by our leadoff guy. there’s a concept.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
This lineup is a joy for opposing pitchers right now……
44 pitches thrown through 4 innings for Hill…..
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Blanco gets a walk… Ill let him speak for himself.
By JEB
April 30, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
DOB Great Blog & Info!
At what point can the Braves collect insurance money off of Hampton this year? At what point can they call this situation a “wash” and move on??
**And for us all…
This is going to be quite an interesting year! Strap in, we are in for one wild ride!!**
By ernesto
April 30, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Can’t watch the game, still stuck at work.
But all “Release Hampton now!!!!!!” people - you realize you’ll be paying him regardless. It would be pretty stupid to release a guy - even if you’re frustrated w/his rehab - who still might give you something.
Even if there’s only a small chance he’ll ever pitch again, why give yourself Zero Chance, if you’re going to pay him either way?
By MAV
April 30, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
I guess the best thing about todays game so far is, that Prado is not playing. GO Braves
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
N8:
Unless you have someone else in mind to hit 2nd, what’s the point of hitting Escobar ahead of Johnson? Johnson has a little more power, Escobar will likely hit for a higher average. Since you are one of the people on here who actually appears to have some idea how baseball works, I don’t get your indignance with the idea of hitting Johnson 1 and Escobar 2.
Unless your leadoff hitter steals bases, it makes little difference who hits 1 and who hits 2, assuming we agree on who are the 2 guys who should be hitting in those spots. Between the lefty/righty balance and KJ having a little more power, I think he’s the better choice to hit first.
If you think Blanco, Diaz or Kotsay should be hitting at the top of the lineup instead of KJ, that’s another matter.
Cox has screwed up batting orders frequently in the past: Boone hitting 2nd; Weiss & Guillen leading off; waiting half a season to put Gerald Williams at the top of the lineup; a flailing Andruw anchored at cleanup.
This, however, is not one of them. I still fail to see a better option at the top of the lineup. Who should hit 1st & 2nd and why? It’s easy to second guess or criticize when you offer no plausible alternatives.
Some folks on here consider me arrogant and condescending when I knock the manager or former & current GMs. But if I’m going to rip Cox for doing something that I don’t think makes sense, I’ll also point out what he could have done and why it might have been a better option.
Anybody with a better idea of who should hit 1-2 in whatever order, go for it.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
He wanted to play every day, the majority of fans wanted him to play every day, and now we’re seeing that perhaps overexposure isnot just a problem with the sun. DOB
I don’t get it DOB, didn’t you say several times that Diaz is a slow starter (.260 career in April). Are we really ready to give up on the guy after only 2 and a half weeks. Unlike our second baseman, his numbers haven’t fallen off since late last year. I still would like to have his .400 May numbers in our lineup everyday.
By suenah
April 30, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie has a point, we do need a closer. But at the same time he is the only starting pitcher I trust!!!!1
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I really hope KJ gets it going so that people here can keep their mouths shut. He gets on base, works the count, helps the team considering how many free swingers we have.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Shawn Hill in his first start against the Marlins: 5 innings, 8 hits, 4 runs allowed.
Shawn Hill in his second start against the Mets: 5 innings, 6 hits, 3 runs allowed.
Shawn Hill today against the Braves: 5 innings so far, 1 hit, o runs.
I’m gonna blow a gasket any second now.
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
braves play bad baseball so braves fans suffer. we call discomfort. some call “pain”? perhaps.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
HOLY S**!!!
That was a SEVEN PITCH TOP OF THE 5TH for Shawn Hill.
at least Kelly works the count.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
funny MAV.
i’m getting less and less impressed with Cox everday. i might have to change my name.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
MOVE OVER HUDDY, JURRJENS THE NEW ACE,ROY
By FEAR
April 30, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
yeah no sh*t Ernesto. But hampton is 100% a bust. we could free up a roster spot by cutting him, cuz he isn’t doing a damn thing now!
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
HEY MAV,
guess who was the batting champ last year in minors<<< prado prado is a hitting machine/ he does however make mistakes on defense
By Sammy Kershaw
April 30, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, I know this is completely unrelated to anything discussed here and i dont even know if you follow Alabama Football, but the following lines out of your blog absolutely explain the media’s problem with Nick Saban. Anyway, long time reader, love the blog, keep up the excellent work
I’d not suffer fools who ask stupid questions. I’d be, like, ‘Dude, that’s the worst question I’ve ever been asked. Come back when you’ve got something pertinent to ask.’ Come to think of it, I’d call me a real prick if I was a reporter covering me.)
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Mr Baseball:
I have an idea. This lineup worked last monday.
yesterday i said this:
Against lefties:
against righties
what’s wrong with that?
Can’t believe we’re getting absolutely dominated by Hill, 1 day after getting dominated by Tim Redding, 3 days after getting dominated by figueroa.
Why we’re starting gotay is beyond me.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Think the team is down today due to all the crap news that came up? Smoltz ailing unsure of the future, Hampton reminding them of, well, Hampton, KJ out with a bad back. 3 game losing streak. Must be hard to muster up the strength in times like these…
By P-Town Brave
April 30, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
And the petition to move Kelly down to 7th in the order starts NOW…
Please sign below:
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
There is that speed…… in less than a minute we score a run on a blanco double and a looping single by yunel.
Thats what a speedy leadoff hitter will do for ya!!!!!
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
well a traditional leadoff guy comes through in a tight game. lets see if it pans out.
see you all later. keep it up JJ!
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
is true that hampton new spokesperson for GEICO? when your hurt at work GEICO is paying bills? or braves paying bills?
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
GUYS: no matter have angry i am about hampton(throwing beer cans). Financially best for braves is to keep him. yes, he stresses everyone, but we have nothing to lose by cutting him. we will have to pay him. he has pitched decent when he is rehabbing. braves can only sit and wait. Dropping and paying him is not the right chose
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
GUYS: no matter have angry i am about hampton(throwing beer cans). Financially best for braves is to keep him. yes, he stresses everyone, but we have nothing to gain by cutting him. we will have to pay him. he has pitched decent when he is rehabbing. braves can only sit and wait. Dropping and paying him is not the right chose
By Einstein
April 30, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Hello Braves fans, I know some of you Bobby Cox apologists will “poo poo” this, but he really is an average manager that has been blessed with great talent. Everyone in the Braves organization, including Mike Hampton, knows he just doesn’t have it anymore. Stay hurt and let the Brave collect 75% of his salary through insurance and Hampton saves face. If Cox was such a “great” manager, why did it take him 3 seasons to see that T. Yates and the rest of our previous bullpen couldn’t cut it in single A ball. Who, other than Cox, thinks Boyer is better than single A? Time for him to go…no more popularity contests as the Players Manager and adding to his being thrown out of games records. Please get someone who can actually manage a game. My prediction is 4th place in our (the weakest) division. If I have offended anyone, my apologies.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
we could free up a roster spot by cutting him, cuz he isn’t doing a damn thing now!
The 40 man roster? He’s on the DL. He could stay there until he’s a free agent and it wouldn’t impact the moves this team makes aside from possibly getting one last start out of the guy. Cutting him does nothing except perhaps allowing those who actually expect him to produce to stop building up their expectations.
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
If, and it’s a really big if, Blanco can hit well enough to stay in the lineup on a semi-regular basis, he could be a better option as leadoff hitter than KJ. Still not sold on him yet, but he appears to hit the ball with more authority than Pierre, which isn’t necessarily saying much.
But who’s gonna hit at the top against lefties? Prado?
N8:
On a less confrontational topic, a question about your Chiefs. They signed an undrafted Georgia receiver I saw play some in high school. How’s their receiving corps & any chance he’ll have a chance to make the team?
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Baseball has about as much to do with luck as anything else. Lots of Bobby’s decisions have backfired because of bad luck on the other end. He’s made some bad pen moves, but the squeeze today was typical of just plain bad luck on strategic calls.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Hold on tight, we might win our 1st 1 run game of the season…… things might be turning around if that happens…… courtesy of Jair Jurjens.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
If hammy had to pitch to eat and pay bills, his azz would be pitching complete games.
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
how can tell if jurrjens not pitching well? his motion is “ajar”.
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone been close to Bobby cox the last 20 yrs know that squeeze play was coming, the whole ball park knew it.Again luck is part of the games, combination of good pitching(like today) and good defense and better offense(conbine) win games. that been part of the problem of the braves this year.I don’t blame the injuries, because every team have the same injury problem of the braves.
By LuisGuillermo
April 30, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Will this be another quality start going to waste? Hope not. Let’s go Diaz!
By FEAR
April 30, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
f*ck it anyway….cut ‘em and send him a message.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
mr baseball you hit Blanco leadoff against lefties and righties.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
I didn’t have a lot of confidence in Diaz in that spot — he’s hit .180 vs. righties before today, and .208 on the road.
(he’s hit .447 vs. lefties and .400 at home)
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Blanco on base for the 3rd time….I suppose some will say, “yeah but he does not have enough ABs”. _Here is ready, looks very comfortable leading off, he enjoys it.
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
is now time for stinking bullpen to blow game again. is hoping not. this time.
By Hue Jass
April 30, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
I think Boyer will actually pitch well right here. Jurrjens is already getting a no decision…
By eric the elder
April 30, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, same here. Makes me wonder why we are keeping Pena around.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
I still think Boyer is good enough to make our bullpen. Problem is that he is not an 8th inning guy yet, not good enough for that yet. If he was sharing 6 and 7 inning duties with other guys and moylan and soriano werent DLed, he would look much better.
Good stuff, Id say same as bennett, maybe better than James.
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Overlord:
Not nearly sold yet on Blanco hitting leadoff against righties, but he might be the answer there. Just don’t see him hitting lefties well enough.
You really think he’s ready to be an everyday player and leadoff hitter for a playoff contender? Maybe he is, but I don’t see it yet.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
This doesn’t look good for the Braves. Close and late really hasn’t been their “thing” this season…
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
DOB 100% agree with you, i think Brayan was more appropiate to hit in that spot.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Pin point accurate throw by Brian. Id say he is being doing a lot of work on throwing to 2nd, not even close to the joke he was last year…. much better, plenty of space for improvement, but much better. Id say at least average if not above.
By bravesfan
April 30, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Smoltz: ‘I’m coming back as a reliever’ Right-hander believes he is best suited to come out of the ‘pen
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Braves continue to get robbed of hits 3 to 4 times a games….. damn it.
By G
April 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
how’s your left arm Smoltzie?
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
san francisco giants win game. now having more wins than braves for now. brave players see scoreboard and cannot contain embarrassment. yes. bobby cox should be most embarrassed.
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Oh NO…That Z man again in the 9th
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Tommy Hanson had a rough first inning but he only gave up one run. Walked a guy, hit a batter and threw 2 wild pitches.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
I know we had a lot of bad one run losses…but considering what has happened to this team as of late, this would really really hurt.
By iowabrave
April 30, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Hate to say it, but this game is looking awfully familiar. Afraid I know where this one is going.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Youd never now if you dont try mr. baseball.
By jbutler
April 30, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Anyone else surprised BC left Boyer into start the 9th? Especially after last night’s blown game of TG. Not that it was ALL his fault. Actually think he’s got good stuff…needs some seasoning; but seems to have it. But TG must want to throw up everytime he comes into one of his games.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
2 on 2 out for Jeff Bennett against Lastings Milledge.
By jbutler
April 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
So…RR pitched, what - 3 pitches? Hit someone and got the hook? Guess who’s on BC’s **?! list?? Hee…:)
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Come on Jeff, put out the fire!!!!
Go Braves!!!!!!!
By N8
April 30, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball
First of all, let me state, that the “your and idiot”, wasn’t intended to be personal, I just like using that phrase.
I hope all of you realize, that I can take it as much as I dish it out. If I didn’t enjoy “sparring” with you all, I’d leave.
OK. Back to the subject of KJ/Escobar in the 1-2 hole.
For me, it comes down to simple math.
When the lead-off hitter gets on base. Yes, I know the lead-off hitter may only lead off ONCE in the game. But many times, in NL games, pitchers pitch AROUND the 8th place hitter, to get to the pitcher, leaving the lead-off hitter to lead off an inning, later in the game at some point.
Anyhow, I agree with you, about the SB factor. Escobar is NOT gonna be a SB threat, thus KJ can’t really expect anymore fastballs with Escobar on base.
THAT being said, he will see better pitches to hit, with Chipper and Tex on deck and in the hole.
Though I have posted the “numbers” of each of them in the lead-off spot, which backs up my theory (of course, I’ve stated that KJ hasn’t faired very well in the 2-hole, thus my opinion he should hit 7th), of wanting Escobar to lead-off.
But the bottom line, is that the lineup was simply more electric with Escobar setting the tone, IMO. Sure, it was only 35 games (with Yunel in the lead-off spot), but he scored 18 runs in the FIRST INNING of those games. That’s a helluva ratio, don’t you agree? His OBP in the first AB of those games, was over .500, that ALSO is a helluva number.
As I’ve stated before. I’m not down on KJ. I like him. He learned a new position to make the team. A lot of divas wouldn’t have done that. He’s a team guy, that did what he needed to do to make the BRAVES team. He could’ve said no, and forced a trade. That should be commended.
As for my Chiefs. I’d say any WR that can catch and run routes has a great chance of making the team.
Dwayne Bowe is obviously a lock at the #1 WR spot. But the cut Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker loose this off-season.
Going into the draft, they had 3 WR on their roster. Bowe, Jeff Webb (a decent #3, IMO) and Bobby Sippio, the “star” and fan favorite on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series last year. Though he made VERY LITTLE impact.
I know they drafted 2 WR’s this year, Will Franklin from Missouri and Kevin Robinson from Utah State. I know little of Robinson, but from what I’ve read, they intend on him being the return guy. He allegedly is labeled as one of the better return guys in the country on some scouting reports.
So, like I said, I think they will take a LONG look at many WR. I read, where Herm said, that along with the 12 draft picks they took, they will bring in around 20-30 UDFA’s.
I haven’t paid to much attention to any of the undrafted guys they’ve brought in. The one guy that I’ve seen they signed, that I think will help out right away is the FB from Georgia Tech Mike Cox. I believe he played for Chan Gailey (new Chiefs OC), so it makes sense, and the NEED a FB.
What is the WR’s name that you’ve seen?
By Mark T.
April 30, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
I would wonder if Joey Gatright would be available. I love the speed that guy has. On offense and defense I would honestly sit Kotsay down and have him come off the bench, along with Diaz in a platoon situation with Blanco. The Lineup would look like this vs. Righties: 1. Gathright - CF 2. Blanco - LF 3. C.Jones - 3B 4. Tex - 1B 5. McCann - C 6. Escobar - SS 7. Francoeur - RF 8. Johnson - 2B 9. Pitcher
And Vs. Lefties
Blanco/Gathright - CF Escobar - ss Chipper Tex McCann Diaz Francoeur Johnson pitcher
As you can see my lineup are speed heavy at the top. All that has to be of the 1-2 guys is to get on base with walks or with that speed they have and hit to the gaps. I need NO POWER from them, there is plenty of it after them. It would really brng a small feel to the lineup. Going 1st to 3rd on a single with them, and forcing the pitcher to really pitch to each hitter for fear of the next guy. The lineups I think would help solve that runs problems because of the speed factor thrown in. It also improves the bench giving us two better late hitting options. I really think this would work. I just like the idea of speed at the top, forcing the the other teams defenses to be on edge. I think we are too staitionary
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Ah that is how Bennett has been keeping his weight off. Makes sense now.
By La Jolla Dawg
April 30, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Wow, two different pitchers hit two batters with two outs in the 9th. Now, the new pitcher’s nose is bleeding??? Yes, they are cursed. I cannot believe how bad the Braves pitching situation is.
Great choice for a song today DOB. Come on down and meet your maker….now it is stuck in my head.
By Bill R
April 30, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Someone has clearly put a hex on the braves pitching staff. Has anyone seen Pedro Cerrano and his little buddy Jobu around the clubhouse?
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Bennett with a bloody nose??? This is too much…. Is this leukemia or something???
Give me a break!!!!!!
Maybe they DL Jeff for that bloody nose…..
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
what happened to bennet? in gameday there is an injury delay.
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
braves generously provide fans with extra innings of baseball. fans appreciate but would prefer extra hits. extra homer runs. maybe.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
That was a great throw by BMac!! (Sorry. Would’ve come on sooner, but we were eating.) Don’t know if you could call him a joke last year, but he wasn’t very good…
That was weird with Bennett. Kinda gross, too.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Yes!!!
Jeff came in right after Milledge, before he knew it he was out. Great pitching right there…
I wonder why braves have more faith in james than in jeff.
By JEB
April 30, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Could that bottom of the ninth have gotten any more wierd?? 2 quick outs - 2 quick hits (batters), 3 different pitchers, a quick bloody nose.
Come on Braves - these are the NATS!!
By 1957 Braves Fan
April 30, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Can’t score, can’t win.
By N8
April 30, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
By mr baseball
“Not nearly sold yet on Blanco hitting leadoff against righties, but he might be the answer there. Just don’t see him hitting lefties well enough.”
He only hit .207 against lefties last year at Richmond, so you may be right. That being said, KJ is hitting .212 against lefties so far this year. Is he hurt? Maybe. But then he shouldn’t be playing, right?
“You really think he’s ready to be an everyday player and leadoff hitter for a playoff contender?”
Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor and “re-group”. LOL! Lets worry about winning a frickin series, before we declare ourselves playoff contenders.
GOTAY!!!! WTF!!!
Yup. That Bobby Cox has these guys focussed all to hell, doesn’t he?
Unreal.
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
WHY WILL GOTAY GO TO SECOND BASE ON A FLYBALL THAT SHALLOW. IF IT WERE JUAN PIERRE WHOSE ARM IS MORE WEAK THAN A BIRDS I WOULD UNDERSTAND BUT WILLY HAS A GOOD ARM.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Gotay has made a 15 YO kid mistake in extras. That might cost you a lot of playing time kid.
And then again that name…….Willie Harris, he just hates our guts.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Wonder whos fault is it when our players keep making dumb plays on the bases.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Youd never now if you dont try mr. baseball. Overlord
We did try Overlord do you remember?
Prado’s .313/.421/.625 in that spot this year (5 for 16) with 5 runs scored, 3 walks, 3 doubles, 1 triple and 3 RBI.
Here’s how the braves faired in those starts:
4/2 vs PIT: ATL 10 (13 hits), PIT 2 4/3 vs PIT: ATL 3 (11 hits), PIT 4 4/21 vs WAS: ATL 7 (13 hits), WAH 3
By steve_97060
April 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Seriously, where is Don Sutton, I can’t take anymore Ray Knight… god will he ever shut up?
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
A sweep on the hands of the NATIONALS???
Thats it, we cant be worse than this, pr cant we?
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Here we go. Looks grim.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
I dont know how manny did it, but he did it, never lost composure. Well done.
Now could we please avoid losing by 1 run?
GOOOOOO BRAVOS!!!!
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
i like acosta, but please have mercy on my nails my man.
By Chad
April 30, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Smoltz, I hope you have a couple years left in that rugged right shoulder cause I’m gonna miss you when your gone. You are the epitomy of what a professional athlete should be. I wish it would rub off on some of your “part-time” teammates.
Hampton, Retire!
By Ray K
April 30, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Hampton left his rehab start…
Mike—just take your money and get the hell out of here, will you?
You make all of us Braves fans sick.
Good riddance, loser.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
I was talking about Blanco, Bobby Cox, but your point is valid.
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Were has the hitting gone, you cant win if you dont score runs.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
By the way, heard a couple of Braves say they wish the team would sign Woody Williams….
By iowabrave
April 30, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Boy, Manny gets out of a huge jam like that and the hitters lay an egg right behind him. Just when you think they might turn this close game junk around, they just keep getting deeper in it.
By scottbravesfan
April 30, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I knew this season was too good to be true. I honestly believed that we had a shot but the injuries are starting to mount up.
As for Smoltz to the closer role? It’s kind of hard to use a closer if we never have a lead in the 9th.
By scottbravesfan
April 30, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I knew this season was too good to be true. I honestly believed that we had a shot but the injuries are starting to mount up.
As for Smoltz to the closer role? It’s kind of hard to use a closer if we never have a lead in the 9th.
By N8
April 30, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Man. That Ron Jeremy sure can pick it at 1B, huh?
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
sorry overlord, thought you were responding to this sarcastic mr. baseball remark:
But who’s gonna hit at the top against lefties? Prado?
leadoff double! lets see if we can actually bring it home this time.
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
I really, really, really hope Tex coming out doesn’t bite us.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Memo to Braves Lineup:
With runner on third no out, hit fly ball.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Memo to Braves Lineup:
With runner on third less than 1 out, hit fly ball.
By mo
April 30, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
By the way, heard a couple of Braves say they wish the team would sign Woody Williams….
Frank Wren, I hope you aren’t listening to them.
By N8
April 30, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
That is one helluva a HORSESH!T AB by Francoeur.
2-0 count. Swings at ball-3. Swings and misses BADLY at what would have been ball-4. Then dribbles WEAKLY to the 2B.
But he gets picked up by Kotsay.
There’s your answer Mr. Baseball.
If Kotsay can get healthy and hit like he’s capable of, he would be a fine #2 hitter, behind Escobar, and ahead of Chipper.
I guess the same could be said about KJ. If he is healthy, he probably would be fine in the lead-off spot. But he’s not healthy and Bobby doesn’t seem to care.
Alright second (of first) guessers.
Bobby is letting Acosta hit, so he can pitch the 12th inning (his 3rd inning).
Good idea? I say yes, based simply on who is left to choose from, and how he’s looked so far.
But we’ll soon find out, huh?
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Hope we dont score any more runs so we win our 1st run game……just joking.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
why was acosta hitting there? is he really gonna pitch his 3rd inning?
screw it…it’s not like we have anyone else to pitch, especially with the off day tomorrow.
By Ron Jeremy
April 30, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
N8… It’s all in the hips my good friend
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, I will never think letting Prado hit leadoff is a joke. Not me. Maybe he is not an everyday player yet, but he will help this team in tons of ways.
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Why is Acosta going three when he clearly hasn’t been sharp today?
By StingerSplash
April 30, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
By the way, heard a couple of Braves say they wish the team would sign Woody Williams….
DOB, to quote yourself from earlier in the blog — be careful what you wish for.
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
By Epinephrine
I really, really, really hope Tex coming out doesn’t bite us.
Thanks Epi
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
1st Two on in the bottom half. This is almost starting to get comical…
By radoncbravesfan
April 30, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Bonehead play of the year by Acosta!!
By Chop Chop
April 30, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Holy mother of something or other…
As Vince Lombardi once said, “What the hell’s going on out there?!?!”
By ijonathan
April 30, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine There’s your answer on whether or not Tex coming out of the lineup will come back to bite us.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded no one out….
the hits keep on coming for this team.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
This blog may explode if the team loses by one run again….
and Acosta is 3-1 on Ronnie Belliard.
By Ron Roberts
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
UN-BE-LIEVABLE
Is Turner Field built atop an native American burial ground or something?
By Doogie Howser M.D.
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
If Bobby Cox isn’t manager by mid-season, it’s not cuz he’ll be fired…
…it cuz this team’s gonna give him a heart attack.
By DonCoburleone
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
WOW! Unbelievable, thats why you don’t leave your CLOSER in the game for 3 innings COX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By This Team
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
WHAT A JOKE…
By iowabrave
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
They just don’t want to win a close game do they? I think the Braves are determined to make us fans pay for all those good years in the 90s
By steve_97060
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
changing the channel, i can’t bare to watch this anymore..
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Acosta deserves this loss, but so does the coaching staff for letting him stay out there. Unreal.
By AMG
April 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
can’t type … .to … maddddddddddddd…
By Bill R
April 30, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
im loathe to question bobby but leaving acosta in was a horrible idea.
By Ron_Paul
April 30, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I know there was shotty defense, but Bobby should have brought in someone to finish this game. Acosta going this long had disaster written all over it!
By Sir Stealth
April 30, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Even I can’t argue with skewering Bobby for this one - this is very frustrating. Given everything that’s happened with this team, it’s about the maximum level of frustration you can have with a game this early.
By eric the elder
April 30, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
The Braves have found a lot of creative ways to lose, but this one exceeds expectations.
By jrjags
April 30, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
How do you take Tex out? There’s no one out, and he’s on second. We don’t have a backup 1B. Defense is crucial with a one run lead.
By TNRON
April 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
this team sucks.can anybody else believe this crap.another great job by the Donk.way to go Prado.Sure DP and you ** it up.Maybe you were trying to get out of the way of it like I’ve seen you do before.
By TN Jeff
April 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Just checked the dictionary - under choke see Braves team picture & under wuss see Mike Hampton’s picture!
Snatch defeat from the hands of victory - Braves baseball specialty of the last several years!
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
If Buddy gets out of this one without a run scoring its gonna be the greatest accomplishment of his carrer.
By justdoit
April 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
wow…..horrible coaching
By Mark in PA
April 30, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
unbelievable.
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
If Buddy gets out of this one without a run scoring its gonna be the greatest accomplishment of his carrer.
By Curt
April 30, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Well there is your justification for Smoltz to the bullpen.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
well that didn’t take long to double guess that last move of not pinch hitting acosta.
hope Lopez hits a granny here so it won’t be yet another 1 run loss.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Acosta walks a lot of guys and he got burned, what are you gonna do?
12-15 to end the month of April. 6-10 against the Nats, Marlins and Pirates in that stretch. 3-5 against the Nats.
I guess it’s just really bad luck. No way to explain it. I mean we still have scored more runs than we have given up, so that means that this team is an above average baseball team, right????
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
If anybody says this game was not lost by Bobby Cox, Id say he is stoooooopid.
Then he lets Acosta in way too long.
I need to kill someone right now or Ill kill myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It just cant get any worse, it just cant!!!!!!!
Thanks Cox
By Ron Roberts
April 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
This team has a chance, folks…
…if we play the rest at home
…and avoid playing the high ‘n mighty NATIONALS.
…and make sure every game is won or lost with a 2-run or more cushion.
At least they blew today’s game in time for us to all tune over to watch the Hawks/Celtics game.
By DonCoburleone
April 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
I’m convinced, this team is simply INCAPABLE of winning a close game! It really is one of the strangest things I can ever remember in sports… And BTW, what is happening in the game? I am at work and the gamecast is frozen!!! It was 2-2 bases loaded nobody out last I saw
By bobby
April 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
is booby a great coach or what?
By N8
April 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
It’s official. This team is HORRIBLE.
0-9 in one run games.
Can you say…..FIRE-SALE?
I’d start taking bids on Tex. That is if anybody wants him.
It’s unreal. Oh well. Only 4 months until the NFL season begins, right?
By Ben
April 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
You know I’ve waited and waited on this team to right the ship. Thought we had it with the 5 game winning streak. This team is looking more and more like a .500 team at best. What the hell was Cox doing keeping Acosta in this game? To think we have to look to the Hawks for some excitement. PATHETIC!
By LuisGuillermo
April 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Another one-run loss! Noooooooooooo!!! I don’t understand why Bobby Cox didn’t pinch-hit for Acosta…
By h_charles
April 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Cox lost this game himself.
You don’t leave Acosta in to HIT with all those innings already pitched and 2 on.
YOU don’t let him stay in to pitch after walking the leadoff man.
YOu certainly don’t leave him in after 2 are on.
Cox has lost his mind.
By Todd A
April 30, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Great move taking Texiera’s glove out of a tight game. This team is officially a basket case now.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
I AM DISGUSTED AT BOBBY COX! i knew it was red flags flying when we had man in scoring position and used acosta to bat after he struggled 2 innings! WOW BOOBY THIS ONE IS FOR YOU DO YOU WONDER WHY WE ARE 0-9 IN 1 RUN GAMES. AND YES I AM SCREAMING
By K_Chub
April 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Oh my God!!!!! WTF ATLATNA!!!! How many of these games are gonna lose!
By Tomahawkin' Again (like it's 1995)
April 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
I’m done. Can’t put my heart into this team anymore. 3-5 against the Nats, 0-9 in 1-run games, the absolute lack of fundamentals we see every game(swinging at everything, can’t field their position, etc.). This year feels like 2006, 2007. Sorry DOB, I was like you, thinking, well back in this year they started like this and well, back in that year…blah, blah, blah. Stick a fork in the ‘08 Braves. And don’t come on here and make excuses or tell us how it’s only April and things will turn around. This team was built on sand (old pitching staff, no speed, no true lead-off hitter) and now the reality of what many us Braves feared would happen is happening. Rebuild NOW. Go Hawks.
By Andy
April 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
This team is a complete mess right now.
By Andy
April 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
This team is a complete mess right now.
By j1234
April 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
DOB, How do you or anyone else own this blog thinks that this Braves team can win this divison. They cant beat the f*** NATIONALS the F*** NATIONALS, the Braves suck they just suck. There is no way they win this division. Its time to rebuild, COX please retire please please please. Get you a young manager I’m not saying that this is Cox fault but this team is just Horrible, they are so hard to watch. THERE NOT GOING TO WIN U PEOPLE ARE STUPID IF YOU THINK SO I DONT CARE HOW EARLY IT IS
By iowabrave
April 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Where does the line form for the monster truck rally? In the words of the immortal Gorilla Moonson “Stick a fork in ‘em, their done!”
By BravesFanChris23
April 30, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Really disappointing loss. I can understand the frustrations and I think criticism is deserved here. However, it’s still not time to worry about the season.
By Beach Dawg
April 30, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Clearly the Braves offense lack of production can be blamed for a couple of losses and so can the starting pitching. And without a doubt so can the bullpen but in this game the loss rests squarely on the shoulders of Bobby. Allowing Acosta to hit in the 11th and pitch in the 12th is one of the most stupid baseball decisions I have ever seen. It was clear that Acosta was beginning to get tired during the second inning that he pitched and oh by the way he had never pitched 3 in relief. I have always been a Cox supporter but I am beginning to believe that he is past his prime
By DonCoburleone
April 30, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Is it over yet??? What happened??? ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
If this isn’t the Braves Waterloo, I don’t know what is.
It is beyond words.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Eric the Elder
The Braves have found a lot of creative ways to lose, but this one exceeds expectations.
Awesome line. Really, notbeing sarcastic. Made me laugh quite a bit actually.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
xxxRIPxxx BOBBY COX xxxRIPxxx
By Overlord
April 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
WTF……..Why did he took out TEX????? WHY????? with no outs? with 2 outs I understand, but with no outs?
TEX is not on a wheelchair, he is fast enough. And its not like Prado is speedy gonzalez……
I would understand taking Sid Bream out, but taking out a gold glover 1B? For a guy with an average glove and slightly above average????
I hope Cox goes after this year, he is badddddddddd…..
By radoncbravesfan
April 30, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
This was the worst 1 run loss yet and to the same lousy team!!!
Beyond pathetic
By Andy
April 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should go grab Hampton, put his a** in the bullpen, and pitch him in mop up whether he is hurting or not. If he gives up 15 runs when we are already getting blown away, too bad. If that somehow doesn’t pan out, at least make him be the gatorade boy. I swear. Making $15 million this year again to be a big puss. Unbelievable. Take a few notes above from Smoltz, and give some heart for once. Bobby cannot manage in close games. I have seen too many heartbreakers to really even be shocked by this crap anymore. Need to get our stuff together very soon.
By beachcomber
April 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
…and the hits just keep on coming!
By Todd A
April 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
“How do you take Tex out? There’s no one out, and he’s on second. We don’t have a backup 1B. Defense is crucial with a one run lead.”
Now it’s not so hard to understand why the Braves only won one WS title 14 chances, is it? The playoffs a crap shoot? LOL….Ok.
By cw
April 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
We need Smoltz in the bullpen bad!
By j1234
April 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Joe simpson and Boog are idiots
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
now braves officials say: acosta “fine” only “no location”. probably.
By H-Ram
April 30, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
THIS IS UNFUCKING believable…THIS is just beyond your mind…LOSE this way…the Braves are destined to this all damn season with this $hitty @$$ pen they have…Keep it going guys…WTG offense and defense and BUllPENand BOBBY!!!!!!!thats sums up WHY we lose games like this THERE YOU GO Frank WREN!!!!!!What a team you’ve Built!!!!…4 game L streak…keep it going…at leat there good a something…at LOSING!!!!!!!!! SHEESHH!!
By JC from UT
April 30, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Woody Williams? You are joking…right? This team just cannot catch a lucky break. It seems all is against them right now. Hopefully this misfortune will even out latter in the season. Would anyone give Pena to Seattle for Norton?
You really can’t complain about the starting pitching, at least what is healthy. Even CJ has pitched decent. I cannot believe this offense has bee shut down so severly.
By SR
April 30, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Come on, really. This team as presently constructed cannot win, it just cannot. This is the way they have played for the last 2 years and the trend continues. Instead of finding ways to win, they continue to own the patent on finding ways to lose. The bullpen stinks, no team speed, injuries galore and a missing intangible that many of us have alluded to. Oh sure, I’ll still pay attention because that’s what we fans do but this team is going nowhere fast and most of us know that, even if it is hard to admit.
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
I got to say, Bobby Cox manage this one horribly. First off I would have changed Manny Acosta for Will Ohlman it was the bottom part of the order. Acosta had been struggling all night and had thrown a lot of pitches the majority being balls. Bobby I normally defend but this time you blew it.
By Still Clueless
April 30, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Hey guys, I just added Manny Acosta to my fantasy team. First place, here I come!
By the way, I missed today’s game but tivo’ed it and am about to watch it. Nobody tell me how the game ends, I want to watch all of it!
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
my venting shifted from mike hampton to now bobby cox…wow
By justdoit
April 30, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
i know everyone is down and mad at how things are looking this year but cmon look at the bright side.. as bad as things look right now for the braves - they are only 3 games out of first. if they trade for a oslwalt or blanton and with smoltz as a closer again - expect good things for the them this year .. thats a big if they can make a big trade.
By Stephen
April 30, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is killing this ball club.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Maybe he is not an everyday player yet, but he will help this team in tons of ways. Overlord on Prado
Yeah! Haha! That was a big help! (Why the heck do you take out Tex??? He cann run OK!)
Disgusting! Just disgusting! (.103. Told ya I’m countin’!)
And what on EARTH does Francoeur think he’s doing with a runner on third? SHEEEESH! And McCann: First pitch swinging! First pitch swinging! Great job for moving the runner to third, but try using a HIT!! OY!
OK……deep breath……everything’s gonna be OK……
Smoltz to ‘pen, BTW. Don’t know if it’s been mentioned…
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
H-RAM :THERE YOU GO Frank WREN!!!!!!What a team you’ve Built!!!!…
JS built most of this!wren made the jurrjens trade! i dont agree with you yet
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
No, it isn’t time to worry about the season. The season can still be salvaged.
What is absolutely clear, though, is some changes need to be made-chief among them, our bullpen. And I do not just meant he pitchers in the bullpen. I mean the way it is handled.
It is also abundantly clear that the Braves bats need to step up. Period. We have so much offensive talent, and it isn’t producing. Now I won’t rag on them today. I think its a pretty good litmus test when Chipper goes 0-5. That means you are facing legit stuff.
At the same time, when you claw out a run like this, you need to win. And that is why closers tend not to be rookies or 2nd year players, unless their name is Papelbon or Joba (and yes, I know Joba isn’t a closer, but he has the stuff to at least warrant trying it). They tend to be people with a tough mental make up and experience.
Yes, Smoltz being in the bullpen sure would help. Having Acosta pitch the 6th and 7th rather than walking on a tight rope for the 10th, 11th, and 12th would help. Sure would be nice to have Gonzo, Soriano, and Smoltz doing the work there. But I am not sure it would have won us the game tonight. No-for that we need depth, but we also need to not waste pitchers like Bennett and Royce Ring for 1 AB.
Changes need to be made. Blanco in the leadoff sure did look good to me. Replace Diaz with Kelly Johnson int he lineup, and I think that is a start.
Hopefully Mac and French get going too. They are better than .270 hitters, and its time at least one of the step up.
If those things don’t happen, this team will be staring at trouble. We have the starting pitching to win a lot of games, even without Hampton and Smoltz. Bennett has done a heck of a job, and Jurrjens, Hudson, and Glavine all look great. Yeah, the 5th spot is now unknown-but between Reyes, James, and spot starters, I don’t think that is the concern.
By GermanBravesFan
April 30, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, DOB: THE ALARM. Nice selection! I came across some of their stuff on YouTube the other night. Reminded me of my youth… How about another cool band from that time: Big Country!! Too bad Stuart Adamson is no longer around - what a loss!
By Todd A
April 30, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
27th in the league in one run games last year, 0-9 this year. Smoltzie and Glavine aren’t CY Young caliber any longer and Maddux is long gone. You can’t just roll a ball out on the field and say “go play” any longer. The Braves need a younger manager that can relate to these young guys, and motivate them. It’s time to tell Bobby “thanks for the memories” and show him the road in September.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
The National are 5-3 against the Braves.
And 6-14 facing the rest of the N.L.
That my friends, is embarrassing.
As in, the Braves have bared their A$$ for all the world to see.
By AMG
April 30, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
I’m a female and I’m going to say this in the most lady-like way. Someone please give Mike Hampton some Midol and tell him to go pitch. Let’s just MRI his whole body just in case.
The only thing I will question about the end of this game is leaving Acosta in for a third inning. Did we not still have Campillo in the pen? Would have been nice to see what a pinch-hitter would have done with two on and two out in the top of the 12th.
By Bobby's Cox
April 30, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Those who want Woody signed are probably the same that thought we shored up a postseason spot with the acquisition of kotsay and infante(Chipper Jones).
Clearly chipper is the leader of this team, i mean MVP (this team has no leader), but he is no GM.
Maybe the Braves are tyring to lose consecutive 1-run loss for each year they won their division.
This team needs to get together and take Yoda every Mon, Wed, Fri, 8am-9am.
By h_charles
April 30, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
The bad thing about these losses aren’t the sky is falling or the season is over.
The bad thing is that in late July, when this team is healthy and playing well, we will REALLY wish we won these games.
The Braves will finish 5 games out of the playoffs, and we can look back to pathetic self-enduced implosions like this as games that cost us the postseason. Losing games like this to last place teams comes back to bite you in the end. Always.
As for Cox, his strengths still remain. He is loyal and a great clubhouse presence. Without him, Smoltz and Chipper are elsewhere, so one has to keep that in mind.
On the flip side, I think serious questions must be asked about his game managing. He clearly has always been reluctant to instill small ball and playing for one run into his team, and that is reflected in the plate approaches by every hitter in this lineup save Gotay, who comes from elsewhere.
Now that he has realized he HAS to start playing for a run, he simply doesn’t know how to do it. So, he overmanages. He takes out gold-glove Tex, not a slug, for speed.
A textbook bad move. Simply Cox not knowing how to manage small ball.
As to leaving Acosta in, not sure how to explain that. He was struggling, he had pitched too many innings, and there was a perfect chance to pinch hit for him and put the game away.
Then he decideds to “Hudson” him by leaving him in after he had lost it mentally. OK. Fine. Then don’t waste Carlye. If you leave him in long enough to walk in the run, leave him in and don’t waste a pitcher. Stand behind your decision. The game was over at that point anyway.
By Epinephrine
April 30, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
justdoit,
How do you figure they trade for Blanton or Oswalt? Who do we have to give? Who is dispensable? Can someone name a legitimate conceivable deal that would land us one of those guys? I am trying to think of one and I can’t.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
during the last 3 years braves are #1 in the “worst 1 run record” true fact
By Bubba
April 30, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
I hate this f***.ing team. BC is a f******* d*******. This year is over lets trade tex, glavin, kotsa and whatever other piece we can trade to build for next year.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
DOB WHERE YOU AT? HOW FRUSTRATED ARE YOU???????
By Either Orr
April 30, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Either
A)The Braves are not a very good team.
B)They are a good team who is not playing up to their potential.
If the answer is B, it has to be laid on the manager. Bobby’s reputation has bought him the last 3 years. Any manager whose team underperforms like this team has the last 3 years not named Bobby Cox would have received his walking papers by mid season last year.
After making that argument, I’ll back up and tell you my opinion.
I choose A). This is just not a very good team.
By ijonathan
April 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Why does the media bother with the post game presser with Bobby. The questions (statements?) go something like, “Kotsay had a big hit” or, “Is Bennet okay?” I wish he would consistently get asked questions like, “explain your thought process when you decided to let Acosta hit and pitch 3 innings, or when you decided to pinch run for your gold-glove, big-bat 1B?” I don’t care if it dead lead to a Hal McRae type managerial explosion, you gotta ask the questions sometimes. DOB I’m sure you ask those questions sometimes, but the ones we heard on the SportSouth postgame show were supremely lame.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Ball has a way of finding those guys who are playing out of position, doesn’t it? Wow.
I can’t think of much of anything that’s gone right for this team, other than Jurrjens and Chipper.
By JerseyGil
April 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Every one is blaming Bobby for this one, me to, but when Bobby make a decision he always consult with his bench coach, the last couple year bobby not having a good bench help,he’s always has good bench coach,Billy Williams,Pat Corrales,Ned Yost…etc..This year so far he miss a couple of miss calculation in replacing player.Chino Cahahia is to blame to.
By BravesFanChris23
April 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
If the Braves are playing exactly like this towards All Star Break and beyond, then there’s substance to the “stick a fork in them, 08 is done”. No offense to anyone, but I find it absurd how that keeps on being blurted out. I’m by no means saying it should cease, because everyone has the right to say what they feel. However, while I agree there’s definitely substantial reasons to be pessimistic right now, there’s no substantial reasons at this moment to call it a season or say its over. I’m not a happy go lucky rose colored glasses Braves fan, I’m a realistic optimistic fan.
I am disappointed myself with how things are going, but to say this season is over when fact is ITS STILL TO EARLY to call it a season, is just as bad as how things are going for the Braves right now in my opinion. Its not fact by any means, but I just feel like it is.
The slow start on the offense, the inefficiencies of the bullpen, injuries and other things has given substantial reasons for concern/disappoint/criticism and there’s no denying it. However, the overly blind pessimism is not going to help matters. Yes, its a bit redundant in saying it over and over, but the “calling it a season” is the same, so it doesn’t hurt to over stress it.
I for one will still support Braves through the thick and thin and I am not giving up on the season till its at a substantial/credible point in the season to call it a season. I’m not questioning anyone’s loyalty at all, so just saying to keep anyone from thinking that. Its just that I won’t be the one eating humble pie once they get it together (very possible to do). If they don’t then I’m not going to be eating humble pie either, because I’m going with the flow. If they do good and get on track then my feeling of them being able to turn it around will provide a nice payoff of being patient and understanding of the trials and tribulations. If they don’t, I’ll be disappointed whole heartedly, but I won’t be eating pie either.
I’m not saying anything definite either way, so whatever happens, just happens.
I know its a bit late and out of order, but to clear it up….
I know Braves aren’t playing well, I know there’s serious issues to be concerned about, but its not over and whether you like it or not or even want to hear it/see it/read it or not, the FACT IS, it is still to early to definitely concrete either outcome (sticking a fork or saying they will over come and win it all).
I’m not calling anyone out or anything of the sort, but there needs to be common sense injected into this optimism versus pessimism war (or so it seams) of this season.
By Robert S
April 30, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Eric The Elder took the words right out of my mouth. Only this ballclub, no matter what incarnation, can consistently lose games like this.
Can we please end this joke now?
You can start with Bobby Cox.
He should have been gone ten years ago, after his horrific lineup choices in Game 6 of the 1998 NLCS against the Padres. They only scratched two hits that day while the clearly superior hitters Ryan Klesko and Keith Lockhart rode the bench, and Tony Graffanino and Danny Bautista started, and the team duly went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
Sound familiar? Like this current club? And many others under Bobby Cox?
By raindawg722
April 30, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
This is probably the worst time to blog sensibly but I don’t think you should second guess Bobby for pinch running Prado even though Prado doesn’t. The Braves have had problems scoring runs in tight situations since last year (anyone recall bases loaded, no outs?). Plus, although I do think Tex makes that play, it’s hardly a guarantee when you’re momentum is taking you away from the ball and you’re ninety feet from home plate.
Good riddance, April. Hello, May.
By Drummerdad
April 30, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
INCREDIBLE!!! This Braves team has got to be the most snake-bit team in baseball right now. It reminds me of watching Rene Russo in disbelief while Kevin Costner keeps taking mulligans during a PGA event in “Tin Cup”. Bobby will have his hands full trying to put these guys back together after this.
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
when driving today is seeing highway crew. five man standing one man doing all digging. is reminding of braves. jair doing all work. everyone else standing by. should give clipboards to all braves. maybe.
By Canuckbravesfan
April 30, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Over the years, I have been at odds with Bobby Cox’ post-season management, but had to give him credit for his regular season work. However, his in-game management today was the worst I have ever seen with the Texeira substition after the lead-off double and leaving a struggling Acosta in for a 3rd inning. With two left-handed hitters coming up in the bottom of the 12th, why not Will Ohman ??? Isn’t this what we got him for ?? Just a colossaly stupid set of decisions. Had he left Texeira in, Prado would have been available to hit for the pitcher in the top of the 12th and Tex’s glove in for the bottom of the 12th. I firmly believe Bobby has lost his ability to think clearly in the heat of the battle and it’s time for a change. The 0-9 record in one-run games can laid partly at the feet of the woeful late game hitting, but some of these losses are obviously due to mismanagement.
By Stuart
April 30, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
If Avery Johnson and Mike Diantonio can be fired in the NBA, so can Bobby Cox. Leaving Acosta in for that third inning was bad enough, but to take Tex out was repulsive.
If Tex had only hit a single, I kinda would have understood running for him. However, McCann and Franceour are not going to bunt and there is no way anyone would try and STEAL third, so taking you best defensive first baseman out was a joke.
Tex makes that play Prado dropped easily and the braves win, PERIOD!!!!
Fire BC, Roger and Terry and do it now.
By i cant take it anymore
April 30, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
DOB… i am the biggest smoltz fan ever, and as cheesy as it sounds, i keep really good articles on him. this one today goes on the top. it was written so well,and it nearly broke my heart. seriously, my wife and i have decided to name our first son smoltz(probably his middle name), and this article may one day help him understand why. i’m sure i am going to get worked over on the blog for being so truthful, but hey, at least i didnt propose a thorman for harden trade. thanks for the article, man.
By AMG
April 30, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Good news … the Braves don’t play Washington again until after the all-star break!!!!!
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
is day off for smoltz tomorrow. not too discomfortable for playing golf. probably.
By Mark in PA
April 30, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
N8—Fire Sale? Come on, man. There’s always critical thinking behind your critical posts, but not this time.
Much more than any other sport, baseball is a game of luck. What is the difference between a line drive and a pop-up or foul ball? Small fractions of an inch or of a second. Yes, better players and teams seem to make their luck more than others, but there is still a lot of random occurrence in play for every game. This is not a bad team, but they are snakebit (stunningly, freakishly, so). But it will turn around.
Again, I acknowledge I said the one-run losses would even out back when we were 0-3 in those games. I’m still waiting on that turnaround.
But FIRE SALE? Come on.
By brian
April 30, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
The 12th inning is all on Cox. I know Tex is not the fastest, but how much would he have helped defensively in the bottom of the 12th. Letting Acosta go three was insane. He was our closer who rarely went more than one inning, and he was not sharp today to start with. Why he did not pinch hit for Acosta is beyond belief. I think we probably could have used another run or two. By letting Acosta hit for himself he should have let Acosta finish win or lose. It was unfair to Buddy to bring him in with the game tied and bases loaded no one out. If there are many more of these games I will start agreeing with Robert
By Kev
April 30, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
DOB
I gotta ask…how is the mood right now in the clubhouse????
By Ed Arnold
April 30, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Chalk up another loss to the poor management of BC, who, yearly, is directly responsible for blowing 6-8 games that should have been won. Please explain the logic in pinch-running for Tex in the 12th, who has two solid hits in his last 2 at bats, is needed for his defense, and who is just as capable as Prado on scoring from third with one out (McCann was only trying to move the runner to third with no outs). Then, in another brilliant move, he allows Acosta to hit for himself, even though he had already thrown over 30 pitches and was struggling with his control. Result? Prado misses a liner that Tex would have put in his back pocket, Acosta has control problems, and there goes your ballgame. Please BC… tell us this is your last season.
By What The?
April 30, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Want to know what is wrong with this team?
Francouer has the lead runner on third, one out in the top of the tenth. On an 2-0 count, he throws his butt toward left field, stiffens his legs, bends over low enough to tie his shoes and promptly swings at a breaking ball in the dirt in the opposite batters box! He takes two more weak swings and can’t move the runner in from third.
Later, Mark Kotsay gets a hit to drive in the run. Camera swings to the dugout and Francoeur is getting fist bumps from his teammates since Kotsay picked him up.
THATS THE PROBLEM! Great that Kotsay drove in the run, but Francouers teammates should be giving hell for the at bat he just gave away with the game on the line! Ok, they aren’t going to give him hell, but screw giving him congrats on a terrible at bat just because Kotsay picked him up.
This ain’t 1995. Bobby has a bunch of players who aren’t going to respond to his pollyanna “everything is going to be ok” style of managing. At least they haven’t responded in the last 3 years. It’s the same core cast. They don’t respond to pats on the back. Bobby needs to go ballistic and stay ballistic, or get out and let someone manage who can light a fire under these guys.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Still Clueless
That made me sad……I mean really sad.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
It was 6:30ish EST and things didn’t seem right. Now I get a chance to catch up and I find I was right on the money.
Look at the bright side guys, the team is only 0-3 in extra innings. Stop focusing on the 0-9 in 1-Run games. That’ll just make you sick. The Extra Innings games, though not pleasant, are not as bad as the other split simply due to the small number of them…
Expected Win-Loss record is 16-11, tops in the division!
By McFann
April 30, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
i am the biggest smoltz fan ever, and as cheesy as it sounds, i keep really good articles on him. I can’t take it anymore
Not so cheesy. I do that with articles on McCann.
Never mind. That prob’ly made you feel even tackier.
; )
By NCBravesFan
April 30, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Lordy people, take a deep breath! If Acosta gloves the bunt and starts the DP, you’d probably be talking about how clutch he was and how the Braves finally got a one-run win.
The pitching staff is having to make big adjustments due to injuries. If the guys who are hurt get back, they’ll turn it on.
It’s too early to panic.
By JJMB
April 30, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Just goes to show ya, the “hitting” coach is the most ridiculous payed position on any team. Might as well send them a check, have them stay at home and save dugout space.
Them, and any “conditioning” coach of any description, associated with the Atlanta Braves.
By TennesseePaul
April 30, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Maybe this might help get the stink out:
The first thing we’re gonna do is flush the follicles with the five essential oils. Then, we put you under a vapour machine, and then a heated tarp. Then, we shampoo and shampoo and condition and condition. Then, we saturate in diluted vinegar— two parts vinegar, 10 parts water. Now, if that doesn’t work, we have one last resort. Tomato sauce.
By PrincetonBrave
April 30, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
If we cannot win with the incredible pitching performances we have gotten out of our starters, then, well…we cannot win.
This staff reminds me of the 90’s. Giving up very few runs. But, in those days, the offense got the key hits, the little things, played solid defense.
If the starting staff manages to perform similarly all year - and of course they won’t keep up the current level - but anywhere near it, then you have to believe the offense will get on track. The question at this point is whether it will happen soon enough..
But, holy cow, how demoralizing was todays game.
By Lew
April 30, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
I don’t ordinarily second guess Bobby too much, but I’ve got to wonder why Acosta was in there for his third inning with all the walks he gave up in his first two.
This team is going through the definition of Snake Bit at the moment. Maybe we need one of those Aussies to import a freaking mongoose.
By justdoit
April 30, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine-
the braves have a lot of good young talent..if they wanted to get a deal done they would be able to.
By Interested Observer
April 30, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
I was at the game today and I don’t know if this was noticed or covered on TV. In the top of the 12th after we scored our run and had runners on first and second, we had nobody warming up in the pen. Only after a a couple of pitches to Gotay with Lillibridge standing on deck to pinch hit, did someone start throwing. There was no way he was going to be ready in time. Either BC was bluffing and was planning on hitting Acosta the whole time or he got caught with his pants down. Either way it was an unwise gamble and ended any chance we had at scoring more runs. Even more unwise considering Acosta would have to pitch his third inning which he has never done to my recollection. Still though, it’s hard to blame Acosta. He pitched two effective innings and probably would have made it three if it weren’t for some putrid defense (some of which was his own).
By albanian braves fan
April 30, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
is saving all articles on regis philbin. is most famous albanian american. blog gives good idea - maybe name first born son regis. perhaps.
cheesy? cheese is very delicious to eat. albanian kackavall is best cheese in world. definitly.
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
I just want to let everyone know in advance that when the clock strikes midnight tonight, all bloggers should begin using the phrase “It is still early, it is only May” to replace the well-worn “It is still early, it is only April”.
Thank you all for your attention to this matter.
By Coach's Wisdom Revisited
April 30, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
It just never gets old, dows it?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
March 31, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
What I predicted five months ago and now firmly believe more than ever, THIS IS A PLAYOFF CALIBER BASEBALL TEAM.
And you can take that to the damn bank and cash it.
By Dadgum
April 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Folks, not sure about you guys but this team is starting to wreak. Not jumping ship..not at all…just this is the same story different chapter. The Braves are paying the price for sticking with old vets too long. Hate to overstate the obvious or told you so.
I mean think about Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton. Save Hudson, you have nobody there that you can count on given age/injuries for a whole season. Now you are struggling and it will get worse quickly. Time to stick a finger in the dike. Gotta trade someone I am sure.
What the hell is Prado doing playing 1st? Are you freakin kidding me! Look Prado is slap better than Johnson at 2nd. Hands down no question you can’t even defend Johnson at 2nd and Prado is playing 1st. Look this team is in dire straits right now. They can’t even see that their best 2nd baseman is playing 1st and not even ahead of Johnson at 2nd. WOW!!!
The Braves are now the worst team in the division. Since the Nats inception the Braves are sub .500 against the team most baseball observers said was destined to lose well over 100 games. OUCH!!!!! You just don’t lose to who you are losing to repeatedly (Nats, Marlins).
If indeed Smoltz goes back to the pen you can rest assured the Braves will trade for a proven starter. They won’t ride Hampton or Glavine given injuries. Jurrjens looks top tier and he is our best pitcher including Hudson. Look for Kelly Johnson to be the main trade bait maybe Diaz thrown in.
By mr baseball
April 30, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
How many moves did Cox make today that helped the Braves lose?
1) having JJ attempt a suicide squeese, rather than a safety squeeze.
2) pinch running for Tex, which basically left him with no one to hit for Acosta.
3) letting Acosta hit after he had already worked 2 tough innings. A hit by Prado (who should not have been used to pinch run) could have broken the game open.
4) letting Acosta stay in the game after botching the bunt. Watching on TV while eating supper, but it appeared from a casual viewing that his brain was already fried.
5) bringing a contact pitcher like Carlyle into an almost impossible situation. Campillo with his odd curve ball would have been a better choice, but the game was gone by then.
As I’ve pontificated on more than one occasion, Cox has some admirable attributes as a manager, but in-game strategy is not among them. He has never had a real grasp on how to handle a bullpen, and still seems determined to put his relievers in situations they are unfamiliar with at the wrong time.
Remember his post-season decisions to use Wohlers & Farnsworth in the 8th inning and how they turned out? Today it was sending Acosta out for a third inning.
He had Campillo, Ohman & Carlyle left and could have tried to mix and match after the Braves took the lead. But he sent Acosta back out for a 3rd inning after having the chance to pinch-hit for him. After using the guy who would have pinch hit as a pinch runner.
All that still doesn’t take the full blame for the loss. That belongs to what jokingly passes for the Braves’ offense. 27 games, 15 times 4 runs or fewer.
The starting pitching is not going to be this good all season. The bullpen held up its end for 4 innings. But the offense is putrid, and when you can’t score, any imperfections in the bullpen are magnified.
Braves better make some hay the next 9 games. The schedule after that is not very promising.
By Slider29
April 30, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
DOB—best blog ever. Thanks. I so selfishly hope that he’s able to hold on. He’s given all for the Braves and us for so long. I just want to see him on that World Series mound one more time.
Smoltz forever.
By N8
April 30, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Mark in PA
“N8—Fire Sale? Come on, man. There’s always critical thinking behind your critical posts, but not this time”
It was sarcasm. The Braves will NEVER have a fire-sale. Though they should.
But I’m thoroughly convinced, NO MATTER WHAT DOB or any player, (past or present), pundit, expert, azz-kisser, etc… has to say…..the Atlanta Braves will NOT win anything as long as Bobby Cox is the manager.
My buddy Brad (that I always said reminded me of Robert’s posts), hasn’t watched or listened to a single Braves game this year. He went back to being a Twins ONLY fan.
I had great optimism all winter long. Glavine, Kotsay, full year of Tex.
He LAUGHED and said “they’ve got you fooled, don’t they? They’re NOT gonna win a thing, and I’m not gonna watch a single game, until Cox is gone.”
He’s right. I was wrong.
I’m not gonna quit watching, but I’m not gonna seriously buy into ANYTHING until Bobby is gone.
I had no problem (and said so) in leaving Acosta out there for the 12th inning. That opinion was based on NOT wanting “bad” Ohman or Buddy blowing the game for us.
But pinch-running for Tex, was probably the DUMBEST thing he’s done all year, and 2008 hasn’t been his shining moment of decision-making prowess.
He’s gotta go.
ROBERT, if you’re out there, this fence-line Bobby hater, has just officially jumped onto your side of the property.
Can I get a HEE-HAW!! from the congregation?
Should have traded Tex last winter while his stock was high. We’ll get little to NOTHING for him at the deadline.
By Charlie
April 30, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox played a big part in the mind-numbing loss today. What idiot moves. Manny A. has the mental toughness of a Little Leaguer, and the “regulars” are (with the exception of Chipper) an unbelievable collection of loser/choker artists. “Deer-In-The Headlights” Francour…Matt D., who has no conception of the strike zone (of course given Matt’s politics, he obviously has no concept of ANYTHING)…McCann, geezeee lose alittle weight… maybe you could throw out a baserunner, catch a pitch out of the strike zone, or (God forbid) you could knock in a run. This year I ordered MLB Extra Innings so I could watch Brave’s games. After todays joke of a game, I’ve decided to watch some other teams…you know, the teams that are actually capable of playing major league caliber baseball. There is no question, this Braves team isn’t capable of it.
By mo
April 30, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Why do we want to deplete the farm system with a trade right now? You have to push through these rough stretches without freaking out and giving another team too many prospects. Not to mention, what team doesn’t need an extra starting pitcher right now. It’s too early to sell shop folks. Too early for the Braves or any other team.
I will say this though, anyone who endorses a Mark Teixiera trade by the deadline may as well endorse a Tim Hudson trade as well. Why not blow the whole thing up? I mean, if we aren’t signing Tex long term, which we aren’t, then why hold onto Hudson? The free agent pool for starting pitching is weak and the Braves could be a GREAT TEAM by 2011 if they make the right moves…..
By BT
April 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
I am afraid I must agree with h_charles. I have been a Bobby Cox fan since he came to the Braves, even thought he was a pretty good GM. The past two years at least has given me reason to question his stewardship. I am sure he is a great man, wonderful in the clubhouse in etc. but he is not doing a great job when the game is on the line. Someone is making poor decisions (not even worth saying leaving AJ in the 4 hole most of last year)! Leaving Acosta in for the third inning is not even arguable. This club is in disarray. Yes it is early, but these games count just as much as games in September! Are things getting better? NO! Their is not going to be a managerable change and probably should not be this year.Their should be a mindset change now. This should happen in the clubhouse and on the field. Someone has to have some stones and be the leader not just a friend!
By chris
April 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Thomas is exactly right—- why not use Ohman to start the 12th? And I’m sure it wouldn’t have mattered, but why not Campillo instead of Carlye? Not Bobby’s best game tonight.
However, I’m very intrigued with a June bullpen that looks like this: Smotlz, Soriano, Gonzalez, Acosta, Boyer, Ring, and Bennett. A rotation of Hudson, Glavine, Jurriens, Reyes, and either James or Bennett is doable with that bullpen.
Chris from MD
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I have ever seen worse managerial decisions in quick succession as I saw today.
First of all, Tex is not a poor baserunner. If that is McCann on 2nd with no outs, maybe I understand. Tex is no slower than Chipper or Francoeur. Is Cox going to remove Chipper or Francoeur in that spot?? NO WAY. There is no doubt in my mind that Tex is a better baserunner than Francoeur at this point. Francoeur is running like he has two broken legs since his fantastic decision to put on 20 extra pounds of muscle this offseason.
Taking out Tex, bad enough. Letting Acosta hit when there was an opportunity to score additional runs in the top of the 12th, was assinine.
Leaving Acosta in the game after the first batter reached…stupid. Leaving Acosta in the game after the second batter…idiotic. And so on and so on…
Leaving a reliever in the game to throw 48 pitches???
Prado at 1st base in a 1-run game?
Cox has officially lost it.
BUT…it is only May at midnight.
By 22oz
April 30, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
McFann, you collect articles on McCann? The Athens Herald had an ad for Athens Regional with McCann and his mom posing for a picture. he’s in his jersey and she has on Braves scrubs. Want me to save it?
I have nothing to say about the game, i’m afraid this blog is gonna have a Ghostbusters 2 effect from all the negative vibes. I hate for Vigo the Carpathian to take over the world…
By Doobie Brothers
April 30, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone remember an old Doobie Bros. album named, “What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits?”
That’s the Braves!
They have played like this for two and now starting their third season. So why does anyone think they are going to turn this around just any time now? We’ve heard this for two years from fans who are convinced that the team is just a day or two from righting the ship.
What makes anyone think that the trend that the Braves started two years ago is going to change when they look just exactly like they have looked for two years?
By Robert S
April 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
JJMB, the hitting coach is an overrated position, but the ultimate accountability for the hitting not only lies in the hitters themselves, but I think it extends even further to the manager, whose responsibility is to instill discipline in his players.
The Braves always have had an innate tendency to make mediocre pitchers look good because they fall right into the pitcher’s game plan instead of making the pitcher fall into theirs, which should be one of discipline and working counts rather than “hacking and hoping.” It’s Bobby’s job to ensure this happens.
If you hit it to the left side of the infield with a runner on second, you should get reamed out. If a pitcher has control problems, walks two batters in a row and the next hitter swings at the first pitch he sees, he should be fined or benched.
I don’t believe any of this discipline is happening or even has happened under Bobby Cox. If so, then why do we see the same old tired outcomes like today?
And I believe this problem goes beyond just hitting, I think it extends to all other facets of the game as well. Which explains only one world title among many, many, failed postseasons that ended in virtually the same way year after year.
Lack of discipline.
By Greg
April 30, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
My God, that was awful. It was stunningly awful. It was the worst game that I’ve seen the Braves play since 1990. The only good part of it was JJ’s performance. He was great. But the team sucked. I know it’s early, but I’m really beginning to wonder if this team really has any offensive talent. Too many free swingers. Can’t TP teach them some patience. No MLB pitcher should get out of an inning throwing less than 10 pitches. Make them throw! And for God’s sake, burn those damned blue uniforms.
By Warren Jeffs
April 30, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Hey. Those Braves are a fine bunch of girls. I’d like to marry them.
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Someone answer this question for me:
How is it possible that Gregor Blanco has been on base by walk or hit 22 times so far this season, yet he has only attempted one stolen base?
This is the one player on this team with great speed. Yet, he never runs.
Another sign that Bobby Cox is a half step away from being institutionalized. I think he needs 24-hour care at this point.
By BT
April 30, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Their was an old saying about a manager loses 5 games a year and should win 5-10. We are getting close to our first five.
By mo
April 30, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Think of the bounty of prospects the Braves could get for Hudson and Tex at the deadline……
I figure 5 or 6 very good prospects. The team would have only about 40 million committed to next years team.
Sure, Jurrjens and James would be the only starters, but depending on the guys we get in trades, this could be a very good team by 2011.
By BT
April 30, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Doobie Bros,
I would agree with you but I think we have regressed rather than staying the same unfortunately.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
All these things even out in the long run. Don’t they?
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Pastor Jeffs, you’re here just at the right time. We have a gal named Hammy you should meet. She’s feminine as they come. Hammy’s just a nickname, her full name is Hambolina.
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Another question for the blog:
Has anyone ever introduced Terry Pendleton to Jeff Francoeur and Matt Diaz?
I would think that since this is Matt’s 3rd season with the Braves and Jeff’s 4th season with the club, Terry would be pretty familiar with them by now. Seems as though that is not the case.
Jeff’s at-bat with McCann on 3rd was atrocious. He swung at two pitches in the left-hand batter’s box, and also had an 87-mph fastball blown by him.
Matt swung at a pitch that was up the first base line.
Opposing pitchers must love reading the scouting reports that they are getting on the Braves hitters right now.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I saw the Doobie Bros in the late seventies. Wish I could remember it.
By ijonathan
April 30, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
If we beat the Reds 12-2 next game, all the “Pythagoreans” and other assorted stat-heads out there will proclaim we’re back on track for an expected 100-win season. It’s all good.
By scott boras
April 30, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
this is the first time the word fire sale has been brought up..i think way too early for that..no team has had such bad luck not even the tigers
By JJMB
April 30, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Robert S, I’m not a Cox fan by any stretch. When I think of the wasted talent over the years…. …
I’d really not like to dredge all that up, thanks.
This team is cooked, but they’re worth watching for Chipper, Escobar, and Jurrjens.
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
The Braves are now 6-13 against the Pirates, Marlins, Nationals, and Rockies.
The Rockies are 3-0 against the Braves and 8-17 against the rest of the NL.
The Nationals are 5-3 against the Braves and 6-14 against the rest of the NL.
The Pirates are 2-1 against the Braves and 9-15 against the rest of the NL.
The Braves have the worst road record in Major League Baseball.
At least it is still only April for a couple of hours.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Terry had kind of a weird hitting style. Maybe he ain’t cut out to teach others to hit. Where the Hell is Don Baylor?
I think Terry would make a GREAT manager. Might not be long fore we need him.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
It all evens out in the end.
The team does still currently have the best run differential in the National League East.
Based on the fact that this team has an epic amount of injuries, I would say it is going to be pretty difficult to make the playoffs.
By McFann
April 30, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
22oz—
Anyway you cann post a link to that article on here??
BraveDave—
That was Prado, pinch-running for Tex, on third today. McCann (sigh) never even got to first.
Night, all!!
By geauxbraves2000
April 30, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I didn’t get to watch the game, but from what I’ve read, I didn’t miss much. I thought the writers worked out their deal to go back to work, why are they still showing repeats?
Geaux Braves!!
By i cant take it anymore
April 30, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
good call on the ghostbusters 2 vibe.
By Robert S
April 30, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
For BravesDave
Refer to my 9:18 post on Bobby Cox and his inability to instill hitting discipline in his players. Francoeur and Diaz are merely two examples of the many players over Cox’s tenure who suffer from the “swing and hope” malady that Cox seemingly encourages.
Poor Terry Pendleton can only do so much, but the ultimate accountability goes to the players and Cox himself.
By Negativity
April 30, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
THIS IS THE GREATEST BLOG IN CYBERSPACE!!!!
By Dalai Baseball
April 30, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
All these things even out in the long run. Don’t they?
It’s true. If not in this life then in a future life.
By 22oz
April 30, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
McFann, i only have it on hard copy, i can try to scan it, but not sure what to do after that.
By Cooper
April 30, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Chop Chick has brass ones - after tonight’s management train wreck she is calling for Cox to step down.
First time I can recall a writer for the AJC (see the flags came in)calling for BC to take the long walk.
DOB what do you think? All these injuries clearly are tanking this team but BC is being even more perplexing with his moves.
Injuries and questionable mgt is a bad combo.
If it is not bad mgt then BC has zero confidence in most of the pen.
By Optimism
April 30, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
I AM OUTTA HERE!!!!
By N8
April 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
JJMB
“This team is cooked, but they’re worth watching for Chipper, Escobar, and Jurrjens.”
VERY well said. Chipper is worth the price of admission (or Extra Innings…pick your poison). Escobar is a rising star that will have the other SS in the NL East, looking up to him within two years. JJJ appears to be the real deal.
When you think of the Renteria trade, it is essentially responsible for 2 of the 3 things worth watching on this team. Without that trade, we have no JJJ and Escobar is the uber-utility guy (unless they would have traded KJ for a starter).
But as it stands, the result has been fantastic. Thanks Edgar. You helped us for two years, after we lost Furcal, and now you’ll be remembered as the guy we traded for JJJ, thus helping us for years to come.
Unfortunately, with only Chipper, Escobar and JJJ worth watching, it all of the sudden resembles 1988 when we had Dale Murphy playing the role of Chipper Jones (aging veteran, coming off of a great season, and STILL a fan favorite), Ronnie Gant at 2B (soon to be sent back to the minors to learn the OF), but his bat was electric, similar to Escobar, and Smoltz’ “character” is being played by JJJ. A young “gun” on the rise, hopefully here to anchor the rotation for years.
Of course, hurt or healthy, Smoltz is STILL worth watching as well. With the thought that this could be the swan-song for him, I’m gonna enjoy every inning he pitches….regardless of result.
Ready for the “bad” news?
That 1988 team went 54-108.
Get ready for the ride.
The only question left, is if we finish at the bottom of the barrel, who is gonna be the “next” Chipper Jones? As in, who we gonna take with the #1 overall pick next year?
OK. Maybe that’s a bit harsh. Top 10 pick.
Right now there are only 6 teams with less wins than us.
Yikes.
By THB
April 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Blanco is doing pretty well. He needs to be utilized, preferably the leadoff hitter. Play LF vs. righties and CF vs. lefties. Bat KJ 7th when he comes back.
Fact is, this team has had so much go wrong that they haven’t been able to run on all cylinders yet. Has the starting lineup from opening day even played together at all, especially the rotation? When have we had it go: Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Jurrjens, James/Reyes/Bennet? (Hammy don’t count). Smoltz is going to the pen. We need a starter. We all know the Braves are going to pick up someone who will “hopefully” get the job done and fill in the back of the rotation. You all know, someone like Mark Redman. Okay, maybe a little better, but still. What we don’t need is to kill the farm going after someone, but then again, maybe we need that? I dont know, I just think the Braves need some confidence. When they get it, we might see results.
By Dion James
April 30, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hey, you guys need a leadoff man? I’m your guy. And I still hang around with Charlie Kerfeld. I can bring him along too if ya want.
By JJMB
April 30, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
I have to ask. Why does anyone think Terry Pendelton would be a great manager? People seem to just spit the words out, and no one asks why. I’m asking why. I’m not seeing much in his current task.
By BRAVES~NATION!
April 30, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious we should pay these multimillionaires more money and give them more time off each year…THIS IS A DISGRACE… I, for one, will be going to far fewer games than last year! Perhaps these guys should experinece a real job for a change. PATHETIC!
By Tommy Gregg
April 30, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, Dion James just called me and told me their breaking the Braves up and need players. I’m so there. If you think Prado’s the man at 1st, wait’ll you get a load of this gold glove baby.
By Chris in Marietta
April 30, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Do the Braves stink right now? YES.
Of course they have the ability to content with the Mets and Phillies through the rest of the season, but they need EVERYONE to step up and play to his potential. Too many missed opportunities. Poor Jurgens…what a great pitching performance. Those 0-fers better look long and hard in the mirror and learn to adapt and do whatever is necessary to IMPROVE.
PLEASE.
By Cody
April 30, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I am a die hard Braves fan but what the F******* was Bobby thinking leaving acosta in there for 3 innings. He was oviously looking to save the bullpen or he was thinking: I don’t know what the hell he was thinking. maybe the Braves do need a Matt Morris or Woody Williams Who the Braves clubhouse wants. I say trade for Nady now and get ride of Diaz. Let Blanco platoon with Kotsay. I can’t wait until Infante comes back. Surely ole Woody can’t be any worse than James or Reyes. We need to start winning now the lose today makes me realize that our bullpen is a piece of monkey $hit. If Caryle is in the Bully you are f*******kEEEEED. Bobby must be smoking crack in that pre game cigar leaving Acosta in the game for 3 innings. He must be getting an early dose of alzimeres. My gosh Ohman wouls have atleast got the save. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR. I hate early Braves baseball. It takes Booby toooooo long to realize the could’s and the could nots.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Bobby said Acosta had only thrown “20-something” pitches and hadn’t pitched in four days, etc.
No way to justify the move, though, if you ask me. Unless Ohman and Campillo, or even Resop, were hurting, don’t see how you can leave Acosta in to hit with two on in the 12th AND to pitch a third inning when he’s only once recorded more than three outs this season (he had one four-out game the first week of the season).
He ended up with 48 pitches. He was a basket base out there at the end. Very, very suspect moves.
By mo
April 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
N8
The only question left, is if we finish at the bottom of the barrel, who is gonna be the “next” Chipper Jones?
His name is Jason. He is playing right field for the Rome Braves. He will be here by 2010. That’s why you sell shop now and have a great young team like the D Backs by then. It’s possible. You just have to make the right moves. Smart management.
By bruce
April 30, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Dave: I went to the last five games, NY and DC… thanks for the great (not rambling at all in my view) in-depth on Smoltz today, you gave us a great perspective of probably one of the toughest competitors in sport. (He should get you to write his book) Gotta root for him. Wore my Diaz t-shirt yesterday, got Matt’s attention during BP, he came over to outfield wall where we could talk and asked me where I got it then he suggested “GoodWill?” with a big smile. He is one classy dude, probably not a pretentious bone anywhere in that guy. I’m even a bigger fan now. And I got a BP homer yesterday in left field stands which was nice payback after being knocked down trying to catch a foul ball on Sunday that was hit right to me. Ball landed in the seat next to me… the guy (three people away) that shoved the guy next to him who knocked me down said something about welcome to NY so I called him an extreme lower back body part (twice)… (I better understand the fights in the stands now) I must have scared him because he cleared out when I was headed his way out of the aisle to the men’s room a couple of innings later and he kept an eye on me then waited for me to return before returning to his seat…. BTW I think the food at Nats park is really poor (cold and routine and overpriced for quantity) (except Five Guys) compared to Philly… what are your thoughts on Nats food? Thanks, Bruce
By Russ Nixon
April 30, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Hello…what…hey, Dion. What, they need a new manager?…Yea?…Yea? Well, I think so. Yea, Friday night. Okay, I’ll be there. Bye.
By Jeff321
April 30, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox just had to “lift” Tex for Prado and guess who missed the liner at first? With that said, Manny Acosta is to blame also with his Bill Buckner imitation. However, this one falls square in Cox’s lap.
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
DOB, any comments from Bobby about pinch running for Tex in that spot? It obviously had a major impact on the game as the ball that Prado booted was a double play with Tex at first defensively.
Did you ask Bobby if he left his meds at Shea?
By BravesFanChris23
April 30, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Just want to say something to set the “its over already” regime straight….
If the whole season concluded today, then yes, the season would be over and Braves would be in 4th place. But you know, there’s a pesky fact that’s on the tip of my tongue, umm, its….
MLB Seasons Are 162, I repeat….
One Hundred Sixty Two
Games total. In April they are 12-15, so let me get this straight….
12 + 15 = 162
So, by that math, the season is over already.
Ah shucks. Better luck next year Braves.
Wait….
What about the other 135 games?
Seriously though, with kidding/sarcasm aside, yes this team is snake bitten pretty bad. Yes, it looks doom and gloom. Yes, there is reasons for all the concern, criticism and disappointment.
However….
FACT IS
INDISPUTABLE FACT
There’s plenty of time to get back on track. With all the injuries there is room for concern that it may not happen, but its only April (for a few more hours) and there’s like 5 months left in the season for all the injuries to heal and offense to get going.
Yes, with what’s going on it will be hard to get back into it if what’s going on now continues to last for a significant time. However, despite being snake bitten, Braves this season thus far still has shown reasons that they aren’t through and that they can turn it around. I believe they can, whether they do or not is a different story, but still the point is….
Whether you’re sick or not of hearing “Its Only April” or “Its Too Early To Call It A Season”, the fact is, you can’t dispute those claims just because you’re disappointed in how the season has started. If its the same like it is now, say at the All Star Break and even after then by all means concede the season, you won’t have any argument from me. Again, I am not finger pointing at all, but common sense needs to be the key attribute here for all of us Braves fans.
You don’t have to stop being pessimistic (and yes, there’s substantial reasons to be that way) to have the attribute and you don’t have to stop being optimistic either (also has substantial reasons to be that way).
Bigger picture point is….
We’re all fans of the game and we share a liking for Braves, so please why can’t it be shown with sensibility and common sense, regardless of which side of the spectrum you see it from. I’m not trying to come off as a dictator or anything like that, but its ridiculous seeing all of the illogically blind wave of this optimism versus pessimism of the team/players/ect….
That’s all I want to say on the subject that has been beaten way too much to death.
By Doobie Brothers
April 30, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
As Yogi said, “the game is 90% mental and the other half physical”, or something like that.
Players that arrive at the major leagues are supposed to be technically ready to play. The pitching coach and hitting coach are there to keep them sharp or analyze problems and help fix them when things start going south.
So assuming that Francouer, McCann and their ilk are the superstars in waiting that the Atlanta press makes them out to be, what is lacking with these guys? Do they have the physical tools to be clutch? According to many, they do. Not sure I agree, but if they do have the tools, then what they are lacking is the mental toughness? (or in the wizzard of oz, it was the scarecrow who sang, ” If I only had a brain!”)
Where does the buck stop when considering the lack of mental toughness by these players? (appolgies to Smoltz, Chipper, Yunel and JJJ.) The manager is where the buck stops.
Bobby, you’ve been great! You’ll be in the hall of fame one day.
Maybe you should go ahead and retire to the farm and take care of some of those strays. You were great! Now leave please.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 30, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
BTW, if Woody Williams is the answer I sure don’t want to know the question.
By mo
April 30, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Forget this game, honestly. It is one game. Look at the entire month. People can’t sit there and say:
“Well, we will get lucky at some point”.
We went 6-10 against the Nats, Pirates and Marlins!!!!
That was an opportunity to get off to a good start. The injuries will start to effect this team. They already have. Very possible to see this team only win 75 games. With all of the injuries?
Make a decision for the future and deal Tex and Hudson at the deadline. Get 5,6 or 7 prospects back and be a very good team by 2011. Sign a free agent to replace Chipper by then- H RAM- and then go from there. The team can be great if some smart decisions are made now while we have some very good trading chips.
By Saltywoody
April 30, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
SOLUTIONS
Smoltz: Bullpen
Bullpen: Smoltz
KJ: Advil
Yunel: Manicure
Chipper: Heating Pad
Frenchy: Seasoning (haha, get it?)
Diaz: Blanco
Blanco: Diaz
Cox: “Managing For Dummies” Textbook
The Rotation: ANYTHING but Matt Morris or Woody Williams (they’re like degenerative alzheimer’s for a rotation…but, then again, so is Bobby)
Terry Pendleton: A Whip
Hampton: Wonderbra and/or Vagisil
Done and done.
By Oddibe McDowell
April 30, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
If you’re going to put in a pinch runner, it Oddibe me.
By Chuck Tanner
April 30, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Hey, I should be the first one called. I’ve told everyone for years that I was only a year away for turning the team around!
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Good post BravesFanChris23. Well said. Although I am pretty depressed right now….
Anyway, PENGUINS ARE UP 3-0!!!! WHOA!!!
By tbo
April 30, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
How many times over the years have I said that Bobby Cox needs to go? He is an absolute fool. How can JS and Wren keep this old fart around. Come on. Tonight’s loss is on him. Please. Please. Please. Please fire Bobby Cox.
By gotigers72
April 30, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
I love Smoltz. More fire in his belly than almost all athletes, but he also has the talent to go with it. What a great pitcher/greater Brave this guy has been. Unforgettable to a lifelong Brave fan as myself. Whatever he does with his talents and his desire is fine with me.
What is wrong with the current Braves besides all of the injuries? My take. Forget about Hampton. It’s useless to even think of him coming back. Get rid of Resop and Carlyle, and bring up Stockman and Jo Jo. Someone needs to have a STRONG talk with Jo Jo and convince him that every batter is not Babe Ruth or Albert Pujols. He pitches fine at AAA and then gets up here and nibbles, nibbles, nibbles. That’s his problem. His stuff is fine, more than fine. Something also needs to be done with KJ. .224 average and .318 OBP since last August 5th. Trade him or bench him and go with Prado. Less power, more production. .224 average is not worthy of a major leaguer, much less a ML leadoff hitter.
By Efrim
April 30, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
I get worried, really worried, when Braves players are looking for Woody Williams to come help the staff. The guy had NOTHING left. I hope FW does not listen to them. I’d much rather go with Buddy than sign Woody Williams. I mean, be serious.
By Negativity
April 30, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
I’ll stay here forever if Woody Williams is signed.
By Kentavo
April 30, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Please tell me this is Cox’s last year. I know the players made the botched plays that cost the game - but they shouldn’t have been in there and out of position/out of familiar roles in the first place. Acosta should not have gone a 3rd inning - I nearly choked on my sandwich when I saw him hitting, but I thought maybe Bobby didn’t want to burn another ph, but would still put in another pitcher at the bottom of the inning.
That is the whole problem with Cox’s management style - it’s very corporate. He seems to just see pitcher'' orinfielder” and will plug them in at any time and any spot without regard to the player’s strength or weakness.
I don’t know how those bullpen guys prepare themselves, they never know what their roles are gonna be or how they’re going to be utilized.
I mean Bennett is supposed to be a long relief/spot starter guy, and Cox put him in late innings today. It’s like what he did to Villereal last year.
The thing about it is, Cox will do it again. If the next game goes to extra innings, he’d put Prado in at first again, and let Acosta hang himself again.
By Kentavo
April 30, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Please tell me this is Cox’s last year. I know the players made the botched plays that cost the game - but they shouldn’t have been in there and out of position/out of familiar roles in the first place. Acosta should not have gone a 3rd inning - I nearly choked on my sandwich when I saw him hitting, but I thought maybe Bobby didn’t want to burn another ph, but would still put in another pitcher at the bottom of the inning.
That is the whole problem with Cox’s management style - it’s very corporate. He seems to just see pitcher'' orinfielder” and will plug them in at any time and any spot without regard to the player’s strength or weakness.
I don’t know how those bullpen guys prepare themselves, they never know what their roles are gonna be or how they’re going to be utilized.
I mean Bennett is supposed to be a long relief/spot starter guy, and Cox put him in late innings today. It’s like what he did to Villereal last year.
The thing about it is, Cox will do it again. If the next game goes to extra innings, he’d put Prado in at first again, and let Acosta hang himself again.
By BravesDave
April 30, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Chris23, just one comment on your post. This team is not snakebitten. Yes, they have had injuries, but the pitching staff has actually survived the injuries to date. They have had very few poor starts. Glavine and Jurrjens were both excellent against the Nats, for instance.
I do not consider playing poor fundamental baseball to be a sign of being “snakebitten”. The horrible defensive plays by Acosta and Prado today did not occur because of a snake bite. In addition, the Braves’ hitting woes are not due to a snake bite.
On the other hand, I guess it is possible that Bobby Cox was bitten by a snake and his poison-fueled delirium is causing some of these insane managerial decisions.
Maybe Pendleton or McDowell can suck out the poision.
By Optimism
April 30, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
When it comes to the 2008 Braves, yes, I am blind.
By BravesFanChris23
April 30, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
mo
Forget this game, honestly. It is one game. Look at the entire month. People can’t sit there and say:
“Well, we will get lucky at some point”.
But people can sit there say the season is over, when it’s only one sixth of the way complete and only 3.5 games behind despite all the woes? OK.
That was an opportunity to get off to a good start. The injuries will start to effect this team. They already have. Very possible to see this team only win 75 games. With all of the injuries?
I agree, was a good opportunity to get off to a good start. I also agree about the injuries. Aside from Moylan/Hampton, you know the injuries can heal in enough time to get things back straight right? You know that trades could be made to help to win this year, because there’s plenty time to salvage this year and make a run to win it.
Make a decision for the future and deal Tex and Hudson at the deadline. Get 5,6 or 7 prospects back and be a very good team by 2011. Sign a free agent to replace Chipper by then- H RAM- and then go from there. The team can be great if some smart decisions are made now while we have some very good trading chips.
If Braves become 15 or more games behind at the All Star Break or even after, then your suggestion would become plausible. It would be completely ignorant to do it right now when they are only 3.5 games back and there’s 135 games left to be played (not accounting the make up games).
By Woody Williams
April 30, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Of course some of the Braves would want me! They thought I was Cy Young when I wasn’t able to get over on any other team! Of course,they have a history of getting their head handed to them by pitchers who the rest of the league is having for lunch.
By BravesFanChris23
April 30, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
BravesDave
Chris23, just one comment on your post. This team is not snakebitten.
I know they aren’t. I used the term snake bitten for effect to get my point across to how silly the ones who are acting that way are saying. I’ll admit I’m not good with using stuff like that in sarcasm tone, but hopefully you get what I mean.
By Dion James
April 30, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Hey, Oddibe. Sorry I didn’t call ya. Rick Mahler & Jim Acker were supposed to get ahold of you. You can share a cab with em Friday night.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
I know it’s extremely early, but things are taking on kind of a surreal feel, kinda like a continuation of the Falcons’ unbelievably bizarre run.
Maybe, if it’s true that all things even out in the long run, we’re destined for some bad years, NO MATTER WHAT’S DONE. We’ve had a miraculous run of good fortune, we could easily follow that with a skid down chit creek. Wren is now THE MAN. I don’t care how much he’s worked under JS, he still ain’t JS. JS is a genius who will never be matched by anyone. HE should be a first ballot Hall Of Famer. It would take a miracle for things to ever be so good again for so long.
By geauxbraves2000
April 30, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
If you ever get a chance, take a peek at a Cubs game and watch a Kosuke Fvkudome at bat. I wish the Braves hitters would, they could learn a lot from him.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be completely accurate if I didn’t add this.
The ONLY person who EVER equaled JS as a general manager was Bobby Cox.
By What The
April 30, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Coxs’ “tomorrows another day and, we’ll get ‘em next time,” only breeds an atmosphere that it’s alright to fail.
BravesDave hit the nail on the head as well. The Braves aren’t snake bitten. They just aren’t playing good, fundamental, baseball.
MCCANN- I actually heard John Sciambi make an observation today that I have been thinking about myself for quite some time. I don’t think McCann is much of a game caller. Of course the pitcher can shake off any pitch he doesn’t want to throw, but McCann can steer a game with his pitch calling, even calling a vets game. He tries to get too cute sometimes and have the pitcher nibbling rather than going after guys who are in the hole in the count. It’s caused problems a few times this year. The walk to Kerns in the 12th was a perfect example. In my opinion, he has a long way to go before being considered a complete catcher.
By Tracking DOB's VORB & Sin Shares
April 30, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
With today’s blog, DOB’s Value Over Replacement Blogger has reached all time heights.
By saying a$$ and prick today, DOB also picked up 2 Sin Shares.
By Russ Nixon
April 30, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Ok guys, got the lineup for ya for Friday night…
CF Oddibe McDowell 2B Jeff Treadway 1B Gerald Perry 3B Jim Presley RF Dion James LF Tommy Gregg C Jody Davis SS Rafeal Ramirez SP Rick Mahler
Jimmy Acker was gonna close, but he’s got a bum booby muscule. So I called Joe Boever and he’s gonna cover until Jimmy feels better. Can’t wait to get on the field boys. The fans are gonna love us and how good we are.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 30, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
The problem with Smoltz’s shoulder is the cascade effect it has on the rest of the staff. The Braves were counting on 200+ innings from Smoltz and Hudson and maybe 180 each from Glavine and JJJ (and I think it’s asking too much to expect a 22-year-old to work that much harder than he has in his career, but that’s a whine for a different blog).
No one was publicly counting on Hampton but don’t you think in private they were hoping he would give them something?
Now Huddy and Jair are the only guys you can rely on to pitch deep into games. Glavine’s still the #3 starter but he’s a 5- or 6-inning pitcher, tops.
And with the injuries to the bullpen, any “depth” in the staff is not in Richmond but in Atlanta.
So yes, it’s April, for a few more hours, but it feels a lot later in the season than that.
By Shamus Thacker
April 30, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
I’d just like to see somebody say that name ten straight times….
By Frank Wren
April 30, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Not JS? No I’m not JS and I don’t want to be. I’m doing a pretty good job right now! I worked it so Yunel plays every day. Got JJ in return. Got Glavine back and unless he goes back on the DL, he may get more starts than any pitcher we have right now. He’ll do what we asked of him and eat innings. I got Kotsay for NOTHING and although he’s not going to hit like Barry Bonds or play center like Andruw (in his prime) he’s not costing us 18 mil and he’s hitting higher than .220.
As for what Bobby is doing with the talent he has to work with? Beats hell out of me!
By i cant take it anymore
April 30, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
so cox makes a very odd call with keeping acosta in for 3 innings and now several people want him gone. give me a break
By BravesFanChris23
April 30, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
BravesDave
Chris23, just one comment on your post. This team is not snakebitten.
I know they aren’t. I used the term snake bitten for effect to get my point across to how silly the ones who are acting that way are saying. I’ll admit I’m not good with using stuff like that in sarcasm tone, but hopefully you get what I mean.
Sorry if this is posted twice, my connection hiccuped and I don’t know if it did it while I tried to post this.
By Goldbrick City
April 30, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
If the GUTLESS one from Inverness, Florida SOMEHOW manages to go 7-6 with a 4.78 era, he will tell the Braves “Thanks for the near 40 million, but now I have to have a meeting with my agent to see where I’ll be next year. A discount for taking the Braves to the cleaners, you must be kidding. Just ask Dave he thinks I’m a WARRIOR for TRYING(ROTFLMAO) to come back’.
By David O'Brien
April 30, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Braves have lost 15 of their last 20 road games dating to Sept. 26, and 24 of their last 36 road games dating to Aug. 21. Yikes.
By ssiscribe
April 30, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
DOB: Excellent blog, man. Maybe your best one yet on the ol’ Braves/MIB. As a journalist, you want to bring the reader to the scene of the action. In this piece, you brought us right there into your conversation with Smoltz, interspliced your observations from having watched him pitch for the past six seasons, and painted a portrait that is accurate and compelling.
In the nonsense that sometimes overruns blogs — a battle journalists fight as this new tool of communication evolves — good prose like this is essential. Job well done.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By THE BEAR
April 30, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
My brother, a former college player and a former college umpire and a long time Braves fan, offered a new slant on Hampton. Last week he offered to bet me straight up that Hampton would never pitch another inning for the major league Braves. He added that Hampton no longer had the nerve to face major league hitters, fearing dismal failure. I refused to take the bet.
We did see the new Braves Ace pitch today. Jair Jurrjens is the real deal. That young man is going to be around a long time and at the top of the order. I would not be surprised to see him pitch the opening game next year. His trade is potentially as good a deal as the Braves got when they traded for Smoltz lo those many years ago.
By Philliesuk
April 30, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
This team looks just terrible. I know I’ve been one of those saying, ‘Don’t worry, it’s just April,’ but I didn’t realize things would get worse. Our schedule has been ridiculously soft, so we should be well over .500 at this point. These losses will bite us in the a*%. We are going to have to become a DIFFERENT TEAM to win this division; otherwise, I have a feeling that wild card is the best we will do this year.
We rolled the dice and we lost. That is, we went with an aging team and ended up with lots of injuries. Without these injuries, this is a different team.
We’ve had some pretty bad records to start the season (i.e. 2004), but I haven’t seen a Braves team lose so badly since pre-91.
Francoeur needs to learn some plate discipline, and fast. Even Ray Knight was just laughing at him tonight after his last ‘at-bat.’ Same with Diaz. I don’t even like watching him bat anymore. It’s just too predictable.
Oh well. I’m sure the Braves will score 25 runs over the next two games to make some of us forget how bad this team really is right now.
I still love our team, and I will still watch tomorrow.
By mike
April 30, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
Quick turn on channel 48 and you can watch The Jeff Francour story for the 20th time. New stats for Frenchy including little league he now has played in 5816 cinsecutive innings. All kidding aside. It is not even May and he looks tired. What is the purpose of this iron-man side show. I would be curious to know his stats after the 7th inning
By TLHBrave
April 30, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
So…what’s the going rate for Teixeira on the trade market come July? Anyone figure we can recoup some top minor league pitching talent?
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
The Braves ideally have a great team possibly being the best team in the NL. When you have guys like Mark Texeira and Chipper in the middle of that order, logically they are going to score runs. The other guys in the lineup like Yunel, Franceour, and Mccan certainly are good enough to get on base and produce also.
The starting pitching has been a total improvement to last year. Tim Hudson ERA’s is low, although a couple of suspicios starts were his velocity drops. John Smoltz was absolutely fantastic and he was playing injured(Mike Hampton is exactly the same isn’t he?). Jair Jurriens was a great acquisition this offseason, he has been the best pitcher in this young season so far. Tom Glavine has had some quality starts, his only “bad start” came in the game he injured his hamstring. Jeff Bennet has had a couple of spot starts and has done a godd job. Chuck James was back to earth after his desastrous debut of the season against Colorado. Jo-jo Reyes has been outstanding in triple A, but he has walk at least two per game lets see if indeed his control issues are fixed by the tip McDowell gave him this spring. Mike Hampton throughout his carrer has been an outstanding pitcher, but he is so weak, he needs to enter one of those programs of nutrition.
If you add John Smoltz to that bulpen you gotta admit it is the best bulpen in the majors. Rafael Soriano is an a very good pitcher and when healthy he is a great asset, he could be a closer any time in any team. Mike Gonzales was 24 for 24 in save oppertunities on 2006, he is a dominant lefty pitcher, there is a reason we traded Laroche for this guy. Peter Moylan awesome but probabily done for the year so i wont include him. Manny Acosta did a good job last year and has been very good this year despite a couple of bad outing were he had control issues. Will Ohlman, this lefty reliever acquired from the Cubs this offseason has actually surprised me I pictured him a lot worse, he is like a Mike Remlinger. Blaine Boyer has great stuff, and I think he can be used in those middle innings like the sixth and the seventh with Manny Acosta. Jorge Campillo has to be included in this list after his fantastic April, he has an ERA under 1.00. Jeff Bennet has been good too and can be used as a long relief or a spot starter when a pitcher in the starting rotation gets an injury.
Lineup:
Bench:
I think the weakness is the Bench, but with Matt Diaz it becomes much better. Probabily later when Thorman get hot in Triple A he can replace Gotay in the 25man roster.
By joebrave
April 30, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Somebody pleeeeeeeeze tell me Hampton didn’t hurt his little titty again!!! Geez Cmon Hammy retire already,geez you’re worse than that thief Mike Vick,you ought to be arrested for theft!!! Damn!!!!!
By Tomas
April 30, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Pitching:
By Bravesfan79
April 30, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
So DOB tell us….do any other MLB teams let the pitching coach or any other coach besides the head coach…be in charge of the pen and who gets called in??
The Braves would be best with A) Bobby at the top leading the troops… along with… B) Someone ELSE taking over the strategic decisions for the club! Ive thought this for about 3 years now.
Kinda like how i think GT Hoops would be REALLY good with Hewitts recruiting ability….along with some really good assistants to help with the minor details.
I wanna hope for the best having Smoltz going in the pen, but i sadly just dont trust Cox to use him right. Whenever i see Smoltzie needlessly warming up in the pen in a 5 run game or so (we all know its gonna happen) im gonna cringe.
Ive said this a few times on this blog over the past week or so, and tonight our doubts concerning Cox’s lacking strategic skills were confirmed.
I wanna see Bobby still be the head man, id just like to see the assistant coaches given more power. I mean it cant get any worse…right??
By N8
May 1, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
BravesDave
Bravo on your 10:46.
Bravo.
Chris23
I realize now, that your use of the term “snake-bitten” was sarcasm.
But BraveDave’s post STILL is excellent, when directed at all the people using luck an explanation for our mis-fortune.
Bobby….do us all, and yourself a favor and put your letter of resignation on Wren’s desk, upon arriving at Smoltz Field tomorrow.
YOU “like Smoltz as a starter”???
I’d like you better NOT in our dugout.
By nolie
May 1, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Hey, thank goodness we got that loser Johnson out of the lead off spot finally. And it worked so well. Only took 12 innings to score 2 runs tonight. What a vast improvement. We got this thing licked now for sure!
By Tomahawkin
May 1, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
From the comments of the outcome of the game, I don’t think I was the only one who was ready to Kick the TV, and Start getting Violent…
Most Braves fans that have been on here would say its still early, I remember in 04 we hit Rock-Bottom when Randy Johnson clowned us with that perfect game against the AAA Atlanta Braves, but this year so far we are the Most Overrated team in MLB Other than WhineBrenner and the Yankees, I think ESPN cursed us when John Kruk said that we would end up in the series…
Fact of the Matter is that This Team Flat Out SUCKS!
I’m getting tired of the preseason hype that we will win one more championship before “Hoss” Glavine, and Smoltzie retire. If we are 15 games below .500 in July I say keep those three here, trade TEX, and bring up more exciting young players who actually give a damn if they get clowned by a team that is expected to finish fourth in their division…
Anyone ready for UGA Football?
By Royce Ring
May 1, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Hi,
I suck
By Tomahawkin
May 1, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
I was telling people on a Facebook braves group that Hampton can’t be counted on, didn’t we Lost that game with him last year?
We need to just send his a.ss home and coach little league, but wait he might get hurt doing that, Go Figure?
He’s breaking down like that statue in that Steroids is bad for baseball commercial…
By Jeff Francoeur
May 1, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Hi,
I refuse to move runners over and I will eventually be just like Andruw Jones at the plate, but I want $12MM a year
By Mike Hampton
May 1, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Hi,
Has anyone seen my testicles, they have been missing for almost 3 years now?
By poorbrave
May 1, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Time for Bobby Cox to retire. Its going to get worse.
By BravesDave
May 1, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
I just gained a whole new level of respect for Royce Ring after reading his 12:22am post.
When does Chris Resop look in the mirror and make a similar confession?
On the other hand, I still have a problem with Jeff Francoeur. Jeff, I can appreciate that you are willing to admit that you refuse to move runners over. I just think that you also need to admit that you do not waste time thinking about the art of hitting. Your thought process during an at-bat can be summed up this way:
See pitcher begin windup, start swing.
By N8
May 1, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
nolie
“Hey, thank goodness we got that loser Johnson out of the lead off spot finally. And it worked so well. Only took 12 innings to score 2 runs tonight. What a vast improvement. We got this thing licked now for sure!”
Uh….Blanco was on base in 3 of his 5 plate appearances, and scored one of the two runs that the team scored, and he is now hitting .361 for the year and has an OBP of .489 (pssst….that’s REALLY GOOD).
In KJ’s LAST THREE GAMES, he’s been on base 3 times in 14 plate appearances, while scoring…..1 run, and is now hitting .241 for the year, with an OBP of .341, yikes.
Sorry dude. Can’t blame Blanco for today.
But one could blame KJ for a good portion of the 3 losses in which he got on base 3 times.
Nice try though. However, you are correct. Today’s loss shows that KJ in the lead-off spot is only ONE of the teams issues. But it’s one with an EASY solution (even if only temporary - when KJ is healthy and ready to contribute…..give him his job back), yet Bobby won’t do it.
That my friends, defines insanity.
By Bravesfan79
May 1, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
I dunno if anyone else has said this on this blog before but….. I seriously think Hampton should be just considered a 3 inning pitcher at the most and just be done with trying to make him go 5 innings in a minor league start. He can help us in the pen, in long relief, at the most. Maybe take the place of Buddy Caryle and move Buddy into the 5th spot.
Who better to go 3 or so innings in a extra inning game like todays than a ex-starter??
But just like Smoltz in the pen….hes not a guy we can afford to have warming up in meaningless games.
By Luis Polonia and Mike Devereaux
May 1, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
You’ll never win it all again without us.
Never.
By Bama
May 1, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Smoltz is Mr. Brave! So is Hoss! What ever Smoltz wants let him have it. Starter, Pen, pitching Coach or MGR let him have it. He Is a Winner. Will make a great Mgr. Time for BC to manage the animal farm.
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
Text message I got from Smoltz at 12:01 a.m.: “I am planning on coming back as a reliever first and more than likely for the rest of this year.”
By nolie
May 1, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Sorry dude. Can’t blame Blanco for today.
But one could blame KJ for a good portion of the 3 losses in which he got on base 3 times.
Nice try though. However, you are correct. Today’s loss shows that KJ in the lead-off spot is only ONE of the teams issues. But it’s one with an EASY solution (even if only temporary - when KJ is healthy and ready to contribute…..give him his job back), yet Bobby won’t do it.N8
I wasn’t trying to blame it on Blanco. Hey I am one of just a few guys who were pushing hard for Blanco to make this team so I have nothing against him.
I was trying to make the point that it is only part of the problem with this team. I think all that concentrated ranting about Johnson was overdone, and hey he mighta gotten on 4 times tonight and hit a homer for the winning run.
The point being that you never know what will happen or what might have happened and anyone who thinks that they do to the extent of multiple rants about it is kidding themselves.
By Sir Stealth
May 1, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
I doubt I’ve ever been that frustrated by an April game.
That being said, the “white flag” mentality is really strange to me. Even if you’re just a fan that doesn’t matter, even if you’re just venting anonymously on the internet…I mean, trying to be the first to give up on everything? Not how I’d want to go about my life even if it’s something meaningless. I’m worried as hell about the team, but there is a ton of baseball left to play, and I’d expect them to keep fighting. I hope the white flag mentality doesn’t translate into all y’all’s actual lives; makes you sound like a loser when you act like that.
Also, the Polonia/Devereaux comment was funny as hell. Hope it isn’t accurate though.
By Sir Stealth
May 1, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this
Also, I thought Bobby gave away the game tonight. But every negative comment about Bobby should begin, “I know Bobby is one of the greatest managers ever and thank God we’ve had him but…”
The man is the Atlanta Braves whether you like it or not. If you hate Bobby, then you hate the same damn team that you pay so much attention to and get all bent out of shape and b!tch on the internet about.
The man certainly doesn’t need me to preach and stand up for him in a public forum but it needs to be said amidst all the monster truck/surrender talk. All you people call Hampton a wuss, then you wanna be the first to tell the team to quit, give up, and stop trying, fold it up after one month.
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
The Bear, regarding Jurrjens, yes he is for real. And here’s a stat found when I was doing game story tonight: This was the sixth time in 13 career starts that he’s allowed three hits or fewer in five or more innings, including each of his last three starts.
In his last three starts he’s given up three hits and one run in seven innings vs. the Dodgers, two hits and three runs in six innings vs the Mets, and two hits and one run in seven innings tonight (or last night; you know what I mean).
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
Sir Stealth, well said.
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
you guys should listen to my in a time like this.
he talks like tommy lasorda. he’ll have you all optimists by morning.
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
Sometimes in life, when you hit rock bottom, you become very successful.
Maybe tonight was rock bottom. It sure can’t get worse.
We’ll see how the team responds. If i’m a brave, i come out livid next game against Cinci.
If i’m Bobby Cox, I stop making boneheaded moves. I stop putting players in positions they’re not supposed to be and put them in positions and situations where they can excel like I used to do.
I totally reevaluate the team. Do we really need two catchers? No. Bring up Anderson and send back Corky until we work out a trade for Pena. Is May 7th worth it to bring up Anderson so it doesn’t count as 1 year in the majors? No.
Do we need two second basement on our bench as reserves? No. Get rid of Gotay and bring up (ahem) Thorman to back up first base (ahem), for now.
Reevaluate Hampton. Set a realistic timetable on his return, one which involves his pec from healing completely before him pitching again.
Set a realistic timetable on Gonzo. When he says, i’m rushing because i get the sense they want me to and they need me, set him down and convince him otherwise.
Etc…
This team is making rash decisions. Regroup. Reevaluate. Set some goals. And play baseball. the right way.
By AmazinsAgain08
May 1, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
P.S. - Where are you proud Met fans? You are really putting up a war-like effort against those Pirates. Argh!Steve-O
Right here little Braves buddy. Yup, we got clobbered, but youse guys lost your 14th straight one-run game, so why would you run your mouth? Last time I checked it’s youse looking up at us in the standings not the other way around. You’re kind of a cretin ain’tcha?
By Kev
May 1, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
But Sir Stealth isnt Hampton a wuss indeed???…please give him some vagisil…he doesnt have what we call CAJONES!!!understand????that “pec” strain is in his damn head…
By JT
May 1, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for the update on Smoltz….the guy is a true brave…what a player,i wish more MLB player were like him…when do you think he’s going to come back,now as a closer,End of this month,maybe?? Early June???
By Luis Polonia and Mike Devereaux
May 1, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the props, Sir Stealth. We took over Chop Chop’s computer for a minute and had to give this blog some truth.
By Vincent Vega
May 1, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this
I would like to take this opportunity to say something to Mr. Smolz. Smoltzie, I’ve watched you from day one. You were always my favorite, even when the evil genius Madd dog was starting every opening day. When you one the Cy, when you became the definition of a closer and when you came back and turned out at 38 to be a better STARTER than anybody on the staff…I was watching. If you never throw another pitch, you’ll go down as the greatest Braves pitcher in history. Now you’re going to CLOSE again? At first, I thought you were crazy! But I’ve thought about it, and dammit, if you decided to play center and bat fifth, I think I’d feel pretty good about it. Thanks AJC. And Smoltz, long may you run sir.
By Chris J
May 1, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this
Seems to me the Braves are really at a crossroads with this year’s team. Assuming Smoltz is in the ‘pen for the rest of the year, and assuming Hampton gives us nothing significant (maybe 5 starts at most), I don’t see us having enough starting pitching left to make the playoffs. After Hudson, Glavine, and Jurrjens, the options for the #4 and #5 spots are looking very much like they did last year, and that didn’t work out too well. With the clock seemingly ticking on Smoltz’s career, Texieira probably gone after this year, Glavine and Cox possibly retiring, and Chipper aging (I know he is batting over .400, just hope he can stay on the field for 150 games), seems like the Braves need to make whatever trades are necessary to obtain the needed pitching to take one more shot at winning it all this year.
I know they would have to trade away some valuable pieces, but what exactly are they saving them for? Next year you could see Smoltz, Glavine and Cox retired, Tex and Kotsay gone, and Chipper in his final option year. The starting rotation would be down to Hudson, Jurrjens, whoever we could sign as a free agent, and various combinations of past failures (James, Jo-Jo, Carlyle).
I’d rather take one more shot with this team and give Smoltz another chance for the postseason.
By Chop Chop
May 1, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this
Yeah. I’ve been studying for finals tonight and had to let off a little steam about the Bravos. We just haven’t been the same since Polonia and Devereaux left. I also chimed in as Oddibe McDowell.
Where’s “Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the” Albert Hall? Awesome Berman-style nickname there.
We do have a good one on the present team now, though:
“Bobby’s not going to put him in, is he? No way. You’ve got to be kidding me!” Will “this guy ever learn?” Ohman “we’re f***!”
I’d pay to hear Berman say that.
By mark
May 1, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this
I hope if John Smoltz makes this his last year hw will become the manager/closer for the team next Season.I think the Braves are stagnent and its time for new leadership////Why Take a gold Glove out of lineup///just for a pinch runner. You never take a Tex out of youe game….That be like taking a Chipper out….Lots of questionable Manager moves today in this game.Bobby has been great for baseball…but I think its time for himto take a good place on the bench.
By Nick Esasky
May 1, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this
The way I figure it, if down is up, then we’re in second place, right?
Let me brace myself.
Okay. Like I said, if up is down…
Uh oh.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 1, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this
There isn’t anything that I can say that hasn’t already been said about yesterday’s game.
However, I’m beginning to have my doubts when it comes to out venerable Hall of Fame manager.
Does anyone find it somewhat of a coincidence that when Leo Mazzone left, the losing started.
Do I still believe this team to be playoff caliber, absolutely yes.
Do I believe the next thirty days will make or break the season, it’s possible but not likely. The Marlins are leading the division, read between the lines.
Back to my biatching.
Neither Brayan Pena nor Buddy Carlyle belong on any major league roster, much less with the Braves.
Kelly Johnson is not the prototypical lead off hitter. Not yesterday, today or ever, period.
Half of the bullpen stinks and it is in need of a swift kick in the kiester. At least one of them should get his walking papers just to send the message that mediocrity will no longer be tolerated.
Jeff Bennett belongs in the rotation. I would make Chuck James my long man until he either proves that he can handle the job or botches it.
Hampton is really screwed up between the ears. Unless he gets his head right and soon, the Braves are going to have to seriously think about giving him the boot.
Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton should both get the chance to pitch for the Braves and soon. I know Reyes is already slated to start this weekend.
Concerning the Atlanta media, you guys need to step up to the plate and start publicly questioning the managing acumen of Bobby Cox. The man needs to understand that his job performance is in need of the dreaded VOTE OF CONFIDENCE.
By P-Town Brave
May 1, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this
Sir Stealth
Most of us aren’t saying that we hate Bobby, just that it is his time to go off into the sunset…
There does in fact come a time when the game has passed you by or you feel like you can’t be up to the level you once were…
Happened to Jordan, Bird, McGriff, and most recently Favre…
Its been about 3-4 years now that Bobby should have thrown in the towel…
If he doesn’t throw it in soon, THEY will throw it in for him, and thus diminish his legacy a little
See Michael Jordan as a Wizard :-/
I do agree w/ Nolie to an extent…we have many issues, but most of them lie within changes that need to be made w/in the coaching staff…
You fix the Johnson problem, get the bullpen guys in set roles, and STOP playing Matt Diaz against RHP…and guess what, THOSE decisions are made by the coaching staff…
Oh, and when I mean Bobby needs to ride off, I certainly would want him to personally pack the bags of TP, Roger, Snitker, and ESPECIALLY Chino…
I mean really, when is the last time someone talked about what a damn fine job Roger is doing?
Oh yeah…thats right..everyone is “finding it” in Triple-A w/ Guy Hansen and then being perpetually screwed up by Roger once they get here…
Along w/ that, is there anything Chino does besides eat? I mean if he scouted opposing teams as well as he does the buffet menu, we certainly wouldn’t be out of place like we always are defensively.
Lastly, TP…We know he doesn’t work w/ Chipper or Mac, and I had heard that he hasn’t done much w/ Yunel…leave out Blanco here because he just came up this season…
That leaves a bunch of guys who have done NOTHING since he has been hitting coach…
And as far as I could recall, Francoeur’s primary language is not Spanish…so, yes, a problem INDEED!
All I am saying, and frankly have been for awhile is that there is something wrong if they continue to bat a guy like Kelly who is clearly not a leadoff hitter leadoff, and continue to bring relievers in strange and different situations every time, we will continue to fail for the rest of the season…
There is a point in time when you lead the league in batting average and are 2nd in ERA when you realize that it can’t just be the players faults…
0-9 in 1-run games
That is all, good night now!
By Moby Grape
May 1, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves are tyring to lose consecutive 1-run loss for each year they won their divisionBobbysCox
They just did. That’s 14 in a row back to last season I believe.
By BA
May 1, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this
“If you’re going to use a pinch hitter, it Odibe me” -Odibe McDowell…somebody’s got into the cooking sherry
By ObiwanKobe
May 1, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this
If Smoltz is closing, efee the NBA Playoffs (life long Laker fan) I’m buying Extra-Innings. He’s not going to go out like that and niether is Larry. JJJ is a #1, and if someone would slap Hudson around this team would be in great shape. Chuck has thrown well, as has Bennett, bring JoJo back, see if he’s caught some of that Richmond magic, and they’re set. Get the offense to score an early run, and get into the BP and it’s over. You have to deal w/ Camp / Boyer, Gonzo, Soriano then Smoltz; Sorry you get through 5 with the lead it’s over. You’ll have to swallow the ocasional solo homer, but it can be dealt with. All this team needs to do is come together, get an attitude, get some confidence an start beating the crap out of whom ever they are playing. The talent is there. It will work out, trust me, it’s obvious.
By P-Town Brave
May 1, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
DOB
Whenever you get up, would be interested for your comments about my 2:58 AM post…
Oh, and I’m still waiting on that record in 1-run games from 2006-now
By BA
May 1, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this
What about this Canazares?! This guy is tearing it UP DOB! I know he’s a DH, but apparently so is Pena. And what about Anderson? He’s hitting .297. I really wish they’d trade Kotsay or Diaz and use Blanco/Anderson. I’m compelled to see Reyes pitch saturday. Hey DOB, what about Morton? Who’s the better overall prospect? Is Morton a potential two or maybe a four? I personally think Reyes could be a strong number two. Anyway, I mainly want to see this Canazares called up to pinch hit. Only guy at Richmond Braves with a hint of power.
By BA
May 1, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this
By the way, sounded good on Steiner there, DOB. Steiner’s show is like going over to your crazy old aunt’s house. Nice to see (hear) you over there. Steiner calls a great game, too. Really, so does Sterling. Minus the excessive catch-phrases. Not sure about his old lady sounding sidekick, however. Talk about crazy aunts.
By Nose-Rubber-Into-it-er
May 1, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
Just so you all know, I an taking the names of all who are maligning the Braves and Mr Cox and when they are back in the middle of the race this fall I am gonna CALL EVERY ONE OF YOU OUT.
By brewdawg
May 1, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this
Okay, so the sky is falling because our Braves are heading into May 3 games out of first? How exactly are you folks reacting to the escalating gas and food prices? Car-burnings? Stonings? Pillaging?
By Moby Grape
May 1, 2008 5:08 AM | Link to this
. And what about Anderson? He’s hitting .297.BA
He was batting .397 not too long ago. It will likely continue to go down. He projects as about a .260/.320 guy in the bigs.
Canazares would definitely be better than Pena as some of us have stated before if all you need is a PHer, but it’s very possible that Pena is being carried that way so far until they can trade him. At this point it seems unlikely that they would just dump him after spending this amount of effort to keep him on the roster.
I’m guessing that he is gone as soon as they can find any kind of deal especially after Infante comes nack. Of course he seems almost as reluctant as Mikey does.
By ncgary
May 1, 2008 5:23 AM | Link to this
great insight on smoltz dob
i wander if people here in atlanta know how lucky we have been to have smoltz, he is a pitchers pitcher
heres hoping smoltz gets that chance to go out on his own terms, he and chipper both deserve that
By nolie
May 1, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Washington Wins On A Missed Sign
HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Sports Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)—Wil Nieves wasn’t supposed to bunt, of course.
Indeed, with a 1-2 count, the Washington Nationals tried to signal to Nieves that he shouldn’t try to sacrifice over the two runners on base with no outs in the 12th inning against the Atlanta Braves. But Nieves didn’t see the sign, and bunted a ball right back to the pitcher’s mound. A sure out, maybe even two, right?
Except reliever Manny Acosta let the ball go through his legs for an error, loading the bases. Acosta then walked in the tying run, and left for Buddy Carlyle, who gave up Felipe Lopez’s RBI single that delivered Washington’s 3-2 victory over the Braves on Wednesday, dropping Atlanta to 0-9 in one-run games this season.
“Destiny, baby! It was a mix-up with the signs,” Nationals manager Manny Acta said. “He bunted the ball real bad, too. But the pitcher couldn’t field it.”
Said Nieves: “It was my fault. But it worked.”
That, right there, is some indication of how well things are going for Washington—winners of three consecutive games, and five of their last six—at the moment, and how poorly things are going for Atlanta—losers of four consecutive games and six of eight.
“It’s not very much fun,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said.
His club is the first since the 2000 Houston Astros to lose its first nine one-run games.
“It’s happened for a whole month. We haven’t been doing the little things to win games,” Atlanta’s Mark Teixeira said. “Fundamentals haven’t been very good, so everyone’s got to look each other in the mirror and figure out a way to get these wins.”
By Dudeman
May 1, 2008 6:11 AM | Link to this
It’s long past timne to face reality folks. Yes, a pen of Smoltz, Gonzalez & Soriano sounds intimidating. And the rotattion everyone dreamed of just a month ago (Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, etc) sounded formidable. But look at the facts:
Smoltz: He’s finished. He’s 41. Maybe he can limp through this year. Maybe.
Glavine: He’s over 40. You can’t count on him long term.
Hudson: Inconsistent. His best years are behind him.
Gonzalez: Why does anyone believe he’ll just step in and produce? Since when has any other Atlanta pitcher steped in after majjor arm surgery without “tweaking” something?
Soriano: All we’ve heard is what he can do. We haven’t seen anything more than a short glimpse. He’s always hurt.
Moylan: Out until next year. Another bum arm.
Hampton: I still think the Braves should cut their losses, eat his contract and bring up a younger arm. I said it oin a blog two years ago, he’s done!
Remember the late 80s; Smoltz and Glavine getting called up and going through the growing pains to become Hall of Fame pitchers? Well, time to call up our young arms, like a Jair Jurrjens, and let’s give them their chance. Atlanta will not win anything this year or any other year they depend on game but long past their prime pitchers and those that are injured.
D.O.B: Why is it that all our pitchers have arm issues? This was not as much a problem when Leo was around. Is there a connection with the arms problems and a different philosophy?
Bobby Cox: I think he’s going to see this and realize he’s not up to rebuilding. I may be wrong on this one, but I see him going out at the end of the season with Smoltz & Glavine.
I’m a fan like everyone else, but it’s time to face the facts that this isn’t working.
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this
BA, I like your analogy about the Steiner show (crazy Aunt’s house). Don’t know that Charley would like it, but I’m guessing he would. He’s a different dude. In a very good way.
By Longtime Braves Fan
May 1, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Braves fans, it’s time to face it. The team is done. Our glory days are over. We have an absentee owner that won’t spend the money to make us truly competitive. We lose Texeira at the end of this year. Then we lose Smoltz and Glavine. Fans will lose interest, and that will give the owners more reason to skimp on talent. We’re done. At the end of this year, we will begin the long decline back to the truly horrendous Braves of the mid-’80s. Last night was just a portent of what’s to come. The KC Royals were once one of the most dominant teams in sports. Now, they are a joke because of cheap ownership. That is, sadly, our future. The Mets sign Santana. We hope Hampton doesn’t get a career-ending hangnail. You can bet that at the trading deadline the Mets will be buyers and we will be sellers. God, I miss the days when I’d open the paper and see that the Braves got the great free agent. That’s done. It’s over. Oh, we’ll sign some middling free agents, but no Santanas or Peavys. No Texeiras or other sluggers. We are now a mid-level team on the decline. I bet that Chipper doesn’t even finish his career here. He will be a hell of a DH somewhere in the AL, probably NY or Boston. I’m sorry, but I’m depressed. I really believed this team was a champion this year. Now, I doubt we win 70 games. Our starting pitching is horrendous and our offense is crippled by lack of speed. God, I would kill for just one Braves player who was fast enough to steal bases and break up DPs. But we haven’t had that since Furcal, and he wasn’t even that great a leadoff man. Speed, yes, but he fell in love with the long ball.
By armesjr
May 1, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
I was at the game last night, and man was it hard to watch. Cox made several questionable decisions last night. I dont really know why he had martin prado pinch run for Tex. I never knew Prado even played 1st base before. That really came up to haunt us in the bottom of the inning, when Prado screwed up a routine double play. Also i am not really sure why Acosta pitched the 12th. He barely even got out of the 11th. He loaded up the bases and happend to get a ball hit right back to him for an easy double play. He was all over the place the entire night. He would look good against one hitter, then walk the next guy on 4 straight pitches. I got the feeling he was in there, just because Cox didnt want to use another arm, but sure enough after he loads the bases up and gives up a run, he brings Buddy in. I really feel like Cox’s questionable moves cost us that game last night. This is my second Braves/Nationals game this season, went opening day. Their stadium is not very impressive. Dont get me wrong, it is nice, but not what i expected. You would think with opening a brand new ballpark, you would try to incorporate the city, the river, or just have something disticnt about your ballpark. The only thing they have is a monsterous scoreboard. On another note, i am convinced Hampton just no longer wants to pitch and is actually faking these injuries. I dont really think it is physically possible to be hurt his often. Hopefully, the Braves can stay within striking distance of the NL East leaders until we get some people back from injury, then make a run.
By flange1
May 1, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
What an awful way to lose! It seems the Braves are coming up with brand new ways to screw up games.
Normally, I would argue with the negative comments from the night before, but today I can’t.
The game was a total mess yesterday and the finger must be pointed directly and Bobby Cox for the loss.
No reason to go into all of the bad decisions because they have been discussed to death over night.
The team needs a spark plug to put some life into them.
N8 has been saying something similar for a couple of days.
Remember when Marcus GIles came up? Remember the enthusiasm that he played with? It rubbed off on the team.
Aaron Rowand did the same thing for the Phillies.
The Braves DO NOT have any spark.
They play like they are sleep walking. It is amazing to watch other teams play baseball and actually seem to enjoy it and have fun.
Not the Braves.
The fundamentals of this team are also pathetic. I see teh Rangers are having the same issue and they are starting ti have infield practice before the games.
Maybe the Braves need to consider some practice as well. Maybe some bunting practice?
Things need to change soon.
By Will
May 1, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
It is sad to say it but its May 1 and the Braves are already in big big trouble. Once again they cannot win a close game and once they finally took the lead the p** poor excuse for a bullpen promptly blew it. It doesnt matter if John Smoltz is in the bullpen because he is only one man. He cant pitch the 7th, setup and close. Mike Hampton is a total joke. I dont think there is a bigger sissy in MLB. Braves should just shut him down, pay him his money and tell him to get the hell out of here. Then there is Bobby Cox. I like the guy and he has done great things for the braves, but there comes a time when the status quo just isnt going to work anymore. This is the same old BS as last year and the year before. Its hard for me to accept, but i am truly beginning to believe the Braves are just a flat out, oft injured baseball team.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Cox didn’t make the right decision keeping Acosta in there, but this team has a lot of problems other than Cox. Yes, we have injuries to the pitching staff, but the offense is so bad from the 7th inning on in late and close games, that it is almost comical to call them a playoff caliber team. Smoltz coming back as a reliever is fine, but if that’s the case, this team needs anther starter in the worst way. And I can’t imagine them trading for one until at least June 1. You just don’t see many trades before June. Very rare. The Braves are going to have to figure out a way to stay in the race.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Did you know that the Braves had a better run differential this year than last year 27 games into the season? The Braves were 17-10 with 142 runs scored and 126 runs given up. 127 runs scored to 105 runs given up and we are 12-15 this year. 0-9 in one run games. I think someone asked the question last night, Is Turner Field built on an Indian Burial Ground???
By tylerwoods
May 1, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
One positive story in the midst of the worst Braves team since 1990…kidding…Kotsay is starting to rake. He is hitting .366 in his last eleven games.
By bobby cox is my grandpa
May 1, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Any update on Bennett’s bloody nose? That was freaky looking yesterday. That poor dude, he’s bailed at least 2 of our starters out and could have something seriously wrong with him…while Hampton’s boobie still hurts. Good grief. Hey, Jeff…just stick a tampon up there and pitch it out.
By mo
May 1, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Escobar hasn’t had an extra base hit in 12 games……
By jrjags
May 1, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Longtime Braves Fan,
Things aren’t as doom and gloom as you believe. Our payroll actually went up 10 million this year under Liberty, and we now have the tenth highest payroll in the majors, fourth in the NL. And about those high priced free agents, how is that working out for the Mets and Santana? He can’t pitch every day or hit for their old guys who are either hurt or declining (Alou and Delgado). You have to build through the farm system as the Diamondbacks did. They have a really young team of players they developed like we did in the early 90s.
Our farm system is in good shape. We went up in Baseball America’s rankings despite the Teixera trade. And if we don’t pick things up by the break, I bet Wren would look into dealing Tex if we don’t plan to resign him. With Tex, do you really want 20% of your payroll in one guy? We have several left handed pitchers in the minors who look good, and Tommy Hanson has been tearing it up. We need to be patient as the old guys slowly pass the torch to the young guys. After that we can go out and get a guy or two we need like the Dbacks did with Dan Haren. After all, our average age is only 28 with Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton. We are a team trying to win now and build with young guys.
By brent a.
May 1, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
DOB
In response to your 10:14 post from last night, I got to thinking about 2 real Bobby head scratchers from season’s past (1 in 2005 and the other in 2006).
In August ‘05, Bobby let Chris Reitsma bat against Ray King with the bases loaded in the top of the 9th with a 3-1 lead, instead of letting Julio pinch-hit and try and blow the game open.
Reitsma grounded out to 2nd, then proceeded to give up a game-winning grand slam to Eckstein. Reitsma was never a guy you could count on to go more than one inning (he recorded the final out in the 8th), and he certainly wasn’t your best bat in that situation. To top it off, Reitsma was NEVER THE SAME again. That was the outing that shook him for good.
The second was in 2006, in a Saturday game at Cincinnati. Jason Shiell was pitching, and not pitching very well at that (he had already blown a 3-run lead). In the top of the 3rd, Cox let Shiell bat with the bases loaded and 2 outs, only to see him ground out.
Shiell struggled in the bottom of the 4th, and was lifted without ever recording an out in that inning.
Technically, the latter move was not as bad, but Jason Shiell had never shown us that he had anything, and we had a chance to get a big lead in an important game. Instead, he relied on an unproven pitcher, and he got burned. And, as it turned out, we still used 5 pitchers that game.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
May 1, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
I’ve been avoiding posting on the blog since the season started because while the number of posts have increased, the quality hasn’t.
Here’s a question for the loyal off-season bloggers:
The Braves have been a .500 team for the last couple of years. There’s always reasons to believe they can contend (thank you, wild card) but here’s what concerns me most about the long-term viability of the Braves as contenders:
Lack of starting pitcher development.
Since Kevin Millwood (and to a much lesser degree, Odalis Perez), the Braves have not developed a long-term starting pitcher.
(There’s a huge asterisk by Adam Wainright.)
It’s a similar problem to that the Royals had after John S. was the general manager. Look at the Royals and how they stopped developing young arms (after Danny Jackson, Gubiza, Saberhagan (sp)). The exception? tom Gordon.
Now look at all the Braves quality starting pitchers the Braves developed in the ’90s.
Who drafted them? Who traded for Smoltz?
A GM named Bobby Cox.
My point isn’t the obvious one.
My point is, if the Braves are still .500 by mid-July, I hope Frank Wren gives serious thought about using Texeria has an asset to acquire young starting pitching like he did with Renteria.
Because if we assume that Smoltz and Glavine will not be in the rotation next year, the rotation, as it stands would be Hudson, Jurrjins, and who exactly? Maybe James? Maybe Reyes? Maybe Morton?
Maybe that’s a really scary thought.
Because they Braves have proved that for the last ten years, only one of their pitchers named “Maybe” have turned out.
That one happens to be anchoring a starting rotation.
The Cardinals rotation.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Well, Chop Chick brought it up in her blog so I will bring it up now on this one.
Maybe it is time for Bobby Cox to go. It happens to the best of them. His message isn’t getting through. This team needs a different type of manager. Despite the veterans this team has it is a very young team. They need a manager who has patience but makes these guys accountable and has some real fire to him.
A guy like Phil Garner perhaps. I know this sounds blasphemous but it is apparent to me that whatever Cox is saying isn’t getting through. Well, that is if he is saying anyting at all.
By chase
May 1, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Guys as bad as it seems right now…Remember this
The Braves are #3 in the MLB in total ERA
and
A couple days ago they lead MLB in the Starter’s ERA
and
The Braves are #6 in overall hitting in the MLB…
As bad as the Braves have been..NOBODY in the Division has been much better
Smoltz comes back to Bullpen, Soriano comes back, and Gonzo comes back and the Bullpen will be VERY VERY GOOD and when these guys go to the pen you’ll see some 1-run games go in our favor
They are going to get it turned around, too much talent and to many good numbers not to…
The only other thing I’d do is find out WHATEVER it takes to get AARON HARANG and DO IT
Let’s hear it everyone..am I the only voice of reason?
DOB what do you think?
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Gammons was on ESPN Radio saying the Braves are finished….
Thanks Peter. Thanks a bunch.
By N8
May 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
chuckw/deadjournalist
Nice post. I’m glad somebody who doesn’t post as much as me, is chiming in to state what I feel is the obvious.
While being a GM of a team is NEVER easy, it is EASIER when you have 3 HOF pitchers in your rotation, who hardly ever seemed to miss starts. Sure Smoltz missed time here and there, but Glavine and Maddux NEVER missed starts.
Not a bad 1-2 punch to ride for a decade, huh?
The “big” moves that JS made, were no-brainers.
The only ones that seemed to be “genius” were Belliard, Bream and TP. That sparked the run.
Maddux? Hmmm. Let’s see. Add the reigning Cy Young winner to an already stellar rotation? Yes please. This of course was option #2, after Barroid chose SF over us. Had Barry signed, that TOO would have been a no-brainer.
Trade for McGriff? Yeah, my mom could have “decided” to make that move. Of course JS’s magic, was in fleecing the other teams when making a big trade. NOT choosing to make said trade.
In 1995, he deserves credit for picking up Polonia and Devereax. They were the missing links on the bench, that the previous teams lacked, and for the most part have lacked since then.
Trading for Neagle? Hind-sight said for a while that giving up Jason Schmidt was a mistake. But not in the short-term after the trade. Schmidt took a few years to turn into the Schmidt, we all wished we STILL had.
That trade was another no-brainer.
Signing the Big Cat? Yeah. Not a tough call either. Neither was adding Walt Weiss over Blauser.
Trading for Sheffield? You mean, you would rather have had Brian Jordan? Yeah. EASY choice.
The JD Drew trade, definitely was a hit, again though….short-term. The magic of previous trades, was that we never gave up anybody of substance (Wainwright) for somebody that left after one season.
Had Drew STAYED and put up good numbers for 2 or 3 years, nobody would be pizzing and moaning about Wainwright.
But face facts, since Turner left, JS has been operating on borrowed time. The beginning of the end of his “magic” was when Maddux accepted arbitration and Millwood HAD TO be dealt for Estrada.
Sure he made some nice temporary moves to “keep the streak alive”. But NONE of those moves, had the future in thought.
As soon as the open checkbook closed, so did JS’s window to be the “best” GM, and he new it, so he got out of dodge.
In two or three years, this will be CLEAR as a bell, to the nay-sayers.
Anyways, as I said…nice post.
By chase
May 1, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
If you are looking for any other Coaches to replace COX and his staff…Don’t look outside the Braves’ tree
You have TP, GANT, Ned Yost, Freddie Gonzales and Mazzone…
These guys could make up your whole staff in some combo….
By McFann
May 1, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
22oz—
I’m not so sure either…unless you cann get it into cyberspace. Thanks, anyway.
Robert (CIB)—
I think that issue has been addressed here.
By Overlord
May 1, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
McFann, if bobby makes a move and put McCann at 3B and he makes an error that cost us the game, whos fault would it be?
Cox just can be making the calls anymore. He would make a hell of a bench coach because of his knowledge and spirit, but he needs to pass the torch, cant handle the steer anymore.
Yesterday lost was at least 70% his fault. Of course he didnt have an at bat, but we were tied, not losing in the 12th.
By Renegator
May 1, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Those people who are saying it’s too early to write the Braves off this year - what have you seen in the last two years and one month that make you think the Braves can turn it around? Please enlighten the rest of us.
The Braves aren’t going to turn it around this year. They haven’t turned it around since the beginning of 2006. Bobby Cox, Roger McDowell, and TP all need to step down at the end of the year and get a new management style for this team.
3 straight 3rd place finishes - here we come!
By chase
May 1, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Efrim
Let the Braves win 3 or 4 in a row and GAMMONS will be kissing their butt again…
Remember GAMMONS picked them to win the World Series….
Guys come on…nobody is “finished” they are 3 games out of 1st BEHIND THE FREAKIN’ MARLINS…they’ll get it going….
LAst year they had a great April and that didn’t help so don’t put too much stock in the first month IT IS 27 GAMES INTO A 162 GAME SEASON
Come on guys…I’m frustrated too but GOOD GRIEF..give it some time
If this had happened a couple years ago nobody would be panicking!
By TDub
May 1, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Oh man. I feel like we’re getting a good, long look at the end of an era. I think Smoltz is incredible, but if he’s been in pain that long - I can’t see how even an extraordinary human being like him would want to do that to himself for another year. Plus, with Glavine on a one-year contract… Looks like Huddy and Jurrjens will be our 1-2 next year. Can’t say I’d be disappointed, they’re great, but this is much sadder to me than losing Furcal and Andruw.
By McFann
May 1, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Overlord—
If Bobby put McCann at third base, well, then I think he could be called crazy.
Yes, it was weird to pinch-run for Tex and then put Prado at first, but the fact of the matter is, the Braves would not have been in that spot if they had driven in some of those seven men they left on base!
By Epinephrine
May 1, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Renegator, seriously?
In 2006 we had a terrible bullpen. This year, absent injuries, and especially now with Smoltz going to closer and Gonzo coming back, we will have a nasty bullpen.
In 2007, we had three starting pitchers. Three. And one of them was Chuck James. This year, we lose Smoltz to the pen, but we gain Glavine and Jurrjens. Moreover, Bennett has looked great. A lot of this year will hinge on whether James, Reyes, or a traded starter can step it up in the 5th spot.
Last year, we had Scott Thorman in the starting line up, and Andruw Jones batting cleanup. This year, we have Tex, and we have a guy in Kotsay that looks to be on pace to double Andruw’s production.
You want to know the difference? The last two years, we were a .500 team. This year, we are a near .500 team despite our TWO best bullpen relievers, our 2, 3, and 4 starters ALL going on the DL, and minor injuries to Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar, and Kelly Johnson. Our 1, 2, and 3 hitters.
This month has been a miserable month. But none of the punches we have sustained are permanent. There is every reason to believe that without incapable handling of the bullpen, this team can be a significant upgrade over years past. If you don’t see the difference in the upside of this team in comparison with 06 and 07, you haven’t been paying attention.
What is this team capable of? A lot, I think. But getting Soriano and Gonzo back are essential. Moreover, we absolutely cannot take any more blows to our starting pitching. But the simple fact is, until this team isn’t hanging out in a hospital bed, it will be too early to tell what they are going to be. The fact that they are about .500 despite all that is a good indication. So is their starting ERA and their run differential. But right now, everything is up in the air.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Those people who are saying it’s too early to write the Braves off this year - what have you seen in the last two years and one month that make you think the Braves can turn it around? Please enlighten the rest of us.
Can’t argue with that. I guess saying that it is still early and their is 135 games to go….that may be the arguement.
Chase
I agree with you, but the team has a lot of pitching injuries. Their starters have pitched the least innings of any starting staff in the NL. Sooner or later that kills an already depleted pen. I understand if people think the Braves are done, I really do.
I don’t believe so, not this early, because anything can happen. But again, I’m not sure how you can argue against them being done. This team, not the late nineties Braves, have given no one a reason to think that they can play better than .500 baseball over the course of a full season.
By ernesto
May 1, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Haven’t read all the posts from last night but two things - I think that was a gutsy call from Bobby to replace Tex w/ Prado. People always claim he doesn’t do the little things to scratch out runs. That time he did, and it came back to bite us (Prado should have caught that liner).
Frenchy’s last at bat was one of the dumbest I’ve ever seen. No surprise he’s not looking for the walk, but why try so hard to get yourself out?
By ernesto
May 1, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Last thing - Acosta has some filth - no doubt.
But he doesn’t have enough control to be our go-to guy for any length of time.
By Shamus Thacker
May 1, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Scientists use atom smashers [nuclear accelerators] to study sub-atomic particles. Why go to all that trouble and expense when they can study Hammy’s heart without smashing anything?
By brent a.
May 1, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
deadjouranlist
I appreciated your post from earlier today.
The previous 2 seasons, the Braves have been suckered into believing that they are contenders, thanks to the Wild Card. In the process, they have done things like trade a slew of young talent for Mark Teixeira, when the team’s biggest problem was starting pitching.
I’m not upset about the Teixeira trade, I’m simply pointing out that we used good resources to acquire a bat, that has only had the effect of making our blow-out wins larger, while not reducing the number of close losses, nor losses over-all.
If we are struggling in July, I really hope that we consider trading not only Teixeira, but also Glavine. What woud the Phillies give us for Tommy if he is still pitching as well in July as he is today?
Now personally, I think one of the things that motivated us last year, was the fact that St. Louis had won the world series the previous year, and new ownership was increasing our payroll. Plus, the Braves were getting insurance money due to the Hampton injury.
To be fair, the Braves did have a shot at the division, all the way into the last week of the season; but, net-net, where has that gotten us? We weren’t very good. We didn’t have the pitching to compete in the post-season. We finished third, and have now entered our third straight season with a slew of free-swingers, and no table-setters.
We lucked out in getting Glavine, but this will probably be the last year we can expect to have somoene of his ilk fall into our lap just because he wants to play for us.
Now, I hope the Braves win. The offense will get hot again, because these are good hitters, and they do ever year. The manager will remain the same, for better, or worse. The key will be pitching, and whether or not the arms get healthy. If one of those things does not happen, or if they do, and the team continues to play poor fundamentally and loses close games, then I beg this front office to make the tough decision and dump guys like Teixeira, Glavine, Kotsay (if possible), etc. at the trade deadline, so that we can get some prospects, and make room for some younger players to play everyday.
Alas, the season is long, and the rest of the division is struggling. There is time. Let’s see what happens.
By sportsmandh
May 1, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Vincent Vega, thought you got whacked by Butch?
By flange1
May 1, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
One more comment,
Those of us who think that this could be a playoff team keep saying, if the Braves play up to their potential or at least to their norms, the Braves have a shot.
But we have seen 2.25 seasons of basically the same thing, folks underachieving and the team basically playing at .500.
As many have pointed out, Bobby does not play the hot hand or adjust his line ups based on who is hot and who is not.
Something has to change or we are in for more of the same.
I don’t know the answer, but I do think the status quo is NOT working.
By McFann
May 1, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Ernesto re your 10:42 post—
Hear! Hear!
What a ridiculous at bat!
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
How can anyone watching that game yesterday think that flukes don’t play a big role in one-run/close ballgames?
By Original Jon
May 1, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Looks like a definite 5 game losing streak. Braves have to face Phenom Edinson Volquez,(4-0, 1.23) this Friday. We all know how the Braves fair against pitchers they have never seen before.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Bill Shanks had another call-in interview on the Athens’ radio station 960 The Ref, and they’ve posted it for our listening pleasure. Go here to listen to it.
By 1957 Braves Fan
May 1, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
MLB Trade Rumors thinks Billy Beane might ask the Braves for a package including Jason Heyward for Joe Blanton. Hope the A’s stay in the race so Blanton is not available. Enough with trading our first round draft pick players for stop gap guys.
By J.D.
May 1, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
DOB can you reassure everyone that a divison was never won in April-it has never been lost in April either-all you who have given up on the Braves go wait for the Falcons to suck again you obviously aren’t a Braves fan if you have already given up on a 162 game season 27 games in
By Renegator
May 1, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Epinephrine
Come see me in two months when the Braves are still at .500 or worse and still in 3rd or 4th place.
The Braves haven’t proven anything in the last two plus years except that they are a mediocre .500 ball club. End of story.
By macdwolfpack
May 1, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
DOB, do you attribute the woeful road record and the woeful one run loss record to the amount of youth on this team, or do you attribute it to management? Interested in your thoughts
By richbrave
May 1, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM:
JOSH ANDERSON is hitting .305(29-95) at the moment according to newspaper. But his hitting has fallen off considerably. His base-running has been the best on the team and he currently has nine stolen bases. Fielding excellent.
BARBARO CANIZARES is currently at .337 - way down from his peak of .442 ten days ago. In Barbaro’s case, this follows a general trend from last year, but he picked up once he returned to the team later in last year’s season. His offensive base-running is slow. Defensive skills are uneven. Probably lack of concentration as much as anything.
REGGIE TAYLOR(rf) has been steady since his return to AAA currently batting .333(14-42).
Probably the most consistant player all season has been CLINT SAMMONS both offensively and defensively. Batting .323 and just one run allowed on an error and one passed ball by my count in 16 games caught. Could be more as I haven’t heard or seen every inning he’s participated in.
And our new SS DIORY HERNANDEZ is off to a fast start hitting .429 (6-14) in his first three games.
BTW HAMPTON looked solid yesterday. 3.1 IP with 3 H, and 1 ER, 2 BB, and 4 SO. The comment he made on Friday last was about his pec bothering him in his first rehab stint.
CHUCK JAMES finished the game out and also looked good going 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO, but he did hit one batter.
By Cooper
May 1, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Can you blame Gammons?
When he picked the Braves to win the WS during ST we only had Hampton looking a little gimpy but still pitching very well.
The team was looking sharp, Smoltz (until the end of ST) was throwing well on the back field, etc.
Since then the following guys have been on the DL:
Moylan (gone for the season) Hampton (may never contribute) Soriano (ditto) Glavine (fine but 5 inning guy) Smoltz (could be gone for the season or a min of 30 days - back as a reliever)
Playing hurt or something is up:
Hudson Chipper KJ
Pen - between propping up the starters (way too often) and not being very good this place of depth looks more like a sink hole.
You cannot have these kinds of things happen to a team and not change your opinion.
Smoltz is the biggest loss and Gammons knows it. Without Smoltz in the rotation the Braves have no ace and possibly no chance..
Even if we bring up JOJO & Morton they are rookies and neither has proven they have the mental/maturity part of their game in check.
So the safe bet is to write off the Braves due to excessive injuries and what appears to be a very inconsitent pen.
By McFann
May 1, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
I, for one, am excited to have Smoltz as closer (if we could just get into some save situations…). By the time I went whole-hog as a Braves fan, he was back as a starter, and all the closers I’ve seen, well…let’s just say between 2006-2007, we had nothing good for a closer. (And who was it in ‘05? Dan Kolb? Kyle Farnsworth? Eesh…)
Chris Reitsma couldn’t get a save to uh…save his life…hmm…uh, Soriano was OK, but he a big give-up-a-HR-every-night stretch…Bob Wickman turned out to be a clubhouse annoyance who blew saves for Tim Hudson faster than you could say, “What’s he doing here?”…
I can’t wait till Smoltz gets off the DL. Maybe by then, the Braves will have won a few!
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
1957 Braves Fan
If we trade Jason Heyward for Joe Blanton, I will stop watching the Braves.
Maybe not, but I will be really p**.
By geauxbraves2000
May 1, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
chase I for one appreciate your optimism, and if this year wasn’t an exact mirror image of the last couple of years, sans the SP, I’d wholeheartdly agree with you.
If the offense would change their approach at the plate, things could get turned around. But, for over 2 years now, they haven’t.
Geaux Braves!!
By brent a.
May 1, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Flukes play a role in almost any ball game.
But, 0-9 is 0-9.
At some point, you have to look past flukes and start looking for systemic reasons for something that occurs over and over.
You call our 1-run losses flukish, and Bobby says we lose them because we’re so good.
I would say the truth is somewhere in the middle, but I’m really having trouble identifying what lies on the spectrum between “Really Good” and “Really Flukish”.
By flange1
May 1, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
I agree with you. Heyward for Blanton sucks.
The article said that Heyward would be the starting point too.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 1, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Wren would give up Heyward for Blanton. Perhaps, Schaefer or Henrnandez.
I think the Braves should adjust their sights a bit lower. A guy like Noah Lowery could be possible. Hernandanez and/or Lillibridge would definitely be of interest to them.
Kevin Millwood would be a solid possibility but the Rangers would need to eat some of his contract. Another guy would be Mike Mussina but “Moose” just makes too much money. Don’t know if “Big Mouth Jr.” would be willing to eat some of the contract.
By N8
May 1, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Did Tex actually ADMIT that the team isn’t playing good “fundamental” baseball?
Hmmm. I’ve been preaching that for 2+ years, and I get RIPPED for it, EVERY TIME that I bring it up.
Somebody better tear Tex a new A-hole for that comment, or I may just have to start dropping that word a bit more often. LOL!
Fundamentals have gone out the door the past few years with Cox in charge. He obviously doesn’t DEMAND it of his players, so why would they use them. Bunting? This team hasn’t been a good bunting team in years, especially the pitching staff.
Baserunning? Ask Gotay how that’s going.
Fielding? Yikes.
Taking pitches? If the name on the back of the jersey isn’t Jones or Escobar, there is little to no chance of taking pitches.
Cox may have done some great things in the past. So what. He’s obviously lost control of this team, and they will continue to spiral downward until he has a total conniption fit on them to light a fire, or walks away.
I vote for the latter.
By JS
May 1, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Excellent blog! I trust John Smoltz to know what he can and cannot do and don’t care one iota what he’s paid for closing or starting. He’s shown us time and time again that he puts the Braves first and himself second, regardless of whether it’s his body or his money. I just wish his willingness to pitch with “discomfort” would rub off on Mike Hampton. If nothing else, perhaps he can refer Hampton to Jack Lewellen. Seems like MH’s problem is as much in his head as in his chest.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
There are certain Braves prospects that should be untouchable as of right now(now let’s keep it real here, I’m not saying we wouldn’t trade a prospect for like Justin Verlander or Grady Sizemore, you know what I mean when I say untouchable):
Jason Heyward
Jordan Schafer
Gorkys Hernandez
Thomas Hanson
Cole Rohrbough
Julio Teheran
Jeff Locke
to some extent I will say Freddie Freeman, Jonathon Gilmore and Tyler Flowers.
I would definetly think Reyes, Evarts, Barrett, Cody Johnson, Brandon Hicks, Todd Redmond, Morton, B Jones, or Brent Lillibridge can bring back a pretty good arm. Problem is, everyone will want Heyward, Schafer, Hernandez or Hanson to be included in any deal. I say forget that.
By AdirondackDave
May 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
The injuries so far this year look serious enough to knock us out of serious contention for the division title and maybe even playoffs. If we drop to 8-10 games off the lead by or before July which looks likely it will definitely be time to plan for ‘09 and beyond. In fact, things have looked so grim this past week that it probably already time to keep one eye on ‘09.
I agree, though, that trading prime prospects like Jason Heyward would not be the way to go. If we are unable to sign Tex in the next month or two, though, he could perhaps bring us some quality young starting pitching from the Red Sox, Yanks, or ?? We are now probably reduced to Hudson and Jurrjens going forward in ‘09.
By Reid in EAV
May 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Wow, I know it’s already way in the rearview, but that loss yesterday stung about as bad as any loss in April ever could. It’s a good thing I was trying to rock my new baby to sleep, or else I might have damaged something in the living room, tossing stuff around.
While pinch running for Tex was debatable, leaving Acosta in for a third inning (and not pinch hitting for him) was not. Still, a few defensive plays made and they’re out of it regardless. Garrrrrrrr.
Hopefully I’ll look back at this game as the nadir of the worst part of the season. Otherwise, I fear those Russ Nixon/Chuck Tanner/aging Murph years are upon us again. Egad. But at least I’ll be able to sit right behind home plate for peanuts again…
By N8
May 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
I thought about Millwood too. Not sure though. He’s a shell of his former self. Livan would’ve been a nice fit for an innings eater, but his ERA is up over 5.00, after a stellar start (which means he’s stunk it up lately), and if we’re gonna have a guy with a 5.00 ERA out there, it might as well be Bennett or Jo-Jo, and let them get their training wheels off.
But I totally agree with Efrim, if Heyward is dealt for ANYBODY that won’t be at least a #2 starter in the future (JJJ will be our Ace for years to come - I truly believe that), it would be a shame.
For the same reasons you guys (the optimists), think we’re still in it, is the same reason that this pitching issue will NOT get fixed (other than some scrap heap “fix” like Wooddy Williams - good god).
All the other teams still think they’re in it too. Nobody is giving up anything of substance yet.
By Renegator
May 1, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
The good news is at least the Braves can’t lose today…
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
brent a., the Braves are actually the 11th best team in baseball in 2-run games since Opening Day of last season. Not sure what kind of conclusion we can draw but it appears that maybe we won’t find an obvious reason they can’t win 1-run games. I mean, they have been winning some close games, namely 2-run games.
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
everyone’s got to look each other in the mirror and figure out a way to get these wins
—Mark Teixeira
Why wouldn’t they just look each other in the face? Or perhaps look themselves in the mirror. Maybe this is the problem. They don’t know where to look and how to communicate with each other.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
May 1, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Funny about starting pitching these days, inning eaters with a league average ERA (or there abouts)like Livan are going to become more and more valuable.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
brent a., also the Braves are 12-8 in 1-run home games this season and last. That’s 20th best in baseball but it’s significantly better than .500 and better than their expected W-L based on their runs scored and allowed in those games.
All teams throughout baseball history have won 1-run home games at about a .600 clip at home. So their home 1-run record isn’t unusual at all.
It’s the 1-run games on the road that has killed them. All teams have won 1-run road games at a .397 clip. The Braves are at .188 (6-26), worst road 1-run record in baseball.
In games decided by 2 runs or more, they have the fourth best record in the game last season and this season.
So it seems the Braves can’t win when they give their opponent the last at-bat.
All signs point to the bullpen.
By richbrave
May 1, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
ADIRONDACK DAVE:
Your post of 11:48 a.m. A subject DOB and I discussed during ST.
Up until the trade dead-line it is a possibility. Back in March everything was rosy, and Dave said only as a last resort.
Now, I’m getting a bit edgy. The staff is just too old to be reliable. But at this point, I would think anything like that would have to net at least one serious arm similar to Jurrjens, maybe two. And I have no idea who that might be. I just don’t see Teixeira staying at this point.
Dave probably would say things are too premature for this type of conjecture. I think so.
By brent a.
May 1, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Good information at 11:52. But to be fair, when you posted it, I thought it was as a criticism of the Braves.
11th best means “in the middle of the pack”, but to be fair, the Braves are at the top of the middle.
Near the worst in 1-run games, and upper middle in two run games, will put the Braves squarely where they are, which is basically a .500 team.
The argument is that the talent level on this team is closer to a .556 team, than it is to a .500 team.
Perhaps we’re wrong. Perhaps the talent isn’t there.
But, try telling that to fans of Kansas City, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Florida, and see if they will accept that the Braves just don’t have enough talent to be better than .500.
By Cecil34
May 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
N8
I could not agree more - goes back to a post I made several days ago about how Bobby’s lackadaisical attitude toward spring training has harmed this team’s preparations for April.
Thus you get “spring training” in April.
And, Bobby is letting all the vets go play golf and fish after playing 3 or 4 innnings in some softened-down spring game.
Therefore fundementals get neglected, which Chipper alluded to two nights ago, and conditioning is not stressed appropriately, thus you get injuries.
Of course some of the older pitchers are just succumbing to age, so perhaps no amount of conditioning could help them.
But the facts are there - Cox’s laid-back attitude and seemingly senile moves have not picked the team up when on-field talent has dwindled or worse yet, not played up to potential…
By TPM
May 1, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
The Braves need starter that consistently last past the 5th inning. They will not win 80 games with this jurassic park rotation.
John Smoltz has now joined Barry Zito as the top overpaid relievers. They are stealing money from their teams. Smoltz salary was much less as a closer.
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
things are so bad that even the mets fans feel bad for us.
i haven’t seen one come on here yet and tell us, “told you so”
By Greg
May 1, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
TPM:
You can’t accuse John Smoltz of stealing his paycheck. The man pitches in pain. He will continue to do so when he hits the bullpen. BTW, he gave the Braves a hometown discount on his last contract. And more than any other player on the team, he attracts crowds. He earns his money. Final note: I’ve had arm surgery at 47; it’s no picnic, and I realize now why pitchers will leave millions on the table rather than go through it again.
By Braves Agenga
May 1, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Fire McDowell
Hire new pitching coach or bring up Hanson from AAA
Hire new hitting coach
Make TP 3rd base coach if he agrees
Dump Corky until we can trade pena and bring up Anderson
Dump Gotay - don’t need 2 second basemen on our bench
Sign Norton or bring up (unfortunately) Thorman to back up 1st, or better yet, Canizares.
Move KJ to 7th
Platoon diaz with Blanco, our new leadoff man. Blanco starts in center against lefties.
Tell Gonzalez he’s not pitching on this club in May, it’s too soon, stop rushing, or you’ll end up like Hampton. He’ll understand.
stop playing guys out of position
Dump Resop. Use James out of the Pen. Stockman could even be utilized from AAA.
Bench Frenchy. He’s never gonna be a Ripken. Just bench him for a series to teach him a lesson.
Set a rotation so guys know their roles. It’s not pretty, but make the rotation Hudson, Glavine, Jair, Bennett, Jo Jo
Utilize Blanco to steal and Anderson late in games to steal
Utilize the hit and run
Have a few practices on days off or before batting practice to practice bunting, baserunning, hitting and running, hitting fly balls with runners on third less than 2 out, hitting to the right side with runner on 2nd, no out, etc…
Set roles in the bullpen as well, so atleast guys know their roles.
Hold a team meeting and rip some new ones.
By Braves Agenga
May 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know it’s an off day, but any word on Hampton yet?
I, unlike others on this blog, am still looking forward to him pitching for us this year.
By flange1
May 1, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
TPM,
That was the worst comment of the day. You can say what ever you want about Smoltz off the field, but to say he is stealing money from the team is absurd.
He could have gotten much more money going to the Mets or the Yankees, but he wants to spend his career as a Brave.
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
BravesAgenga, no word on Hampton, and not expecting anything until tomorrow. Just walked in my door from the airport.
By Braves20
May 1, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Re: the comment on “those Chuck Tanner days” - you give Tanner the talent we have on this team and we ain’t 0-9 in one run games.
In tight and meaningful games, there were few better than Tanner. A classic example was the ‘79 World Series where he completely out managed Earl Weaver - a Bobby Cox clon
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Any update on Bennett’s bloody nose? That was freaky looking yesterday. BCIMG (9:33 a.m.)
No, the bloody-nose off-date updates haven’t been sent out yet. Should be any moment.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 1, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Bringing up an old name here but I really think this deal could benefit us.
Diaz for Coco Crisp
Crisp can leadoff and is a switch hitter and would allow to us to get KJ out of the leadoff spot. The Red Sox love Diaz too so maybe they would eat some of Crisp’s salary?
By P-Town Brave
May 1, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Chase
I will repost my 2:58 A post from the wee hours of the morning since OBVIOUSLY you haven’t been paying attention…
And NO, we have collectively agreed that we do NOT want TP back!
Here goes:
Sir Stealth
Most of us aren’t saying that we hate Bobby, just that it is his time to go off into the sunset…
There does in fact come a time when the game has passed you by or you feel like you can’t be up to the level you once were…
Happened to Jordan, Bird, McGriff, and most recently Favre…
Its been about 3-4 years now that Bobby should have thrown in the towel…
If he doesn’t throw it in soon, THEY will throw it in for him, and thus diminish his legacy a little
See Michael Jordan as a Wizard :-/
I do agree w/ Nolie to an extent…we have many issues, but most of them lie within changes that need to be made w/in the coaching staff…
You fix the Johnson problem, get the bullpen guys in set roles, and STOP playing Matt Diaz against RHP…and guess what, THOSE decisions are made by the coaching staff…
Oh, and when I mean Bobby needs to ride off, I certainly would want him to personally pack the bags of TP, Roger, Snitker, and ESPECIALLY Chino…
I mean really, when is the last time someone talked about what a damn fine job Roger is doing?
Oh yeah…thats right..everyone is “finding it” in Triple-A w/ Guy Hansen and then being perpetually screwed up by Roger once they get here…
Along w/ that, is there anything Chino does besides eat? I mean if he scouted opposing teams as well as he does the buffet menu, we certainly wouldn’t be out of place like we always are defensively.
Lastly, TP…We know he doesn’t work w/ Chipper or Mac, and I had heard that he hasn’t done much w/ Yunel…leave out Blanco here because he just came up this season…
That leaves a bunch of guys who have done NOTHING since he has been hitting coach…
And as far as I could recall, Francoeur’s primary language is not Spanish…so, yes, a problem INDEED!
All I am saying, and frankly have been for awhile is that there is something wrong if they continue to bat a guy like Kelly who is clearly not a leadoff hitter leadoff, and continue to bring relievers in strange and different situations every time, we will continue to fail for the rest of the season…
There is a point in time when you lead the league in batting average and are 2nd in ERA when you realize that it can’t just be the players faults…
0-9 in 1-run games
That is all, good night now!
By Braves Agenga
May 1, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
shaun
i admire you for finding stats to present us with the most hope during a dire time like this.
i admire you as a fan of the atlanta braves, you’re one of us.
But damn, be a little realistic. 11th? How is that positive. We suck during 1 run games, and are mediocre during 2 run games. All that means is that we must blowout teams in order to win and have little chance of winning on the road.
No wonder guys want to turn off the TV when the games are close by the 6th.
I don’t need stats to tell me this. I watch, I know. Just like i watch KJ hit leadoff and know there’s better options, a topic of most of the debates between you and i.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
brent a., I think all signs point to no relief ace with a power arm. Best way to keep a team from rallying at the end of a game is to keep them from hitting the ball. Even if a pitcher is allowing weak contact, a lot of times those batted balls are going to turn into rally-extending hits.
The Braves haven’t had a true, rally-killing, dominant power arm since Smoltz left the bullpen. (Note: I’m not saying I didn’t approve of his move back to the rotation. I think top starters are way more valuable than any reliever.) I’m just saying, Braves have lacked power arms that can shut down their road opponents in their last at-bat.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels of Love, Yeah, Crisp and his .329 career OBP would be perfect in a leadoff role.
By Tomas
May 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
The Braves ideally have a great team possibly being the best team in the NL. When you have guys like Mark Texeira and Chipper in the middle of that order, logically they are going to score runs. The other guys in the lineup like Yunel, Franceour, and Mccann certainly are good enough to get on base and produce.
The starting pitching has been a total improvement from last year. Tim Hudson ERA’s is low, although he has had a couple of suspicios starts were his velocity has droped. John Smoltz was absolutely fantastic and he was playing injured(Mike Hampton is exactly the same isn’t he?). Jair Jurriens was a great acquisition this offseason, he has been the best pitcher in this young season so far. Tom Glavine has had some quality starts, his only “bad start” came in the game he injured his hamstring. Jeff Bennet has had a couple of spot starts and has done a good job. Chuck James was back to earth after his desastrous debut of the season against Colorado. Jo-jo Reyes has been outstanding in triple A, but he has walk at least two per game lets see if indeed his control issues are fixed by the tip McDowell gave him this spring. Mike Hampton throughout his carrer has been an outstanding pitcher, but he is so weak, he needs to enter one of those nutrition programs.
If you add John Smoltz to that bulpen you gotta admit it is the best bulpen in the majors. Rafael Soriano is a very good pitcher and when healthy he is a great asset, he could be a closer any time in any team. Mike Gonzales was 24 for 24 in save oppertunities on 2006, he is a dominant lefty pitcher, there is a reason we traded Laroche for this guy. Peter Moylan is awesome but probabily done for the year so i wont include him. Manny Acosta did a good job last year and has been very good this year despite a couple of bad outing were he had control issues. Will Ohlman, this lefty reliever acquired from the Cubs this offseason has actually surprised me I pictured him a lot worse, he is like a Mike Remlinger. Blaine Boyer has great stuff, and I think he can be used in those middle innings like the sixth and the seventh with Manny Acosta. Jorge Campillo has to be included in this list after his fantastic April, he has an ERA under 1.00. Jeff Bennet has been good too and can be used as a long relief or a spot starter when a pitcher in the starting rotation gets an injury.
Lineup:
Bench:
Pitching:
I think the weakness is the Bench, but with Matt Diaz it becomes much better. Probabily later when Thorman get hot in Triple A he can replace Gotay in the 25man roster.
By KC
May 1, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
When Smoltz is ready to come off the DL… I would like to see the Braves use him sparingly in a middle relief role through August.
Then in September, have him gradually start stretching the arm back out and prepare to start in the post-season.
Either that, or just shut him down PERIOD until September.
Hudson has got to step up and be the ace… but if Huddy is solid, I think this team can get to the post-season without Smoltz. I really do. Primarily because Jurrjens has turned out to be such a stud.
I think Bennett and James can handle 4/5 starter positions respectably (assuming nothing from Hampton).
Hudson, Jurrjens, Glavine, Bennett, James… can be a good rotation. And if you have a bullpen that in a few weeks could include Mike Gonzalez, John Smoltz, and hopefully, Soriano… that bullpen won’t be blowing many leads!
Anyway… I think it’s very possible to make the post-season without Smoltz in the rotation. But it’s hard to imagine excelling in October this year without Smoltzy starting those big games.
Pull him back for a while… and crank him back up in September.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Soriano can shut down opponents(missing bats) if he is healthy…..
He is just never healthy.
By Curt
May 1, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Ok well lets have some constructive talk on this blog. In reality the Braves are only 3 games out of 1st with 5/6 of the season still left. No way to write them off now. But it is clear they need another quality arm and it would be nice to do so without mortgaging the future. Who are some candidates?
I would like to propose Edwin Jackson from the Rays. He is going to be the odd man out of the rotation when Kazmir comes back and he is probably a 3-4 starter. I think it is safe to say 1-3 are still good on this team with Hudson, Jair, and Glavine all pitching well this season minus a few fluke starts for Hudson which he has a recorded history of in his career. Anyway Edwin would probably not cost us anymore than Lillibridge at the most. I think he maybe the best trade candidate unless Wren can pull off some sort of blockbuster for a pitcher but even then I would be sad to see who that deal included, especially if it had Heyward, Frenchy, or either of Rohrbaugh or Hanson or Morton in it. Any other ideas out there?
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
KC
Pull him back for a while… and crank him back up in September.
I am sure that would do wonders for his shoulder. Who knows if Smoltz can even start again? And how many innings do you plan to get out of Jair Jurrjens? 220? This is a guy with past shoulder problems. He is an asset that we really don’t want to damage for the future. Braves need an innings eater in the worst way. Hudson and Jurrjens until July will be able to do it. You know what you are getting with Glavine and James- 5 maybe 6 innings.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
11th? How is that positive. We suck during 1 run games, and are mediocre during 2 run games. All that means is that we must blowout teams in order to win and have little chance of winning on the road.
Well, 11th out of 30 teams in 2-run games is not bad. That’s not what’s making or breaking this team. It’s 1-run road games that have been the big problem since Opening Day 2007 (or maybe earlier, haven’t checked).
My theory is it’s because there isn’t a power, rally-killing arm in the bullpen. There have been some solid pitchers, but just no dominant strikeout guys.
By mikey
May 1, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
after watching that fiasco last night, smoltz in the bullpen sounds better and better.
By Lindsay Lohan
May 1, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Weight Loss combined with inexplicable nosebleeds. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm……. Sounds like something I might have experienced a time or two ….. I wonder why
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Curt:
Tampa’s not sending Jackson down when Kazmir is ready.
They’re going to send down Sonnanstine or JP Howell. Most likely Sonnanstine who has the worst “stuff” out of all their options.
I like Jackson, but he needs to work on his walks. He’s walking 5 batters per start right now. He’s another James, although with greater potential. Jackson is a breakout waiting to happen if he can limit his walks.
By TPM
May 1, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
You all can check back with me after labor day when the braves will be out of it and then tell me these old pitchers are not stealing money.
There is not one team in the major leagues that would take Hampton, Hudson, Glavine or Smoltz’s contracts. They are dead wood.
By Curt
May 1, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox:
That is exactly why I think we should go after him, heck toss in James with Lillibridge and have them send over Edwin with some other low level pitching prospect. It is not like they are not chock full of pitching but they could definitely use a good shortstop and Lillibridge could provide them with that.
By Cody
May 1, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
RC the Braves are not going to risk allowing Smoltz to pitch in short relief then stretch his arm for September starts. The reason is if the Braves want to win it all this year the are going to have to go after a quality starter to compliment Hudson, JJJ, Glavine. Making Smoltz stretch his arm out in the late season is worse on the shoulder than allowing him to pitch through the pain. Fact is your idea sounds good in theroy but in reality if he doesn’t become the teams closer and we don’t get a bonified starter at the trade deadline then there will not be a october.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Soriano has the ability to be a rally killing strikeout king you are talking about. 75 K’s in 76 innings the last year plus. He is injured right now. I think our bullpen has been a problem, but the offense has to get some blame too.
By Baby Braves
May 1, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Matt Scherzer - 4.1 innings pitched, 7 k’s in his debut.
Why can’t we draft a guy like this or Gallardo or Joba, or whoever that strikes out nearly 2 batters an inning on average.
The closest thing we’ve got to that is Hansen.
This organization needs to change it’s ways and adopt to the times. In an era where the young is dominant, we still want to trade for guys like kotsay because we don’t trust youth. St. Louis is playing good ball with a Schumaker, Ludwick, Wellemeyer, Ryan, Barton, etc.
Oakland too.
For many years this team was the role model on how to build an organization from the bottom up, but that blueprint has changed.
Instead of bringing up good young talent and mixing it with a couple of stars and veteran mediocre talent, teams are bringing up excellent young guys that are ML ready in 1-2 years after draft.
Scherzer, a boras guy, chose to play in the independent league for $1,000 a month instead of accepting 2.1 million from Arizona. If Arizona didn’t sign him before the draft this year, he would go back into the pool. Arizona just signed Scherzer for 4.2 million, a big contract for a rookie, but not much in comparison to what free agents get.
A lot of small market teams are doing this. Tampa signed Longoria, Milwaulkee signed Braun. The braves did this with McCann, but haven’t yet with Escobar or Frenchy.
I’d rather spread the wealth amongst the young than have 90% of the payroll go to 20% of its players.
The braves need to be smart this offseason and utilize the freed up money wisely.
The braves need to be smart this draft and pick young powerful arms. The lack of power arms has been this organizations #1 reason for its lack of postseason success. There’s no question why Smotlz has been the braves best postseason pitcher, or why Beckett, Schilling, Clemens, Randy Johnson, etc…got their teams Championships. Power arms are the answer so are power hitters with great OBP and avg. Heyward was a start. Teach him to play 1B now and not when he’s almost ML ready. His legs are too long for the OF.
Think wisely.
By TPM
May 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
On second thought - There maybe a few teams that would take Hudson’s contract. The Dodgers don’t seem to mind spending dumb money. They are paying Andruw 18 million to swing at ball four and Nomar 9 million to pull his groin twice a year.
By Original Jon
May 1, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
JD Actually, a pennant can be lost in April. If you dont believe that, ask the 1987 Tigers when they stumbled out of April 9 1/2 games out.
Also, only 19 percent of all teams have even won the WildCard when entering May under .500
By Martin
May 1, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB! what are the chances of the Braves acquiring Joe Blanton or Kevin Millwood? What do you think both clubs would ask for?
By KC
May 1, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Efrim: Ya just gotta play the hand you have man. It’s far from perfect right now with Smoltz unable to be the go-to starter for us this year, and Hampton… well, I won’t even go there.
I think there’s a possibility that, after plenty or rest over the next several weeks, Smoltz could be an effective starter for a short period of time before the arm/shoulder issues completely catch up with him again.
Could be wrong, but I think there’s a excellent chance he could do it effectively for a short period of time, after resolving the current inflammation.
After ample recuperation time here, the Braves can go one of three ways with Smoltzy:
1 - Put him in the bullpen, which of course would bolster the pen, but weaken the rotation.
2 - Put him back in the rotation, and just see how far he can go. If they go this route, we can be pretty certainly he’d have nothing left in the tank come September/October, if he were still pitching at all by that time.
3 - Shut him down now for the next 3 months (essentially giving him another off-season to recuperate), and look for a burst of Smoltzy at the end of the season, and into October.
I like door #3.
Sure, there’s absolutely no guarantee the Braves will make it to October without Smoltzy pitching - either in the rotation OR the pen… and moving him to the pen would probably give us the most out of him for the regular season.
But do the Braves simply want to get back to the post-season… or do they want to win a World Series?
If it’s rings they want… I say shut him down now for 3 months, and crank him back up in September.
We need Smoltzy starting to win a World Series.
By brent a.
May 1, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
TPM
Glavine has a very attractive contract.
He’s a proven left-hander, in the final year of a $7 million/year contract.
We’ll get a lot of requests for him come July.
By Halberstram
May 1, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, what are they waiting on with regards to Moylan? Have the final results on his injury not come back yet? I would figure if surgery is necessary they’d want him to go ahead and have it so he can start rehab. Apolgoize if this info has already been shared.
Also if Kelly’s back continues to limit him will Gotay be the primary backup to 2b until Infante is ready?
By Baby Braves
May 1, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
supposedly that bunt by Nieves last night with 2 strikes was a missed sign. He wasn’t supposed to be bunting.
Said Nieves, “It was my fault. But it worked.”
yahoo is joking on the braves
You gonna take that atlanta?
By brent a.
May 1, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
AJ25 not playing today for the Dodgers.
Also, he was 0for3 in yesterday’s blowout win.
By smoltzie
May 1, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
and if I can’t pitch, I can always pinch hit!
By Baby Braves
May 1, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Atlanta,
your going to hate this article
This year you’ve been blaming high gas prices, inflation, a bad economy, traffic, etc for not showing up at ballgames.
But according MLB, attendance is up 2.3 percent over its record breaking attendance last year.
The article says loyal fans are biting the bullet and still showing up at games to support their teams.
But i guess when the fans of atlanta stopped showing up at postseason games, we already knew atlanta didn’t have many loyal fans.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
KC
We have to get to the playoffs first man. As I’m sure you know, that isn’t an easy task. Our bullpen isn’t very good in high leverage situations. With Smoltz there, it will be. I refuse to bring up Gonzo considering the guy is coming off Tommy John Surgery. I also have no idea whether or not Soriano will be able to pitch this season. So Smoltz may be needed in the bullpen RIGHT NOW if we are to even stay in this race. I know you probably don’t think much of the Mets and Phillies, but considering the amount of injuries the Braves have, I am not sure they will be able to keep up with them.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
KC, I think Smoltz pitching is better than him not pitching (if he’s healthy enough to be a somewhat normal Smoltz). I’d rather have him starting to maximize his innings but I’m not sure his are will hold up. I just hope someone does. It’s tricky to try to figure out what role is going to keep him most healthy.
By Baby Braves
May 1, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Halberstram
The braves are slow with bad news. That’s why we haven’t heard anyting yet on Moylan. If he’s got a bone spur of the bone that the ligament is attached to, he’s done.
At this point, maybe the braves are seeing if those kangaroo balls actually do work before making their final assessment.
By flange1
May 1, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Just read the Carrol Rogers penned article on Mike Gonzales on the AJC.
Excellent article and great work Carrol!
I always like a deeper look into the players and have much more respect for Gonzo after reading the article.
Suggest everyone read it!!
By Cody
May 1, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
RC the fact is that if Smoltzy is not contributing to this team as the closer or pitcher then this team will not make it anywhere. We can win without smoltz starting and when Gonzo comes back and Smoltz closes and maybe Soriano gets his $hit together, there would be no need for smoltz starting. Lets face it if he isn’t playing in those 4 months we are not going to see a October. You just can’t assume that he will bounce back. he knows what he is capable of offering for the year that is why he offered to go back to the pen. This team can’t chance on him coming back in your theory. They need another starter plain and simple. This may sound crazy but Hampton will be the one to save the rotation in August and Septemeber. he is the one the Braves need to set for a month and then try it again.. You can almost see the writing on the wall with him. I hate the poor bass-terd but he will come back becuase he wants to shut people up who says he is a loser. I hope I eat every word i say about him, becuase if he comes back in August and pitches they way he is capable of then Smoltz can stay in the pen. Everybody just wait this prick will be up Wren just needs to tell him to close shop until June, then start working back. ATL still needs a Blanton, Hernandez or someone with a innings eating arm. The good thing is that once Soriano, Smoltz, Gonzalas comes back we will have the freshest pen in the big league. I also think Stockman will be up hear and Ohman will remain. Ring, Resop, Caryle will be gone.
By timmy
May 1, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I just read on MLB Trade Rumors, the Braves shouldl look at Kevin Millwood or Joe Blanton. They were saying Billy Beane may ask consider asking for Heyward as part of a deal for Blanton. I am sorry but this too much to give for a young player like Heyward. He is one of our top minor league prospects. Blanton is a marginal pitcher at best. To gove up a top prospect for a marginal player doesnt make sense. I would only consider giving him for someone who is an ace. A Halladay or an Oswalt, in my opinion. I know we are looking for pitching but that’s asking for a king’s ransom for a #3 or 4 guy. And the aricle said we were looking for a #5 guy. No, we lost a top 3 pitcher, so we need to get back what we lost.
By timmy
May 1, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I just read on MLB Trade Rumors, the Braves shouldl look at Kevin Millwood or Joe Blanton. They were saying Billy Beane may ask consider asking for Heyward as part of a deal for Blanton. I am sorry but this too much to give for a young player like Heyward. He is one of our top minor league prospects. Blanton is a marginal pitcher at best. To gove up a top prospect for a marginal player doesnt make sense. I would only consider giving him for someone who is an ace. A Halladay or an Oswalt, in my opinion. I know we are looking for pitching but that’s asking alot for a king’s ransom for a #3 or 4 guy. And the aricle said we were looking for a #5 guy. No, we lost a top 3 pitcher, so we need to get back what we lost.
By Dadgum
May 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
According to the Richmond Times Dispatch today, Hampton is hurting. AGAIN!!! He will have a couple more assignments in Richmond then rejoin Atlanta May 10th in Pittsburgh. Indications are he looks suspect to pitch in the 5 slot outside maybe a start.
With Smoltz heading to the pen we have Hudson and Jurrjens then prayer. A lot of prayer. The Smoltz news is not good even if he is in the pen. Braves must make a trade and I am certain that Wren is working all the phones. Good luck. Go Braves. Rock on.
By smoltzie
May 1, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
and if my shoulder is too sore to swing a bat I can always pinch run!
By Jim
May 1, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
The Braves don’t have a first-round pick this year, so are unlikely to get a shot at a big-name power arm, but the last two drafts have to be questioned. The pick of Heyward last year was great, but we did not sign Fields who projects to go in the late first round this year, we drafted and did not sign Shreve in the 8th round and he projects to go in the first 3 this year. We drafted a football player in the 5th round and a service academy player in one of the early teen rounds. We probably had more of our draft picks go unsigned than any other team did. The year before we drafted Cody Johnson in the first round, who may grow up to be Dave Kingman, and therefore passed on Joba Chamberlain. The later picks of Locke, Evarts, Rasmus, and Rodgers may yield some results down the road and the signing of Tehran (sp) limits the damage of not signing some of the other high picks.
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Halberstram, it was said before the trip that a decision would be made on Moylan AFTER the Braves got back to town, that’s when he’ll test it and the decision will be made. Not while they were on the road.
Folks, I’ve tried to convey to you that, without coming right out and saying it, the Braves fully expect Moylan will have to have season-ending surgery, and that he will not pitch again this year.
If he doesn’t, it’ll be a very big and very pleasant surprise. But nobody who understand the injury he’s got believes he’ll avoid season-ending surgery. Expect to hear that in the next couple days….
Also, someone asked about Andruw. He’s on the bench today (again) because he’s hitting .159 and striking out at an alarming rate. And not hitting homers. But he is playing solid D. Of course, they’re not paying $18 mill this year for a sub-.200 average, very few homers and great D (well, actually, they are paying $18 mill for that … but they didn’t think that’s what they would be paying for).
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Timmy
Don’t worry man. Frank Wren is a smart man, he wouldn’t do something stupid like trading Jason Heyward for Joe Blanton. Even straight up, that isn’t a good trade from the Braves perspective. I wouldn’t mind Joe Blanton in terms of just coming here and eating innings- but I wouldn’t offer any of our top prospects….and Beane is going to want some top prospects. So with that said, no deal.
By SR
May 1, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
DOB
Plenty of doom and gloom here and for good reason imo so just gotta say, thanks for the laugh on the “bloody nose” update. That was rich.
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, are you serious with the Hampton update? You didn’t notice that the first several hours of discussion on this blog were dominated by Hampton discussion, when we GOT THE NEWS YESTERDAY that he was INJURED AGAIN?
My story on the website. It’s been there nearly 24 hours. And you can scroll up and see all the talk about Hampton.
By flange1
May 1, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Have you listened to the new Mudcrutch yet?
Got it yesterday at Ella and it is loads of fun. They cover “6 days on the Road” and tear it up!
By the way, you have gotten me addicted to Ella Guru…I go by weekly to get a new release and end up leaving with 6-10 CD’s.
Heard the official Zeitgeist story yesterday which was cool, I really liked those guys alot!
By chase
May 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
P-Town Brave
What the hell did I do to you? I didn’t comment on anything you have said or posted….
I gave my coaching staff pics for IF COX leaves….
I said nothing to you, about you , or anything
And stop being so EGOCENTRIC that you think everyone is supposed to read everything you say even at 2:58 am!!!!
You are not the Blog God…and I said or did nothing in your direction..
P-TownBrave
Sell Crazy someplace else…we’re all stocked up here!
By Shamus Thacker
May 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I’ve determined that Dadgum is none other than Stevie Wonder.
By Overlord
May 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Braves Agenga May 1, 2008 1:01 PM
You know baseball and you know the Braves.
By J.D.
May 1, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Original Jon The Tigers were 9 1/2 games out as you said. The Braves are 3.5 games behind the Marlins, an extremely young team with no experience. They obviously will not hold the lead, and if we are only 3 games under .500 with all the injuries we have had, then I fully expect us to rise to the top when healthy.
By timmy
May 1, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I understand here you are coming from as far as an innings eater but I am not sure I want that. I want some will give us a chance to win the game, I haven’t seen that ability in Blanton. Maybe in a change of scenery, that is possible. I am sure Millwood is not the Millwood of 2002 or before. I was also semi venting from that MLB Trade Rumors piece on the Braves pitching options. I am not a Livan Hernandez fan either, when he had something to offer, he didnt want to play here. I think he is older than he says is, just like his brother.Also, Eric Gregg made me dislike him even more because the ‘97 NLCS, Game 5
By Shamus Thacker
May 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
There’s one player we could get for Hammy in a trade. Andruw! Dodgers would be happy to pick up half his salary too. Only trouble is, Andruw ain’t worth half his salary. On the other hand, Hammy ain’t worth ANY of his!
By MIke Hampton
May 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I hurt myself today to see if I still feel I focus on the pain the only thing that’s real the needle tears a hole the old familiar sting try to kill it all away but I remember everything what have I become? my sweetest friend everyone I know goes away in the end and you could have it all my empire of dirt
I will let you down I will make you hurt
I wear this crown of thorns upon my liar’s chair full of broken thoughts I cannot repair beneath the stains of time the feelings disappear you are someone else I am still right here
what have I become? my sweetest friend everyone I know goes away in the end and you could have it all my empire of dirt
I will let you down I will make you hurt
if I could start again a million miles away I would keep myself I would find a way
By ernesto
May 1, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I think it’s easy to look back on the Hampton signing and say it was bad, but I think that’s just a knee jerk reaction.
Of course, it’s frustrating that we’re not getting anything out of it, but we don’t really know how much salary the Braves have had to eat. With insurance maybe not much.
So the upside is we could have had an ace caliber pitcher at a relative bargain price (once you assume all the money FLA and CO kicked in)
The downside is we probably didn’t seek more pitching b/c we thought we had soemone who was going to be in the rotation but never made it. Though I don’t think anyone was counting on Hampton this year.
Still, I think it was a gutsy, creative signing by JS - and a good gamble at the time, trying to keep the Braves at the elite level with dwindling resources.
By JC FROM UT
May 1, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I doubt Frank Wren would make tis deal. The MLBtraderumor site was only stating speculation as to what Billy Beane would ask for. Realisticly Billy Beane would probably want KJ and a pitcher.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
How about these numbers for Carlos Marmol?
18.2 innings 9 hits allowed 2 earned runs 1HR given up 27K’s 5 BB’s
Now that is dominance. Cubs just need 1 more starter……or Ted Lilly to get it together.
By Overlord
May 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Having Smoltz back in the bullpen I think is a “great thing”
Better chance not to hit DL again, my opinion.
Best player on the team (and chipper) playing almost every day and not every 5th day.
Total confidence in the bullpen, so that now will become a force.
Better chance to win close games.
We have the depth to do that since glavine will still be our #3 and I like a lot the idea of having bennett as #4, I like him a lot (and Blanco).
He could still be a starter if we make the playoffs and he is healthy.
Once again, I think the most important missing piece he is Hampton, IIIIFFFFF he comes back, and Smoltz does will in the bullpen, we are still talking championship.
By KC
May 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Efrim: I’m not sure what would give you the impression that I don’t think much of the Mets. I hate them, but I respect them.
The Phillies… aaah, well, I respect them too, just not as much. I think the Phillies are a good team, but don’t have the pitching to be an excellent team. I think they just have to hope the injuries continue to hinder the Mets and Braves, because if either team go reasonably healthy, they could leave the Phils behind.
Anyway, back to the Braves.
Smoltzy isn’t going to pitch AT ALL for several weeks. By that time, Mike Gonzalez will likely be back in an Atlanta uniform, and we should know more about Soriano one way of the other.
So as far as I’m concerned, let’s wait and see what happens over the next few weeks.
Sure, Acosta got hit last night, but overall… he’s been pretty damned good. In addition to answering questions about Gonzalez’s and Soriano’s health… let’s see what happens with him over the next few weeks.
The next 3 weeks should tell us a lot about the level of need in the bullpen.
If, toward the end of May, our bullpen is still in deep trouble… THEN you could make a very strong case for Smoltz in the pen.
But if Soriano and/or Gonzo is healthy, and Acosta is pitching well… I think we’d be better off to wait and see what we can get out of Smoltzy in the rotation on the big stage.
Sure, it’s a roll of the dice. But if we want to win another World Series…
By Original Jon
May 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
JD I am not saying its impossible for us to come back, I am just saying, that pennants can be lost in April.
By Efrim
May 1, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
KC
I think the next three to four weeks will tell us a lot about this Braves ball club…period.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 1, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Adversity builds strength and character, it can only this team stronger in the long run.
With all the injuries and questionable decision making by Bobby Cox, don’t be surprised if the Braves are still hanging around .500 at the end of May.
Better buck up Braves fans, it’s not going to get any easier.
Friday: Tim Hudson 3-2 / 3.74 ERA vs. Edinson Volquez 4-0 / 1.23 ERA
Saturday: Jo-Jo Reyes 0-0 / 0.00 ERA vs. Matt Belisle 1-1 / 9.00 ERA
Sunday: Jair Jurrjens 3-2 / 3.05 ERA vs. Bronson Arroyo 1-3 / 6.97
The Reds Edinson Volquez is lightning in a bottle, I expect the Braves will have a long day at the Ted tomorrow. But, the other two games are very much winnable.
We shall see what transpires over the weekend.
By Jim
May 1, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
In the past, an organiztion could not trade a draftee for one year after he was drafted. Does this rule still apply? In any regards, there should be no question of trading Heyward for ANY player. The addition of another ace does not give any greater certainty of producing positive results than the addition of Tex to the lineup did last year.
If we look at the starting pitching we have had this year, it has not been bad. The outings have been too short, but the starters have kept us in almost every game. The record we have so far is more a product of lack of timely hitting, lack of depth in the bullpen, and age. Oswalt has probably already had his best years. He is a smallish power pitcher with a lot of innings behind him. He is good, but his addition will not guarantee success.
While the comparisons of Heyward to Willie McCovey might be overblown, we will not know for sure for a few years. If, as Baseball America Analysts predict, he could be an MVP by 2012-2013, then we will be regretting his loss more than past Braves fans regretted losing Johnny Antonelli and Brett Butler for a quick fix veteran that was no fix at all.
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks Overlord
Braves Agenda was me. I’m trying new names cuz i’m pretty upset with Cox after Yesterday, with his waiting for the HR or 5 run double strategy, misuse of the pen, lack of bunting, basestealing, hitting mentality of his players, etc…
Add getting an MRI on Soriano as #20 20. to that list. Why they’re stringing him along is beyond me.
Jim Great post.
This team seems like they only want to draft local high school talent. Maybe that’s why guys like Frenchy have no clue at the plate, cuz they’re uneducated.
The draft in baseball can be a crapshoot, but damn it, sign these kids and stop taking advantage of local high school kids that will play without the contract because of the chance to play with their hometown team.
The draft in baseball is starting to be more important than ever with highly covetted kids from college making differences in the big leagues. There’s beginning to be more can’t miss prospects than 54th round Mike Piazza suprises. Why don’t we have a 1st round pick this year? i thought you couldn’t trade draft picks in baseball. Maybe i’m wrong, i’m going to go check….
Back. Don’t know, but this article says that changes were being made. Don’t know how old the article is, but the braves need to get in with the new, and get out with the old in terms of prospecting. Maybe start looking at the Japanese market. That Yu Darvish kid looks good, even though we don’t have the funds to sign a guy like that.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Tyler Hansbrough may not be the best player in the history of the ACC but he is an almost famous golden god:
http://deadspin.com/386080/tyler-hansbrough-regrets-nothingggggg
By Jim
May 1, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Coach,
In your listing of pitching matchups where was Glavine? Are these matchups you read from some website or were you projecting these matchups from the previous outings and just forgot to include him?
By mo
May 1, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Jim
While the comparisons of Heyward to Willie McCovey might be overblown, we will not know for sure for a few years. If, as Baseball America Analysts predict, he could be an MVP by 2012-2013, then we will be regretting his loss more than past Braves fans regretted losing Johnny Antonelli and Brett Butler for a quick fix veteran that was no fix at all.
A lot of people don’t care about those comparisons because they figure we have Francouer in RF. I haven’t heard of the Braves moving him to 1st base, and why should they, considering he is a very good defensive player as well. Stock piling more talent around him would be great. Figure with Heyward, Scahfer, Francouer in the OF of 2011. New 3rd baseman, Escobar, Johnson, New 1st baseman and McCann. Trade Tex and Hudson and you could fill many needs.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 1, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Jim, those match ups are hot off the press from the Braves/MLB home website.
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
The record we have so far is more a product of lack of timely hitting, lack of depth in the bullpen, and age
I’d stress the hitting more than anything. I don’t know that it is correct to say in one sentence If we look at the starting pitching we have had this year, it has not been bad. The outings have been too short And then in the next say the bullpen isn’t deep enough. I’d venture a guess that if the starters were averaging more than 5.1 innings a start the bullpen would seem much better.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 1, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Jim , check that. It must have been a glitch. The website now has Glavine pitching on Sunday and Jurrjens on Tuesday.
By Scouting Report on Coach
May 1, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Adolescents and Teens and bloggers named Cooch are concrete thinkers. Everything is either black or white. Everything is absolute. Either it is or it isn’t. The concrete thinker only sees that they are either absolutely the same or they are different. The concrete thinker thinks rules should always be the same always no matter what! Rules cannot be bent for extenuating circumstances, or things beyond one’s control.. Teens are especially mean and vicious with each others feelings. A complete stranger will make fun of another teen, boisterously, in public, just for fun. For this reason instilling self-esteem is a never-ending battle. Youths are concrete thinkers up to about age twenty-one unless they are a blogger named Coach. Changing into formal thinking beings is a gradual thing. Some may never develop that ability completely. Just look at Coach.
By Fortune Cookie
May 1, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
tennessee paul
fortune says, those who complaining about hitting in 1st week of season stand as correct.
fortune says, those who complaining about hitting last 2 year, correct. Stats overblown. Hitting very bad. inconstency in hitting been very consitent.
fortune say, small ball can change hitting sytle. Get guys to focus and hit with purpose like karate kid. Speed, direction, better than inconsitent power.
By Scouting report on Shaun
May 1, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Scouting report on Coach,
i think you meant shaun. Coach has more reason than shaun on this blog. In shaun’s world, stats prove everything. Now that is concrete.
By smoltzie
May 1, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
and if I can’t play baseball, I can always play golf!
By Nate
May 1, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
I’ve haven’t checked the blog of followed the Braves in a few days. Man what an ugly stretch. The lineup can’t score runs. Timley hits are non-existent. The bullpen gives up runs at the most inopportune times, and the only dependable started we’ve got is the rookie we got for Renteria. That trade looks huge now. I’m in agreement with most of you, in that a trade is needed quickly or this season is lost. We need a guy who will eat inning and give us a chance to win almost every time he pitches. Millwood or Blanton would be a huge pickup. In either case their stats would likely improve with a move to the NL. I don’t understand so much reluctance to trade prospects on the blog. They’re prospects. They may turn into Adam Wainwright or maybe George Lombard. No prospect is a sure thing, that’s why they’re called prospects. I still think the Braves are gonna need some bullpen help too. If Smoltz pitches out of the pen and Gonzoles can contribute that may be enough, but that’s asking a lot from both of them right now.
By Mike "Miley" Hampton
May 1, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Look. I was NOT topless on that vanity fair cover. There was a blanket covering up my painful chest. It was very tasteful. And besides, the photographer made me do it!
By Pete H.
May 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Well, we now have the best bullpen in history. The problem is…the rotation ain’t so hot. I think the Braves should look at some of the kids, give them a tryout and see what happens. We have some great arms in the lower minors who might have the stuff to be our fifth or even fourth starter. I know the Braves hate bringing young pitchers up, but I don’t think Chucky and Buddy and JoJo are the solution, at least right now.
When you have a guy who is giving up a walk and two hits per nine innings at high A, it might be interesting to see what he can do in the Bigs.
Jon: Pennants CAN be lost in April, but normally you gotta go something like 8-20 or worse to blow it that early. We haven’t been nearly that bad.
No one else in our division is playing particularly well, either. There are too many here pushing the panic button, and seeming to enjoy doing so. If we’re still around .500 in August, I’ll start worrying. The Braves, historically, play best the hotter it gets, and while history is kinda meaningless, it has been a pattern since the Braves moved to Atlanta.
As for trading Heyward for a pitcher, no freakin way. That kid has a very, very good chance to be our cleanup hitter for a decade or more. He ain’t Andy Marte.
If we could get Bedard or something similar for him, I might change my mind. But an injury machine like Blanton is not a wise move.
And, to continue looking on the bright side, if this season DOES go down the tubes, we have a very attractive option to trade Tex at the deadline.
Imagine what the Yanks would cough up for him. Not to mention the Dodgers and several other teams.
Smoltz going to the pen just makes a ton of sense. Assuming our offense starts playing the way it should, and Soriano comes back, and Gonzo is ready by the end of the month (or earlier), we might never lose a come-from-behind game again this year.
By P-Town Brave
May 1, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Chase
When you mention that TP or Freddie or someone of that nature to be our next manager, you aren’t JUST directing it at me, you’re directing it at the ENTIRE blog…
Thus, I felt it was proper to speak out and remind you of most of the thoughts about TP and the job he is doing…
I just wanted to repost my 2:58 post because I thought it to be in agreement w/ posts from some others, but in critical view of some of those who think we just hate Bobby and are blogging due to spite, which most of us really aren’t…
Not egotistical, not the blogging god, just wanted honest and forthright opinion…
Oh, and if you’re going to give an opinion about something, expect the criticism..the rest of us do!
Never said anything about you as an individual…just that if we’re talking about changing up the coaching staff, we really need to go in a completely different direction OR I feel we will run into the same problems we do now…
Nuff said? I believe so.
Once again, I state no disrespect was meant, but it obviously was taken as such.
By brian
May 1, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
I know that this will never happen but something to think about
With Smoltz in the bullpen are the Braves better off with Teixeira at 1B with JoJo or Chuck as SP or having Ervin Santana as SP and Casey Kotchman at 1B (insert SP and 1B from whatever team)?
By brian
May 1, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
I know that this will never happen but something to think about
With Smoltz in the bullpen are the Braves better off with Teixeira at 1B with JoJo or Chuck as SP or having Ervin Santana as SP and Casey Kotchman at 1B (insert SP and 1B from whatever team)?
By JC FROM UT
May 1, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Granted this team needs to get younger in the rotaion with someone who can pitch more than 5-6 innings, but right now this team needs something to kick start the offense. It needs a speedy leadoff guy. I don’t know who that guy is, maybe it is Blanco, or Anderson or someonr outside the orginization like Coco or Joey Gathright. I like KJ alot and have a great deal of respect for the hard work he has put in to learn 2nd base, but he has proven that he is not a leadoff guy, too inconsistent. It is really too bad Anderson and Blanco both bet left, if one batted right it would be a good platoon which we all know BC loves. Blanco looks like a good leadoff guy considering the one or two times he has done it. He seems to have a good sense of the strike zone and isn’t trying to hit it out of the park all the time. Anoher thing this team should do is get rid of the new alternative jersy . Every time they wear them something bad seems to happen.
By Frustrated Fan
May 1, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
I live out of state. Grew up watching Bravos on TBS. I was even able to watch their games for 3 months when I lived outside USA, b/c TBS carried them.
Now, I’m stuck with an occasional game featuring 2 teams I don’t care about, who don’t wear ATLANTA on their chests.
Can’t justify cost of MLB Xtra Innings Package, due to some financial restraints.
Am I unique in this situation or are there any other fans suffering the same as I am?
Where’s The Braves’ Station?!
Any feedback from fellow fans is highly appreciated! Thanks.
By McFann
May 1, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie—
With who? Tiger had surgery on his knee and will be out for quite a while.
By JC FROM UT
May 1, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Frustrated fan: I am somewhat in the same boat. I have the Dish network and they do not offer the MLB extra innings package. I signed up for MLB.TV. It isn’t too bad but it is better on TV. I think for the upgrade to premium the cost was around $100 something for th eseason. Not too costly.
By Hack
May 1, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for all the a**-kissing that will be coming Cox’s way from you idiots when we are in first place June 1st. Did Cox drop the line drive? Did Cox let the bunt go through his legs? Did Cox walk in the tying run? Did Cox hit numerous fly-outs to the warning track? Did Cox not get the big hit during any part of the game? Cox has done more for this team than they ever deserve? Not one of these players (besides Chipper, Jurrjens) has come through for Cox this year. He’s put them in numerous positions to succeed and they’ve blown it. Not to mention the B.S. injuries and the horribly bad luck. And we’re still only 2-1/2 games out of first after only one month. No other manager could deal with this crap as well as Cox has. We’re damn lucky to have him, and you idiots who criticize him are clueless. Who would be doing better? Willie Randolph? Charlie Manuel? If Bobby was managing the Phillies talent, they would be running away with the division. Our team out of spring training was phenomenal. That team is gone. This season’s rotation will end up being (Hudson)-(Glavine)-(Jurrjens)-(Bennett)-(Reyes,James). And we will still win the division. When that happens, I hope you idiots are rooting for another team, cause you don’t deserve this team winning for you. You can’t even stick by our Hall of Fame manager when his scared players can’t come through. You don’t deserve this team, go root for the Red Sox, idiots.
By Frustrated Fan
May 1, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
THANKS JC!
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Today Rob Neyer wrote the following:
The Braves have the best run differential in the National League East, yet somehow they’re in fourth place, three games behind the first-place Marlins. But what’s really odd about the Braves is that they’re 0-9 in one-run games. No other team is nine games under .500 in one-run games; no other team is eight or seven games under .500 in one-run games. The Blue Jays are 2-8, the Mariners 1-7.
What’s wrong with the Braves? Early on, there were legitimate questions about their bullpen. But their relievers have posted a 4.14 ERA; if they’d allowed just three fewer earned runs they’d be right at the league average (3.88). One-run records aren’t completely due to luck, but when you see a team with a positive run differential and a terrible record in one-run games, you may confidently assume that team has just been terribly unlucky.
There are still plenty of things to like about this team, including most of the lineup, Tim Hudson, and rookie starter Jair Jurrjens. But if John Smoltz is really going to be a reliever when he gets back — which apparently is what he thinks — I have a hard time seeing the Braves as real contenders, though anything’s possible in a division that suddenly looks fairly ripe for the taking.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
We have some great arms in the lower minors who might have the stuff to be our fifth or even fourth starter. I know the Braves hate bringing young pitchers up, but I don’t think Chucky and Buddy and JoJo are the solution, at least right now. When you have a guy who is giving up a walk and two hits per nine innings at high A, it might be interesting to see what he can do in the Bigs.
You had better not be talking about bringing Hanson up to the majors. That would be a very dumb move. Hanson should not be called up until very late next season or until 2010.
When you rush 21 year olds to the majors, you might get immediate results but you usually just destroy the kid in the long run.
Dwight Gooden, Jim Abbot, Steve Avery, Kerry Wood……. I guess you want to add Hanson to that list of 27 year old burnouts for the sake of possibly winning 85 games instead of 81 (in reality you are more likely to win 77 games instead of 81 or 85 with a young’un like Hanson on the hill).
By David O'Brien
May 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Flange1: I, too, just bought the new Petty/Mudcrutch CD at Ella Guru. Had to get the history lesson on the band first from Gainesville native Don, but it was actually quite interesting. One of the guys in the band, his dad was a hardcore judge in Gainesville.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Mike Lupica’s article today in the NY Daily News:
The Mets have spent so much time in first place the last few seasons they act sometimes as if they have won something because of that. They have not won anything. They could not win Game 7 from the Cardinals, they could not win the National League East when they were up seven on the Phillies with 17 to go. Until the Mets do win something, or even show they can take a punch, they are like some baseball version of that old Texas expression, the one about all hat and no cattle.
The team in baseball with the most to prove, the one that suffered the worst collapse in the history of their team and their city, acts too often as if it has nothing to prove.
This is not just because the Mets looked so bad against the Pirates Wednesday afternoon at Shea that you kept waiting for the umpires to use the Little League slaughter rule and call the thing. This isn’t because Oliver Perez couldn’t throw a strike yesterday and Luis Castillo couldn’t field a routine ground ball and because Jose Reyes’ head was once again in the sky above LaGuardia when he should have been covering second base on a rundown play.
It is because of this: Because there have been enough games already when the first month of this season looks like the last two months of last season. The Mets sure aren’t the 5-12 team that finished last season. But they should be better than they are, and show more life than they have. A year ago the Mets were the most entertaining team in baseball and too often now they seem like the opposite of that. There are too many days when they all have to get their heads out of the sky. Or somewhere.
“We are lucky to be 14-12,” Billy Wagner said yesterday, before lighting into Oliver Perez the way Mets fans want the manager to.
Sometimes you think the real hangover from last season isn’t in the stands, where enough people are booing to make Shea start sounding like all the old jokes and clichés about the sports fans of Philadelphia. Sometimes you think the real hangover is on the field.
The Mets do not put teams away when they can. They do not blow teams away when they should. And occasionally there is a game like yesterday, against the same kind of bad team that beat them up last September, when the Mets do not even bother to show up at all. And get booed all over again, by people who want more from the players on the field, from the man picking the players, from the manager. Yankee fans know their team can come back from a mediocre April. Mets fans know no such thing.
When it was over Wednesday, Willie Randolph looked as stunned by what he’d seen against the Pirates as the people in the stands. He was asked about Perez and how there are times like yesterday when he seems to lose his head and his stuff when his infielders start kicking the ball around as if they should be playing for Manchester United.
“Sometimes you have to fight through things,” Randolph said.
Even in the first month of the season, there are games when the Mets don’t seem to fight at all. Of course they have lost Pedro, lost Moises Alou, lost Brian Schneider, the new catcher. Things have happened. The Phillies lost Jimmy Rollins, the MVP of the league last season, and still have nearly an identical record.
Right now, a month into this, the Mets have one everyday player on the field, Ryan Church, who exceeds expectations. One pitcher, Wagner, has done the same. Carlos Delgado is 7-for-his-last-62, Castillo looks like an absolutely insane four-year contract, Reyes comes back after being on base six times the night before and stands there and watches a rundown play as the Pirates are scoring seven in the second inning.
And this is one of those months when Carlos Beltran looks like about as much of a $100 million investment as Jason Giambi has been for the Yankees. Somebody needs to explain to Beltran that the lasting image for him at Shea still isn’t home runs from both sides of the plate, but the bat on his shoulder at the end of Game 7 against Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals.
There is so much time for them. Nobody should run away with anything in the NL East, and really there are only three teams in the league right now playing a lot better than the Mets: Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Cubs. But in a baseball April when the Mets wanted to make some sort of statement, the most powerful message at Shea has been boos.
Wednesday I sit with Bob Mandt and John Morley, who go all the way back to the Polo Grounds with the Mets. Mandt started out as a clerk there in ‘62, and eventually became head of stadium operations at Shea. John Morley was concessions manager. They are old guys who still come to the park like kids expecting big things and have seen it all. Yesterday they watched the beginning of 13-1 for the Pirates in a box down the right field line.
“This is the most p——ed off I’ve seen the place, at least this early,” Bob Mandt said. “But then, on days like this, they’ve got plenty to be p——ed off about.”
It was the top of the second now, all bad things happening, all over the field for the Mets.
“It started with that home opener to the Phillies,” John Morley said. “It was like, ‘Here we go again.’ Now we’ve got another one of those ‘here we go again’ days today.”
It is only a month. It just happens to be the one right after the worst the Mets have ever had. The fans aren’t the ones who have to let go of last season. These players do.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
From the nypost:
The Mets are running out of patience with the maddeningly inconsistent Oliver Perez.
Amid the rubble of a 13-1 loss to the last-place Pirates, which started with Perez’s second-inning meltdown, Billy Wagner said what many of his teammates appeared to be thinking about the left-hander.
Fresh off an 11-inning win the night before that forced the Mets to use virtually their entire bullpen, Wagner blasted Perez for lasting just 1 2/3 innings, matching his career low, against one of the worst teams in baseball.
“Perez has honestly got to step up and know that we’ve just used every guy in our bullpen the night before,” a visibly disgusted Wagner said. “He can’t come out there and decide that, gee, he hasn’t got it today and so be it.”
Asked if talking to Perez about his notoriously short attention span was like trying to talk to a wall, Wagner pointed his finger and said: “Pretty much.”
By THE BEAR
May 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Don’t you guys pay any attention to the news? Tom Glavine passed up $13 million to pitch for the Braves for $7. Don’t you think he is smart enough to have an agreement that he WILL NOT BE TRADED TO ANYONE? He is staying in Atlanta because that is home for him, where his wife and kids are located and he is not going to pitch for anyone but the Braves.
So, knock off the chatter about trading Glavine. It is silly chatter and nothing else.
By ricflair
May 1, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
In case everyone has forgotton it is May 1st and despite all the injuries and problems the Braves have occured they are at this moment 2 1/2 games out of first place. Everyone chill out. Just be thankful no one has run off and hid in the division.
By Overlord
May 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox as soon as Braves do 50% of what you posted they will reach 1st place in the blink of an eye.
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
The Mets do not put teams away when they can. They do not blow teams away when they should. And occasionally there is a game like yesterday, against the same kind of bad team that beat them up last September, when the Mets do not even bother to show up at all. And get booed all over again, by people who want more from the players on the field, from the man picking the players, from the manager. willy wally
You sure this article wasn’t about the braves? Maybe this is a divsion wide problem.
By Missouri Braves Fan
May 1, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
John Smoltz is one of the true gamers playing the game today. He has been one of my favorite players for a long time now. He epitomizes the game of baseball with his talent, character, and plain old intestinal fortitude. He is a true sports heroes. I truly hope he is able to come back and do as well as he possibly can. Thanks for staying a Brave John.
By Shamus Thacker
May 1, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Whadda you expect Willy?
The Muts SUCK!
By Pete H.
May 1, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Dwight Gooden, Jim Abbot, Steve Avery, Kerry Wood……. I guess you want to add Hanson to that list of 27 year old burnouts for the sake of possibly winning 85 games instead of 81 (in reality you are more likely to win 77 games instead of 81 or 85 with a young’un like Hanson on the hill).
Hmm, two elbow injuries, a drug problem, and a guy who just was not as good as he looked. Are you seriously saying the Mets should have left Doc in the minors for two more years? He was pitching like Hanson in the minors and he kept doing it in the majors. Cocaine and alcohol shut him down, or he would be in the HOF now.
Avery got hurt, and was never the same. Same with Wood, who is now a very effective closer after years of rehab.
Abbot just wasn’t that good. He was a feel-good story, but after one good year the league figured him out (and bunted him to death too).
Just a false, false argument. Anyone who would have left Gooden in the minors would have been a total idiot. I have not seen Hanson pitch, but if he’s for real, if those numbers are for real, he can get major league batters out too. High A has a ton of great prospects, and he is dominating them. I’d prefer he got some time a AAA to see some ML players, but it ain’t going to kill us to see if he is that good. If not, nothing lost, we just send him back down. Smoltz, Glavine and Mercker weren’t ready their first year, but that does not mean Hanson isn’t.
JoJo clearly has a lot of talent, but if his command hasn’t improved (things DO look promising there), it is probably best to let him stay in triple A and gain confidence. I doubt Hanson has a confidence problem.
You’re using a straw man argument, and not even a good one. David Clyde might be a better example, but he basically had a fastball and a mediocre curve and no ability to throw strikes. Hanson has far better stuff and command of the strike zone.
I’d like to see him winning some games in the majors, not the minors. We had no problem bringing Andruw up at 19. Hanson looks like another Andruw type.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
two elbow injuries, a drug problem, and a guy who just was not as good as he looked.
PeteH, you missed the point. Physical and emotional immaturity are what plagued Doc, Wood, Avery, Abbott.
THey were all more than good enough to be in the majors at a young age. But were they all ready for the physical and emotional demands at such a young age? CLearly, they weren’t.
You say Abbott wasn’t good enough but have you really looked at what Abbott’s problem was?
Abbott was damn good. His problem was that they made him pitch over 1000 innings by the time he was 25 years old in the majors. By 27, he was done - not because they had figured him out - but because the physical toll taken upon him at a young age was too much.
Gooden’s body was also abused at a young age - not only by drugs but also by the physical demands of pitching so many innings while so young.
Elbow, shoulder, drug and emotional problems are what happen to young players you push too soon without enough development and seasoning down in the minors.
Just because you might be able to pitch in the majors doesn’t mean you should.
By Shamus Thacker
May 1, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Lyrics: Kriss Kristofferson/Bobby Cox
Why us Hammy
What have we ever done
To deserve even one
Of the pitches you’ve thrown
Tell us Hammy
What did we ever do
That was worth glove from you
Or the batters you’ve owned
Lawd help that Hammy
He’s wasted it so
Help that Hammy
Hhe ain’t worth a damnnnnnnnnn
Now that he kno-owws
He pret-ty much blows
Help that Hammy
He’s less than a man
Tell me Lawd
Do you think Hammy’s gay
He shall never repay
All he’s taken from fools
Maybe Lawd
He can show someone else
How he robbed us himself
On his way to Can-cunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Lawd help that Hammy
He’s wasted it so
Help that Hammy
He ain’t worth a damnnnnnnnnn
Now that he kno-owws
He pret-ty much blows
Help that Hammy
He’s less than a man
By Bobby's Cox
May 1, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
Again i commend you for being such an optimist, but i don’t hink Rob Neyer watches many braves games. I don’t think he sees how silly Frenchy looks at the plate. In fact, i’m not so sure he gets the full picture of the offense. I sure he sees the lineup on paper and says wow. But, he’s an analysist and has many teams to cover. When the team leaves runners on 2nd & 3rd with 0 or 1 out, i don’t think he sees that. I don’t think he
If it’s your intent to say this team has a great offense, i disagree. Do they have the offense with the ability to get the job done, yes. If you’re trying to say the product of this teams 1 loss records is luck, i disagree. Maybe in 1 or 2 games, but not all 9. There’s fundamental things this team needs to do that can contribute to limiting those 1 run losses and turning them into W’s.
Instead of Neyer’s commentary, look at Fortune Cookies’ above. I think Fortune Cookie gets it more than Neyer.
The one thing i do agree with Neyer about is the loss of smoltz to the bullpen. The predcitions of this team making it to the postseason were with smotlz in the rotation leading the way. Replacing 20-25 quality starts with 1/3 to half that will be provided by Bennet, James, or Buddy, will take 5-10 wins and replace them in the loss column. Smoltz is not better off in the pen. It may be better for his arm, but barring a trade or a miracle from hampton, James, or Bennett, it is not better off for the team…that’s why Cox says we’ll wait and see how it feels after rest and then reassess the issue.
By ncgary
May 1, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
well lets not all be debbie downers, what happens in 2 weeks when smoltz feels fine, no neck and shoulder pain, do we still go bullpen or stretch him back out
im sure theres an off radar starting pitcher that wren has his eye on somethin has to work right sooner or later : you know the laws of average or some kinda hocus pocus mumbo jumbo or another et?
anyway go braves its may now , thank you may we have some wins now
By Anika Sorrenstam
May 1, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Any pitcher with those good of numbers can get ML hitters out. The yanks aren’t afraid to promote those pitchers with Hughes, Kennedy, & Joba, the D-backs aren’t wtih Scherzer, the A’s certainly aren’t. the Brewers aren’t with Gallardo.
But the braves are. Hanson should be in AA or AAA by now with those numbers, and then the majors if those numbers hold up in the higher levels after 4-6 starts.
By bravesfan
May 1, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Coach Sunday: Jair Jurrjens 3-2 / 3.05 ERA vs. Bronson Arroyo 1-3 / 6.97
Sunday it’s Glavine vs. Arroyo
By BravesFanInRockies
May 1, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally,
9:05 p.m. Agreed.
Avery was rushed to the bigs and overworked when he was in his early 20s.
I hope the same thing’s not happening to JJJ. He clearly has the ability. But you have to keep pitchers’ workload under control while they mature.
Bringing Hanson to the majors now or any time in 2008 is STOOPID, because he’d be expected to pitch deep in games every five days. You want this kid to be out of baseball when he’s 25?
By BravesFanInRockies
May 1, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Hanson pitched 133 innings last year at age 20/21. Let him throw a few more this season in the minors (say 150-160). Then give him a shot to make the rotation next year if he continues to progress. He could handle 30 starts with no obvious risk to his health, if he’s ready, of course.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
May 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
The Braves, historically, play best the hotter it gets, and while history is kinda meaningless, it has been a pattern since the Braves moved to Atlanta. Pete H
Yeah, that 6-21 mark in June 2006 was some kind of “hot” streak, wasn’t it?
And a cumulative 3 games under .500 from June-August 2007. We were on fire!
By Brian Cashman
May 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
BravesfaninRockies
If a pitcher is that good, you can limit their innings in the bigs. Especially if you have 2 long relievers in the pen like Bennet, Carlyle, or James. There’s at least 2 pen guys that are worth a roster spot for the above scenario to come into play. But, the kid will need like 8 more starts in the minors (at a higher level) and with similar numbers before a move that drastic can take place.
I bet Wren has his eye on something too. I hope it’s not Woody Williams
By Lew
May 1, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Pete H-Your point on Gooden and Abbott is well taken, however, on the others…..It is a well established occurrence (Tom Verducci wrote a great article about the phenomenon early last season) for young pitchers under the age of 25, who have pitched 50 or more innings over their previous season, tend to go down for injury problems more often than those who don’t.
This has happened numerous times, including to all those young Marlin’s studs like Annibel Sanchez, Nolasco, Olsen and a couple others. It is well documented throughout baseball.
If we’re not careful, we may have problems with Jurrjens, who has pitched 142 innings the last several years and is still 22, if he exceeds 175 innings. Bringing up Hanson who just started the season in A ball is NOT a good idea. If we can’t get another decent pitcher outside of our system, we might do well to just let Reyes and James either sink or become viable members of our rotation.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 1, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Brian Cashman,
Yes, you’re right, you can limit a kid’s innings if you have a bunch of other innings eaters in the rotation. The Braves don’t have a surplus of them right now.
And yes, I hope it’s not Woody Williams either. Or Maddux. Or Livan. Or any other 40+ guy. That strategy hasn’t worked out too well for the Braves this year.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, All I know is the Braves have the 6th best record in baseball last season and so far this season in games with at least a 2-run margin of victory. There is no way that’s not a really good team.
Now the Smoltz injury hurts, so that doesn’t mean they are destined to play better but I’m more concerned about injuries than anything else at all, and it’s not even close.
Like Neyer said, one-run games aren’t all luck but it’s hard to believe an otherwise good team would lose so much in games that could go either way without a great deal of bad luck.
Also, the offense is great. Only four NL teams have scored 5 or more runs in a game more often last season and so far this season. And two of those teams—the Rockies and Phillies—play in extreme hitter’s parks. I’m not sure how that is not a great offense. If the Braves don’t contend it won’t be because of the offense.
By Tomas
May 1, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
According to mlbtraderumors.com, with Smoltz going to the bulpen, they should trade for a starting pitcher. The options they presented were Joe Blanton, and Kevin Millwood. They also said that Billy Beane would ask for Jason Heyward on the deal.
If i’m Frank Wren, there is no way I trade Jayson Heyward, Gorkis Hernandez, Phil Stockman or Jo-jo Reyes. And I wouldn’t give more than four prospects for Blanton. My offer would be Scott Thorman, Brandon Jones, Branyan Peña, and Ryne Reynoso. I think that would be a fair trade for both sides, and consider the fact billy beane is looking to trade joe blanton.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Anika Sorrenstam, Scherzer is 23. Hughes and Joba are 22. Hanson is a very young 21 with only three years of pro experience and of course no college ball. The other guys played college ball or spent almost four full seasons in the minors.
By Shaun
May 1, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Actually Hanson has only had two full seasons in pro ball.
By Epinephrine
May 1, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I seriously hope you are kidding. If you think we are getting Blanton for one guy who just cleared waivers, another guy that perhaps could clear waver, a dude in AAA that has hit over .300 all of 1 times in his 5 years in the minors, then I seriously question your sanity.
How about this. What if we give the A’s Chris Reitsma, Scott Thorman, and a wedge of cheese, in return for Blanton and Billy Beane? How does that sound?
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
It’s not been the worst April the franchise has had, but this team hasn’t had much go right for them in the first 27 games of 2008.
Can’t argue that this is not a very fundamentally good baseball team right now. Not at all. In fact, I am stunned that May isn’t 24 hours old yet and as badly as the past month has gone only three games separate this team from first place in the NL East.
Of course, underachievement isn’t only happening in Georgia. There will be many teams in MLB that will rue the April that they had. Could be the Braves certainly, could be the mets or Phils, could be Fort Knox the Bronx, or the Indians, or the Tigers.
The Bearded Autumnal Icon has heart and is dealing with constant pain in is right shoulder. It’s no coincidence that some of the most critical victories earned by this franchise in the past sixteen and a half years were earned with number 29 on the mound. His addition to the bully will certainly help even though it’s certainly a blow to the starting staff, however a little Smoltz is better than no Smoltz at all in my opinion.
April is over, there’s been some good, certainly some bad and some surprises thrown in for good measure.
The good. Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar has been our offense for most of the month. Tex has struggled for much of the month, however he’s hit safely now in the last seven games and raised his BA in that time frame from .235 to .273. There are some that say Tex should have been traded in the offseason, however it’s very clear to me that Chipper is off to a white hot start this year in part because pitchers fear Tex in the four hole much more than AJ even with Tex’s slow start.
Jair Jurrjens has pitched very well in his six starts and Jorge Campillo has certainly turned some heads with his performance in relief and before his DL stint, Glavine pitched well. If we could have gotten Jorge to throw the ball to second and Manny to field a bunt, we’d have two less stinging losses off of the list. Braves pitchers have accounted for six errors so far this year. Not good.
The bad. Injuries have taken their toll on this team. We’re certainly not alone in that respect, but this franchise has more than their share of DL stints through the first month. Resop and Ring haven’t pitched well at all for the most part. Boyer has been inconsistent and I don’t expect Moylan to return until next summer is over in his native Australia.
All that said, the white flag ain’t out here folks. Not at all. This team has issues that it needs to correct certainly. Situational hitting needs to improve, defense needs to improve, baserunning needs to improve and pitchers whose last name are not Jurrjens, Hudson, Smoltz or Glavine. With Smoltz out of the rotation, we’re going to have to count on some combination of Reyes, James, Bennett or (insert your own pitching option here) to step into the rotation and give the team some innings.
By i cant take it anymore
May 1, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
tomas…there is a reason he wants jason heyward. its b/c he has some real potential. why not just a thorman for blanton straight up, or a blanton and lifetime supply of sunflower seeds.
By Lenwood
May 1, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Did somebuddy sey sunflowir seeds?
By Tomas
May 1, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Okay how about this, Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Ryne Reynoso, and Branyan Peña. Two of those four are part of the top ten prospects list from the braves. Although Joe Blanton is a quality starter, he is a number 3 starter, not an ace like the A’s started with him this year. Rich Harden is their ace, but he is never healthy. What I really like about Blanton is that his contract is very cheap, 3.7 million, and I think it would solve the Braves starting rotation problems for the rest of the year.
Tim Hudson, Tom Glavine, Joe Blanton, Jair Jurrjens, and (Chuck James, Jo-jo Reyes, or Mike Hampton if his arm doesn’t fall off). WOW that would be a good starting rotation, and a tremendous bulpen with Smoltz as the closer.
By jed
May 1, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
I’d strongly recommend taking the 15 million dollar hypocondriac and sticking his silly butt in the bullpen. You might as well get some use out of him, and there’s not a chance in hades he’s gonna be able to go 6 innings every 5 days for us.
To get you through, you go with Hudson, Jurrjens, Glavine, Bennett and Chucky, and trade for a starter ASAP. Doesnt have to be an ace. Jurrjens is a 2 starter at this point, and Hudson should (should!) be fine. Could be just a solid 3 starter, given JJ’s progress.
Look on the bright side: If Smoltz can last the season, you may well have solved the closer dilemma. And if you can get Gonzo & Soriano back healthy, you’ve got quite a pen. Of course, way things are going, that sure is a lotta IF’s.
By nolie
May 2, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
DOB
What did you think of the Buzz Bissinger comments on the Bob Costas show about blogs vs the mainstream media? You’re involved in both, you should have some interested thoughts on the matter.
By Anonymous
May 2, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Here’s a great idea. Have the Braves identify the top 4 or 5 prospects in the organization and package them in some deals for high-priced talents who will disappoint with their performance and plunge the bottom-line oriented ownership millions into the red.
The trade for Tex is going to look pretty bad when he takes a walk at the end of this season and 2 or 3 of the prospects dealt away turn into quality players in the near future. But it looks OK right now, so let’s try a few more like it.
Braves need a leadoff hitter. How about Juan Pierre? Want a better offensive performer in the outfield? Let’s bring back Gary Matthews after his too-brief stay a few years ago. Wouldn’t take that might to get either one.
Gotta have some pitching. Kevin Millwood will only cost $10 million or so. The A’s are contending for first place and have some pitching concerns, but all the experts seem to think Blanton is available in the right deal. Billy Beane has probably already forgotten the Dan Meyer fiasco, so let’s offer JoJo, Hanson & Heyward. That wouldn’t be too much, would it?
Really, there’s no need to panic. Moylan hasn’t had surgery yet, Gonzalez & Soriano will be back any day now & Smoltz will be fine in a few weeks and give the team an untouchable bullpen. Sort of like the one last year with Wickman, Gonzalaz & Soriano, only not as hefty in the 9th inning.
Finally, how dare bloggers criticize our beloved manager. He won 14 division titles in a row. He has to be a Hall of Famer. So what if every move he makes with the bullpen backfires? 0-9 in one-run games? Nothing more than bad luck.
This team is going to turn it on in May and roll right past those Mets & Phillies. How can it fail? Mike Hampton is coming back to save the day. He’ll make everybody forget about Smolt leaving the rotation.
By Pete H.
May 2, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Lew
50 innings? Whatever the number, if Hanson can pitch them in the minors, and he’s at 30 or so now, he can pitch them in the majors. Nobody pitches 50 innings, not even good relief pitchers.
Whatever the figure, if he can get out major league hitters, control his innings in the bigs, and let him help us. From what I have heard, he has speed, control and movement, and it doesn’t matter what age you are, that will get out ML hitters. The danger is psychological, not physical. If he ain’t up to it, send him back down, but with his track record, it won’t kill us to see what he can do. Hell, he might be another Gooden. Just plug up his nostrils.
By Bravesfan79
May 2, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
Fustrated fan: i agree man, TBS is a traitor. I for one, refuse to watch any of their crap movies or tv shows.
Its a shame what built TBS into what it is today has been replaced by crap shows like house of pain, and more Yankees games (like we dont already get enough Yankees games on ESPN and Fox!)
Lucky i live in the metro area so i catch all the games, but i feel sorry for all the livelong Braves fans that can no longer catch their favorite team on tv. Especially old senior citizens that cant afford other options like Internet.
Lets win some games, get back to over .500 before we get into our tougher part of the schedule, and try and win this division!
And whats the big deal about some pitcher in the minors being called up? Does he not go 6-7 innings anyways in his minor league starts?? How is a pitchers arm different racking up a bunch of innings in the minors compared to the same in the majors?? Of course all im talking about is arm strength and risk of injury, i know minor leagues is important because it gives them a chance to work on their stuff… but i just dont see how its any different on their arm.
By Moby Grape
May 2, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
I would like to propose Edwin Jackson from the Rays. Curt
The guy has an ERA of 5.47 and even worst a WHIP of 1.67. How could you possibly think he could help?
By Lew
May 2, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
Pete-You misunderstood. Not 50 total innings-50 in addition to the 142 Jurrjens pitched each of the last three years. He’s on pace for over 200 innings (or somewhere in that vicinity). That’s too many innings at this stage of his career. A lot of analysts think he shouldn’t exceed more than thirty innings over the previous year’s total until you’re over 25.
I’d like to see them limit him to 165-75 innings this year.
By Lew
May 2, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Then again, a lot of people disagree with that theory, so what you gonna do? I’m tired and I’m going to bed. Good night.
By Sir Stealth
May 2, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Wow, anonymous is one clever dude. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a personal round of applause and maybe a pat on the back too for your witty sarcasm. No outsmarting you and your cleverness bro.
By Pete H.
May 2, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Lew, that might be so, but that is no reason to not look at a dynamite arm. That was more or less my point, with Smoltz in the pen, along with Gonzo and the rest, we can afford to have a five inning kid. There is no reason not to look at him, IMO. He has electric stuff and if you throw a 95 mph fastball with movement at the knees, Babe Ruth won’t hit you.
We now have a great, not good, pen, and we need that one last arm in the rotation. If JoJo ain’t up to it, give Tommy a look.
Me and my abscessed tooth are off to bed. I think we are still going to take this division, and it won’t even be close.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 2, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
The overlooked impact of John Smoltz going to the bullpen is in the details.
He signed a 1-year contract EXTENSION thru the 2008 season worth $14M on 4/26/07- + the deal includes a vesting option for 2009 worth $12M that becomes guaranteed with 200 innings pitched in 2008- + the deal includes a team option for 2010 worth $12M and no buyout- + the value of the 2010 option rises to $13M with 200 innings pitched in 2008
In other words, if Smoltz does go to the bullpen he WILL NOT reach the 200 inning’s needed to guarantee his contract beyond this season.
Of course, we all know that Smoltz will want to stay with the Braves.
The question is, will he pitch beyond 2008 or is this the end of the road for Smoltz.
Glavines contract is a one year deal too.
Ditto for Kotsay. Also, Hampton’s bloated deal is finally due to expire.
Teixeira will test the free agent market.
YO FELLA’S , it’s do or die, because 2009 might be the year the Braves rebuild.
And, Greg Maddux contract is up too.
Makes you wonder what impact the three future Hall of Fame pitchers will have on each other as to whether they keep playing, or if all three hang it up and bust through the doors of Cooperstown together.
By Anonymous
May 2, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
Sarcasm, Sir Stealth? Whatever do you mean? That was offered with the utmost sincerity.
Except maybe the part about Hampton. Sorry to pile on there.
By BayAreaSteve
May 2, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
Where’s Whiskey?
I find it interesting that the late-shift is the voice of reason on the blog these days.
I’ve followed the optimist-realist-pessimist argument of late. I’ve concluded that most, if not all, Braves’ fans on this blog know exactly what’s going on with this team right now. We know the few positives; we certainly know the many negatives.
But, as a fan, we just want to watch winning Braves’ baseball. We don’t want to hear the negativity. And I think that those who want to constantly espouse the negativity assume that the rest of us are in denial.
I, for one, would like to tell the N8s of the blog that I am fully aware of the problems with this team. And if I wasn’t the first time I read it, I certainly was by the 67th time.
I know, and yet I still hope. And it seems to me, most fans are this way. It truly seems as though many here take pride in saying this team sucks. Even if true, which I don’t grant, why would you be so willing to REPEATEDLY say so?
By Mike S
May 2, 2008 3:26 AM | Link to this
Here here Steve!
By Double Deuce
May 2, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
I think all of you expecting the Braves’ bullpen to suddenly become the best in baseball just with the additon of John Smoltz better temper your optimism a little. First off, Smoltz has been battling a sore shoulder since last year, has tried to find a slot to make it work, and by all accounts from those who know him, is pitching with more pain than at any time in his career. You have no idea what he has left and to expect him to pick up where he left off in the pen is unrealistic. You better be ready to settle for whatever it is he has left and count your blessings if its a full season. It is not beyond reason that we have seen the last of John Smoltz. If you still believe he was pitching on back fields in the spring to work on mechanics you’re not dealing with reality. He has serious arm problems and is trying to figure out how to squeeze one more year out of himself to get this team to the playoffs.
Secondly, Rafael Soriano was an above average reliever last year. How good do you think he’s going to be when he comes back. The reality is how many pitchers do you remember resting their arm this long into the season without having serious problems. Remember, he couldn’t even pitch in spring training after having the winter off. His problems are serious and the Braves are trying to figure out how to get some use out of him.
Third. Mike Gonzalez is coming off Tommy John surgery. Even Smoltzie would tell you you have to tread lightly when first returning. 12 months is the minimum, but 15-18 months is full recovery. Counting on him to shoulder a big load before September could endanger his future and I certainly hope Bobby keeps that in mind.
So to say that the Braves will have the best bullpen in baseball is a stretch at best. I would think the hope will be that they can piece together enough healthy, and effective, arms to keep them in the hunt. If Smoltz is healthy they will be good, but isn’t that what we were saying about our starters at the beginning of the season?
By Sir Stealth
May 2, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
Well said, BayAreaSteve. A devoted Braves fan can easily tell you that there’s pretty much more injured players on this ball club right now than healthy ones, and that that is very bad. Same fan can say how frustrating a string of close losses is and that the team is flawed and needs to play a lot better. But if all you do is argue why the team sucks and should give up, then you might as well be a fan of a rival team. Let the other team’s fans say why we’re gonna suck and hope that they’re wrong.
I feel like I’ve read a lot of stuff from people in Atlanta trying to excuse the subpar attendance that the city gets ripped for, especially in the playoffs (which is a long way away from the over the top raucousness of the early 90s). People say that the team has broken their hearts in the postseason so much that they just can’t take it anymore, don’t want to devote themselves again, devote the cash that goes with it only to see the team fall short again after getting to the playoffs and falling short again and again. Seems like this mentality has carried over in the last couple of seasons into trying to be the guy who was right all along and told you so that we were gonna suck. Maybe this makes you feel better that you got off first and are less disappointed than everybody else. Maybe you could get to the same high as everyone else if the team ends up winning, so you put yourself in a position where you have nothing to lose.
I personally think that’s a load of crap, and if you don’t like trying to get your hopes up about a team (and this Braves team if healthy would be very strong no matter what shade of glasses) and set yourself up for disappointment, then tough. I think sports probably make me miserable about 75% of the time at least, but it’s just part of being a devoted fan. You get behind the team and if they don’t win then it sucks. But personally I’d rather ride the bandwagon over a cliff than be the first to jump off and say that everyone else was drinking the kool-aid cause they didn’t agree the team sucked early enough.
By BayAreaSteve
May 2, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this
“first to jump off”
I think that describes it perfectly, Stealth.
I decree, in my alcoholic stupor, that any fan taking this approach, and who is later proven wrong by a 90 win team, has to vacate anything Braves.
By nolie
May 2, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this
My neighbor and his son often come over to watch the Atlanta games with me. The other day Bobby acted up and got spanked a little. Watching the game later that night he told his dad he was gonna run away and move in with the Braves…cause they never beat anybody…
By Santa3247
May 2, 2008 5:23 AM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Sea of Glass(Jinhae City)southkorea.
Today, I want to say about John Smoltz’s moving to Closer. Now problem of Brave can’t be solved by one closer. The ability of relievers are major fact of brave’s weak pace I think.
Avarice of Requestor to Babylon Joseph Reyes is another factor I think.^*^
Endless Avarice!!^*^
What a thick the skin of face is!!^*^
Red Dragon bloodline can’t repent, can’t know what is repent, why repent? ,never, like babyloian, Keep in Mind. ^*^
May the force of Messiah be with you
By SNIPER-69
May 2, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally, Your post yesterday (7:06 and 7:25) at least shows that the NY media doesn’t sugar coat the Mets poor play. They’re gonna write like they see it. It’s more than you can say about the AJC staff that is full of IF’s and MAYBE’S. Look at the previous blog article as an example. Count the amount of IF’S* in that one. The amount of living in the past that was spread thoughout it. And if you point if out, watch out. The true sensitivty of the writer realy comes out.
By Thrillhouse44
May 2, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans were in town last night to battle the Salem Avalanche. I’d like to offer my own version of “DOWN ON THE FARM”, but it was Thirsty Thursday last night ($1 beverages) and I was awful thirsty. The Pelicans whooped up on the Avalanche 6-2. That’s about all I can provide, since I spent more time socializing than watching. How do you do it, richbrave?
Today the Thrill Mobile leaves town at 10:00 a.m. for a BBQ, baseball, and beer filled weekend in ATL. Hopefully we’ll see the start of a major hot streak for the bebeseiged Braves. Go Braves!
By flange1
May 2, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
Sniper,
Yes the NY media “tell it like it is.” Lupica basically is saying what Lew and other Braves fans have said for awhile, the Mets HAVE NO HISTORY, haven’t won anything, yet they and their fans act like they are the greatest team to ever play baseball.
They have always been losers.
Is it a good thing that they get ripped by the local media?
Your point was suggesting that DOB and the other Atlanta media tends to live in the past and not confront of “rip” the Braves when ever the Braves play a bad game.
At least the Braves have a history to revel in.
I believe the NY media is similar to the London media and they both feel the only way to increase readership is exploitive journalism. Southerners don’t seem to like that all that much.
So if the NY media wants to rip the Mets, fine by me, but I would prefer the AJC to report on the facts of the game and let me make up my mind how to interpret those facts.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
flange1, actually the Mets have two World Series wins, one more than the Atlanta Braves. Not that I don’t find some Mets fans annoying.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
flange1, actually the Phillies may have less of a history than the Mets. Phillies have one World Series title in like a gazillion years.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Braves won’t want to hear that in the wild-card era (1995 on), just 20 of 104 playoff teams (19 percent) were under .500 — yep, even one game under — at the end of April.
For those of you that keep saying: “Take it easy, its only April”.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
For the first time ever, half of last year’s postseason field had losing records through April. Before that, only 17 percent of all playoff teams in the wild-card era were under .500 after April (16 of 96).
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
For the first time ever, half of last year’s postseason field had losing records through April. Before that, only 17 percent of all playoff teams in the wild-card era were under .500 after April (16 of 96).
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
On Chipper Jones: The only other players to emerge from last 10 Aprils with an average this high and this many home runs: Barry Bonds in 2004 (.472, 10 HR) and Vladimir Guerrero in 2000 (.410, 8 HR).
By flange1
May 2, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I don’t believe that World Series titles is the only indicator of the quality of the organization over a time frame.
The Marlins have 2 WS rings and have been a poorly run organization with an overall losing record for the last 15 years.
Same with the Mets.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Overlord, interesting stuff. I think your second post speaks volumes to maybe why we shouldn’t worry too much about where the Braves are in the standings. Injuries are a legit concern but I’m not too worried about where the Braves currently are in the standings.
With the exception of the AL West every division is pretty bunched up. Seems like a pretty unusual year so far as far as the standings go.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Overlord, according to Baseball Prospectus’ most basic playoff odds report, the Braves still have about a 31 percent shot at the playoffs. The Mets are at 36.6 and the Phillies are at 31.9. That’s actually higher than the Angels and Yankees.
The PECOTA adjusted version of the playoff odds have the Braves at at about 22.6 percent, behind the Mets and Phillies. But that’s still not a bad percentage.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
flange1, oh, I thought we were talking about history not how well the organization had been run. I’d say the Mets have a pretty rich history at this point.
But I agree that some of their fans can give off a sense of entitlement. Maybe it’s an inferiority complex because the Yankees are obviously the kings of that city and possibly the baseball world when we are talking history.
By mo
May 2, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Coach
In regards to your 1:23 AM post, the Braves will NEVER rebuild. Not while Chipper and BC are here. Even if Smoltz, Glavine and Tex are not on the 2009 roster, they will just trade a ton of prospects to fill those needs…..
Even though the intelligent move would be to deal Tim Hudson and Mark Texiera at the deadline and get a bounty of prospects that will be major league ready by next season or 2010. But again, they will NEVER rebuild while Chipper and BC are with this franchise.
They will probably trade for Paul Konerko to fill First Base and sign some bum like Jon Garland(who they like) to pitch in this rotation with Hudson, Jurrjens, James and Reyes.
Moves that won’t make them a playoff contender…..because that squad wouldn’t be better than a team that the Mets and Phillies could field.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
mo, I think they’d somewhat go into an all-out rebuilding mode if they were on their way to 90 losses at the deadline (they’d probably trade Teixeira, Diaz and Kotsay but not Hudson). But I think as long as they have a fighting chance while Chipper and Bobby are here, they’ll try to compete.
At the same time, I don’t think they are ever going to trade valuable prospects for the likes of Paul Konerko and John Garland or sign mediocre vets to huge contracts.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Shaun sometimes does stats you just brought up are not as good as one might think. There is not a chance in hell braves have a better chance than Angels to go to the playoffs. I suppose what you are mentioning is based on run differential, schedules, stuff like that. But the Braves are in a place very hard to come out of, they have lost all confidence in themselves. Fom now on, everytime they lose a game they will get depressed. More and more, because expectations were very high and they are playing like p*** cats. I can understand is very tough to have 3 of your best bullpen arms DLed and 3 of your best SP DLed in almost impossible to overcome, and they are not far away from doing just that, if they keep close and all of those pitchers come back (but moylan or hampton, not both of them). Theyll have to win something like 10 out of the mext 15 to gain confidence. I could almost guarantee that a .500 record in their next 15-20 games spells another “octoberless” season.
By mo
May 2, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Shaun- I hear ya, but look at the D Backs. Suck for a couple of seasons and then dominate. The Braves can scout…..they have proved that time and time again. It makes sense to some degree I guess. Why wouldn’t you trade Hudson? I understand that he is still very productive and obviously the only vet on our staff if Smoltz and Glavine leave, but you could get 2-3 very good prospects for the guy. Very good ones.
By brent a.
May 2, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Good info from Rob Neyer. I’ve never liked his stuff. It cracks me up a little because in March, he acted surprised that so many were picking the Braves to win the division, even questioning a poster as to whehter there were really “so many” who had picked the Braves.
He then went on to note that he had picked the Braves to win 87 games, but had modified that pick down to like 84 due to Smoltz’s early season DL stint.
But now that the season has begun, and the Braves are choking away games in every way imaginable, their rotation is in shambles, and the offense looks just like it has the previous 2 seasons, he starts acting excited about their chances to win the division.
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Brent A
That’s because he initially picked the Mets to win 97 games……
that’s right, 97 games. Those numbers have obviously come down at this point.
90 wins this division. Maybe less.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Overlord, I completely agree that the Angels have a much better chance to make the playoffs. I just bring that up to say that the Braves chances aren’t completely gone. (I prefer the PECOTA-adjusted report which has the Braves at around 20 percent.)
I really don’t think their confidence is all that shot, at least not as much as some think. They are still only 3 games back and I’m sure they realize they’ve been on the wrong side of all the games that could have gone either way. I know it’s cliche, but I really do think most major league players take it one day at a time for the most part.
And I agree that a .500 stretch in their next 25-20 games will make it difficult, but it will be because of their record more than because of confidence.
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Braves aren’t going to rebuild. I believe we have had this discussion before. With young players like Francouer, McCann, Johnson, and Escobar on the team, why rebuild? They will most likely retool and be back in the race next year. My only concern is that they trade away prospects for the wrong major league players. I know Joe Blanton is a horse, but stay far away from him. He is an average big league starter. Dip into the farm system for above average players, not the Joe Blanton’s of the world.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
62 Mets, Seaver and Koosman, 69 and 73 World Series, Lee Mazzilli, Doc and Straw, 86 Mets, The Worst Team Money Can Buy, Generation K, Mike Piazza, getting slaughtered in the 2000 Subway Series, The Worst Team Money Could Buy Sequel, Reyes and Wright, Beltran just browsing against Wainwright, The greatest September collapse in the history of baseball
That’s the sad history of the Mets in a nutshell. But Shaun says the Mets have a rich history. That’s a rich history to you? Rich in what exactly?
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
brent a., I think Neyer always said the Braves would contend for a playoff spot. Don’t know if he ever said division title and I still don’t know if he says he thinks their chances are great for a division title. He just said the division looks more winnable with the Mets and Phillies not running away with anything.
Also, what’s that about the offense performing the way it has the past two seasons? Well, I guess it is—one of the most impressive offenses in the league. How is that a point against them contending?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
I happen to disagree with Rob Neyer’s belief that the Braves are worse off with Smoltz in the pen. With Smoltz back in the closer role the Braves once again have one of the supreme closers in the game. Their bullpen is instantly improved. It also allows the team to cut out some dead weight (Chris Resop).
The key will be for the Braves to find a quality starter to go along with Hudson, Glavine, and Jurrjens. Kevin Millwood would be a possibility. Maybe Bronson Arroyo. The Cubs may be willing to eat some salary and let go of Marquis.
And, that pitcher could already be on the team or in the system in Campillo and Morton.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally, in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s they were entertaining. In the late 1980’s they were one of the best teams in baseball. I’m just saying the Mets haven’t “always been losers” as flange1 asserts. A lot of their fans are very obnoxious but I do think their fans should be fairly proud of their history, just less annoying.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), you say the Braves aren’t worse off with Smoltz in the bullpen then your next paragraph you imply they need another starter for it to work?
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
PETEH,
You clearly don’t like Chuck James. Here’s something for you to consider:
As great as you think Tommy Hanson is right now at Myrtle Beach, Chuck James was even better at Myrtle Beach in 2005.
You might want to think about that before you trash Chuck James and demand the call up of Hanson to the majors.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), last season Smoltz gave the Braves 205.7 innings posting an park- and league-adjusted ERA 37 percent better than average. He’ll pitch about 2-1/2 as many innings as a starter than as a reliever, at best. So it’s hard to say the Braves will be no worse off with him in the ‘pen than if he were healthy and a starter. That isn’t to say they shouldn’t move him because obviously he’s not healthy.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally,
My thoughts exactly on the Mets.
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally
See the difference between Chuck and Hanson is that Hanson has three pitches, two of which are above average, the third which is far better than Chuck’s “something else for them to look at” Slider. Publications like Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus never thought James would be any more than a back of the rotation starter…which he has turned out to be. Hanson is considered a front of the rotation starter, or at worst, a mid rotation guy.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 2, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I didn’t clarify myself. What I meant was the Braves aren’t worse off with Smoltz in the pen as long as they have an adequate starter to replace him. It doesn’t have to be an ace but somebody who can eat some innings and provide solid outings.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 2, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Well, Shaun, if he was completely healthy he would obviously be better in the rotation but he isn’t healthy. The bullpen will be better on his shoulder than in the rotation will be.
By chase
May 2, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Mark this down
I really feel that you are going to see the Braves/Wren make a trade for a #2-3 type starter VERY soon maybe even before Smoltz gets off the DL
I think they’ll do this NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES
I think you’ll see either James or Jo Jo or both go in the deal along with some other top prospects you’ve heard of
But if at all possible I think this will be done for a guy that we can keep around for while..I DON’T think it’ll be a scrap heap guy like Woody
I could be wrong BUT knowing Smoltz will be a closer for the next year or two and knowing you need to make a run and knowing you’re gonna have to sign some more top-mid rotation guys next year anyway….I think this will happen
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Tommy Hanson has pitched all of 45 games and 219 innings in pro baseball, none above Class A ball. Plus he’s walked 10 batters in 34 innings this season. Not necessarily alarming at this point but certainly a sign that the Braves shouldn’t just throw him into the bigs right now.
By Epinephrine
May 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally,
Chuck’s minor league numbers have no bearing on whether or not he should be trashed. Dude is clearly not capable of putting up the same numbers against big league competition. What does that mean for Hanson? Absolutely nothing.
Some pitchers put up silly numbers in the minors and come out starts. Others turn out to be busts. But those kind of numbers are simply irrelevant in comparison between pitchers.
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
2.65 BB/9 isn’t a bad ratio. He has given up 14 hits in 34 innings. Very impressive. He isn’t ready for the bigs, period. Hopefully, if he continues to progress, he will be ready by mid-2009.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Just a few thoughts or concerns that I have. Many are talking as if it’s a foregone conclusion that Smoltz will be able to return. Personally, I would never bet against the man, BUT, he might be finished.
Hampton is one of those true puzzles.
Soriano? Who can tell.
Moylan is gone until roughly mid-year in 2009.
Glavine at this point is a question mark.
And heaven forbid, if Hudson’s latest swoon is not one of his 3-5 games blow ups that he is known to have from time to time. If he has issues that linger, we are done!
So, of the group above, we hope and pray for Hudson’s return to form, and the same for Glavine.
BUT, if we expect anything from Smoltz, Hampton or Soriano this year, we are setting ourselves up for possible major disappointment.
Chuck and Ho-Ho Reyes? Morton? Hanson (no more than a cup of joe in September….MAYBE)?
I expect Chuckie to win about 10 games this year for the Bravos, and Reyes could be a big surprise, if he has matured.
How about that Redmond dude. He is doing OK in Mississippi. Or maybe Kris Medlen for the pen?
Tim Hudson is the key. If he is sub-par, it’s time to send Tex packing in June/July. (although I know that goes against the nature of the Braves organization)
By David O'Brien
May 2, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Why don’t a few of your realize that what Neyer or anyone else thinks, along with Smoltz’s league-adjusted, park-adjusted blah blah blah from last season and previous seasons, are rendered irrelevent now by the simple fact that HIS SHOULDER CAN’T HANDLE THE WORKLOAD OF STARTING ANYMORE. For this proud pitcher to admit that, to concede he’s a five-inning starter now and that even those five innings were impossible in his last start, is all you should need to know about the move to the bullpen. It’s not being done for any reason other than it’s the ONLY WAY he believes he can pitch and get through the season.
So who cares whether you, me or someone who has absolutely no clue about Smoltz’s health thinks? I’ve heard so many people on radio or on the blog talk about, ‘Didn’t Smoltz say going back to starting would save his arm a few years ago? So why is it the opposite now?’
Apples and oranges, people. He had chronic elbow problems before, and believed that he could pitch several more seasons if he moved to starting because the every-fifth-day regularity of the schedule would allow him to better maintain the health of his elbow. He had no elbow problems since then, so it appears he was right (he had multiple elbow problems during his three full seasons as closer).
But now this is an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT INJURY. The shoulder thing has changed his entire perspective and outlook for the future. This might be his final season, and he’s no longer looking at trying to lengthen his career several seasons. He just wants to get through this one and help the team, and he thinks, or hopes, that relieving, throwing one-inning a few times a week, will allow him to avoid bouncing back and forth on the DL the way starting will force him to do, in his opinion. The shoulder starts hurting badly after a few innings in a start.
That’s all that matters. The rest of it, the past, the stats, etc, are now moot.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Chase,
I have my book opened and pen ready.
Who will the Braves be trading for?
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Efrim, you’re right. Not a bad BB rate. Just not something you want if you are thinking of calling up a very young A-ball pitcher to the big leagues. If you are going to call up a pitcher that young and inexperienced, he better be dominant. Not worth ruining his development if he’s not.
By Greg
May 2, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Can someone explain to me why Oakland would trade a starter? They are in first place. By all means package James and Jo Jo, maybe Rafael Soriano, since Smoltz is going to be our closer, and let’s get somebody. But why would Oakland trade a starter? That makes no sense.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 2, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Chase, you may be on to something, brother! I just read on mlbtraderumors.com that the Braves along with the Angels are heavily scouting the Cardinals. Anthony Reyes is assumed to be the player being scouted. The Cards want an “upper echelon prospect along with another piece”. Would Lillibridge and B. Pena fit the bill? Maybe Lillibridge and and Morton or James?
No way Jo Jo Reyes goes unless Lillbridge stays. And, Hanson is completely off limits!
By chase
May 2, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Flange1
I think AARON HARANG, BRONSON ARROYO, IAN SNELL, and maybe in dreamland TIM LINCECUM or CAIN from the Giants
Boy wouldn’t it be nice to pull off a huge deal for Ian Snell AND Nate McClouth from the Pirates
Let’s face it we are going to have to pay a King’s rnsom to get somebody good that we want to keep SO..we are going to have to give up alot to re-building teams who are either young are looking to get young
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Shaun
I agree. He isn’t dominant. Not the way Phil Hughes was in his minor league career. Like I said, with more progression from Hanson, he will probably be up with the Major league team at some point during next season.
By LT-AA Blogger
May 2, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
I’ll preface this by stating I don’t get the chance to watch as many games as I would like to. However, it seems to me the biggest issue so far this year has been the lack of consistent hitting/run production. It may not be the case, but it seems like every time we’ve lost to the Nationals our line up makes their pitchers look like aces.
First, a lack of consistency at lead off. Second, the slow start from Tex at clean up. Tex I’m not concerned with but lead off I am.
Too bad the Braves couldn’t have afforded to keep Furcal after 05 (the last year they made the playoffs). He’s at the top of his game right now.
Also, I think it’s time for Jojo to put up or shut up. Is it confirmed that he is getting the start on Saturday?
By flange1
May 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Robert (CIB), I read that mlbtraderumors article as well. I can’t see the Braves giving up a top prospect for Anthony Reyes.
I know he has talent and was decent the year the Cards won the WS, but he has DONE NOTHING since.
Chuck James has done more that he has, and I don’t see the Braves being able to trade Chuck James for an “upper echelon prospect” + more.
In my view (certainly NOT expert), at this point Anthony Reyes is worth Brandon Jones. But not Lillibridge and anything or Jo-Jo and anything.
Maybe Prado?
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Braves aren’t going to deal Tex. What team would give you value for the guy, when he is going to be on the team for 2 months? Yankees? Yea, maybe they will throw you Phil Hughes straight up for Tex…..
By flange1
May 2, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Chase,
Interesting names. What do you think it will take to get those guys?
By chase
May 2, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Before anyone says anything about the names I listed know this…I’d rather have AARON HARANG or IAN SNELL than the others, keep whoever it is around for several years and this offseson sign Derrick Lowe in free agency…
Imagine a rotation of HUDDY, JURJJIENS, HARANG/SNELL, LOWE, and Glavine/JOJO as 5th starter
then
Smoltz, Soriano, GONZO, Acaosta, Moylan, Boyer, Bennett in the pen!
WOW would I take that
And who else would love to have Nate McClouth and Snell come over in a package?
That would take care of lead-off and center/lf
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Chase
Aaron Harang and Ian Snell are going no where. Snell just signed a four year extension and Harang is locked up through 2010 at very reasonable money. Arroyo might get dealt, but I am not a fan.
I like the thought of Anthony Reyes…but I wouldn’t give up anything to valuable. Maybe Brandon Jones, considering the guy simply has no place on this team.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
It’s funny, I seem to remember the Pirates were trying to package Nate McLouth a couple of years ago, and Duffy was the prized catch.
The line on the two of them defensively was that Duffy was superior, and that McLouth took bad routes to the ball.
Funny how a year and a half can change things!
Would the O’s take Tex and Prado for Roberts? It would give them a chance to woo him for 4-5 months? Just something to think about.
Problem with Lowe is his age, and the length of contract he would want. Isn’t Penny a better choice due to age and ability?
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
OK, I admit it… I have a man-crush on John Smoltz! BUT, if you were one of those roto-geeks, who would you rather have on your “team”, Smoltz or Acosta??? or Boyer??? or Reitsma??
By GermanBravesFan
May 2, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Chase… nice bullpen. Unfortunately, Moylan may be out for the year!
By flange1
May 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
r u sure we can’t get Joba and Kennedy (+ another minor leaguer) for Tex at the deadline.
ROTFL!!!!
By Shamus Thacker
May 2, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Hammy’s prolly sprawled on the beach with a buncha liquored-up wenches as the Braves prepare for tonight’s game. Lucky rastard…
If Hammy had to pitch to chow, he could be fed through a wood chipper and still slang 9!
By N8
May 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for that. Though, anybody paying attention, could read between the lines, and get what Smoltz was saying.
I’ve been listening to Buck and Kincade (sp?) online every afternoon at work, and they were pizzing and moaning about the same crap (what Smoltz said about starting being better for him THREE YEARS AGO!), and I kept waiting for SOMEBODY to call in (or one of them), to acknowledge that it’s a different injury.
Amazing how little knowledge or common sense you need to have your own radio show.
Anyhow, I’m glad that post came from you, because if I would have posted my OPINION on the subject, people would have told me to shut up.
We all know how much Smoltz wanted/wants to start. We all know how “helpless” he felt in the post-season WAITING to enter a game and help, but couldn’t because the starters and hitters couldn’t get and maintain a lead that would require his services to protect it in the 9th.
So, the fact that he is OFFERING (even though it sounds like Bobby’s NOT listening), to go back to the pen, should ring clear as to the severity of his shoulder issues.
The man is the CONSUMMATE teammate. Doing WHATEVER he can do to get on the field and help his team. He has ZERO interest in “stealing” a paycheck by shutting it down.
How can you NOT love that?
By KC
May 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
One question comes to mind right now…
Where it the $%^&*# would we be right now without Jurrjens??!!!
Kudos to Mr. Wren for pulling off that deal.
By DAP
May 2, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
chase I really feel that you are going to see the Braves/Wren make a trade for a #2-3 type starter VERY soon maybe even before Smoltz gets off the DL
this may happen, but not soon. if we get a pitcher in a trade it probbaly wont be until late june. teams dont trade good starters after one month of the season. nobody is really out of the race yet.
Boy wouldn’t it be nice to pull off a huge deal for Ian Snell AND Nate McClouth from the Pirates
it would be nice, but it wont happen in a million years. why would a team looking to get younger trade two great young players? we might be able to get one of these guys for a big package, but not both. any trade that didnt totally tick off pirates fans, and send the message that they arent interested at all in winning any time soon would be too much to give up.
By Mike Hampton
May 2, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
You caught me. I give myself t!tty twisters between innings so that I will never have to pitch.
By Braves20
May 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Anthony Reyes - very scary. Combined five and a half ERA over the last three seasons. Has only worked 11 inning this year so it would take weeks to get him stretched out.
We have several just as good options in our system. And nobody is peddling a starter worth a hoot in the first week of May.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I would not mind having Anthony Reyes either. I think he could become a good middle of the rotation guy with teh right coaching.
I have read that his pitching style is very different from what Dave Duncan wants him to be. They have clashed.
Maybe a clean start would help.
But it is a risk and I agree that B Jones is about all I would pay. Maybe Prado and Dan Smith.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
From the Rocky Mountain News”Whether the Braves view themselves as contenders could be evident very soon. With John Smoltz ready to return to the bullpen when he comes off the disabled list and Hampton injured again, the Braves need two starters. Jo-Jo Reyes (1.17 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Richmond) is interesting, but the Braves also might need to make a trade. Would they bring back Kevin Millwood, now with Texas?”
Interesting thought…
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I don’t like Millwood, not unless Texas ate all of most of the money. I like Reyes. The guy was once a top prospect, a new environment might just help.
By rammerjammer
May 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Re: Smoltz
I think the closer role will NOT be the best fit, because that’ll take him down the same elbow-pained path as before.
Most likely, he’ll pitch when he can…sometimes closing, sometimes not.
His arm won’t allow otherwise. Just my uninformed opinion.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
new blog should be up shortly
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
DOB, we only bring it up because having Smoltz move to the bullpen is not as good as having a healthy Smoltz in the rotation. We all understand that this is the best move for him and the Braves at this point. We certainly aren’t blaming Smoltz or Cox or Wren or anyone who helped make the decision for any wins it may cost the Braves because it was an injury that made this scenario necessary. An injury because Smoltz leaves it all on the field every time he goes out there. Believe me, I understand that and I’m guessing Rob Neyer and lots of other folks understand that. Maybe there are some folks who don’t get it but I do and I’m guessing a lot of other people do. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt; which is our point.
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Any idea of what John Maine’s numbers were before the Mets traded for him?
How about 43.2 innings 46 hits allowed 32 Earned Runs with 27 BB’s to 25 K’s.
Reyes line is 217.2 innings 212 hits allowed 132 earned runs with 82 BB’s to 166 K’s.
Now, Maine switched leagues and has a smaller sample size, but a change of scene can help for some pitchers.
There aren’t many stats to prove Reyes can be a quality major league pitcher, but again, the guy was a top prospect, hasn’t lost velocity, and doesn’t get a long with his pitching coach. It might be worth it.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Efrim, Maine was very young when he was with the Orioles. So, yes, it would be a mistake to give up on Reyes at 23.
By Bronx Brave
May 2, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to STAND PAT.
As awful as they have played in the first month of the season, as unlucky as they’ve been, and as many injuries as they’ve had, they are still only three games out of first place, which is currently held by the Marlins, who will most likely fade in the near future. The real contenders, the Mets and the Phillies, are only 2 1/2 games up on us and are having similar problems. The Mets have lost Alou, Martinez, and Schneider, and are ready to run Delgado, Castillo, and Perez out of town. The Phillies have lost the league MVP in Rollins and the back end of their rotation is vulnerable.
This is simply no time to panic, and the Braves are in a lousy position to make any trades. Everybody needs starting pitching, and the cost of any available starters is going to be prohibitive in terms of what we would have to give up. We went into this season thinking we had an abundance of starting pitching, and we still do, even if Smoltz goes to the bullpen. Granted, a rotation of Hudson, Glavine, Jurrjens, James, and Reyes isn’t going to have many teams quaking in their boots, but there aren’t many teams who are running out a better starting five, top to bottom. Plus, if any of them falter — and they almost certainly will — we can bring in Bennett, Morton, or even this Hanson guy (notice I’m leaving Hampton completely out of the mix, as we all agreed should have been done at the start of the season, though many in here seem to have forgotten). This lineup is going to start hitting (if it doesn’t, we couldn’t expect anything good from this season anyway), and the bullpen should be stronger with the additions of Smoltz and Gonzalez in mid-May.
Finally, anyone calling for Bobby Cox’s head has lost theirs. So fickle, we are…so inclined to forget the futility that preceeded Cox’s tenure as manager. When he retires, he is heading to the Hall of Fame, People — as are Smoltz, Glavine, and probably Chipper when all is said and done (not to mention Teixiera, who is just too young to consider). How many teams in this league have the benefit of four HOFers in their midst every time they take the field? Answer: the Yankees (ARod, Jeter, Posada, and Rivera), maybe the Red Sox (Schilling, Manny, Papi, and Varitek), and the Braves. As the season wears on, that is what you want to have on your team.
In sum, R-E-L-A-X, and have faith in the team we have. We are going to turn it around and make a run. It’s going to be fun to watch.
By jon712
May 2, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Not unlike what Hudson did to the Reds tonight, I’ll turn out the lights.
Good night.
By Mike
May 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is really the only pitcher the Braves got.Chipper is the only hitter they got.The Braves really don’t have a chance this yr or any other yr if they dont’t get competitive in the free agent market.They sit back And watch other teams sign top free agents and expect to win.Thats not going to happen.The other yrs they played for division titles and didn’t care about the world series.
By Mike
May 3, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is really the only pitcher the Braves got.Chipper is the only hitter they got.The Braves really don’t have a chance this yr or any other yr if they dont’t get competitive in the free agent market.They sit back And watch other teams sign top free agents and expect to win.Thats not going to happen.The other yrs they played for division titles and didn’t care about the world series there not going to do anything go RED SOX!!!
By Davidawg
May 6, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I think John will definitely end up in the bullpen, however what would a guy like Rich Hill do for our rotation? Cubs just sent him down, last year he had a under 3 era. I think he could step right in and help the other starters.
Any comments on this?