AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves, Glav going for a sweep
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since there’s nothing else going on today on the Atlanta sports scene, we should have a huge audience in the ballpark today, as well as on TV and here on the blog, right?
What’s that? Potentially the biggest upset in the history of the NBA? At 1 o’clock? Oh.
Maybe that’s why Yunel Escobar was just scratched from the lineup. Maybe he’s a huge Celtics fan.
Actually, he’s sick. Has a cold or flu symptoms.
Anyway, plenty of folks tuning into the Hawks-Celtics Game 7 who’d otherwise never think of watching an NBA game. But there are still plenty of paying customers filing into Turner Field as I sit here typing, even if some are cussing (at least I was) about the repaving they’re doing on the Downtown Connector right now, in the hours before a game.
Hey, guess they’ve got to do it sometime, and Sunday noon is better than tomorrow morning. But man, can’t they get that stuff done overnight?
Anyway, hey, chances are you’re having a better morning than Joe Simpson. He had an appendectomy this morning at about 5 a.m. According to his broadcaster partner, he’s doing fine and plans to be back in the booth on Tuesday.
He’s a tough Sooner, I guess. Good luck, Joe. You apparently are determined to return to action a little quicker than Danys Baez did after his appendectomy a couple or three years ago, whenever that was (the Baez era didn’t exactly leave a big impression with me, obviously).
Now, to today’s series finale as the Braves go for a sweep to get themselves to .500. It’s perhaps the best chance yet for Tom Glavine to get win No. 304, which would also be the first win of his second stint with the Braves.
He’s 0-1 with a 2.60 ERA, and he’s facing Bronson Arroyo, who comes in 1-3 with a 6.97 ERA. Glavine has made four starts for the Braves, and the only one that wasn’t good was his April 13 start at D.C. when he gave up three hits, two runs and pulled a hammy before recording an out.
In his other three starts, he’s given up one earned run in five innings vs. Pittsburgh, no earned runs (and three hits) in 6-1/3 innings at Colorado, and two earned runs in six innings at D.C. last Tuesday, in the 6-3 loss when the bullpen gave up four runs in the seventh inning.
Glavine needs four strikeouts to pass Bob Feller (2,581) for 25th on the all-time list, and six strikeouts to pass Braves legend Warren Spahn (2,583) for 24th.
Speaking of starters…. As a group they haven’t exactly been durable (understatement), but Braves starters have usually been quite good when they’re out on the mound.
Hence the league-leading 3.13 ERA for Atlanta starters, which is significantly better than the No. 2-rated Cardinals starters (3.51). Next are the starters from the Padres (3.77), Cubs (3.82) and Diamondbacks (3.95).
Problem is, Braves starters have worked just 158-1/3 innings, the lowest total in the league. That’s exactly what the Braves hoped to avoid when they added Glavine last winter to a rotation that already had Tim Hudson and John Smoltz.
They talked over and over about having those three combine for 600 innings if things went as planned.
Things haven’t gone as planned, which you’ve probably noticed.
Still, the Braves have managed to juggle their rotation, with a couple of helpful off days that came at perfect times, and avoid having to dip down and bring up starters who were overmatched.
Jo-Jo Reyes surprised me last night. In his previous callups he’s ususually pitched two or three good innings before getting rattled and knocked around in one bad inning that’s undermined his outings. But last night, solid stuff from the kid lefty.
I don’t think the Braves are guilty of exaggerating his stuff to us in the past. I do believe he has the physical stuff, the repertoire, to become a solid No. 3 or No. 2 starter. But the mentality, the maturity, has been the thing that’s held him back.
So last night was a big step in that regard. He didn’t drop his approach or get out of his gameplan. He stayed with it, trusted his stuff, and went at hitters.
If the Braves hope to pick up the slack caused by Smoltz’s injury absence and imminent move to the bullpen upon return from the DL, then they’re going to need more performances like that one from the likes of Reyes (they’re already getting them from fellow rookie Jair Jurrjens, who is even better than expected after his fine spring performance at Dark Star).
I think the Braves are kicking the tires and poking around talking to teams about available starters and relievers, but they don’t want to just make a move and bring in mediocrity. If they add a starter, they want it to be a good one, and such a move might take at least a few more weeks.
By the way, it went unnoticed because the Braves don’t usually announce minor-league contracts, but hey signed reliever Scott Williamson a few weeks ago. He’s had a 13.50 ERA in four appearances for Richmond, which is, coincidentally, the same ERA he had in two games for the Giants this spring before they dropped him.
It’s been a while since the former Cincinnati closer was an effective big league reliever. Probably since 2004, when he had a 1.26 ERA in 28 appearances for Boston (and are we getting a bit tired of the otherwise solid ESPN Baseball Tonight host calling the Sox “The Nation” EVERY … SINGLE … TIME … that he refers to them? Well, I am).
Since then Williamson’s had unimpressive stints (5-plus ERAs) with the Cubs and Padres, and last season he had a 4.40 ERA in 16 appearances for Baltimore.
I just typed three paragraphs about Scott Williamson. What is wrong with me?
Diaz just a tad aggressive: Matt Diaz has replaced Jeff Francoeur as the most overly aggressive hacker on the team, at least statistically. Diaz has taken a league-low 39.5 percent of pitches this season.
And in the swing-at-first-pitch stat, where we found Jeff Francoeur at or near the top of the league for three years running at about 50 percent, we now have Diaz at 45.2 percent, third-highest in the league. Frenchy’s not in the top five.
Diaz is out of the lineup again today against a right-hander, with Gregor Blanco handling left-field duties.
So much for the notion of Cox going with the hot hand. Neither of them are hot now. Blanco has had a bit of a rookie reality check of late, going 1-for-15 in his past five games, after going 11-for-20 in his previous six.
As for Diaz, he’s 2-for-12 in his past six games, and has started only once in the Braves’ past six games. He’s still batting .289, because of his .447 average (17-for-38) against lefties.
Against righties, Diaz has hit .173 (9-for-52).
Etc: The Braves are 10-4 with a league-leading 2.70 ERA at home, and 4-11 with a 4.23 ERA (sixth in the NL) on the road. They are hitting .309 (second in the NL) at home and .252 (sixth in the NL) on the road…. Jorge Campillo’s .106 opponents’ average ranks second among NL relievers, behind Billy Wagner (.075)… Mark Kotsay is 17-for-49 (.347) with six RBIs and a .385 OBP in his past 13 games.
”OLD DOGS, CHILDREN AND WATERMELON WINE” by Tom T. Hall
How old do you think I am? he said.
I said, well, I didn’t know.
He said, I turned 65 about 11 months ago.
I was sittin in Miami pourin’ blended whiskey down
When this old gray black gentleman was cleanin’ up the lounge
There wasn’t anyone around ‘cept this old man and me
The guy who ran the bar was watchin’ Ironsides on tv
Uninvited, he sat down and opened up his mind
On old dogs and children and watermelon wine
Ever had a drink of watermelon wine? he asked
He told me all about it, though I didnt answer back
Ain’t but three things in this world that’s worth a solitary dime,
But old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
He said, women think about they-selves, when menfolk ain’t around.
And friends are hard to find when they discover that you’re down.
He said, I tried it all when I was young and in my natural prime;
Now its old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
Old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes;
God bless little children while they’re still too young to hate.
When he moved away I found my pen and copied down that line
‘bout old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
I had to catch a plane up to Atlanta that next day
As I left for my room I saw him pickin’ up my change
That night I dreamed in peaceful sleep of shady summertime
Of old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
Services »
Comments
By Robert
May 4, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
What happened to Escobar. Is he ok?
By JimD
May 4, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
First?
Hey DOB, starting out with Ol’ Tom T. What a good one!
So what’s up with Joe Simpson’s absence today on SportsSouth? I missed the pregame.
By Matt in Athens
May 4, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
What’s more painful: emergency appendectomy or listening to Ron Gant for nine innings (as much as I love Ronnie as a player, he’s brutal behind the mic)
Get well soon, Joe.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Some interesting stuff.
About braves plate discipline. Im not sure how bad Terry Pendleton has been. Braves are the team that has stroke out the least (157), 20 less Ks than the next team (mets).Only have 1 player (Diaz 26th) in the top 50 in the strike out department.
On the other hand, Braves dont have a player in the top 25 and only 1 (yunel-28th) in the top 40 in the walks department.
That is kind of strange, Braves are not fanning a lot, but we are not taking the walk either. This leads me to think Pendleton is doing a good job, cause braves are waiting for a good pitch to hit, and they are making contact, lots of it.
Some other interesting facts.
Arizona (best record in the majors) have 3 players in the top 11 in strike outs (Reynolds, Young, Upton). The first 2 have more Ks than AJ, and you can add Howard to the group as the top 3 and AJ being 4th.
Arizona only has 1 player in the top 40 in walks in NL.
Thoughts???
Thanks.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Looks like Joe Torre is making the kids play well, I think thats the best team in the west. Or at least as good as Arizona, we will see.
BTW, into the game already.
Leadoff hit by KJ., just great to see that.
Then a great bunt by Kotsay, he looks more focused, although he almost misread a flyball in the first.
By McFann
May 4, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Haha!! Votto never had a chance to steal that base!!
First?
By Yars
May 4, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
DOB…we thank you for the news on Joe. I was wondering why Ron Gant was in the booth with Boog.
By ricflair
May 4, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Robert and Jim did you guys read the blog? It’s says in it what happened to both of them.
By Interested Observer
May 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Anybody still want Ryan Freel as our center fielder??
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Ryan Freel has got to be the toughest and dumbest ball player on the Reds roster.
I love his hustle, he just does not play smart.
By Stuart
May 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Productive out by Prado. Good to see a sac RBI.
By JimD
May 4, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Ah, saw in the blog now. I “sped read” and missed it the first time.
Best wishes and prayers for Joe!
Looks like the Hot Dog (Freel) got his mustard on the liner.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Great great throw by McCann…..gun shot.
Braves playing better lately, is our course gone?
Also very good AB by Prado getting the sac fly.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
KJ with his 2nd hit so far, a double in the RF corner…… theres the difference…. he is on, braves score lots of runs.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Kotsay is just getting better and better, over the .280 mark, what about him as leadoff? Lots of contact.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Bring your broom day to the ballpark, albeit against a very good pitcher not pitching well so far this year in Bronson Arroyo.
BMac has struggled against Reds baserunners, but he certainly looked good in gunning down Joey Votto in the second. It looked to me that he was either a little early or a little late in his release point on his throws last night, but a picture perfect throw today even if it wasn’t Freel or Phillips attempting to run.
There’s no doubt these guys like to play the games scheduled to be at 755 Hank Aaron Drive so far this year. After last night’s win, the team is six games over .500 at home which is a marked contrast to how they’ve played at home in years’ past. Of course the teams in the past two years didn’t play all that hot at times away from home either, and the 2008 edition is a woeful 4-11 away from the friendly southern confines, but I like the fact we’re playing well at home the first month into the season.
And since this is a new fresh blog from the Notorious one, a few more thoughts while I’m at it…
CF seems to be an adventure today, Kotsay and Freel both are having problems tracking the ball off the bat, however Freel’s miscue led to our first run of the day.
Looks like Cincinnati pitching is the elixir the offense has been waiting for now that Glavine has driven in a run and KJ follows with a double.
Get some rest Joe Simpson, Braves Nation hopes you are on the mend and will be back in the booth on Tuesday.
By Interested Observer
May 4, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
The Braves must think that Carroll is still covering the game! Just teasing, DOB.
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Did Mac really score all the way from second on a DOUBLE? They must be working on his running.
As for Glavine’s single, you cannot stop the Braves’ slugging pitching staff, you can only hope to contain them. Good time for our staff’s second hit! At this rate, they might end up in double digits by September.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
This just in: Chipper is really, really good.
Three-run BOMB, and it was a towering thing of beauty.
By Stuart
May 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB,
How is the sickness issue on the team? Obviously the bug has bitten Yunnel, but is everyone else doing better?
I wonder that because I had that upper respitory infection thing that sounds similar to what Huddy and Bennett had. It took me three weeks to get over it. Do you think that took more of a toll on the team that was let on?
By richbrave
May 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Since going 0-18 to start the season SCOTT THORMAN is now 21-96 and .219, but 6 for his last 11.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
The Offensive Assassin chases Arroyo with a three-run bomb.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
SWEEP ! SWEEP ! SWEEP ! SWEEP ! SWEEP !
Chipper just put the icing on it. 7-0 Braves.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
May 4, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
TD Atlanta! 7-0.
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
This Jones kid seems to be pretty good. I think we should keep him. If he ain’t player of the month, there is no justice.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
That was like watching batting practice.
My, has anyone slipped as quickly as Bronson Arroyo? (No, Giles’ decline wasn’t quite that rapid).
By fastasballs
May 4, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Wow what a start to the game. It appears most everyone has went to the plate with an approach today. A welcome change indeed.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Well gang, back to .500, up 7-0 in the 2nd.
Braves look much more confident and relaxed.
CHIPPER IS A HITTING MACHINE!!!!!!
COULD THIS GUY HIT .400 THE HOLE SEASON???
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones Says: Hello, 3-2 Pitch. Goodbye Baseball. 3-run Dinger.
By Yars
May 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Chipper just sealed the win for Glavine! Good to see KJ hitting the ball well today. I am now starting to wonder how long Chipper can keep his average above .400
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Hey, what happened? Why didn’t Ryan Freel dive for that fly ball to end the inning? He dives for everything else.
By BravesFanChris23
May 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
7-0 in 2nd inning and going into Reds’ bullpen this early, good sign for us. Glavine helped out his own cause too. Get well soon Joe. To be honest, before I found out it was Ron Gant calling game with Boog, I thought it was David Justice lol.
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Too bad that Frenchy didn’t hit one out this inning. It would have been fun to see if McCann could have scored all the way from first.
By BravesFanChris23
May 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
If McCann keeps on at this rate, he’ll steal more bases than Jose Reyes -_-
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Paul cough, cough Bako. Oy, they better test him and Henry Blanco for steroids. I know for a fact that neither of them can hit, and suddenly they both look like Babe Ruth.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Feels like if every run glavine has given up this year is via HR.
Braves should intentionally walk any exbrave that bats against us, they just kill us.
By McFann
May 4, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Great inning!! Boy is Chipper good! Great choice for Player of the Month…oh wait, never mind.
My best to Joe! (WE MISS YOU!!)
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Blanco keeps looking very good, it will be hard to keep that guy on the bench, great weapon.
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Seriously. Does anyone here NOT believe that Chipper Jones is capable of hitting .400 all year long?
I admit, part of me feels like, if Tony Gwynn couldn’t do it (What did he finish at that one year, .397?) then no one will, especially, not a guy who still has to behave like a power hitter.
BUT, I also truely believe that Chipper is seriously motivated to do and keep doing exactly what he’s been doing so far. He looks like a man on a mission to me.
Keep it up, Chipper. GO BRAVES!
ooo. he’s up again… kick it chipper.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Overlord, you’re right about Kotsay — he’s doing what Braves thought he could do IF he stayed healthy. And so far …
By nolie
May 4, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
This Jones kid seems to be pretty good. I think we should keep him. If he ain’t player of the month, there is no justice.PeteH
Thats over. Utley won it over Chipper
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Well, this isn’t exactly “protecting the lead,” is it? Glavine’s usually solid in the damage control dept., but they’re hitting him hard this inning.
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Hope Glav gets through the 5th. Fitting he’d get the win on pitching like this after not getting it in his previous performances.
By Cherokee
May 4, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Glavine looks like crap. Given up 4 already. This could end up poorly yet
By Joe Fan
May 4, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Win sealed huh?
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
On Chipper hitting .400:
Last guy to do it, Mickey Mantle, .405 in 1941.
Most recently near .400:
Tony Gwynn .393 in 1994.
George Brett .389 in 1980.
Ted Williams .388 in 1957.
Rod Carew .388 in 1977.
Joe Dimaggio .381 in 1939.
Larry Walker .379 in 1999.
Some very company there, make your own conclusions.
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Mmmmm… Careful, Tommy. Let’s keep the door closed, here.
Annnnd now it’s 8 to 5. Think Tommy might have gotten a little too relaxed.
btw, the news from Boston isn’t so good right now.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Any of you hear Skip’s line last night? “The bases are loaded, and I bet Dusty wishes he was, too.”
Gotta love him.
By Yars
May 4, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
If Chipper can stay healthy, meaning avoiding the DL the entire season, he could very well keep his average in the .370-.380 range throughout the season. Hell, add 38+ HR & 100+ RBI, he may be looking at his 2nd NL MVP award. I know, I know, it’s still too early to speculate anything. The key for Chipper is avoiding the DL, & leading the Braves to the playoffs.
By McFann
May 4, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Pete H.—
I agree. It would have been nice if McCann could’ve scored. Looks like Glavine could use a few more runs.
Now a hit to the pitcher! DUDE!
Hey, does a player’s OBP go up when they reach on an error?
By DAP
May 4, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
has anyone else noticed how chummy brandon phillips is with some of the braves players? he seem like a really nice guy…hes an atlanta guy, right?
glavine needs to tighten up the screws a little bit here…..
By Baseballstats
May 4, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Mickey Mantle didn’t even play in the majors in 1941 and he never hit .400. Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 which was the last to do it.
By Cherokee
May 4, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I was not a fan of getting Glavine last winter. He needs to get taken out now before he blows the entire lead. C’mon Bobby get him out.
By Baseballstats
May 4, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Mickey Mantle didn’t even play in the majors in 1941 and he never hit .400. Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 which was the last to do it.
By 22oz
May 4, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I think Glavine really want us to get a one run win.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Seriously. Does anyone here NOT believe that Chipper Jones is capable of hitting .400 all year long?
I admit, part of me feels like, if Tony Gwynn couldn’t do it (What did he finish at that one year, .397?) then no one will, especially, not a guy who still has to behave like a power hitter. GTI in Chicago.
If you pay some attention Gwynn hit .394 in 1994. He was 34 YO then. About Chippers age right now. I would say that hitting skills ate that age are the best a hitter will ever be. Maybe could hit with eyes closed (no really mean that).
You comment makes me think you believe Chipper is not at the same level as Gwynn, and that is not true, Chipper right now is seeing the ball like if it is in super slow motion.
Chipper is not hitting as if he needs to hit a HR to help the team. Therefore he is not hitting as a pure power guy.
He will get less balls to hit now that TEX looks better at the plate, that means he could get even more selective.
Im not saying he will hit .400, but he is doing a darn good job until now. And I wouldnt be surprised.
I have seen him all his career, and he has never looked this good. Its just like he was in AAA, when they then said, the kid just couldnt be put away.
By DAP
May 4, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
this is glavine worst start of the season, and he still might get his first win from it. i hope….welp, never mind. bobby yanks him, as he should. sorry glav, youll have to get it next time.
By radoncbravesfan
May 4, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Well, Glavine could not get through the 5th with the lead, too bad!! DOB, I also had a good chuckle at that line last night. Classic Skip.
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Sucks for Glav. Yikes. He’ll be furious.
By Baseballstats
May 4, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Overlord, Mickey Mantle didn’t even play in the majors in 1941 and he never hit .400. Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 which was the last to do it.
By DanTucker
May 4, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Wake up Grandpa Cox. Glavine was done about 45 minutes ago. If the Braves lose this one, it’s on Bobby’s head. It’s time for him to GO!
By TJ
May 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
has anyone else noticed how chummy brandon phillips is with some of the braves players?
I have noticed that, DAP. I don’t really like it… just too much glad-handing among competitors. But it’s definitely there.
btw, Chipper (before today) has hit exactly .400 in his last 51 games, going back to Sept. 1 last year. Awfully hard to maintain that for a full season, when a 1 for 3 drops your average and a 2 for 5 doesn’t help.
By eric the elder
May 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Gotta give Bobby credit for pulling Glav, even though he was just one out short of qualifying for a win.
Cox has been known to sacrifice the team for loyalty to a player, but not this time.
By Moby Grape
May 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
On Chipper hitting .400:
Last guy to do it, Mickey Mantle, .405 in 1941.Overlord
Mickey Mantle in 1941, huh? Thats interesting. Revisionist history I suppose? and no I don’t think Chipper will be next.
By geauxbraves2000
May 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
That’s irony for ya, the offense finally gets Tommy some runs, and he can’t even get the win.
The offense better get it in gear, 8 runs might not be enough.
Geaux Braves!!
By McFann
May 4, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
22oz—
I was under that impression, too. Ha! No win for him today!
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
That’s 16 for 16 inherited runners stranded by Ring, tied for the league lead.
By nolie
May 4, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Mickey Mantle didn’t even play in the majors in 1941 and he never hit .400. Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 which was the last to do it.Stats
LOL. That woulda been some awesome hitting for a ten year old
By Stephen
May 4, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Glavine is washed up.
By keylargo
May 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Overlord
I didn’t know Mickey ever hit .400. It was quite an accomplishment since he was 10 in 1941. I noticed the Reds have a patch on their uniforms for Joe Nuxhall who I thought was the youngest player ever in the majors at 15. 8) (You must have been out late last night.)
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Overlord, Thanks for digging up those stats for the near misses at .400 in the last 60 years. (I know your listing for 1941 was just a typo.)
I’m not trying to make any predictions. I’m well aware of the history of the record, of how long the season is, of how badly the media can chew up a player in the hunt, of how much sheer mental fortitude is required for a MLB player just to hit .300, not to mention the power-hitting requirements for a player in Chipper’s position in the lineup.
But, I’m saying I firmly believe that Chip has it in him. We know it’s not a fluke for his average to be high. That’s been well documented here on the blog. We know he has the physical talent. I think it’s safe to say he has the mental fortitude and determination. I don’t think that anyone would dissagree that having Tex hitting behind him is a boon to his fortunes.
I say, if it can be done, Chipper’s a guy who can do it, and, if he can stay healthy, this is the year for it to happen.
Go get ‘em, Chip. and GO BRAVES
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Chipper is on pace of playing exactly 150 games this year. He is also on pace to hit 251 hits. That would be the 6th highest ever. That does not sounds like a power type hitter to me.
By justdoit
May 4, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
thank you kelly
By justdoit
May 4, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
thats nice, loaded for chipper
By LuisGuillermo
May 4, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB: This game is yet another good display of the Braves’ offense. They’ve struggled in some games, too. But how have the Braves fared against the opposition’s best starters (their aces)?
C’mon Chip, drive ‘em all!!!
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
OK OK, I got that one wrong,my fault, it was Ted Williams, just a confusion. You did get the point.
By radoncbravesfan
May 4, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Left handed, right handed, Hoss is sizzlin !!
By Ryan
May 4, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
I may be reading too much into it but I think Boog gave the blog a subtle plug by saying U Know Who was on deck and he comes through with 2 RBI’s as I type this.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded and nobody out. You’re the opposing manager, Chipper is up and you hear Ozzie screaming: ALL ABOARD !!!!!
That has got to suck.
Then Chipper delivers a two run base knock. Yea, it sucks to be Dusty Baker right now.
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Overlord I just caught up to your 3:15 reply to my first post…
I see how you might have misunderstood my comment about Gwynn compared to Chipper. I actually did not mean it to be an unfavorable comparison. I think Chip IS swinging the bat that well. I was just giving some props to Gwynn, who I estimate to be the best hitter in the past couple of generations.
In a way, I think pursuing .400 was a little easier for Gwynn because much of the time he was just trying to guide the ball over the infielder’s heads for a single. He was never the power hitter that Chip is and I think being a power hitter costs a lot of guys points on their average. It’s just a natural trade off.
But no, I compare Gwynn and Chip very favorably right now.
Very astute of you to see that Gwynn was 34 in 94 same as Chip is now. I didn’t realize that.
No, I think you and I agree about this.
And just as I was typing this, Chip’s done it again and driven in a few more RBI.
The man’s amazing.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
You guys sound like romans, you want to crucify me also because of a mistake?
Give it a break!!!!
By J.D.
May 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
DOB i did catch that line last night, certainly had me laughing…you gotta love skip, and by the way how bout that chipper guy if hes not an all star this year there should be a congressional insight into it
By LuisGuillermo
May 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I’m not watching the game on TV, I’m just following it on GameCast. But, what happened there? McCann singled to ”deep right” and only one run scored! What happened with Chipper Jones?
By geauxbraves2000
May 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
An absolutely horrible AB for Jeff.
Geaux Braves!!
By MEB
May 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Interesting… Chipper has right and left handed bats. Must be the way the label is printed on the barrel.
Some ugly hacks by Frenchy with bases loaded.
GO BRAVES!!!
By AMG
May 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Not a good day for the pitchers…
By DAP
May 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
overlord Chipper is on pace of playing exactly 150 games this year. He is also on pace to hit 251 hits. That would be the 6th highest ever. That does not sounds like a power type hitter to me.
he is also on pace for 45 homers, and over 150 RBIs and a 1.177 OPS. that doesnt sound like a power hitter at all, hunh?
did you miss your sunday nap?
By McFann
May 4, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
.171!! The elevator rises!
In an article on braves.com today, McCann said, [H]opefully I can start carrying my weight with runners in scoring position.”
So when he reaches .235 with RISP, I will stop posting the number every time it changes. It’s like when Smoltz was after 3000 K’s; after he reached that milestone, they stopped flashing the number across the screen.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I guess the hard luck tag this year is Glavine’s to wear. He pitches really well and gets a no decision or the loss in the case of his start against the Nats and little run support, or the offense gives him some breathing room and he can’t put it together. I really liked seeing Royce Ring come in and get the final out of the fifth against Adam Dunn.
Really really nice pinch-hit single by Bryan Pena and now the Offensive Assassin strikes again with a two-run single.
Could Chipper hit .400 or better over the course of the season? It’s difficult to pull that off, just ask Brett and Gwynn. I think Chipper could do it, I think Ichiro is capable even if he’s cooled off a little in the past few years and I think Matt Holliday could do it. It’s just awfully tough, especially in the waning days of the season to keep that kind of pace up.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Now this is what drives me crazy about Bobby Cox. He has a six run lead and pulls Royce Ring after one pitch, never mind the fact that Ring has just five innings of work all season.
Cox is going to wear out the rest of his bullpen and keep using Ring as a one out specialist irregardless of the score.
FOR STUPID ! Cox is old and set in his ways. The man simply cannot adjust his thinking to match the scoreboard.
By DAP
May 4, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Very astute of you to see that Gwynn was 34 in 94 same as Chip is now. I didn’t realize that.
whats with you guys today? chipper is 36.
By keylargo
May 4, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
How the times have changed.
Chipper goes 2 for 5 and his average goes down.
AJ goes 1 for 5 and his average goes up.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Chipper just officially had a “Frenchy” at bat. Had his mind made up to swing at the firs pitch before he saw it, swung out of his shoes at one pitch, and with a runner on 3B and less than 2 out, made an unproductive out.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
That’s FIVE doubles in two days for Kelly Johnson.
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
whats with you guys today? chipper is 36. DAP
Ahhh. Details. I defend myself this way: If you consider all the time Chip’s had to miss the last few seasons on the DL and whatnot, and then subtract that time from his age, then it’s like he’s only 34 in “on the field” years.
No? Ok, ok. But wouldn’t it be nice if it did work like that.
But these details don’t matter. I still think he’s capable of hitting .400.
By Bobby's Cox
May 4, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
couple of things.
It’s nice to see KJ swinging the bat. It’s amazing how well this team does when the #1 spot gets on base.
Couple of bunts in the first innings lately and a hit and run too. Is BC reading our posts or what? Nice to see the offense being more active on the bases and moving runners up.
Prado needs to cut down on his errors. He’s booting 1 per game. He looks like he’s trying to do too much, like he’s got something to prove.
That’s it! Go braves!
By McFann
May 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
HAPPY 40th TO EDDIE PEREZ!!
Nice birthday present, eh? Much better than the one they gave me!
; )
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
13-7 and Cox is into his fourth pitcher. Keep burning that bullpen, Bobby. It will come back to bite this team in the butt later on in the season.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
I guess Ohman is this year’s version of Ron Mahay…meaning old man Cox will pitch him 13 days in a row, especially in blow-outs. Then, magically, the one day you need a lefty for a situational matchup in a close game, he isn’t available or effective.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
DAP, I meant about the same age, 35 YO, whatever…… you are more astute than your last comment.
But you are right, chipper is hitting for tons of power, I didnt explain myself well enough. I meant to say, he is not looking like the prototype power guy…. HR or sit down.
And Ill get my sunday nap as soon as the tylenol pills I took, do their job, after all the jabs and upppercuts i have been hit by.
By Jeff321
May 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Looks like Yunel had a miraculous recovery.. Oh wait, didn’t that dummy Prado hurt his thumb or something sliding in to first base? Just tell me this, when is Omar Infante coming off the dl?
By Bobby's Cox
May 4, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
In a way, I think pursuing .400 was a little easier for Gwynn because much of the time he was just trying to guide the ball over the infielder’s heads for a single.
I think chipper does aim the ball time to time. He gets those Tony Gwynn hits every now and then and sometimes you see him guide the ball on the ground through the infield.
I’d compare Chipper’s season thus far to John Olerud’s 1993 season. Olerud flirting with .400 all year and hit for lots of power (24 HR, 54 doubles, 107 RBI, 114 BB).
It’s still early, but Chipper looks damn good and comfortable.
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
If you pay some attention Gwynn hit .394 in 1994. He was 34 YO then. ABOUT Chippers age right now. Overlord
Read carefully before firing your bullets at me.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Wish I could tell you guys about the politically incorrect gifts they gave Eddie for his birthday, along with the Happy 50th (yes, 50th) birthday card they all signed.
They closed the clubhouse for a few minutes after BP to have a little presentation for him. Very funny stuff. He loved it.
By Bobby's Cox
May 4, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
couple more things.
McCann is playing great ball, both behind the plate and at the plate. Blanco still looks like a rookie at times, but he’s got some serious talent. Hopefully he doesn’t fade.
It’s amazing how amazing this offense looks at times. Hopefully chipper is rubbing off on the rest of the team and the offense doesn’t fade again after these blowout wins. Now’s the time for it to step up with the injuries to the pitching staff.
By brent a.
May 4, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Okay, it looks like Kelly’s entering into another one of his hot streaks.
Let’s hope it lasts at least 30 days, and the Braves ride it to about a 20-10 record over that stretch.
The Hawks are through, so I can put more of my focus on my two first loves: The Braves and The Lakers.
Yes, that traffic was ridiculous. I go home from church that way, and it was really annoying, and surprising. I don’t see how people deal with that nonsense on a daily basis.
Good for the Braves to get another week-end sweep. The way the Dodgers have played since they left town is making that week-end sweep look even more impressive.
Of course, unlike Bobby Cox last year, Joe Torre hasn’t decided to stubbornly keep Andruw Jones in the middle of the order (or even in the line-up at all) despite his career-worst struggles.
Anyway, good week-end in Atlanta. Yes, the Hawks got killed today, and some will try to say that this diminishes what they accomplished in this series; but I don’t agree. I found no rationalization for picking the Hawks to win more than a single, fluke game in this series; yet, they turned their home cour into their fortress. They lost because they were young, inexperienced, and had no idea how to win on the road.
Whereas, the Celtics were older, experienced, more talented, and yet, they could not win on the road either.
Hopefully, for the Hawks’ sake, they will appreciate the value of home court enough, that they will go out and try to scrape together 50 wins next season, and get themselves home court advantage in the first round.
By mr baseball
May 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Didn’t get a lot of support (any?) when I defended Cox’s use of KJ as the leadoff the other day. Where are all the critics today? Johnson may not be the ideal leadoff hitter, but he is the best option the Braves have. Hitting Escober & Kotsay 1-2 and Johnson 7 might not be that bad a situation, but as long as KJ is producing, he should stay at the top of the lineup, maybe even against lefties.
For all the geniuses advocating the dismissal of the pitching coach because of the arm injuries: please check out the league ERA standings for starting pitchers. Anyone who thinks McDowell is responsible for the various arm ailments is thoroughly worthy of our favorite insult here:
YOUR AND IDIOT.
Speaking of YAI, having Coach second guess Cox’s moves is kind of like Jeff Daniels’ character engaging Jim Carey’s character in “Dumb and Dumber” in a philosophical debate.
Let’s see if I can explain this simply enough for even Coach to understand. The Braves had 2 days off earlier this week and Hudson pitched a complete game the other night. That’s 3 days this week the bullpen hasn’t thrown a pitch. No one’s arm is falling off.
Ring is primarily a lefty specialist and has done his job very well this season in those situations. He was the second batter due up in the bottom of the inning. Cox pinch hit for him, Pena got a single and the Braves scored 3 runs. Exactly what he should have done in that situation.
There are lots of opportunities to criticize how Cox manages a game. Today has not been one of them. Unfortunately, Coach (It’s Hard To Be Wrong All The Time But I Come Pretty Close) hasn’t quite figured that out yet.
By BravesRule
May 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Looks like Yunel had a miraculous recovery.. Oh wait, didn’t that dummy Prado hurt his thumb or something sliding in to first base? Just tell me this, when is Omar Infante coming off the dl?Jeff321
what? are you and imbecile? You have a problem with the way that Prado has produced off the bench? Sheeeesh!
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
If you pay some attention Gwynn hit .394 in 1994. He was 34 YO then. ABOUT Chippers age right now. Overlord
Read carefully before firing your bullets at me, DAP.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Dusty Baker has used five pitchers today because his bullpen stinks.
Bobby Cox has used five pitchers because he is Bobby Cox.
By Bobby's Cox
May 4, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Didn’t get a lot of support (any?) when I defended Cox’s use of KJ as the leadoff the other day. mr. baseball
see how good the lineup is when the leadoff guy gets on? It was our point that KJ needs to do so more consistently. If the trend continues, he’ll there’s be another 8-10 game stretch where KJ goes 0-4 or 1-4 and the lineup will suffer. Let’s hope that’s not true mr. baseball.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
What, Bobby’s planning to use Ohman, Boyer and Acosta every game?
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox I agree with your assessment of Chipper’s Get It Over, or Squeak It Thru the Infield hits. It seems like the last few years he’s been willing to do that more and more, especially with no one on base. It’s like he understands that baserunners are a valuable tool to getting a rally started. (I wish more of them could grasp and do that kind of thing.)
It’s kind of amazing how he can also sit back a look for a particular pitch and then when it comes he can blow it into the outfield bleachers. He’s adept a both approaches, and I think it’s a great thing.
I’m going to dissagree with your comparision to Olerud in ‘93 - not because it’s a bad comparison, but really more just for the sake of conversation. Olerud was a great hitter, but that was still kind of a fluky year for him. The only other year he put up similar numbers - at least ones that included that super-high average - was in ‘98 when he was with the Mets. A lot of the reason I feel like Chipper could do this is because, in a lot of ways, this is kind of almost normal for him.
The comparison I had in my mind was Larry Walker and the year he had in ‘99, when he had reached a certain age, had amassed a certain level of experience and really put everything together at the same time, while still very much holding onto his power-hitter resume. I know he did all that while playing half his games in Colorado, but in my memory (which could be weak on this point) he had really strong home and away splits that year (and most years, even - again, if I remember right.)
Then, even though Walker finally faded in the 2nd half that season, he still performed at a comparable level in the years afterwards.
By Philliesuk
May 4, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Could Chipper hit .400 this year? Sure. Will he? Doubt it. All it takes is one really bad slump in August to kill it. I would love to see it, but I think realistically he can hit in the high .300s this year and pick up 40 HR/120 RBI. Those would be MVP-caliber numbers, but I’m sure the voters will go ahead and give it to some Phillies/Mets player.
Interesting to see the impact of KJ getting on base. His OBP is critical for this offense.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
PRADO has a SPRAINED LEFT THUMB from that head-first slide in the fifth inning.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Kotsay’s extra point sailed inside the right field upright making the Braves two-for-two on point after attempts.
Things getting a little chippy now after Chipper’s single as Burton sends a fastball behind Tex to put him on.
By eric the elder
May 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
A Ron Gantism: “There’s no reason to throw at a batter for no reason.”
Someone parse that for me.
By Jeff321
May 4, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
“what? are you and imbecile? You have a problem with the way that Prado has produced off the bench? Sheeeesh!”
Produced off the bench, eh? How about his production of errors? Did you happen to see the throwing error today? How about when he was playing first recently? Or when he filled in for Chipper at third? I think Prado needs to follow Pete Orr out the door.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I’m sure somewhere, right now, Joe Morgan is giving a painfully slow and repetitive 45-minute explanation, to nobody in particular, as to why it is better to run through first base rather than slide head first.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 4, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
And Coach has posted 5 wrong opinions today because he couldn’t find the right one’ s to cut-and-paste online.
By Yars
May 4, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
KJ raised his average 25 points today. Not bad at all. I’m shocked that Tex didn’t record a hit today! Chipper finishing the day with a MLB leading .425 average!
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Jeff321 any comparison of Martin Prado to Pete Orr is idiotic.
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
And Cincy ties the Pods with 20 losses, for most losses in the majors.
Not a pretty game, but it’s a W.
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
ijonathan Your Joe Morgan reference makes me laugh out loud. But it wouldn’t be so funny if it weren’t so true…
By MEB
May 4, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Nice sweep by our Braves… was that with a left or right handed broom?
Stay hot Kelly Johnson!
I think we’ll miss Ryan Freel diving all over the outfield.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
From 1990 to 2005 (sixteen seasons), Leo Mazzone never let his bullpen top 485 innings in a single season.
In 2006 the bullpen topped 512.1 innings.
In 2007 the bullpen threw 539.1 innings.
So far in 2008, this bullpen has thrown 103.2 innings and it is on pace for 600 innings by the end of this season.
Go ahead mr. M-O-R-O-N , defend it. Please, I’m begging you to drop your pants and lay one of you’re big stinking turds for all the blog to smell.
Go ahead and defend Bobby Cox’s bullpen management, I DARE YOU !
By Fred Akins
May 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Coach, you are correct. This Braves bullpen cannot sustain this pace when it comes to innings pitched.
That Mr.Baseball blogger sounds a little jealous of you. I would ignore his rantings if I were you.
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Coach I really hope you aren’t serious. The problem isn’t the innings pitched by the pen, it is who has been pitching them.
You think the NUMBER of innings pitched by the bullpen has anything to do with Cox? Oh I don’t know. Maybe Mazzone’s “success” has something to do with the fact that people like Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine, Avery, Neagle, Millwood, Hampton, and co were giving him hundreds of innings? You would have to be pretty darn thick to think that the number of IP by the pen had ANYTHING to do with Mazzone.
No, the issue has been who has been pitching. Today doesn’t fit the bill though. We are off tomorrow so it makes sense to use Acosta and stretch him out. I am not clear on using Boyer twice again, but it really is irrelevant. He only threw 12 pitches.
But really, the only Cox BP management that raises my ire is a situation where the closer doesn’t need to be stretched out, we have a 4 or 5 run lead in the 9th, and he comes in. This is what happened to Soriano against the Mets this year before he went on the DL. That makes no sense. Same with Acosta going three innings against the Nats.
But the numbers of IP? You gotta be out of your mind.
By Jeff321
May 4, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
“any comparison of Martin Prado to Pete Orr is idiotic.”
My mistake, I thought they both were reserve infielders that play multiple positions and suck. But, will say Prado is a better hitter than Orr ever was. And, Orr runs faster and makes less error’s. With that said, when it all washes out, neither of them deserve to be working for the Atlanta Braves. (Well, unless they have an opening in the concession stand.)
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
I’m sure happy April is over. Gonzo is coming back soon, perhaps Soriano, and by September, we should see Hampton. Life is good.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
The BBQ’ing of the Reds pitching staff is now over and the Braves wait for the Padres to come to town after scoring 25 runs against a team that is struggling to score runs. That’s been our MO for the most part in 2008 (scoring runs consistently), and the fact the Lads of La Jolla come to town and we don’t face either Jake Peavy or Greg Maddux is encouraging. The team coming into town is scoring less runs per game and hitting worse collectively than the team leaving town, however Chris Young and Randy Wolf are both pitching well right now.
We keep pace with the Fins and the Phils since both won their games today, however more importantly we reach .500 again and there were more factors in the lineup today than just Chipper Jones. KJ is hitting the ball better, BMac is swinging a hot bat right now and Mark Kotsay is hitting better of late.
Jo-Jo Reyes start yesterday was huge, no overstating that. Glavine struggled today, however Ring, Ohman and Manny Acosta blanked the Reds lineup and Campillo surrendered one run on a two-out double to Freel, however that aside, the pen has pitched really well recently.
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Fred Akins, what would you have done? Left Glavine in? He was horrible today. No, he had to come out, and at that point the innings pitched by the pen would have been the same no matter what. Face it, you don’t have a leg to stand on.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I leave the good denizens of the Braves/MIB blog with this question…
If Ryan Freels goes to a bar, is the place automatically considered a dive?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 4, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
If you folks cannot handle constructive criticism of our venerable Hall of Fame manager, that is just too bad.
Cox is a first ballot Hall of Fame manager, he is also the most over-rated manager in the game of baseball.
The man knows how to manage his players, motivate them and he is the dean of all managers.
What has changed in the last three season? look at my previous post.
That is the difference in philosophy between Leo Mazzone and Bobby Cox.
Is it just some crazy coincidence that the very moment that Leo left, the playoff streak ended and the losing started. Cox is 178-176 since Leo left.
This 2008 team is playoff caliber. Injuries or no injuries, should they fail, the finger of blame will be pointed square in the chest of Bobby Cox.
By McFactts
May 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Glavine’s done - hang it up.
Smoltz is done - hang it up.
Hampton’s been done - please go away.
Hudson is flaky - win some lose some.
James never had it - never will.
Jo Jo is one bad outing away from losing his confidence again.
Jair can’t do it alone.
Braves will be lucky to finish with a .500 record.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Can Chipper hit .400?
He will probably need to miss a bunch of games like George Brett did in 1980 to have a chance.
Here is how Chipper could hit .400:
Get no more than the minimum of 503 plate appearances for the season.
Walk 93 times for the season.
Hit 35 home runs.
Get 164 hits in 410 at bats.
Strike out only 40 times for the season.
For the rest of the season, Chipper would need the following:
390 plate appearances
297 at bats
116 hits
26 homers
82 walks
30 Ks
A .373 Babip the rest of the way
Hey, Yunel Escobar has a .361 Babip for his career. Surely, Chipper can pull off a career year of a .373 Babip right?
If Chipper is gonna hit .400 this year, he most likely will need to hit homers at the pace he did in 1999, walk alot, cut down on his already low strikeout rate, miss a bunch of games so that he only makes the minimum number of plate appearances and have a .373 Babip the rest of the way. It’s possible - but hopefully Chipper won’t miss that many games. Chipper would probably want to win another World Series than hit .400.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Prado’s thumb is pretty messed up, according to Cox. X-rays were negative, but that doesn’t rule out ligament damage. Wouldn’t surprise me if he has to go on DL.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 4, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Here you go Epinephrine. You will love this cut and paste job.
Mazzone has earned a reputation as one of the best pitching coaches in the modern era, having developed and coached perennial all-star pitchers such as Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Over the years, pitchers who have joined the Atlanta Braves under Mazzone have often undergone marked improvement over previous years with other organizations, and show a marked decrease in performance upon moving to other systems with Russ Ortiz, Denny Neagle, and Jaret Wright being notable examples.
Mazzone’s pitching philosophies state that pitchers should throw more between starts (two sessions instead of one), utilize the outside corner of the strike zone and utilize a fastball to set up breaking balls.
In his book, The Baseball Economist J.C. Bradbury titles a chapter, “How Good is Leo Mazzone?” Using statistical analysis, he analyzes whether Mazzone had a significant impact upon the pitchers that he coached. The sample is all pitchers who have pitched at least one year under Mazzone and one year under a different pitching coach. Bradbury found that Mazzone lowered the ERA of pitchers by an average of .64 points, and that after leaving Mazzone, pitchers’ ERA increased by an average of .78 points. Bradbury believes that such an impact is deserving of Hall of Fame consideration.
It’s really simple when you think about it. Leo knew how to get more innings out of his starters. Which of course, led to fewer innings from the bullpen and an increased overall quality in pitching.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Can Chipper hit .400?
He will probably need to miss a bunch of games like George Brett did in 1980 to have a chance.
Here is how Chipper could hit .400:
Get no more than the minimum of 503 plate appearances for the season.
Walk 93 times for the season.
Hit 35 home runs.
Get 164 hits in 410 at bats.
Strike out only 40 times for the season.
For the rest of the season, Chipper would need the following:
378 plate appearances
297 at bats
116 hits
26 homers
82 walks
30 Ks
A .373 Babip the rest of the way
Hey, Yunel Escobar has a .361 Babip for his career. Surely, Chipper can pull off a career year of a .373 Babip right?
If Chipper is gonna hit .400 this year, he most likely will need to hit homers at the pace he did in 1999, walk alot, cut down on his already low strikeout rate, miss a bunch of games so that he only makes the minimum number of plate appearances and have a .373 Babip the rest of the way. It’s possible - but hopefully Chipper won’t miss that many games. Chipper would probably want to win another World Series than hit .400.
By confuse us
May 4, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
confuse us say:
people who post same thing more than once have nothing to say
By bf54
May 4, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
A few thoughts. On the bullpen stats (and BTW, there are lies, damned lies, and you know the rest!Epinephrine is on it. No way can you look at 1991-2005 and use it to club BC today. (I will and do regularly criticise him, but not today, nooooooooooooooway!)
All of our bench is producing except Gotay. We’ve got good numbers all around. Relax.
Where is Albanian Braves Fan when we need him? Who is this this masked guy? Inquiring minds…
By Jeff321
May 4, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Chipper will break .400 this year.. But, I do THINK he’s going to surpass 200 hits for the first time.
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Coach, first of all, tell that to the Orioles.
But second, and more importantly, it has NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR ARGUMENT. Not having Mazzone is a given. The question is, are we overusing the bullpen in total innings pitched? If we are, then your argument is that we should be leaving our starting pitchers in for longer.
Now, maybe you think Mazzone had magic fairy dust that he could sprinkle on to pitchers than made them better starters, but somehow he lost it on his plane flight from Atlanta to Baltimore. I don’t buy that. But even if that is the case, it doesn’t change the fact the Leo isn’t here. And now that we lack the magic to make Mark Redman a Cy Young quality pitcher, then next question is, should we leave pitchers in just for the heck of it anyway, so as to save the bullpen?
I say no. Today was a good example of that. If we leave Glavine in, the Reds could have exploded, and the game gets out of hand.
By DAP
May 4, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
overlord DAP, I meant about the same age, 35 YO, whatever…… you are more astute than your last comment.
you mean my comment pointing out chipper definetly IS a power hitter? thanx…i think. it sux how accuracy can make you seem less astute than you really are…dang. oh well, learning experience i guess.
Read carefully before firing your bullets at me.
firing bullets? you must be sensitive today. first of all, its not a big deal, the thing about chipper’s age, and second of all, speaking of “reading carefully” did you notice my post giving chipper’s correct age quoted someone else? i wasnt responding to your post, i replied to GTI in Chicago, and he took it well, unlike who, who i wasnt even talking to.
i dont mean to pile on, brother. hope you feel better.
By Efrim
May 4, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Where are all the Kelly Johnson haters???? 7 doubles and 4 bombs this year.
By Mike in LA
May 4, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Jeff 321, you must be watching a different Martin Prado because the one playing for the Braves is hitting .282 with a .372 on base average this season and is a terrific situational hitter which was evident by his sac fly today. Did you really say that Orr was better than him defensively? Wow, heres a helpful link for you http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/050805dish.html
Lets hope Prado’s injury is minor because he’s a valuable part of this team and I haven’t heard anything about Infante being close to coming back
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 4, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
DOB Tom Glavin left Atlanta for New York as “Tom Terrific” and has returned as Charlie Leibrant…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 4, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Hey Epinephrine, how many managers, coaches or for that matter, any baseball people been successful under the ownership of Peter Angelos during the past twelve seasons?
The idiot fired Davy Johnson following the 1997 season (98-64),which was the last winning season the Orioles had.
Epinephrine, you are an idiot because YOU cannot grasp the impact the Leo Mazzone had on the Braves pitching.
The Orioles are one of the worst if not the THE WORST baseball organization in the game.
Using them to support your foolishness is just total ignorance.
By Jeff321
May 4, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Mike in LA, first off I wasn’t ever comparing Prado to Orr.. I just said he needed to follow Orr out the door. But, decided to play along with the notion. So, of course Prado can hit better than Orr. But, he’s also made at least three errors in as many weeks. Finally, Orr was a lame hitter and Prado is a lame fielder.
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally I agree with your notion that the fewer at bats Chipper gets, the more likely his average will stay high. Especially if the number of at bats he totals is going down because he’s racking up more walks.
But I don’t understand why you think he’ll need to hit home runs at his ‘99 clip (45 homers that year, a career high) to stay at .400 for the year. Not nessesarily saying I disagree with it - just that I don’t understand it. I’m curious to hear more of your reasoning for it. (I do, however, reserve the right to disagree with you after I hear more explanation.)
I will, unfortunately, have to read about it later tonight, ‘cause I have to head out for the evening. But a hearty “thanks” to the blog for a good afternoon of e-conversation. I don’t usually have time to sit and participate, so it was fun today.
Keep swingin’ it, Chipper & GO BRAVES!
By Jack Bruce
May 4, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
i’m so glav i’m so glav i’m glav i’m glav i’m glav
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Coach, whatever you think of Mazzone, it HAS NO BEARING on your argument. We don’t have him. Whether he would make the starters better or not is irrelevant. The point is, with what we have, are we making the correct decisions in pulling the starting pitchers? Why can’t you grasp that? That is the only factor in this argument.
Now if you think there is something that McDowell or Cox is doing to make our starters worse, fine. Then at least your Mazzone point would be relevant. But if so, I don’t think its a good point. Hudson, Smoltz, and now Jurrjens have been very good in the post-Leo era. I don’t think there is anything anyone could have done to make the rest of our starters any better.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
WB DOB
Those three paragraphs were better spent on Williamson than Hammy.
I’ve done a pretty decent job keeping everybody up to date on Hammy’s gender status. No thanks necessary DOB!
By fastasballs
May 4, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Back to a .500 record once again after a much needed sweep of the Reds. The Pads are coming in & not playing well so 2/3 is a must.
I saw some real positive things this weekend. Other than Frenchy & Diaz about every hitter the past two days has been patient & worked the pitchers. They didn’t help the struggling pitchers like they had in previous games this year. They took their bases, hit the balls where they were pitched & hit a few knock out shots to finish them off.
I really can’t recall the last time the Braves swept a team they should have. Too many times the past several years they have tanked against the likes of the Reds, Nats, Fish, & Pirates.
With all of the pitching injuries the offense is going to have to produce like they have. They are very capable, but not consistent to this point.
Kotsay is heating up & looked great in the two hole today. He’s been a solid addition. Andruw anyone? I didn’t think so. Torre sat him again today. That’s about 3 more times than Cox sat him in 10 years.
Barring injury Chipper is heading for possibly one of the all time great seasons. I know it’s early, but he’s so locked in & has been for the better part of two seasons. Had KJ been producing like this all season Chipper would have quite a few more RBI’s.
By Matt Diaz
May 4, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Why did Bobby promise me I could be a regular and then pull the rug out from out of me?
By fastasballs
May 4, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
I’m not the biggest fan of Cox, but in his defense the pen has had to come in very early in 2 of Hudson’s starts, the entire game for Hampton’s start & basically the entire game for Glavine’s in DC & early again today.
I do think once he gets in the pen he over manages & uses way more arms than is needed sometimes. That by the book crap gets him in trouble sometimes.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 4, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Peter Moylan threw 90 innings and appeared in 80 games last season for the Braves. His arm is now a wreck.
Rafael Soriano threw 72 innings and appeared in 71 games last season for the Braves. Soriano’s elbow is all but ready for it’s second T.J. surgery.
Is there any correlation between injury and overuse. Is Bobby Cox not responsible, after all, he is the manager.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Scott Boras sold Andruw to the Dodgers on promises of a reawakening.
Not only has Andruw not reawakened, he’s fallen into a coma.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Matt, if Bobby pulled a rug out of you, I’d suggest you stop typing and get to a hospice, ASAP!
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Remember for most of last season when the Braves were playing so well on the road and struggling at home?
This season they are 11-4 at home with a .321 batting average and 2.98 ERA, and 4-11 on the road with a .252 average and 4.23 ERA.
They’ve scored 59 runs in 15 road games, 95 runs in 15 home games.
And going back to late last season, they’ve won 20 of their last 26 home games and lost 24 of their last 36 road games.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
GTI The reason I was saying Chipper would probably need to hit homers at a ‘99 rate in order to bat .400 is that the more homers he hits, the less he is at the mercy of fielders. It’s hard enough to have a Babip of .370 something for this season. If he didn’t hit alot of homers, his Babip would have to be closer to .400, making it much harder to hit .400 for the season.
A .400 Babip or one over .380 would involve a whole bunch of luck and would really defy realistic probability in this day and age with the athleticism, good fielding and good pitching that is out there.
A .370 something Babip is awfully hard as well but it is at least possible and has been done by some excellent hitters of Chipper’s caliber.
For example, in 1980, Brett only fell 5 hits shy of hitting .400. Brett’s Babip in 1980 was .368. He hit 24 homers that year in 449 at bats. If Brett hit homers in 1980 at a rate like Chipper hit homers per at bat in 1999, Brett would have hit 35 homers.
If my numbers are right and Brett had the same .368 Babip to go with 35 homers, he would have hit .400
Or if he just got lucky and had 4 more hits fall in and had a Babip of .378, which is really hard to do, he would have hit .400 while hitting only 24 homers
Another example is Ted Williams in 1941. He had a Babip of around .375 that season (hard to precisely calculate because of the lack of reliable stat data as to sac flies and such during that year). But Ted hit 37 homers in 456 at bats.
The main difference between Ted hitting .406 in ‘41 and Brett falling short at .390 in ‘80 is that Ted got a little luckier with 4 extra balls landing in the field of play in roughly the same number of at bats where balls were put into play and Ted hit 13 more homers than Brett.
Thus, if Chipper wants to have a shot at hitting .400, he is gonna have to have a Babip around .375 himself and hit homers at the same rate per at bat he did in ‘99 (especially since he will probably strike out more than Ted or Brett did during their magical seasons).
Sorry if anyone else finds this boring but it is fun to think about no matter how silly it sounds to think about with 5 months left.
By Interested Observer
May 4, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
With Prado’s thumb issue, the question becomes, what’s the deal with Infante? For someone they originally thought might be ready by the end of spring training, this thing sure has dragged on.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I’ve been mulling this over mathematically, but I THINK if Bobby pulled a rug “out from out of you,” then he actually stuffed it in! Get to the hospital boy, you might not make it as it is!!
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
McFactts, it sure would make things a lot easier for you if the Braves would just lose, wouldn’t it? Oh, well, I’m sure you’ll bow up and get through this winning jag of theirs. Things will come around.
That two-game lead in the division race … that’s pretty formidable, isn’t it?
By StingerSplash
May 4, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Been wondering when we’d get “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine.” It’s about time.
Couple of distressing things from the day’s blowout. First, Francouer used to be money with men on base but he had two awful ABs with the bases loaded today. Second, Sciambi (to the larger extent) and Gant got caught up way too much in Glavine’s pitch count in the fifth, instead of the fact he couldn’t get guys out today (yes, that will drive up a pitch count, but the bigger issue is squandering a 7-run lead and putting the potential go-ahead run on base before getting pulled, which they didn’t mention.) As well as Glavine has pitched this season, I hope today’s abomination was an aberration.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Coach, I mean this in no smart-a$# way, believe me. Just a simple question: Do you ever stop to ask yourself why no one hired Leo after the Orioles fired him? I mean, if his impact was as obvious you’ve insinuated it was with the Braves, wouldn’t someone, anyone, make the moves necessary to create an opening to hire him?
Just curious.
And again, I get along great with Leo and really do miss the conversations I had with him on a daily basis, as I don’t have a similar relationship with Roger McDowell. But I just have never gotten the kind of opinion you espouse from others in the organization, past or present.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
How the Hell we gonna make up two games with just a hunnered left!?
By McFann
May 4, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Dang! Arizona blew it! What a buncha bums. I can’t stand that team.
Anyway, who’da thunk the Mets would take 2 of 3 against the best team in the Majors?
That dumb Byrnes was 0-5 with 3 strikeouts! Dang! And he left three men on base.
Oh well, that’s all water under the bridge, now. Sure woulda been good for the Braves to pick up a game on somebody, though.
By SNIPER-69
May 4, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Oooohhh…the braves swept the reds. The Mets meanwhile take 2 of 3 from the team with the best record in baseball…IN ARIZONA!! Now you get the Padres at home. LETS GO METS!
By Tomas
May 4, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Braves are awesome in home, but they need to get better on the road. Everybody in the division won unfortunately, so the braves didn’t gain ground, but those hitter are finally getting hot,hope they can keep it up in the series aginst san diego.
By raindawg722
May 4, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Fastaballs, I like many of your posts, but why, why, why even mention uknowho and injuries in the same sentence?
I am thinking all this 400 talk in May will only anger the baseball gods. I hope I’m wrong.
And, yes. I’m superstitious.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
BRAVES WIN! MAGIC NUMBER IS 134!
Phils & Cubs win. Tragic number for the division and wildcard is 130.
On pace to score 832 runs while giving up 621 runs - a 211 run differential.
That would be the run differential of a 100 win team - hard to believe I know with a 15-15 team.
But somehow, some way, someday they are bound to stop being snakebitten with these one run losses.
They can’t continue this trend of underperforming their expected won/loss record by a combined 15 games the way they have for the past 2+ seasons.
Or so I continue to delude myself into believing.
It’s darn hard to continue believing in this Pythagoras dude when you’ve only just recently been introduced to this all powerful Pythagoras fella and he keeps looking impotent when Lady Luck comes around.
By Cody
May 4, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Braves got the sweep today and like I said in yestersay’s blog need to go 5-2 over there next seven. 20-17 isn’t bad going into that series with the Phillies. I hate ESPN everytime atlanta plays good they leaves us off the highlights. I hope the go all they way. F* ESPN. It stands for EASTERN SPORTS are FANTATSIC NETWORK. Of course that means the New York Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and New England Patriots. Atlanta tv markets need to come up with a station called F-U-N-Y-S. (That means F* YOU NEW YORK SPORTS.)
By Todd A
May 4, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Some things never change. As the weather begins to warm up, Tom Glavine’s ERA begins to climb. Now that April is over, I’m afraid performances like today will be repeated over and over with more regularity.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
I am thinking all this 400 talk in May will only anger the baseball gods. I hope I’m wrong.
Yeah, raindawg, sorry ‘bout that. This time last year though we were wondering whether hitters could hit .400 for an entire season off Mark Redman.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Does Beano Cook ever talk about anything except for Notre Dame?
By Cody
May 4, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Dang Mets, they caught Arizona snake bitten. LOL
By "Whisper Chipper"
May 4, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
This MUST be played when u-know-who comes to bat:
The Whisper Chipper is an improvisation piece by multi-instrumentalists Marcelo Radulovich and Marcos Fernandes based on Radulovich’s field recording of a chipper/shredder. In this ambient noise piece, the field recording is run through multiple effects and eq-ed in real time to create shifting delay loops. With the addition of tamboura box (an analog drone generator), treated guitars and radio the results are at times ambient and at times thunderous.
Recorded at Radulovich’s Titicacaman Studios, the packaging features artwork by New York writer-artist-musician Joel Smith printed on hand-made hemp thread paper and comes complete with a hand-picked twig.
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
The Braves are on pace to score 832 runs and give up 621.
The Mets are on pace to score 754 runs and to give up 737 runs.
The Phillies are on pace to score 759 runs while giving up 694 runs
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Never a good sign though when Jeff Bennett has the third most innings pitched on your team.
By Metropolitan Man
May 4, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69:
I’m keeping hope alive. 2 out of 3 aint bad from the best team in baseball. The funny thing is the only other team the Diamondbacks lost a series to this year so far has been the Reds, and we know what happended to them recently.
By Mark in PA
May 4, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Great blog, Dave, esp. the Tom T. Hall lyrics. Never hear any props for him these days. I’m guessing ‘Watermelon Wine’ is a little easier on the entire blog readership than ‘Faster Horses,’ eh?
DOB (or anyone), how much would you give to be at or near the table and hear the discussion when Smoltzie, Glavine, and Maddux go out this week for dinner (or whatever they’re bound to do together)? I’m sure hoping you can find out, because I’m sure it would be fascinating to learn what they would have to say to each other.
On a different note—did anyone compile a list of all those who have “written” the team off? Because I’m pretty sure some of those folks are still providing corrective action recommendations. While I’m pretty sure that mgmt is not looking to the blog exclusively to determine their course of action, it does seem like the “Surrender in April” crowd should get a special character beside their name. At least until the All-Star break.
By McFann
May 4, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
McCann is tied with four others for the NL lead in fielding percentage among catchers who’ve played at least 23 games. Change that to over 200 innings, and he’s tied with just Bengie Molina. (And if you change it to 25 games, he’s all by himself.)
Oh, BTW, that fielding percentage is 1.000.
If he could just fixate his shoulder the correct when he throws to second, he’d be one of the very best in the game at this time. But those base runners are walking…er…running all over him! Dergh!!
His CS% right now is 24%. But, if you take away the two pick offs our pitchers have, then it’s down to 17%.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
We’re 20th in SI’s latest power rankings. At’s a little low ain’t it?
Said the Braves can use pitching help anywhere they can get it
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 4, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Well Coach
Even DOB thinks your argument is hollow, and he actually has a working knowledge of Mazzone and the Braves.
Yes Leo was a good pitching coach, but he was also blessed with the best rotation of all-time and had guys like Maddox/Glavine who’s pitching style fit with his philosophy.
I believe as with every sport sometimes you just get hit with the injury bug en masse. Without an actual knowledge of what is going on with a pitchers body (you know - like actually being the real life coach) you can’t sit back and second-guess or be a “couch-coach”. Unless your an egotistical, self-absorbed, wannabe know-it-all, with a cut-and-paste database.
I’m not sayin’ yuz is a jeark-off, I’m just sayin’ your ( blog can fill in the blanks)
Let’s be creative with that one people.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Cody, that’s a GREAT idea for a network!
By ncscoots
May 4, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
this all powerful Pythagoras fella [just] keeps looking impotent when Lady Luck comes around.
Here’s the thing…Lady Luck and Pythagoras have been together as a couple for a loooooonnng time. They’re comfortable with each other and happy about it, as many long-term relationship couples are. But the Lady…well, she may be committed to ole Thag, but she still gets that roamin’ eye every once in a while. Tends to stray. Causes a few ripples in the Pythagorean Theorem. But does Pythagoras whine about it? No. He waits for things to even out. Patiently.
And finally, in the end, back she comes, Miss Lady Luck, to Pythagoras; the snake-bit recover and overachievers return to earth, and Lady Luck gets back to helping the Pythagorean Theorem work. And Pythagoras doesn’t even chide.
Pythagoras: “Regression to the mean, my love.”
Lady Luck: “Yes, dear.”
By McFann
May 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Hey, MetMan, that was funny! I didn’t know it was you at first!
; )
By Pythagoras
May 4, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Lady Luck best beware the fury of a patient man!
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
To tell you the truth, I was actually happy to see the Mets take 2/3 this weekend. The D-Backs have played against horrible teams all year long, and everyone in the media has been praising them like they are unbeatable. I would be surprised if the Phils don’t take 2/3 from them as well. But if so, I will also be relieved to know that the D-Backs are vulnerable against good teams.
I was watching the game on MLBTV, and the announcers were dumbfounded when D Wright took Haren yard. Recovered after a second, but it was still amusing.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 4, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
hey ncscoots
Don’t you be bringin any of that thar edumacation stuff ‘round these parts.
This here be a BLOG, not one of tnems forums for swappin intelli…intelli…intelli….aww screw it !!!!
Don’t be bringin ur smarts around here!!
By Willy Wally
May 4, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Could Diory Hernandez get a callup if Prado gets DL’d?
By SNIPER-69
May 4, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Cody has some inferiority issues….I think it’s a southern thing.
By SNIPER-69
May 4, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Metro man, Delgado and Heilman have played better of late and I told you earlier. If those two perform the Mets will be hard to beat. I think by the end of May, with Pedro back, the Mets will get into a nice groove and start taking control of the division.
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
We all have those issues SNIPER, we think you’re inferior. Honestly….
By fastasballs
May 4, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
I hope Prado isn’t down too long. He’s a good fill in guy regardless of what a few might believe. He gives it all he has every time he’s out there.
Anyone have any info on Dante Heath down in Myrtle Beach? Projections? He & Hanson are doing very well so far this season.
By The TRUE Metropolitan
May 4, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Everyone from New York (i.e. Manhattan) follows the Yankees.
I think my doorman may be a Met fan, but then he lives in Staten Island. I really don’t have time to talk to him about it.
Oh, and people who attended public schools. They MAY be Mets fans. I am not sure if I’ve actually met any of them, though.
I have never been to Queens, except when I have to go to the airport. Even then, I prefer Newark, if at all possible.
The Yankees are to champagne as the Mets are to Boones farm.
By Dan Brown
May 4, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Diory?
Beware the Diory of Sion!
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
The Braves are Jack Daniel!
By Shamus Thacker
May 4, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Why don’t y’all leave us hill folk alone. W’ain’t worthy…
By monty
May 4, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Hope Prado doesn’t miss too many games, he has made himself into a decent player. I feel much more confident with him pinch hitting or starting than I ever did with Pete Orr or pretty much any utility infielder the Braves have had in recent years. He is a doubles machine!
By GTI in Chicago
May 4, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally I just peeked back in long enough to check for a reply to my 6:28 post.
Wow. I got even more response than I expected. SO. You’re one ‘o them thar new-fangled Saber-Rattlers! Please know that I say that with a very good natured grin. I love to play with the numbers myself from time to time.
But, I admit, this is the first time I’ve heard of the BABIP, and it’s a lot to drink in all at once.
I do, however, undertand now why you’re saying homers will help the average, at least on one level: putting the ball out of play does, in fact, ensure that it won’t become an out, and therefore a drag on the old-fashioned AVG.
Gotta tell you though - and I say this with a lot of respect, because it seems to me that you’ve done your work and know what you’re talking about - but in regards to whether or not Chipper can hit .400, the BABIP seems a tad esoteric.
Really, IMO, it just comes down to this: Can he go out everyday and get himself a couple of hits - everyday? And in this year, at this time (yes, in only May) it sure as heck looks like he has it in him. “IT” being that Michael Jordan-esque, mind-over-matter, game domination factor, and I just think Chip can ride it. Will he? Well, we’ll see. Can he? Yes, yes and yes.
Btw, your post at 8:10 made me laugh out loud. SO true. And that’s exactly why this has been so much fun to ponder with you and the rest of the denziens today.
Willy Wally, I bow to your number crunching dedication, and wish you a good night.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
May 4, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Wow guys, the blog’s kind of a mess today, ain’t it? In case we haven’t cleared all this up yet:
Chipper is 36 years old.
Ted Williams was the last big-leaguer to hit over .400.
Bobby pulled Royce Ring after one batter because lefties are hitting .154 against him, while righties are hitting a whopping .500. He absolutely defines the situational lefty.
Oh, and for all those who said “who the heck is this Jurrjens joker” when we made the Renteria trade…. And who moaned when we wouldn’t fork over $17 mill or so a year for Andruw… And who claimed that Chipper was done being a top-caliber player…
Your and idiots.
By Andruw .163
May 4, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
34 K’s. Today: DNP
By LuisGuillermo
May 4, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
I’ll be just guessing, but the people selecting the winner of the Player of the Week Award will have no problem picking somebody instead of Chipper, because he ‘struggled’ so mightly this week… (going 9for23, 5 games played, .391 avg, .739 slg, .440 obp, 1.179 ops, with 2 doubles, 2 homers, 4 runs scored, 7 rbis, 4 multi-hit games). He won’t even share a first place tie for this week. And that’s a shame.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
With Maddux coming to town with San Diego and quite possibly the last-ever reunion of the Big Three all in uniform at Turner Field, I asked couple of guys about Maddux and the Big Three the Braves had for those years.
Chipper on Maddux: “Webb might rival Doggie. But as good as Webb’s been the last couple of years, Doggie was better — and for longer. The way he has the ability too move the ball and change speeds, I doubt you’ll ever see anybody with as much movement and command again. Ever.”
And here’s SCHUERHOLZ, when I asked him if he thought any team would ever have three future hall-of-famers in the same rotation at the very peak of their careers ever again, with the price of pitching today and all:
“It’s such a unique and rare occurence, the odds are not in favor of that. I’m not going to say it will never happen again, but …. We witnessed someething very special here for those years they were together. So special that it’s hard to imagine it happening again.”
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
CharlieAlphaBravo, exemplary post at 10:20 p.m. Brief, concise, and entirely accurate.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
The one thing Leo did that I really liked, and that was out of the ordinary in this era of pitching, was have guys throw more between starts. Braves pitchers threw more between starts than other teams’ pitchers. He believed it helped prevent injuries. Tough to disagree, considering the results.
By KYFan
May 4, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
With Smoltz returning to the closer role, Gonzalez possibly healthy soon, Acosta, Boyer, Ohman and Campillo all anchoring the bullpen, would this not be the perfect time to try Soriano out as a starter as soon as his elbow is better? He mentioned when he came to the Braves he either wanted to be the closer or a starter. In essence you would have him and Smoltz swapping jobs and hopefully will have Gonzalez to help out Smoltz when he needs some time off. Your thoughts Mr. O’Brien?
By Mark T.
May 4, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
KY Fan,
Soriano is having elbow problems. If he is having elbow difficulty after throwing 1 inning of pitches, his arm would fall off after throwing 6 or 7 innings. That is a horrible thing to even mention, with all of the problems our pitchers have been having. Let him stay where he is, in the pen and give us another arm, in the event Smoltz’s arm or someone else’s arm acts up. DOB, please don’t respond to KY Fan’s question
By Stephen
May 5, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Do the Braves meet on off-days for workouts/etc.? Or is it completely an off-day with no baseball activity?
By Epinephrine
May 5, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
KYT fan,
In addition to what Mark T. said, Smoltz leaving the rotation raises questions about whether Reyes can step up, and whether Jeff Bennett/Chuck James/Mike Hampton/Trade can do a serviceable job. Certainly its a lot better than James, Cormier/Davies, Redman, but it still raises serious questions.
As a result, it is even more imperative that we have a group like Boyer-Acosta-Soriano-Gonzo-Smoltz than can very easily, night in and out, pitch 5 innings of shut out ball night in and night out. Shortening games will be a very real option, and assuming we good get stuff 1-3, we will only need Reyes or Bennett to consistently give us about 5 or 6 innings, and we will be ready for the occasional 2-3 inning meltdown. That is huge.
But guys, we really do need to start thinking about a 5th starter. Reyes stepping up, and pitching like the talent he is, would be absolutely huge. But even so-what about 5? Bennett? James? Hampton (do we dare even think about it?) That will be a big question. And if Reyes can’t step up, it will be even bigger.
Thank goodness for Jurrjens.
By Tomas
May 5, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
DOB, have Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux kept that routine of throwing in between starts?
By Alex
May 5, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
very interesting discovery (although since it was published, it is not that great of a find)…but as of today the Braves 115 runs against is the best in MLB. So much for the pitching being such a disaster…and if you look at the runs scored being in the top third of MLB, then I suspect that once things settle down a bit and start to shake out as the summer begins, these Braves will be just fine.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 5, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
Leo Mazzone had his starting pitchers throw twice on the side between starts and considering that his starting pitching staffs back in the nineties threw a thousand innings or more during nine different seasons, the man might just be right.
O’Brien, you will never hear anyone inside the Braves organization criticising the management of Bobby Cox and rightly so. People respect Bobby Cox as do I.
As for why Leo couldn’t get another job as a pitching coach? I suspect it might have something to do with Sam Perlozzo and Bobby Cox.
I don’t think Leo will work with any other manager, but again, that’s just my opinion.
My other theory is this. Cox was the good cop, Leo was the bad one. That relationship worked perfectly for sixteen seasons.
Leo fussed and cussed at his pitchers while Bobby patted them on the back. Leo called the shots with the pitching, Bobby did the rest.
Somehow, I don’t think Cox is giving the same brevity to Roger McDowell.
From 1990 to 2005 (sixteen seasons), Leo Mazzone never let his bullpen top 485 innings in a single season.
In 2006 the bullpen topped 512.1 innings.
In 2007 the bullpen threw 539.1 innings.
So far in 2008, this bullpen has thrown 103.2 innings and it is on pace for 550-560 innings by the end of this season.
The numbers tell the story much better than I can. Something changed after Leo left and you can see it.
By BravesRule
May 5, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Produced off the bench, eh? How about his production of errors? Did you happen to see the throwing error today? How about when he was playing first recently? Or when he filled in for Chipper at third? I think Prado needs to follow Pete Orr out the door.jEFF321
He is playing out of position a lot where he has not had that much experience, he has a good history as a defensive second baseman and will pick it up. what and imbecile, hey I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt that you are not actually as low as and idiot
By Cherokee
May 5, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
Hey, Yunel Escobar has a .361 Babip for his career. Surely, Chipper can pull off a career year of a .373 Babip right?WW
which would indicate that his BA is likely to come down if that is true because his babip won’t stay that high over his career
By Tomas
May 5, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Coach,
Leo was FIRED from the Orioles, he doesn’t have the luxury of being picky of which manager does he want to pitch for. He had some good arms in Baltimore like Daniel Cabrera that seems to have great stuff but doesn’t find the strike zone, his only succes in Baltimore was Erik Bedard, which had very good seasons while Leo was there. In the 90’s he had so much succes, because he had guys like Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, Avery, Millwood, Odalis, John Burke. And a big reason on the succes of Smoltz and glavine was not due to leo, it was due to maddux that taught how to pitch around the corners. That is what made Leo look so good. I’m not saying that he is a terrible pitching coach, he did some things like making his pitcher throw between starts, to prevent injuries that worked really well for him, but his biggest problem was working with relievers. Now pitcher can not go nine,they average six innings, the game is depending much more in relievers, and that is why he has been so unsucesfull this last 3 to four years.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 5, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
Tomas, Davy Johnson was FIRED by(Orioles Owner) Peter Angelos too, following the last winning season the Orioles had back in 1997( 98-64).
Since you and more than a few other bloggers are unaware, the ORIOLES are quit possibly the WORST ORGANIZATION in baseball.
The fact that Leo had marginal success for them is irrelevant, nobody has been successful in Baltimore in twelve FREAKING YEARS !
I’ll tell you something else, Bobby Cox is a Hall of Fame manager.
Leo Mazzone is a Hall of Fame pitching coach.
I hope this link works.
http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2005/03/the_mazzone
By jed
May 5, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this
anybody know whatever happened to Aybar?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 5, 2008 3:49 AM | Link to this
At 10:20 last night, CharlieAlphaBravo wrote:
Bobby pulled Royce Ring after one batter because lefties are hitting .154 against him, while righties are hitting a whopping .500. He absolutely defines the situational lefty.
I could not disagree more with that statement, Charlie.
Royce Ring has seen all of four right handed batters so far and they happen to be two for four against Ring(.500 BA), hardly a fair assessment considering Ring’s career numbers.
Royce Ring’s career splits :
Left handed batters have hit .200 off Royce Ring.
Right handed batters have hit .198 off Royce Ring.
Royce Ring’s splits from 2007 :
Right handers hit .167 off him.
Left handers hit .206 off Ring.
Royce Ring went 1-1 with an ERA of 2.38 in spring training.
I completely agree with Cox bringing Royce Ring into the game when he did, it was the right move. But, when Cox didn’t pull the double switch, I knew Ring was in for one batter and one batter only.
Using one relief pitcher as a one out specialist while the other six bullpen guys are taking the brunt of the pitching load is unbalanced at best.
Did anyone notice that Cox used six pitchers total, while the Reds used five.
I just think that Ring could have come out for the sixth inning after the double switch and done just fine, and one of the other relief pitchers could have been given the day off.
Royce Ring has seen just 4.2 innings of work in twelve appearances.
My only gripe is that Cox probably used one more pitcher than was needed to finish the game.
The bullpen has been torched for 103.2 innings in 30 games played so far.
I am however, happy to note that the Braves finally have twelve pitchers on the roster.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
May 5, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
Coach:
You make a very valid point about Ring’s career stats. I wasn’t aware that he had been so effective against righties in his career. So if it’s not his ability to get righties out that’s limiting him, why would Bobby Cox use him only in one-out situations?
Let’s check out his game log so far this season…
In ten appearances in which he recorded one or fewer outs: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, and he’s allowed 0 of 16 inherited runners to score.
In the only two appearances in which he recorded more than one out: 0-0, 21.60 ERA, 4 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K.
So if Bobby wants to carry a one-out specialist to squash those pesky late-inning rallies, doesn’t it make sense that he should use Ring? At least with the limited sample we have, he appears to be pretty darn comfortable in this role. Let’s at least wait until this particular strategy stops working before we condemn poor ol’ Coxey…
Besides, this whole argument could very likely be rendered moot in a very short time. There’s un poquito amigo getting healthy whose nombre is Gonzo (¡He’s muy bueno!)… And that might very well mean adios for Royce…
By Philliesuk
May 5, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
Are we really to the point where we think we should bring back Mazzone? I love Leo, but I don’t think it will make a difference, unless the D-backs plan on giving us Haren and Webb at the same time.
Everyone seems to want to change everything. Let’s just stay the course. We should be overjoyed that we are only two games back, given the incredible amount of injuries. Is there anyone out there who agrees?
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Morning, all. Good series for the Braves’ bats. They just left too many men on base yesterday! Just kidding.
Just saw this post and you know I can’t resist weighing in:
Arizona (best record in the majors) have 3 players in the top 11 in strike outs (Reynolds, Young, Upton). The first 2 have more Ks than AJ, and you can add Howard to the group as the top 3 and AJ being 4th.
Arizona only has 1 player in the top 40 in walks in NL.
Thoughts???
Strikeouts aren’t a huge deal for hitters because hitters would have to strikeout a ridiculous amount of times before it starts eating into their on-base percentages. Arizona is third in the league in batter strikeouts but fifth in on-base percentage. It’s not how you make outs but how often.
Regarding walks, while it’s true Arizona doesn’t have anyone that walks a whole lot, every one of their regulars has at least 10. Their regulars on average have 12.6. So they rank fifth in the NL in walks. When everyone is solid, you don’t need anyone to be spectacular.
It also helps to have a pitcher who is probably a good enough hitter to be an everyday player in the majors.
Anyway, to tie it to the Braves, I see the Braves lineup as similar to the D-Backs in that they really don’t have very many weak spots. The Braves are built more on base hits and hitting the ball hard while the D-Backs are built around walks and power. Also the Braves have at least a couple of spectacular hitters (Chipper and Teixeira).
By Savannah Guy
May 5, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Here’s the thing…Lady Luck and Pythagoras have been together as a couple for a loooooonnng time.
Scoots, your 8:46 pm was a classic. Yep, ol’ Pyth knows that when the Lady needs to let loose on the town she will have her way. He knows there’s no sense in arguing with her. He’ll just relax, leave the lights on and hope that she doesn’t fall in love with one team, hang around the same rotation too long or max out the credit cards. She’ll always be back.
It can get expensive when she’s frisky. That ‘helmet catch’ of hers in the Super Bowl cost Mr. Pyth a year’s work. Pyth likes a 7 game series, whereas the Lady… well, she likes one big game, winner take all.
By Willy Wally
May 5, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Hey, Yunel Escobar has a .361 Babip for his career. Surely, Chipper can pull off a career year of a .373 Babip right?WW which would indicate that his BA is likely to come down if that is true because his babip won’t stay that high over his career
Cherokee, why does it have to come down? Derek Jeter has a lifetime Babip of .361.
If Yunel starts hitting more flyballs in order to create homers instead of remaining the same line drive, groundball hitter he is today, then, yeah, his Babip would probably slip big time while his SLG goes up. Otherwise, there is no reason to expect his Babip to regress back to the norm of .300 or so just because people often incorrectly make that assumption. That analysis is usually more applicable to pitchers and hitters who hit more flyballs than Yunel does.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Philliesuk, I agree. The Braves have allowed the fewest runs in the NL so far. Last year they weren’t bad (6th) and had the third best ERA.
I think Roger McDowell finally deserves some credit that a few of you have resisted giving him.
Why bring back Leo? Leo obviously deserves a lot of credit as a pitching coach. But, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally, yes, BABiP is a little different for hitters than it is for pitchers. Some hitters are more likely to hit the ball hard most times up than other hitters. With pitchers, they are facing so many different types of hitters and it’s impossible for a pitcher to stray from his strengths and make adjustments and fielders to make adjustments so that they keep every single hitter from finding a hole on balls in the field of play. Typically they’ll allow hits on about 30 percent on balls in the field of play.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
charlieAlphaBravo Wow guys, the blog’s kind of a mess today, ain’t it? In case we haven’t cleared all this up yet:
Chipper is 36 years old.
Ted Williams was the last big-leaguer to hit over .400
all that was taken care of hours before your post. it was a mess before that, though.
By flange1
May 5, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
Nice to have a sweep isn’t it?
I think that of all of the good things that happened over the weekend the one thing that stands out to me is the start by Jo Jo. In a time when the team needed SOMEONE to come in and show major league stuff, Jo Jo did his job.
I think that start gave the team some confidence that after losing their best starter, there is someone that will take the ball and take it to the hitters.
Hard to talk about the rotation just yet because of so many if’s, but it looks to me like Hudson, Glavine, JJJ, Jo Jo and ?
The bullpen, while getting lots of use, has pitched well. It will be great to get Gonzo back and hopefully Soriano at some point.
After reading all of the media about Smoltz coming back as the closer, I have to wonder if that can really happen. I know he can close SOME games, I just don’t think he can be THE closer. Maybe 2-3 times a week but not every night.
I think the team needs to construct the bullpen without Smoltz. Then on the days when Smoltz can go, the pen is even stronger.
Looking forward to the Padres!
By DAP
May 5, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
sux abot martin prado. he was doing an awesome job in a utility role for the braves…hopefully he will be able to play again soon.
speaking of prado..he, pena, and blanco really played great this weekend. its very important to have backups guys that can get it done.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
DAP, just learn to let it go my friend, chipper might be 41 by the time you let it go.
BTW, Good morning…
By Efrim
May 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Good weekend sweep. I hope that we can carry this over into the Padres series. Just keep winning series….that’s the name of the game.
I was looking over some of our prospects stats and usually I focus on Rome, Myrtle Beach and Mississippi(although we have little to no talent on our Double A team now that Schafer is suspended…Redmond being the only guy I am interested in). I looked into some Richmond players stats, and wow, Brandon Jones is having a rough go this year. He is hitting for absolutely no power with a .337 slugging percentage. It’s early, he only has 101 at bats, but hopefully he can turn it around.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
what are you talking about, overlord?
By KC
May 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Well, Mr. Wren worked hard to make sure this team had plenty of depth - in the rotation especially. And he’s looking pretty smart right now.
Despite all the injuries, the Braves are sitting at .500, 30 games into the season. Not bad, all things considered.
By KC
May 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Carroll or DOB: Who is starting for the Braves on Saturday (James or Bennett)?
Have you heard any indication? Just curious.
Seems like Bennett has earned a crack at becoming a fixture in the rotation.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
KC i bet they will start bennett, since he is alreay with the team. they wont have to figure out someone to send down. (though i wouldnt be upset if they sent down corky)
dont you think both bennet and james have earned a rotation spot? its a tuffy.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Shaun I just read your post regarding mine… I cant argue with you too much on your response, but in your point about “its not how you make outs but how often”, thats partially right, but not 100% accurate. Striking out has 3 really bad characteristic. 1st, it takes away productive outs (sac flies, bunts, advancing runners on grounders, etc.). 2nd, It has a psicologic effect on the team, just ask the braves about AJ, theyll tell you how frustrating it is (and please dont answer me with Ron Howard stuff). 3rd, it takes away the chance of an error, this is the rarest, but we cant count it out, no need to go far away for an example, the muts took the series from the DBacks on an error.
Thanks for answering.
Just wondering…..dont you have anything to say about Mickey Mantle hitting .400, hehehe, just joking.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
DAP James has not earned a spot. At least not in my mind.
By Epinephrine
May 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I think James has both earned and lost a spot. Until JoJo or Bennett messes up, I think it is their job. And if Chuckie isn’t making progress on another pitch, and Morton continues to put up silly numbers, you have to consider giving him a shot as well.
I will say this: If Morton continues to be lights out, and Chuck continues to put up good numbers as well, our trade leverage certainly goes up.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Not sure if it has been mentioned, but, is Prado day to day? or was he DLed?
By Willy Wally
May 5, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
If Leo was such a jerk and not all that good at his job, why did they employ him for 15 years?
If you employ an overrated jerk for 15 years, then what does that say about you?
Why did they always sell him and allow him to sell himself the way he did for all of those years if he was an overrated jerk?
Were the Braves lying to fans for all of those years with all those tales of how great Leo was that were told?
Calling someone an overrated jerk after 15 years of employing him says more about what an overrated jerk the person who employed him is/was than the employee they are calling the overrated jerk.
By AdirondackDave
May 5, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
This stuff about BABIP is giving me an overload headache. I like baseball stats but this is one too many.
By Carolina Gent
May 5, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Looking back and looking ahead at the same time…. saw my first in-person Braves game in 3 years Sat. night and was impressed by Jo Jo. Looked like his off-speed pitches really had the Reds off balance. It was good to see the offense come alive, too, and continue things on Sunday.
Now to the future… I’d actually like to see the fifth starter used on Wednesday vs SD and push Hudson to Thursday. That way, Huddy would be available to pitch in Philly, where we’ll need all the sinker-ballers we can get instead of fly ball pitchers. Anybody else agree?
Finally, here’s a tip-o-the-hat to BOTH of our beat writer, DOB and Carroll. You two sure make it fun to read up on our favorite pasttime — the Braves! We all appreciate the effort both of you put in.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Overlord, Prado is seeing the Braves’ hand specialist later today, to determine extent of ligament damage. Right now it’s simply termed a sprain, but sprains can be minor or pretty serious.
All he had yesterday was X-rays. I’d imagine he’s getting an MRI today.
By Epinephrine
May 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
For all those touting BABIP as a reason why Chipper’s average will fall, you do know that was the single biggest reason why prospectus called Yunel an overrated utility player right?
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Stephen, the Braves are like all other major league baseball teams: They get so few off days in a 162-game schedule, that you won’t find any teams meeting or working out on those days. Not as a team. You might have individual pitchers throwing on a bullpen day that falls on an off day, or a few hitters/fielders showing up a ballpark to hit or work on things, but that’s very infrequent.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
KC, no announcement made yet on starters beyond San Diego series — Jurrjens vs. Chris Young on Tuesday, Hudson vs. Randy Wolf on Wednesday, and Jo-Jo vs. Justin Germano on Thursday.
On paper, those are good matchups.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
overlord i think james doesnt get the start, but only because he is in AAA right now, and i dont think they want to make tons of roster moves if they dont have to.
james is 2-1, and bennett is 0-1, but he has pitched well in his starts. two of his starts, he was an emergency starter, and didnt go long enough to qualify for a win, or got kncoked around a bit. so, neither one really have a huge lead on the other.
i say james has earned it because hes a 3 year veteran of this team, but again, i dont think he will get the start, since he is in richmond right now.
i think it would have to be an emergency situation if we see morton or any other new faces. i think huddy, glav, jurjens, jojo, bennett, james, and maybe carlyle will mix and match to give us starts. if something goes wrong, we might end up seeing morton or someone else.
By ernesto
May 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
With Smoltzy headed to the pen and Hampton a semi-long shot to contribute it seems our Bravos must find an innings eater somewhere.
The trade pieces? Brandon Jones, Lil’Bridge, Anderson, Gorkys…Shafer???
And who do we target? Millwood, O. Perez, I”ve even heard Mad Dog.
All of the rumors I’ve read seem a little unflavorable and/or far-fetched.
This is going to be Wren’s first big test as GM…c’mon Frank go on out and get us another JJJ.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Thanks DOB. As you mentioned yesterday (think it was you), it wouldnt surprise me is he takes a trip to the DL, it looked pretty serious, would be hard for hit to grab the bat. Suppose Lillibridge would be back for that extend. At least the rest of the IF is not hurting.
Wagner on teamate Perez: But what Wagner saw was a pitcher who didn’t have his best stuff and didn’t fight his way through it. “If he goes out there and battles and comes up short, you know what, we’re not going to have a problem with that,” he said. “But you have to battle. You have to go out there and find a way.” Foxsports
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
1st, it takes away productive outs (sac flies, bunts, advancing runners on grounders, etc.). 2nd, It has a psicologic effect on the team, just ask the braves about AJ, theyll tell you how frustrating it is (and please dont answer me with Ron Howard stuff). 3rd, it takes away the chance of an error
Overlord, to answer you:
1) You can’t have any productive outs without guys getting on base. And I completely agree that it’s situational. But in many situations, the type of out doesn’t make a difference. I’d say at least half the time.
2) Strikeouts may be frustrating but I think it’s clear by now that where a team ranks in strikeout total doesn’t have much bearing on where they rank in runs. Yes, AJ was frustrating, but look at how many runs the Braves scored even with AJ. Braves didn’t lose last year because of Andruw’s strikeout total (see his previous productive years). They lost because he made too many outs of all kinds. Even so, they probably didn’t lose because of offense. They lost because they came out on the wrong side of close games on the road.
3) Yes, it takes away a chance for an error but how often do errors happen in the major leagues? I don’t think you can rely on hoping the other team makes enough errors to allow you to win at the major league level. And, for the most part, hitting the ball hard is the best way to get the other team to make errors but it’s also going to create more strikeouts.
By Lew
May 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Adirondack Dave-On your 10:14-Thanks. It needed saying. Enough is enough. I haven’t even acclimated to OPS yet and now this? Some folks have WAY too much time on their hands.
By SNIPER-69
May 5, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
The braves swept a last place team that’s not going anywhere…WOW.
By ernesto
May 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
If Prado goes to the DL, does that mean more Lil’Bridge? He looks a little overmatched against MLB pitchers so far. How far away is Infante?
By NS from Kennesaw
May 5, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Although I agreed with most comments posted about our pitching, I still think that in comparison to other teams, our rotation is not that bad. But for as long as we keep our offense “turned ON” - our chance of riding a good winning streak would be very high. We don’t have to be super hot like the 3 games with the REDS, just 50%-75% of that and be consistent - - we’ll be fine.
PS: Poor Prado. I like his commitment in playing that hard (to even dived head-first to 1B). But, I’d like him to think a bit about his own well being and of the furutre games that we need him in there.
By Cherokee
May 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Cherokee, why does it have to come down? Derek Jeter has a lifetime Babip of .361.WW
I guess it doesn’t have to, but I think it will because I don’t think he will hit .320 or so in his career. Chipper’s is .316, but he does hit more flyballs.
I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see him as that exceptional a hitter his entire career.He is well over his minor league stats, though I could not find a babip for him in the minors. Do you know it?
By Stephen
May 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Martin Prado will be examined by Dr. Gary Lourie today, an orthopedic/hand surgeon in Atlanta. Obviously, it’s more than just “jammed thumb.” Judging from Cox’s words, there could be some significant damage.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Sportscenter’s comments on the Braves’ game from yesterday:
Introducing the clip: “…the visiting Braves looking to even their record against an uneven Bronson Arroyo.”
On Chipper’s bases-loaded single when Brayan Pena and Kelly Johnson scored: “…Royce Ring and Kelly Johnson score…”
By Tom in NYC
May 5, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Dave or anyone else, although he will most likely deserve it, is there any way Chipper will get voted to start the All-Star Game this year??
Maybe It’s because I’m around the NY hype machine, but I can’t see anyone beating out David Wright in terms of voting. I wish the deserving players got to start!!!
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Ernesto, Infante could be here in a week or two. I don’t think Braves would bring him up without more minor-league rehab time, but they might reduce the two-week plan by a week.
Lillibridge seems most likely to get the call until then. Assuming Prado is hurt seriously enough to be out at least a few days, which it sure sounded like talking to Cox after the game. Sounded like it could be serious, but all Braves could say before he saw the specialist was that X-rays were negative and it was sprained. Could be torn ligament, in which case he’s out quite a while.
But might just be a bad sprain. We’ll know soon, though not sure if we’ll know today.
By Will
May 5, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Hope the Braves can keep it going, but they always say the same crap after winning a few games in a row. I will not be fooled til i see several weeks of good baseball, not one weekend.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
CR’s notes column says that Lerew is making solid progress and may be in the Richmond rotation in July.
This could be great news indeed. If the Braves can somehow patch together a 4/5 starter combination between Bennett, JoJo and James, then Lerew would be an added bonus — and could reduce any temptation to overpay for a starter via trade near the deadline.
That said, it would be a lot more encouraging if Glav could go deeper in his starts ‘til then.
By chase
May 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Checking in on the mood of everyone today I guess most of you BI-Polar extremist “fans” are on a mood upswing after the sweep
This is what I say all the time..You can’t get too up or too down after a few games either way during a Baseball season!
But many of you are ready to give up on the season after a few bad games and then lauding the Braves as WS Champs after a win streak..
bottom line is this..the Braves are as talented (if not morseso) than any other team in the divison or NL…
they’ll get it together and they’ll be in the playoffs
There are still 132 games to play go 77-55 the rest of the way (which they can do) and you’ve won 92 games and the Divison!
However they go about it in the meantime makes no difference to me as long as they get there
By DAP
May 5, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
yeah, lerew isnt a bad arm at all, and last time he was up, he had some sweet sideburns. it will be nice to have him as an option for our rotation or for trade next year.
will that additude is definetly fair. weve seen losing streaks and winnings streaks this season, and it has all evened out to a .500 record, which isnt terrible, but not good either.
some crazy stuff has happend though, those four games we lost in a row saw smoltz and huddy combining for 7 innings, smoltz going on the DL, and an extra innings win squandered away in a strange way.
youve got to think that that stuff isnt going to keep happening. i think if we can get a period of time where we have consistancy in the rotation, the same 5 guys going 4 or 5 times on schedule, we are gonna see this team settle down a bit. the pitching had been a little crazy.
before our 4 losses in a row, we had won 9 of our last 14, and i reall think we were getting into a groove. then hudson bombed a start, and then smoltz had that bad game, which we almost won anyways, it was just some freak stuff all at once. i really think once the starting rotation gets settled, we are gonna see alot more winnings straks than losing streaks.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 5, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
I find it funny how I got ripped and ridiculed for suggesting that the Braves acquire another pitcher during the winter. I heard from numerous folks on here how the Braves alredy had their rotation and plenty of depth behind it. I attempted to point out that relying on two 40 something pitchers was a dangerous idea and relying on Hampton was idiotic.
What did I hear in response. “It is unnecessary for the Braves to go after more pitching.” Well, how nice would it be to have a Carlos Silva or someone of his ilk in the rotation now.
Hate to say I told you so but………..
By McFann
May 5, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I wish the deserving players got to start!!! Tom in NYC
Me, too!! That’s why I don’t care for online voting: Too many votes for someone just because they play in New York or Boston. People don’t consider their stats anymore.
Daybed—
What does SportsCenter know? Sheesh!
By Efrim
May 5, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Robert(CITB)
I must say, I never thought that our pitching staff would suffer all of these injuries and I was one of the people to shoot down the idea of acquiring another starter. The problem is, not many teams are willing to deal right now. We will probably need a starter at some point, but I think the Braves will try to get by through the month of May. I have heard people bring Maddux’s name, and that is ridiculous. Enough with the past Braves pitchers. I understand that getting a young stud pitcher won’t happen untill this offseason, but I think we can do better than another 40 something year old in our rotation.
By Philliesuk
May 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I don’t think there is any way in hell that Chipper gets the votes to start the All-Star Game. It’s being held in NYC, and the ‘fans’ in NY will throw a tantrum if their beloved David Wright isn’t starting. And while we’re at it, let’s make sure Jose Reyes gets in rather than Hanley Ramirez, since isn’t Reyes ‘the most exciting player in baseball.’ And how about Carlos Beltran? Let’s get him in there, since he did drive in 112 runs last year, with a ‘respectable’ .276 BA.
Chipper has been under-appreciated throughout his career. It seems only fitting for him to hit .400, only to be ‘selected’ by the manager for the All-Star (Popularity) Game.
By Lew
May 5, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
RCIB-Dude,what Efrim said. Considering we have nine one run losses due mainly to cold bats that can’t seem to get timely late inning hits and an excellent team ERA, not so sure your contention that having Carlos Silva really holds any water.
Yes, a top line pitcher to replace Smoltz in the rotation would likely be a good thing-both for now and next year- but our depth HAS stood us in good stead to this point. As many injuries to our rotation and we STILL have a .500 record and are all of 2 games out of the division lead? I’d say the depth is there and has helped considerably.
By Saltywoody
May 5, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
I remember watching Baez throw in that particular game and wondering what in the world could be going on to make him sweat as much as he was.
I even remember the announcers making comments like “It’s hot…but it’s not THAT hot.”
That was one of the strangest and simultaneously one of the more amusing moments I’ve ever witnessed in a Braves game. I kind of hated Baez for some inexplicable reason to begin with and then the whole “I couldn’t throw because my hand was too wet” thing just exacerbated the situation ten-fold.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I agree. The Braves need an innings eater. Livan Hernandez is always the first thought that comes to mind but I would prefer somebody else. Edwin Jackson from the Rays would be nice but they are going to want the world for him. Kevin Milwood is a possibility as well. But, as you said, it is hard to pinpoint anybody right now because nobody is really avaialable.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), The Braves have allowed the fewest runs in the National League so far. “I told you so”?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 5, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
I hear you, Lew, but we are living on borrowed time right now. Glavine is not 100% healthy and isn’t likely to get any better at his age. Jo Jo Reyes looked good the other night but we all know how inconsistent he can be. The same for Chuck James. I like Bennett but he isn’t somebody I would want to have to count on as a starter the rest of the year.
Yes, the Braves have depth but that depth has been depleted. And, Lord knows Hampton can’t be counted on.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Good point, Lew. Silva’s a useful pitcher but how does he provide much for to a team that already has allowed the fewest runs in the league at the cost it would take to get him both in terms of players the Braves would have to give up and money?
By chase
May 5, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
ALMOST EVERYONE IS “AVAILABLE” just depends on what you are willing to give up to get them
By Savannah Guy
May 5, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
On paper, those are good matchups. DOB
The kiss of death.
Where did I put that lucky tee shirt? Must find anitidote.
By Willy Wally
May 5, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Cherokee, I think Yunel’s Babip in the minors was .344.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’m talking about depth. What happens if Glavine goes down again and/or James’ rotator cuff flares up?
By MGL
May 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
In a secret meeting at the Times Square Marriott, the prestigous members of the New York media decided that the Mets would represent the NL in the 2008 All-Star game. This action is being taken to save millions of people nationwide the futility of casting votes for their favorite home-town heroes.
David Wright has been appointed Captain of the team due to his Gold Glove and batting excellence in 2007. Willie Randolph will be the team’s manager. Not to be left out of the festivities, Omar Minaya will sing the national anthem in Spanish.
In order to include all 16 NL clubs, each manager will select one player to participate in the game. These 15 players will be the bat boys, ball chasers, and fill in on the grounds crew.
When asked about the new plan, Chipper Jones said “I’m delighted, I just hope I can be bat boy for the Mets so that I can pick up David Wright’s bat for him.” Andruw Jones added “I hope I can go and get to pull the tarp.”
By Philliesuk
May 5, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
As far as the rotation goes, I think we need to just look ahead to the post-season. I know, I know, that’s looking too far ahead, but I think that’s the way to look at things. Hudson, Jurrjens, and Glavine would make a solid top three in the post-season. The obvious main question is Glavine’s durability in October. He may not have any gas left, and that would be a kiss of death. For that reason alone, I think we need a solid #3 starter that we could get in a trade in August. For now, I actually like our rotation, and I personally think that we can be patient with a trade.
By chris
May 5, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Two thoughts/ predictions:
Chipper is producing much like George Brett did at this point in his career.
James, who is scheduled to pitch in the minors today, will get called up and pitch on schedule on Saturday. Carlye will then get sent down.
Chris from MD
By brent a.
May 5, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Too bad Prado didn’t come up through the Astros’ farm system.
They fine you if you dive head-first into first base.
I hate to see that stuff. It’s been proven that it doesn’t speed you up, plus, it can get you mangled in the process.
Get well soon, Martin!
By Efrim
May 5, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I think we could use another starter, but not until we see more than 30 games played. I like that we have a great team ERA at this point but we did play the majority of our games against weak teams. Lets play out the month of May, then decide if we need to trade for Kevin Millwood, or whoever….
and Chase
ALMOST EVERYONE IS “AVAILABLE” just depends on what you are willing to give up to get them
I couldn’t disagree more. Be realistic. Not everyone is available in real life here. We are 30 games into a season, who in their right mind would sell shop at this point. And if they aren’t, why shake up a team with a trade within the first week of May? That is a pretty p** poor job by the GM if a team is making a huge deal on May 5th. Injuries are a part of the game, I say deal with it until June.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), I don’t know, what happens to most teams if they lose a couple of pitchers?
I understand the Braves could use another starter and the Smoltz injury hurts. But teams have made the playoffs with pitching as good (or as bad, depending on your perspective) as the Braves’ current staff.
By Renegator
May 5, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
MGL
Funny stuff at 12:45
Made me laugh out loud at work…
By StingerSplash
May 5, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Re: Padres pitching matchups. While Justin Germano is eminently hittable, he wasn’t last year when he faced the Braves. Of course that might have been the old Braves bugaboo of not doing so hot against a pitcher they’re facing for the first time. Hope that’s the case. You know you’re on your way to a good day when you get in the pickup to go lunch and the first song on the radio is “What’s So Funny (About Peace, Love and Understanding)”. So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is that harmony, sweet harmony?
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Shaun I agree, not too many errors, and you cant rely on errors to win a division or a WS or whatever, you wont win 90 games relying on errors, but after 162 games, if you win the division by 2 or 3 games, Im pretty sure the team winning the division (ie) was the team that took close games by playing small ball instead of striking out.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Maybe if DOB charges muts fans 10 cents a post for every dumb posts they put on this site, ajc.com could help the braves raise money to sign TEX. There is not doubt they could pay for at least half the salary. We could even jump into C.C. Sabathias sweepstakes.
Just a thought.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
On second thought, Snipper should pay 20cents per post.
By monty
May 5, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Just imagine a team where everyone was as disciplined minded as Chipper at the plate. If certain players recognized the strike zone a little better. I was listening to a game the other night as I was driving home and before I could get out of my car and walk inside and turn on the tube, 2 of our guys had already made outs! Certain players have never seen a pitch they didn’t think they should swing at. The advantage of being disciplined is #1 you can get a better pitch to swing at #2 if you get the count in your favor you in essence become statitically twice as good a hitter #3 you make the pitcher’s pitch count escalate so that by the 5th or 6th inning he’s done no matter how well he is throwing.
By Lyman
May 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I must have just missed it, but could someone tell me about Gotay? yesterday, Prado gets hurt, comes in a sick Escobar. Need pinch hitter, comes in JJ Reyes, to Gotay?
By Lew
May 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
RCIB-Like I said to Efrim last week, it would be good to start looking into potential pitching acquistions, as there won’t be much available for another month or so, but yes, we should start the process going forward.
That being said, I kind of like this mix/match form of rotation. Send someone down for a couple weeks, bring someone fresh up to make the start. It’s worked so far and I’m not sure we’ve even taped the potential that program makes available. You just keep going until no one steps up any more and hopefully by then (if it happens at all), you have a deal for a new starter in place.
Even if the bullpen gets somewhat overused, the same program could and should work well there, especially with all the arms coming back. If Soriano, Gonzo and Smoltz are indeed able to contribute significantly, we will have plenty of arms to rotate all season long-moreso if Lerew can help out.
By Efrim
May 5, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Monty
Just imagine a team where everyone was as disciplined minded as Chipper at the plate. If certain players recognized the strike zone a little better.
As much as it pains me to say this man, there is a team that is like that….they’re the Boston Red Sox.
I hate them and their fans. Sigh.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Overlord, I don’t know about that. The Mets had the second best record in baseball in one-run games last year and the Phillies had one of the worst (even worse than the Braves). The Mets led the league in sac flies and had the second most sac hits, 12 more than the Phillies. I seriously doubt the Phillies, who won the division by a game, played more small ball than the Mets. If they did, it certainly didn’t help them in one-run games.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Check this out: Since losing two of three against Pittsburgh in the opening home series of the season, the Braves have gone 10-2 with a .329 average and 2.58 ERA in their past 12 home games.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Well, Coach, you can go out and celebrate:
BRAVES just got GREG NORTON for a player to be named or cash considerations (in other words, very little, same as they got back in the Langerhans deal last season).
From the release: Norton, 35, played in six games for the Mariners this season before being designated for assignment on April 30. He went 7-for-16 (.435) for the Mariners and 9-for-22 (.409) in seven games for Tacoma (AAA). Norton appeared in 19 spring training games for Seattle and batted .326 (15-for-46) with two home runs and nine RBI.
By TJ
May 5, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Apparently, Braves have traded for Greg Norton, for a PTBNL. Moylan to 60 day, and Prado to 15 day DL.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Prado’s got a “grade 1-2” sprain and will miss 6-8 weeks. He was placed on 15-day DL and Moylan moved to 60-day DL (in other words, Moylan’s going to have surgery, as we fully expected).
By TennesseePaul
May 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
The Braves haven’t been out-scored in any week so far this season averaging a 6.4 run spread.
If Chipper keeps this up over the whole season he will have played in 151 games hitting 49 HR with 146 RBIs and 259 hits.
By David-ATL14
May 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Coach! Braves just made a move that should meet with your approval.
LOL!
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Lyman, with the game well out of hand in the 7th, Prado hurt and Yunel sick, I think Gotay didnt PH because he could be needed if something went wrong with any of the remaining IF. My 2 cents.
“Shaun** you are doing nothing but supporting my theory. Because of every statement you wrote on your last post, the mets were running away with the division and dominating it for 80% of the season, until they decided they just didnt wanted the east flag all that much and they collapsed in the las 15 games (or whatever). If they continued to do what they were doing during the whole year, they would have beaten the phillies easily.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Monty and Efrim, Well, I don’t know if it’s even possible to have eight or nine hitters on the same team as disciplined as Chipper. That would be pretty difficult. If a team had eight or nine players as disciplined as Chipper (and with any kind of power), that team would score 1500 runs.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Overlord, in September the Mets had the most sac hits and sac flies in the league. It doesn’t appear they did all that much differently down the stretch in terms of playing small ball.
Could it be that the Mets would have beaten the Phillies if they had played less small ball? I have no idea and I’m guessing no one does but it’s definitely a question worth asking.
By Interested Observer
May 5, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Is Norton taking Prado’s roster spot or are they bringing up Lillibridge, too. Does Norton play SS or 2B? I was thinking he was strictly 1B-3B.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Losing Prado is a big loss, some of you will now learn to appreciate that boy… Remember my words. I dont think it will be 8 weeks, I think he will be playing baseball in 4 and be in atlanta in 5 weeks tops.
As for Norton, those numbers DOB mentions are not the number he puts up on regular basis. .253 lifetime BA with a K/BB ratio of 2:1. Im not sure how that guy can help the team, I rather watch Lillibridge try, he could be more exciting. The guy is primarily a corner IF, so I suppose that the middle IF backup job is Gotays in may.
Question, if Infante is close to returning, what is this deal for? Im sure we could survive with Lillibridge for 2 weeks til infante is back, cant we???
By Efrim
May 5, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Monty and Efrim, Well, I don’t know if it’s even possible to have eight or nine hitters on the same team as disciplined as Chipper. That would be pretty difficult. If a team had eight or nine players as disciplined as Chipper (and with any kind of power), that team would score 1500 runs.
Obviously. I was just joking around. But Boston’s lineup is amazing and I love hitters that take pitches and work the count. Ellsbury is pretty unbelieveable….as much as that pains me to admit.
By 22oz
May 5, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
So, the Braves will have to call up Lil’Bridge to have another backup middle infielder, but who does Norton take the place of? Corky or Pena seem to be the odd man out, i hope its Corky! The Pena situation continues to baffle me. Did several Braves pitchers go to Bobby and say “we don’t like to pitch to Pena?”
By TennesseePaul
May 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Overlord: if Infante is close to returning, what is this deal for?
I’d imagine this is to address the bench power. The career slugging and HR/AB ratio for the bench:
Gotay .373 1/64
Infante .386 1/50
Prado .393 1/140
Norton .427 3/79
By Efrim
May 5, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Prado is a tough loss but I wouldn’t classify it as a “big” loss…..
By the way, Kelly has raised his OPS to .796….something like 20 points higher than Frenchy’s. Not to say that I have been dissapointed with Frenchy….the man has 11 doubles and it is the first week of May….on pace for 59.
Beast.
By Kentavo
May 5, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Norton!
By Willy Wally
May 5, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
There is something very wrong when you hear Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama ba$tardized for Mohegan Sun casino purposes on WFAN.
The jingle for the commercial actually goes “Sweet Sun Mohegan”.
Awful.
Bear Bryant just rolled over in his grave ….. The Bear is very angry.
By TennesseePaul
May 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Another way of looking at it… Career OPS as a pinch hitter:
Gotay .643
Infante .551
Prado .675
Norton .728
By McFann
May 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
22oz—
I hope it’s Corky, too. No offense to the guy (literally, because he has no offense), but when it comes to batting, I’d rather see Pena. And it’s not like Corky has blown us away behind the plate, either.
Is Pena really that bad of a catcher?
By Mark Fanxeira/ BBFCFM
May 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB
Regarding the grade 1-2 sprain - what is that out of, 10? 3?
And another question:
I have seen it done with other players recently that have gone on the DL. Why do they put a player on the 15 day DL if they are going to miss 6-8 weeks? why don’t they just put them on the 60? or 90?
By Dannyboy
May 5, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
DOB - great song choice. I was out in Las Vegas last week and flew back Saturday, so I didn’t get my Braves or your blog fix. As we were flying back over some town in N Texas, I thought of another Tom T song, “I flew over our house last night”. Great song. He’s got a new record out along with his wife Dixie with a great song about war.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Braves might go with Gotay as only backup middle infielder until Infante gets here in a week or two. Lillibridge needs more seasoning, and I don’t know that he’ll be recalled. Looked in over his head in those two games at NY (0-for-8, three K’s).
Norton, albeit a whiff machine, would provide switch-hitting pop for a bench that’s had four pinch-hit RBIs and one pinch-hit homer, that by Kelly Johnson.
Norton has 10 career homers (and 86 K’s) in 273 at-bats as a pinch-hitter.
Norton
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Baseball Reference shows an interesting split—what a player has done over the last 365 days.
Norton has a .365 on-base in 258 plate appearances, so he’s a useful player. But he’s only hitting .257 with a .362 slugging percentage. His career slugging isn’t all that impressive, at .427. If the Braves are hoping to add power, don’t know if this is where they should have gone.
That said, I don’t think this is a bad move. As I said, Norton is useful. He can get on base and he can play all the corner positions. And who knows? Maybe he can find his power stroke from just a couple of years ago.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
MGL—
Just read your 12:45 post. That was great!
By Bravesfan79
May 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
YES! ANOTHER .250 bench hitter!
Wow i really think the Braves love guys like chris woodcrap, corky miller, and now Norton.
How come the Florida Marlins are smart enough to bring in a quality former MVP bat that can still swing it in Gonzalez, yet we rely on career .240 hitters?? Did we not learn our lesson from last year when we picked up a career .220 hitter in chris woodcrap? We all know Bobby is gonna run that same .200 hitter out there time and time and time again until the season is long lost. So the GM should be smarter in what players he gives Cox to work with!
After reading Normans stats from this year alone tho, he seems like a good pickup for a couple of months. Even if hes just hot right now and cools off after a month or 2 that still will be ALOT better than what we are getting from Corky, and what we got from Chris Woodcrap.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
that is bad about prado. i think we will miss him, especially since infante isnt ready to come back yet. lillibridge needs to stay in AAA.
not a bad pickup in norton. we all knew we wouldnt carry 3 catchers and not have a viable backup 1st baseman all season. norton will be that guy, and his lifetime offesnive stats are respectable.
By Yars
May 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Last time Norton played 2B was in 1998, for 1 game. Looks like Gotay will be backing up SS & 2B until Prado or Infante return.
By Willy Wally
May 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
The Braves have a .352 OBP this season. During the Theo era, the Bosox have generally had an OBP from .357 to .362. The Red Sox have the premier DH in Ortiz while the Braves have a lineup spot wasted by a pitcher. The OBP for the Braves right now is similar to the OBP for the Bosox when you take into account the DH/pitcher factor. Ortiz is terrible thus far though. But the pitchers for the Braves have a .198 OPS.
As much as people complain about the pinch hitters, the Braves’ pinch hitters have the highest AVG, the third highest SLG and the third highest OPS in the NL.
By ernesto
May 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Listen I liked Greg Norton when he was with Husker Du, but since then doesn’t he strike out over 25% of the time.
We’ve got a free swinging line up already. I’m not sure about that signing.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
bravesfan79 most pinch hitters are about the level of norton. if they were better offensivly, they would be playing everyday. a career .250 hitter with some power is good for a guy who is gonna pinch hit.
By Cody
May 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I like the fact that Wren is working to build on the weaknesses of this team. Our bench is pretty weak, but now with a veteran in Norton and the return of Infante in a week or two I really think our bench improves 10 fold. Our bullpen will be ok when Gonzalas, Soriano and Smoltz return. They only need we need now is another starter. If Wren can pull a quailty starter out of the hat then the Braves will be all great all around team. IF we get any production out of Hampton (which at this point is not gonna happen) then the Braves get even stronger. I hate to play us when everyone is healthy. The only think we need to do is hold the fort and pray that the calvery returns for the final battles. Even with a slow start this year the Braves still are a 90-win team. Norton is a huge pick-up because it will be a veteran hitter in the lat innings and not a young player that is a little to anxious. Even if the guy hits .260-.270 I think that will help the bench out and with a another switch hitter managers are going to pull their hair out with match-ups. Next 7 games will be telling on the season. Need to go into the Phillies series with an above .500 record. Let’s go Braves!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see what kind of starter we will grab.
By Shaun
May 5, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
More Neyer on Smoltz:
It’s probably true that Smoltz is more valuable in the bullpen than in the rotation, if he’s averaging only five innings per start. Last year he averaged nearly six-and-a-half innings per start. This year he’s averaged 5.4 innings per start. Just an inning’s difference, but that difference probably is enough to justify a return to the bullpen.
Of course, that’s presuming that Smoltz can’t last longer in his starts than he has. And I’d like to know how anyone except Smoltz and his doctors could possibly know what he would do upon rejoining the Braves’ rotation. Sometimes all you can do is trust those closest to the situation. If Smoltz could average six innings per start and pitch as effectively as he pitched last year (and the year before), then it’s silly to send him to the bullpen. But if he can’t — if he’d last five innings per start, or (worse) land on the DL again — then he’s got more value as a reliever.
If this is about Smoltz’s durability, then you make the move and move ahead. If it’s about the Braves’ bullpen problems — and yes, they’re still 0-9 in one-run games — you have to wonder if Bobby Cox couldn’t solve the problems without making the move. In the Braves’ glory years, Cox and Leo Mazzone always seemed to find guys who could get the job done. The bullpen was pretty bad in 2005 and ‘06, but last year Atlanta’s relievers finished with the second-best ERA (3.54) in the league.
So you have to figure they won’t move Smoltz unless they figure they have to.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
ernesto we traded a player to be named later for him. that means basically a nobody. what can it hurt? is norton worse than what we have?
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
We’ve got a free swinging line up already.ernesto
True, but Atlanta has the fewest strikeouts in the NL. Only one player (Matt Diaz) has more than 20 strikeouts, and only three more have over 15 (Tex, KJ, and Yunel).
But you’re right — we do have a very free-swinging lineup already.
By Yars
May 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
ernesto….I preferred Dinosaur Jr. over Husker Du. I do like their cover of the Byrds classic, ‘Eight Miles High.’
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Ernesto, love the Husker Du reference. Every time I see Norton’s name, I think of seeing the mighty Husker Du in Lawrence in 1985.
By TJ
May 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Seems like Pena is even more expendable now. His only position (if he had one - and it’s hard to tell since he hasn’t played in the field yet this year) was 1B, and Norton is a better option there if needed. Wouldn’t be surprised to see another move soon.
Good pickup with Norton, btw. Lots of ways to parse stats, but Norton is a switch hitter and in the last 3 years (2005-2007) he is hitting .274/.368/.450, with 21 HR in 496 AB.
By Ron Paul
May 5, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I think the addition of Norton is OK, I think it is obvious that he will be relied upon to be primarily a LH hitting pinch hitter, just like Gotay appears to be being used.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Just talked to Wren: Braves are going with Gotay as backup infielder until Infante arrives in a week or so. Not calling up Lil’Bridge.
Norton will be added to the 25-man roster before tomorrow’s game.
Deal was done early in yesterday’s game, before Prado even got hurt. Braves would’ve had to make a roster decision, but the injury made the decision for them.
Wren said they tried to trade for Norton during spring, but Mariners still had plans for him. The Mariners had to make some moves now, add a couple guys to roster, etc, so they agreed to deal.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
we traded a player to be named later for him. that means basically a nobody. DAP
Ain’t it the truth! We still never got anybody from Oakland for Langerhans, did we?
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul good point, he has 1 HR every 26 AB. I missed that. Still not thrilled by the trade, maybe some power numbers from him in atlanta do change my mind.
Efrim Martin numbers are very good right now, and well above what was expected from him. 4th on the team in OBP, 4th on OPS, tied for 1st in triples. And he has plenty of ABs. Personally, I know he is not a great offensive player, but i like him, he is been responding very good. RISP .308, .412, RISP w/2outs .300, .417.
DOB I know Lillibridge looked bad in NY, but he took Wagner for a ride to the warning track i think in sundays game. Besides, Cox has been patient with tons of players, players like woodward, orr, james, kyle, thorman, langerhans. What makes Lillibridge different. I like the guy, maybe he was nervous or felt too much pressure, I would give him a longer chance to prove himself. And this could have been a great opportunity. The kid brings glove and speed to the show. Suppose Cox knows better.
By Jools Holland
May 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Cannonball by the Breeders wasn’t a bad tune, hoping Corky hits the road also, like the way Pena rakes. Anyone else hear Skip Carey say Chipper scored yesterday and Pete had to awkwardly correct him and say no Skip he’s on third base, sadly Skip’s becoming his father all over again, may be time for a more limited schedule if you axe me.
By Luke
May 5, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed how much Mark kotsay loves hitting in the 2 hole? The couple times he has hit there this year he has had really good games. I would love to see Kelly’s power be better used in the 7 spot driving in runs behind mccann and frenchy. Move Kotsay to the 2 hole and Escobar leading off. I think that lineup gives more power and run production. Plus i love Blanco getting all this playing time. Big fan of his.
By Luke
May 5, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed how much Mark kotsay loves hitting in the 2 hole? The couple times he has hit there this year he has had really good games. I would love to see Kelly’s power be better used in the 7 spot driving in runs behind mccann and frenchy. Move Kotsay to the 2 hole and Escobar leading off. I think that lineup gives more power and run production. Plus i love Blanco getting all this playing time. Big fan of his.
By Maturin
May 5, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Norton will also be able to provide that 1b backup that y’all were freaking out about in ST, which we lost with Prado..
I like this trade, it sounds like it improves on our flexibility to handle different situations. That is, if he can produce.
By Luke
May 5, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed how much Mark kotsay loves hitting in the 2 hole? The couple times he has hit there this year he has had really good games. I would love to see Kelly’s power be better used in the 7 spot driving in runs behind mccann and frenchy. Move Kotsay to the 2 hole and Escobar leading off. I think that lineup gives more power and run production. Plus i love Blanco getting all this playing time. Big fan of his.
By Shamus Thacker
May 5, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t Brett Butler once a “player to be named later?”
By Luke
May 5, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
and…DOB…have you heard anything about the Braves possibly being one of the teams scouting or interested in Anthony Reyes? I think that could be a solid pickup for our missing starter. I know hes had his troubles so far in
By ernesto
May 5, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
DAP - if we have him we’re BC’s going to use him, likely in key spots. So the question isn’t, “was he cheap?” The question is, “is he the right guy?”
By Luke
May 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
and…DOB…have you heard anything about the Braves possibly being one of the teams scouting or interested in Anthony Reyes? I think that could be a solid pickup for our missing starter. I know hes had his troubles so far in the majors but I really believe he could be turned around.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Overlord, they’re not calling up Lillibridge. Infante is playing tonight at Richmond, should be ready in a week.
By Cody
May 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I am with Luke, I think Bobby needs to move Kotsay up to the two hole. Kelly would hit for more power in the 7th spot. Heck Francour should be hitting 8th and have Kelly in the 6 hole behind BMac. DOB - can Kotsay win the Come Back Player of the Year award this year or did the final two month last year in Oakland disqalify him from that. Anyway, Wren made a hell of a trade when he got him. I knew in Spring Training that he would open some eyes. i say he will hit for .290 this year. If he does the Braves are gonna be a scoring machine.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Yars, not much similarity between Dinosaur Jr and Husker Du, other than both bands are great and both played really loud guitars. Huskers more of a punk band — faster, shorter songs, especially on their earlier albums.
By TennesseePaul
May 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Payne: His career slugging isn’t all that impressive, at .427
Unfortunately that looks much improved compared to the other guys. The best power threat available is the most controversial. And it sounds like this didn’t cost a thing for the Braves. Add in that Norton can play first base, so if Cox comes to a situation to pinch run Teixeira, he’ll still have a guy on the bench that can handle the position… unless he uses him first.
By nolie
May 5, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
As much as people complain about the pinch hitters, the Braves’ pinch hitters have the highest AVG, the third highest SLG and the third highest OPS in the NL.WILLYW
Yeah. I liked our bench pretty good when it was set up and I’m still pretty happy with it. Norton might help some now that Marteen is gone. At least he gets on base some
By Reid in EAV
May 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
ernesto, you beat me to it. I didn’t think Mr. Handlebar Mustache was young enough to be playing ball. I was right — he’s not. He’s running a very successful restaurant in Wisconsin and probably not missing the days of Bob Mould/Grant Hart shouting matches one bit. grin
By Cody
May 5, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to leave LIL-Bridge in the minors. He belongs there so he can increase his trade value. He will not be a fixture in the Braves future. If Bobby comes to realize that Johnson is a better hitter in the end of the line-up then Kelly will man 2nd for a long time. Escobar well don’t have to say anything (He is a star in the making). Prado or Lil-man will be the choices of super utility player and I think the Braves could get more with Lili than with Prado in a trade. Face it Overload as long as he is in the majors he is ruining his value. He is not ready for the big show. He is a good player but not talented enough to compete right off the bat. He will probably be traded at the dealine when we get our starter.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 5, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Greg Norton will help, but I’m in no mood to celebrate just yet.
Wren got the ugly stick the Braves needed and Norton will help win two or three games later on during the season with his bat coming off the bench.
Omar Infante will make the Braves bench even stronger.
The Braves offense is ranked first in the N.L. with a team BA of .287 while the pitching is second with an ERA of 3.58
And yet we are 15-15.
When the Braves get over .500 and stay over .500, I’ll be happy.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
SNIPPER The only reason Dodgers record is not 20-11 (1 game behind the DBacks) is because we swept them. You were saying?
By DAP
May 5, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
ernesto “is he the right guy?”
…i think he is in the mold of the player we need on our bench. a veteran corner infielder who can be our go-to pinch hitter.
there are players out there that would be better, many of them are starters for other teams, so weather or not he is the right guy depends on who was available.
probbaly not many players were available, and even fewer fit into the mold of what we were looking for. so, to me, he is the right guy.
By JimD
May 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Hey, McFann, maybe we can trade the nobody we got from Oakland in the Langerhans deal to Seattle for Norton?
By KyleH
May 5, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Rich Hill of the Cubs was demoted to AAA earlier this week. He had a 3.92 ERA last year and has proved to be a pretty good starter. He could be acquirable since the Cubs have too many starters. Any chance the Braves go after him? Thoughts?
By JimD
May 5, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
If I remember correctly, Norton can play a little 3B too. Just in case …
By DAP
May 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
luke please click “post” just once.
By Cody
May 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Overload just to commment a little further on your boggle with Lillbrigde the kid is not ready for the bigs. Maybe in a year or so. The deal with Orr, Thorman, Langy and so on was the fact that we had no other resourses to find replacements. No one ready in the minors and couldn’t trade becuase financial issues. Infante will be back and the Braves needed a veteran fro the bench and a back up who could spell Tex and Chipper. Infante will be better than prado when he returns so the bench looking better. Also you made the comment that he took Wagner deep (ALMOST), that was because he threw him a 99 mhp fast ball and he made contact. Hell my grandpa could do that. All you have to do is swing lighly and the force from the pitch would jump off the bat. You also made a comment about his speed, well he will have to get on base first. The kid is still a little overmatched. Yes we can use his speed but if he doesn’t get on you can’t use it and you cannot waste a roster spot for a guy’s whos only great talent is running the bases fast. I am not knocking you but I think you sound like Lillbridges mother begging for playing time and trying to justify it.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
KyleH if the braves got rich hill, i would be pumped. hes got some skills. i dont really think the cubs would trade him though, anymore than we would trade chuck james just because hes in AAA.
By Gamecock Brave
May 5, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
DOB and ANYONE Any idea on the effect of Pena’s role in the club once Infante comes up and the Braves getting the Norton kid. If not Pena then who is the odd man out when Infante is ready?
By McFann
May 5, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Good idea, JimD. I think we cann afford to lose him.
By OrlandoFan
May 5, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
DOB, my compliments on Tom T. Hall’s great lyrics on this blog. Much belated compliments, to be sure. Great song by a great writer.
By JimD
May 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Y’all know what … I think Coach has rolled the hole one too many times!
By Luke
May 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
DAP…My laptop was freezing up on me and shutting off and stuff. My bad.
By ernesto
May 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Reid. Very cool. Next time (will be the first time) I’m in Wisc. I’ll try and find his restaurant.
Think they serve “Ice cold Ice” beer?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
CharlieAlphaBravo, I looked up Royce Ring’s splits from 2007 while he pitched in Richmond. They are revealing.
In 33 at bats, right handers hit .455 against Royce Ring.
Left handed hitters batted just .111 in 18 at bats.
I think the Braves have labeled Ring as the type of pitcher who can get lefty’s out. But not right handers.
I don’t know if it’s fair or not, but thats the way Cox will continue to use Royce Ring.
For all you stat heads like me, the website is www.minorleaguesplits.com
By DAP
May 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
gamecock brave hopefully corky
By ernesto
May 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
DAP - do you want your go-to pinch hitter to be a guy who whiffs a full-on 25% of the time?
That ain’t gonna get the runner over/in.
By flange1
May 5, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I for one like the Norton pick up.
Short term he will replace Prado (because is on the DL)
But long term when Prado and Infante come back, my guess is that either Gotay or one of the catchers is gone.
Since B Pena has caught 0 games this year, it will probably be B. Pena.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Gamecock Brave, I’d say Pena is most likely to go if they’ve got a deal they like. If not him, then Corky.
By the way, Norton played some catcher early in his career, but would strictly be an emergency guy back there at this point in his career.
He can play 1B/3B and the corner OF spots….
Anyone seen “Iron Man” yet? Looks good. Great actor.
By Choppinmama
May 5, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Boy, I sure do hate Mondays. No Braves baseball to look forward to.
Royce Ring = 1 pitch = 1 win! He vultured that win from Tommy big time. I’ll bet he got his fair ration of s@#t from his fellow teammates. Looks good on the stat sheet though.
Hasta la vista Julio Franco. Might we see him in a Braves uni coaching somewhere next season? So far, still the oldest guy to hit a homer.
Sympathy out to Joe. I know the feeling - one minute you are fine, the next minute the pain in your side IS NOT gas - and boom, you’re in the hospital, missing your appendix. He may be in the booth on Tues. nite, but he won’t be jogging up the stairs to the press box anytime soon.
And………Martin, THAT’S WHY they teach you to NOT slide head first. Now we won’t have your valuable presence on the team for 6-8 weeks. Sheeeesh!!!
By Lew
May 5, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
BravesFan79-The Marlins can afford to have Gonzalez on the bench because the rest of the Marlins’ team makes around $4.83-maybe $5.37 with bonuses.
By Patrick
May 5, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I saw Iron Man last night. and for a CGI 21st Century Movie big budget movie I though it was very good. I’ve always liked Robert Downey Jr. also. He did a good job. Definately worth the money to go see it!
By DAP
May 5, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
ernesto DAP - do you want your go-to pinch hitter to be a guy who whiffs a full-on 25% of the time?
norton has a lifetime OPS of .764
id rather have him than corky miller .599 OPS
or reuben gotay .688 OPS
i like brayan pena, but his career OPS is .567!
so norton might strikeout alot, but he gets on base more and hits for more power than our other options. seems like an upgrade.
besides, if 25% of the time he will strike out, then 25% of the time he will get a hit, maybe for extra bases. another almost 10% he will reach on a walk, error, or HBP, and 40% of the time is IS putting the ball in play, moving runners, sac flies or whatever.
good pickup, wren.
By To the moon, Norton
May 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
What’s up with the Norton thing? Were Bobby and Wren upset because the Braves K numbers were down this year so they added a K machine?
This is a team that doesn’t make many productive outs and a K ain’t a productive out either.
The Braves philosophy continues. Try to hit a six run homer. A home run bat of the bench is over rated. Depending on a homer off the bench is like trying to draw to an inside straight in poker. Smart poker players know it ain’t likely and most won’t even attempt it.
Get men on and get someone who comes off the bench and puts the ball in play.
By DAP
May 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
choppinmomma re: royce ring….i understand that a starter has to pitch 5 to qualify, but there doesnt seem to be much justice in that…glavine pitches 4 2/3 and leaves with the lead, unable to win, and ring throws one pitch, and gets the win. thats so wierd to me.
i love that prado stayed in the game after that thumb injury. seems like a tuff guy, hunh?
By Epinephrine
May 5, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Cody,
If you put Kotsay two, it basically guarantees that late in every game, Chipper is going to be batting right handed. You bring in a lefty for 2-3-4, and make it more likely our middle lineup will be batting at a position of weakness.
Moreover, if you think our team is vulnerable against lefties now-you propose that our 5-6-7 hitters would also be lefty! And if Diaz is playing, it means the only righties on our line up are 7-8-9-1. So bring in your right hand guy for that.
Basically, I am glad you are not manager. Having Yunel and Frenchy break up the left handed preferences of this team keeps the opposing pitcher honest. Otherwise, you pretty much handicap us in every late inning game.
By Statarama
May 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
OPS SmoePS.
Give me enough chances and angles and I’ll find a stat that will say anything you want it to say.
The only stat that I like Late and close and that isn’t without flaw.
Moneyball sounds pretty good, but I don’t recall seeing Billy Beane in the World Series lately.
You can have the guy that puts up big numbers when the game is out of reach, either up big, down big (and there are loads in the bigs who have nice numbers each year but look like they got a chicken bone in their throat when they are at bat with the game on the line)and Scott Boros will get them a big contract.
Give me the guy who hits a quiet .280 80 and 15 but is a killer when the game is on the line. Those guys are much cheaper as well. I want that guy. Oh yeah, and a guy who doesn’t even put a bat on the ball 1 out of 4 times isn’t what is going to take you to the promised land.
By StingerSplash
May 5, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Robert Downey Jr. as “Iron Man.” Still have trouble separating him from his role with James Spader in “Less Than Zero.”
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 5, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Andy Marte is hitting .077 with one hit in thirteen at bats for the Cleveland Indians. He is almost done.
Ya’ll remember the Andy Marte for Edgar Renteria trade.
Renteria hit .310 with 27 HR’s, 127 RBI and 28 stolen bases in his two seasons for Atlanta. Also, Edgar made the 2006 all-star team.
The Braves then traded Renteria for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez.
Somewhere, John Schuerholz and Frank Wren are grinning like two sailors in a w******* house.
By Gamecock Brave
May 5, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
My roommate went and saw it when it came out, said it was really good. I definately see where you all say corky, i forgot he has options for AAA. I read somewhere that Morton might be bumped up to AA. Anyone got any info on that? Im excited to see the braves wed after i get out of my exams that morning. If you see four college kids in sec 109 like a few rows back, thats me and my friends. Pretty stoked about this one. Excited to see Huddy throw. We have passes to the 755 club… kinda wondering if those of you who have been there feel its worth it to go hang out for a bit before the game or should we just go have some beers in RF before the game. I havent been up to the 755 since i was younger so i dont remember. Any help is welcome.
By Choppinmama
May 5, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
DAP: mucho cojones, yes! That must have hurt soooooo bad.
MGL:RE: your 12:45 today - nice job and SO true!
TO WHOMEVER BLOGGED ABOUT LEREW COMING BACK THIS SUMMER: That’s a good idea that I hope comes to pass. Let’s keep a close eye on his progress to July and see if he can come back to help us. If the injury bug continues to be so virulent, we’ll need plenty of help from those “injury-recovered” and “those that can manage to stay OFF the DL through the season”.
By SNIPER-69
May 5, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
LEW, I want to congratulate your team on the series sweep of the Reds…..That was impressive.
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
DOB While Wren indicated he is not planning on bringing Lillibridge back to fill in for Prado, am I correct in thinking that Lillibridge must stay in the minors for 10 days after being sent down for Jo-Jo on 5/3? Or does the injury situation over ride that rule?
Thanks.
By Choppinmama
May 5, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Paging SAVANNAH GUY and/or MR. FLY:
Hey guys, if you’ve been keeping up with Braves news, you know that there will be a second-in-a-lifetime event on May 6-8 when the Padres are in town.
Greg Maddux(hanging in there with the Pads), Tom Glavine (who saw the ERROR of his ways and returned to the Braves bosom), and our loyal, civic-minded, pitch ‘till my arm falls off, Tigerlike golf game, and all-round GREAT guy, John Smoltz, will be together again on Turner Field soil. All will spend a great amount of free time together, I’m sure.
So, speaking for the denizen faithful, I implore you to report to the arriving Mr. Maddux, stay with him 24/7 for his whole Atlanta trip and report back to the faithful.
TO ANY DENIZEN THAT READS ONLY, BUT MAY BE ABLE TO CONTAC SAVANNAH GUY OR MR. FLY: please tell them to return to the DOB blog for assignment to the THREE AMIGOS.
I’ll await your contact here. Many thanks.
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Snipper Sounds like you are still enjoying the Met’s historic collapse of September 2008. Congratulations to you, douchebag.
By Pete H.
May 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Kyle: I like Rich Hill, but he has been absolutely terrible this year, in spring training and so far in the season. The Cubs would want a lot for him, and I don’t think it would be worth the risk.
We better get Infante back quick. Gotay is not a backup SS; Prado was barely adequate, but from what I hear, Gotay is awful.
Since we are paying nothing for a looksee, Norton makes a lot of sense. He plays a lot of positions, none of them well, but he is a good bat to have lurking around late in a game. As opposed to everyone else we have. I doubt he will finish the year in Atlanta, but he’s nice to have as insurance.
And Shamus, Brett Butler was never a PTBNL. He was traded with Brook Jacoby and a promising pitcher for, erk, LEN BARKER, the psychopath. Nominated many times for teammate you would least like to play with.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Now we won’t have your valuable presence on the team for 6-8 weeks. Sheeeesh!!! Choppinmama
Sheeeesh is right! Hopefully we won’t have anymore injuries to our infield that will cause this to hurt worse.
What is it about sliding into first, anyway? No one gets hurt like this sliding (and/or belly flopping) into the other bases! (At least not as much.)
* To the moon, Norton*
Good name! LOL.
By Lew
May 5, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Snipper-You douchebag, your team has all of one win more than the Braves after thirty games-even with all our injuries. Time for a reality check you flipping moron-your team isn’t good enough to keep grabbing your crotch over. Get a life.
By SNIPER-69
May 5, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Northbeach, The braves did finish behind the Mets last year….didn’t they f—k face?? Oh look, they’re still there.
By Willy Wally
May 5, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Jacque Jones got DFA’d today. Don’t know if he has anything left or if there is place for him to play but ….
By tvsportscaster
May 5, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
northbeach scott in response to your question in the 6:16 post. Lillibridge can indeed return because of the injury to Prado. He would have to remain in Richmond for 10 days if no injury had occurred.
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Snipper there are no prizes for 2nd, 3rd or 4th—who cares. The Mets choked on one for the ages like Linda Lovelace. People will talk about the Met’s historic collapse for the next 50 years in the same context as the ‘64 Phillies Phold.
The last I checked,Braves are still playing in 2008, so call me when its over and we will see who is ahead.
Until then, p**s off.
By JC FROM UT
May 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally: I think Jacque Jones was flat out released and not DFA’d, which means he could sign with anyone. If I recall correctly JS tried to get him a few years back.
By SNIPER-69
May 5, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
We have more wins and less losses. I don’t care if it’s one win better or 20 games better. Spare me the sobbing about injuries idiot. You thought injuries would keep the Mets down but it’s your sorry excuse for a team that’s struggling with them instead.
By jim
May 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
I suspect that the PTBNL is either Rueben Gotay or Brayan Pena. With Prado’s injury, Gotay can not be moved right now because he is the only backup INF, but in a week’s time, Infante will be reactivated, and will become the backup INF. Over the past few games Pena has become the first PH off the bench instead of Gotay and has delivered. Gotay does not play good D, so essentially he and Pena are regarded strictly as PHs and Pena is the better optiuon from the right side. Pena could also be the PTBNL and held back for a week because Gotay could not be used as a PH for the next week since he is the only backup inf.
If Gotay is the player to be named and an infielder needs to be DHed, Lillibridge will be called back from Richmond. Prado will not be expected back untill the end of June. This is one month before the trade deadline, and at that point a spot on the bench will be opended by moving one of the following:(Pena/Gotay, Miller, Norton).
By Epinephrine
May 5, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
SNIPER, what just happened? Are you drunk or something? Why are you randomly coming in here and getting belligerent on an off day? What a bizarre and disheartening way to spend your time. Hope your actual life isn’t a reflection of your personality here, because if so, I really do feel bad for you. And I don’t mean that in a condescending way. Just…what a weird MO.
By Saltywoody
May 5, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
The braves did finish behind the Mets last year…didn’t they f—k face??
Second grade called. Something about wanting one of its best put-downs back. Don’t know what it was all about, but you might want to return the call Sniper
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
tvsportscaster Thank you for the clarification. That makes sense.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Sniper—
You need to shut up.
Actually, maybe our Chief here cann just delete your posts…
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Northbeach Scott, Frank didn’t say specificallly Lillibridge, simply said he talked to Bobby and they’re content to go with Gotay as only backup middle infielder until Infante comes back. Norton’s taking Prado’s spot, period.
They could bring back Lillibridge now because of injury to Prado. They don’t want to do that, though.
By SR
May 5, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Wow, gotta love some of the posts today, Coach weighing in with a cathouse reference and North Beach Scott checks in with a Linda Lovelace crack!
DOB, took the kids to see Iron Man yesterday. Good flick, Downey gives a solid performance and the story-line works well as it is brought into contemporary times. He has great toys to play and work with and of course, it goes without saying that the special effects are outstanding.
Say, North Beach Scott, is that North Beach in San Francisco? If so, we are neighbors dude.
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
SR Yes, lived in North Beach/Telegraph Hill for about 3 years. Just moved about 15 months ago to Atlanta. Hence, I can see most of the games at the Ted vs the MLB package. We miss “The City,” my wife, especially. Liked to be able to walk from Sonoma/Green down to Gino & Carlos for a drink and a game and down to Stella’s for some Italian cookies for later.
Enjoy your time there. I even miss the fog.
By Pete H.
May 5, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Just say no to Jacques Jones. He’s a LF with a questionable bat and erratic defense. It was pretty hilarious when the Cubs let him play CF for a couple of games.
He’s Greg Norton, without the ability to play multiple positions. And he has been on the decline for a long time. Every now and then he puts a jolt into one, but mainly he grounds out to the infield and has a gatorade.
Norton strikes out more, but he puts a charge in the ball more too.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Reyes .270
Castillo .239
Delgado .213
Beltran .210
Almighty wright .284(weak)
Oh yeah, the mets are rocking
Chipper is really old, he is done!!!! Oh no wait, let me see, if you add beltrans and delgados BA (.213 + .210 = .423), they dont add up to chippers BA, how can that be?
That is a sad figure right there.
What about their RBI??? Ooooppss. Their Combined total is just 2 more than chippers alone!!!!
SAD……..
What about their HRs? ooopss 3 less than chipper.
Oh wait, maybe Wright can save the day. Maybe if we add Wrights with Churchs HR……YEEESSSSSSSS, they have 1 HR more (combined( than chipper.
What about our strike out machine…….JEFF FRANCOEUR, he has 12 K. This cant be, every single mets position player that has more than 80 AB has more Ks than him.
We will try pitching next time, maybe muts luck will improve there.
By Pete H.
May 5, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Snipper: Why not just go post on the Muttblog? I realize no one there can actually write a coherent sentence, but you fit in perfectly there.
I’m still steaming over the national baseball coverage this year. Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Cubs, exclusively.
IIRC, there were three Mutts games on last week, along with the Yanks and the Cubs twice.
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Snipper Perhaps your time would be better spent getting a life and cheering your team on a Met’s blog instead of making your insipid and unwanted observations about our team.
Congratulations on Jorge Sosa leading the Mets with 4 wins! I am sure that is sustainable. Think he will get that ERA below 6.30 before you get out of LA.
What’s that? You say Sosa could the cure for Andruw’s hitting malady’s? I’d have to agree with you on that.
By SR
May 5, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
“northBeach Scott” Well, we have lived parallel lives in reverse- I left Atlanta many years ago and lived in San Francisco until just recently when we relocated to south Napa Valley. I know what you mean about missing the city, it is truly an amazing place. Always did love the fog and never could understand why people bi**ched and moaned about it so much. Beats 95 in the summer.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
May 5, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Coach:
Ahh, the final piece in the Royce Ring puzzle is revealed. We certainly popped the lid off that mystery. By the way, thanks for the tip on the website, I was looking for those stats all morning.
Let’s go Bravos!
By Moby Grape
May 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
And Shamus, Brett Butler was never a PTBNLPeteH
yeah he was originally, but his name was leaked so they had to go ahead and include him at the same time as the others
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Now we will try pitching SNIPPER:
Could you please remind me how much money did the muts gave Santana?
Some 137.5 million perhaps? Interesting. Now lets see how well has he done.
Games 7
Record 3-2
ERA 2.91
IP 46.1
HR 7
Lets try compare those numbers with young talent Jair Jurrjens:
Games 6
Record 3-2
ERA 3.05
HR 1
IP 38.1
Oh wait, let me check again….Ooopsss, braves are only paying him $390 000. There must be some mistake.
Should be compare the great Santana with weak inconsistent Hudson??
Games 7
Record 4-2
ERA 2.95
IP 42.2
HR 1
This just cant be??? You are kidding, right. And all this for 3/5 the salary of Santana?
Sad day SNIPPER or SNOOPY or whatever.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Snoopy I hope you are around when we pass you in the standings, so you can congratulate us. It will be before you leave atlanta on your next trip.
By Choppinmama
May 5, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
McFann- speaking of belly flops, remember 4 or 5 days ago (maybe during the Nats series) when BMac went from 1st to 3rd and absolutely flopped into 3rd? They showed Chipper and friends dying laughing in the dugout. That’s OK, he was SAFE!
By Pete H.
May 5, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Moby, as I remember it, the Braves were still negotiating with the Indians about the final player, but Butler and Jacoby were firm. It was the pitcher who as the PTBNL. I forget his name, since he injured his arm immediately and never came back to the majors. Technically, possibly, Butler was a PTBNL, but I doubt it. I remember being outraged. But heck, he won 10 games for us over two years, then retired. I think he lost about 20. He was horrible.
Somehow, I don’t think our starting CF is going to Seattle for Norton. I think we’ll offer him back after about two months, when others get healthy. When they say no, we’ll send him to Richmond to be available for late-season injuries.
By J.D.
May 5, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
DOB any idea what the sign Chipper makes with his hand when he hits a home run is? if you dont know what im talking about here is a link…http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q5/tiffany_leanne69/ChipperJones7.jpg
gotta figure its something to do with his family because he always points to the stands when he does it
By Saltywoody
May 5, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
SR and NorthBeach
I’m in Russian Hill, if you cats ever need a fellow Braves fan’s perspective in the midst of Giants country.
By AdirondackDave
May 5, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Lew — You may remember that my Atlanta grandson is going to be the beneficiary of the extremely cool Chipper portrait that came my way as a Wurlitzer. During a March spring training game in Jupiter, I managed to get a Smoltz signed ball (at a Martlins/Cards Community Foundation auction.) Gave it to grandson, a 9-year old second baseman) and he was thrilled beyond words. Can you imagine his joy when I give him the Chipper portrait on our next trip to Atlanta? Many, many thanks again to you again, Lew.
By KYFan
May 5, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien, yesterday I asked a question that I am really curious to hear you answer. With Smoltz moving to the bullpen and Gonazlez possibly returning soon, what is the chance of Soriano possibly moving to the starting rotation if his elbow is healed? He either wanted to be the closer or a starter when he came here.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama—
Exactly what I had in mind! That was classic right there! I wish I could get that on my iPod. April 24, Chipper’s b-day, against the Marlins, Braves won 7-4—great stuff.
Arizona’s catcher hit a triple yesterday, but it was a boring ol’ stand up triple. Nuthin exciting.
8 )
By bravesfan
May 5, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Tonight Richmond in a 2-2 tie in the 6th
James 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 k’s with only 78 pitches
Infante is 2 for 3 batting second, and playing CF
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to say what a good fellow Red’s 2B Brandon Phillips was this weekend. On Saturday, about 45 minutes prior to the game, he patiently signed autographs for fans for about 15 minutes by the visitor’s dugout. He did it with a smile and was very gratious with the kids. Class act.
By contrast, a handful of visiting players sign autographs before most games, but usually limit it to just a minute or two as they get ready to play.
I believe he graduated from Redan, so he’s a local kid. Regardless, nice to see ballplayers remember when they were kids.
By Philliesuk
May 5, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Overlord Nice posts at 7:45 and 8:01. I’ve been thinking the same thing, but wasn’t motivated enough to put it all together. The funny thing is that the Braves have been putting those numbers up despite all of the injuries.
I’m going to say it again: The Braves have done a great job so far this year, given the injuries. Just realize that our relief corps is going to add Soriano, Gonzo, and Smoltz. That is absolutely unbelievable.
By northBeach Scott
May 5, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody Very cool. I could never get into the Giants while Sir Cranium was ruling the roost.
I miss The Razor and Mr. T radio show on the ride home from Oakland over the Bay Bridge every afternoon. Was never a big Ralph fan, but his perspective on baseball is a lot more insightful than the local ATL radio stations—except the new DOB additions, of course. All they want to do is talk SEC football and the Falcons. Makes me want to throw up my grits. Guess the Braves are just yesterday’s news.
I always found it funny that not a day would go by in SF sports radio without a mention of the worst trade in Giants History—A.J. Pierzynski from the Twins for Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, & Boof Bonser. Almost as funny as the Mets crying about their Sept 2007 choke.
By AdirondackDave
May 5, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Lew — one too many “agains” in that last post. Got to get organized, got to proof these posts… Sorry.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
KYFan, Soriano hasn’t pitched in four weeks, and would probably need at least a month, probably more, in the minors to get stretched out enough to start. That’s assuming his elbow could withstand it.
I haven’t heard a word about that being an option for this season.
By SNIPER-69
May 5, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Overlord, Now you know better than to equate salaries with wins and losses. Just ask the Yankees. Johan is a 2 time Cy Young winner and 3 time allstar. Jurrjens has no cy youngs or allstar appearances. Mr Hudson has NO cy Youngs and 2 allstar appearances. You won’t find a Met fan who will apologize for their payroll. It’s not our fault your team is a small market organization that has to penny pinch to make ends meet. As far as the braves passing past the Mets in the standings. Let me just say I don’t spend too much time worrying about fairy tales like that.
By AdirondackDave
May 5, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Lew — one too many “agains” in that last post. Got to get organized, got to proof these posts… Sorry.
By AdirondackDave
May 5, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Lew — one too many “agains” in that last post. Got to get organized, got to proof these posts… Sorry.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Many, many thanks again to you again, Lew. AdirondackDave
I’m sorry, but when I read that, I couldn’t help but think of Tim Hudson—back during the Braves’ Home Opener in 2007, they did TBS Xtra’s “What’s in My Locker” with him. He had a photo of his family hanging there, and he’s said, “I got a family photo of me and the family…”
Causes me to ROTFLOL every time!
By Lew
May 5, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Adirondack Dave-Glad the Boy liked the painting-no matter how many times again was used.
By McFann
May 5, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
As far as the braves passing past the Mets Sniper
“Family photo…”
ROTFLOL!
By Lew
May 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Snipper-Sounds like something from a Lewis Carrol story. Snipper Snap. I can almost see the John Tenille illustration for his character-something with an inordinately big nose and small brain capacity-maybe short claws that could never reach anything. Typical Mets’ fan-a cartoon character.
By TexasBrave
May 5, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama I will second that motion on the return of “the Fly” sleuth reporter. Would love to get some inside info on the trio’s reunion and the ongoings of the clubhouse.
However, since we lost Wicky and AJ I can’t think who Fly’s sidekick would be.
By SNIPER-69
May 5, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
There’s something funny about a bunch of rednecks trying to sound clever and witty.
By richbrave
May 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
SNIPER69:
Same could be said about a bunch of Queens from what??— QUEENS.!!
By Brave1
May 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
I thought that unwanted New Yawker as Sniffer-69. You know like when two dogs meet for the first time.
By Choppinmama
May 5, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
McFann- The 4.5 Richter Scale slide was on the 24th, huh? Seemed like only a few days ago. Time flies by when you get to be my age, I guess!
I can imagine all the guys over in the GA Tech geology lab, when the seismic meter shows activity over in the Turner Field area, the guys look at each other and say “that’s just Brian McCann, sliding again”.
By Saltywoody
May 5, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
northBeach Scott
Couldn’t have said it better. I can’t, despite my best efforts, get into the Giants morbidity. Maybe it’s the “woe is me” attitude and the fact they’re running guys like Brian Bocock out there…but, still.
Loved your mention of riding over the Bay Bridge with Razor and Mr. T on. Was doing it every day when I commuted back and forth from San Leandro. Not such a big fan of the Razor, either, but he is insightful and pretty articulate…which is more than you can say about most sports radio guys.
Grass is always greener, I guess. A large part of me wishes I were in ATL within driving distance of the Ted. Really tough to get your Braves fix out here. Have to live vicariously through the blog. Thank God for it.
By Saltywoody
May 5, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Sniper
There’s something funny about a person who names his or herself “Sniper 69.”
It sounds like the name of my Nerf Gun when I was 12.
By Metropolitan Man
May 5, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Hang in there SNIPER-69. Don’t let them get the best of you. When the braves are winning and winning big, the target on your METS back is big. When the braves are losing, the target moves from your back to your entire body, any direct hit will suffice. However, there are braves fans who now understand the meaning of not being so great and having to deal with adversity. Here’s to you to try and figure out who is who. We all know how addicting it can be to blog here with DOB and crew so show some hospitality and leave the blog bouncers at the clubs. braves are ok, METS are currently better. METS will visit Turner this month for a doubleheader so I’ll save my retorts until then. Now everybody together in unison:
LETS GO METS!!
By BossLady
May 5, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
I don’t think it is Smoltz call to report to the bullpen or wanting to close again. Those jobs have been filled and I look forward to Gonzo’s return. Soriano and the other guys are getting it together.
I know that Smoltz is very good and he has contributed to Atlanta’s success moreover that most players past and present. It is just not right for him to prevent these young men from succeeding and making a name for themselves like he had a chance to do in his career.
If the CEOs, VPs and Mgrs don’t move on or out everyone else will always be held down. Wren and Cox need to make some decisions when it comes to what will happen with this pitching staff and not Smoltz.
By Kev
May 5, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
DOB
How many rehab assigments Soriano has to make,IF all goes well in tomorrow’s bullpen???
By Philliesuk
May 5, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Wow Metropolitan Man, you actually sound like a normal person. I wouldn’t align myself with Sniper if I were you. Personally, I don’t mind if Mets fans come on here, as long as they don’t sound like morons.
At least we have one thing in common: hatred for the Phillies and the dirtbag Philly fans.
Where is Albanian Braves Fan and that Santa guy? I miss them.
By uga-brave
May 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
boss lady,
great post, i would much rather have resop in the pen then say a guy with 154 saves in three seasons and 3000 strikeouts.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody, now that (10:12) was funny….
You and NorthBeach Scott talking about Telegraph Hill and all has me checking the Braves’ schedule. Good to see our trip to the great city by the bay is in August this season, perfect timing. Just when it’s at the sweltering peak here in Atlanta, it’ll be nice and cool out there. We go from there to Arizona — couldn’t get much more different climates at that time of year. It’ll be 110 in Phoenix, most likely.
By N8
May 5, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
“The Braves offense is ranked first in the N.L. with a team BA of .287 while the pitching is second with an ERA of 3.58……And yet we are 15-15.”
What ever could be the problem then? Oh yeah…..that’s right. BAD LUCK. Sorry. I forgot.
Maybe I am overly negative. They just came off of a 3-game sweep, in which we scored a TON of runs. I should be happy, right?
But all I can think of, is that IT’S THE REDS, what’s so exciting about that? The ONLY thing that came out of that series, that I’m sure about, is that any inkling of an idea I had over the winter about us picking up Bronson Arroyo, was foolish at best.
Yikes.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Sorry guys……but muts are losing, against the Dodgers……Go figure, they just won 2-3 from the best record in baseball, right SNIPPER?????
By Metropolitan Man
May 5, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Philliesuk:
Sniper and I are already joined at the hip if he is a METS fan. We shall laugh together and cry together if neccessary as long as its METS related. There are only a few obnoxious METS fans I wouldn’t want to be associated with and I dont think you guys have met them….yet at least. Besides I wasn’t the most like on this blog (main reason is I’m a METS fan), but over time the hate for the team subsides and good ole’ ragging for no reason can take place without anybody calling the other out. Hanging out on the METS blog is very informative but now I’m having some fun bashing stankee trolls and they are worst than Sniper, myself or any other non-braves fan to visit this blog. So the 07’ finish and fighting stankee trolls have me to busy to play with the braves bloggers like I used to. Dont worry, I’ll be back to casue a raucus here, not that you guys need it.
Take Fookie back, he led off with a HR against Opie and we didn’t tie up the game even though we had them at 2nd and 3rd. TwO out hits are killing the METs so far this season. 2-0 dodgers, bottom 2. Boy A. Jones is sucking bad.
LETS GO METS.
By uga-brave
May 5, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
DOB,
i dont know if you watched the tigers vs. sox game, but leland looks like he is going to internally combust.
not a good combination when two of his food groups consist of nicotine and caffine.
By Overlord
May 5, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
N8, braves were 1-6 against reds last year….. just trying to help you.
Philliesuk, thanks.
By N8
May 5, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
You wanna know what’s frickin’ FUNNY?
Two Muts fans (Sniper and Metro), “consoling” each-other on a Braves blog.
Here’s a thought….GET A ROOM!
My suspicion, is that the only thing MORE annoying and worthless to DOB, would be if David Coverdale from Whitesnake, would come on the blog and apologize to Brett Michaels from Poison for being so “cheesy”.
“Hang in there Sniper….” Are you kidding me? How about LEAVE?
By i cant take it anymore
May 5, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
sniper, ever you name is painful to type. you’re right. this blog is just full of rednecks trying to be clever. man, you are the clever one.
By N8
May 5, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
Your 10:30 post was funny, just in case nobody lets you know that they appreciate your sarcasm.
overlord
Thanks. I’m actually fine. I didn’t watch any of the games this weekend (go figure), so forgive me if to me it STILL feels like we are 12-15. LOL!
Anyhow, crappy or not, we need to pound teams like the Reds. I can live with playing .500 ball against the good teams, but the “old” Braves used to pummel the have-nots.
So, all sarcasm and negativity aside, the Reds series was a good one, and hopefully the start of a nice run of baseball.
BTW: Metro and Sniper, I was just kidding. You to are free to cuddle with each-other WHEREVER you please.
By JimD
May 5, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Anybody who belittles the Braves’ sweep of the Reds just doesn’t understand baseball. Baseball is a game of which any given team can win on any given night. Sure the best teams win 2/3 of the time and the worst teams lose 2/3 of the time.
The Reds have a winning percentage of .394 meaning they have won slightly less than 40% of their games. So one would figure it is more than reasonable to expect that when they play a three game series they will win at least one of them.
So the Braves’ sweep of ANY team, even the Reds, is a feat worthy of our appreciate. So N8, go take your pills and get happy, OK?
By Metropolitan Man
May 5, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Im sorry N8*, how dare I write to another blogger on YOUR blog. If anything you will need the consoling when that sub .500 braves team shows up again. You know the one you keep harping about being so bad. I would console braves fans but there is not enough time in the day, or months on the calander. See bashing comes easy for me, I’m trying to be more Zenlike.
LETS GO METS!!!
By N8
May 5, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
JimD
“Anybody who belittles the Braves’ sweep of the Reds just doesn’t understand baseball.”
I understand that over the past 354 games, the Braves are 178-176. So excuse me for NOT getting pumped up and chest thumping over this team pounding on the Reds over the weekend.
A nice start? Sure. Nothing more, nothing less.
BTW: Any relation to Chuck D?
By JimD
May 5, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
LOL, no N8, I don’t think there is any relation … and I sure hope not. Are you related to Coach?
But hey, I understand the trepidation, but if the Braves are as bad as you think they are, then the Reds sweep was even more miraculous.
By N8
May 5, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
“If anything you will need the consoling when that sub .500 braves team shows up again.”
Do I “read” like a man that is gonna need consoling over what this team does this year?
Besides, we’re not the ones who traded our top (ahem) prospects for Johan and then gave him all that money. Le me know if you need a shoulder to cry on, when all that money and prospects spent goes to waste this October.
By uga-brave
May 5, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
n8,
the main reason the braves are struggling on the road is the production of their corner outfielders.
diaz .204, 0hr., 4 rbi. frenchy, .233,2hr., 9 rbi., 2 of those home runs and 7 rbi. came in one game.
so in the other 14 road games frenchy has 2 rbi. combine that with diaz 4, and that aint real good.
gotta get some road production out of those guys.
By fastasballs
May 5, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Furcal just made a helluva play to rob David Wright of a hit.
By David O'Brien
May 5, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
uga-braves, Jim L. doesn’t subsist on the customary four food groups. I am convinced of that after being around him a couple years when he managed the Marlins.
By the way, I don’t know how he stays in all these hotels these days, since most are now entirely smoke-free. I remember he and 3B coach Rich Donnelly would get adjoining rooms on the road, and Rich would know Leyland was up when the cig smoke starting coming under the door.
That’s when Rich knew to get the papers, knock on the door and sit around shooting the s&^% and drinking coffee with Leyland for the next hour or so. This was about 7 a.m.
By fastasballs
May 5, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Hanson pitched another gem for Myrtle Beach tonight. 1 hit & 1 run in 6 innings, 7Ks. He should be moving up shortly. His ERA is 0.90.
On another note the Muts are getting pounded now. Perez is getting rocked. 5-0 Dodgers
By N8
May 5, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
JimD
“LOL, no N8, I don’t think there is any relation … and I sure hope not. Are you related to Coach?”
LOL! You bite your tongue! Coach has me on ignore. Which I think means that I’m NOT invited to Thanksgiving dinner.
“But hey, I understand the trepidation, but if the Braves are as bad as you think they are, then the Reds sweep was even more miraculous.”
Good point. But I never said they were bad. Just that they were(are) underachieving, based on what was “projected” of them.
Obviously still plenty of time to “fix” whatever issues they have. But at the same token, that just means that there is just as much time to NOT get it done, too.
I stated this the other day. I’m VERY MUCH of a “what have you done for me lately” fan. I’m not fairweathered, I stand by them through thick and thin (with a little pizzing and moaning in-between).
But “lately” as in 2 seasons and 1 month, what they’ve “done for me” is wins about 50 percent of the time they play.
Even last year’s team showed signs of busting out, yet those stretches were ALWAYS followed by horrible baseball.
So, while I’m pleased that they swept the Reds and that they offense woke up (without a ton of HR’s too), I’ll reserve my excitement until it continues over a stretch of 20 games or so.
Besides, didn’t DOB mention that “the Braves have gone 10-2 with a .329 average and 2.58 ERA in their past 12 home games.”?
That 4-11 road record has me more worried. Since the beginning of 2006, the Braves are 83-94 on the road, and 95-82 at home.
The road record isn’t THAT bad (for a non-playoff team), and the home record surely isn’t that good, considering that we RULED at home in the 90’s.
This team is a different bunch of kids (and veterans) than the 2006-2007 squads, so the numbers really don’t mean much. Yet the coaching staff is essentially the same, and the mindset is the same.
So until, one or the other changes, I don’t suspect the results will either. But that doesn’t mean, I’m not gonna enjoy watching/listening to the games this year.
After all…….it’s still “early”, isn’t it?
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
In case anyone’s been thrown off by the erroneous headline on our Prado story online: No, there is no mention of surgery being required in the story. In fact, Braves specifically said he won’t need surgery.
I can only guess the headline writer was getting the Moylan note at bottom of the story confused with the Prado note. Moylan, season-ending surgery. Prado, no surgery.
(Although a 6-8 week recovery is really not much quicker than it would be if he had surgery.)
By AdirondackDave
May 6, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Andruw’s 0-3 tonight, just hit into a DP to end the 6th. On the bright side, Dodgers are creaming the Mets 5-1.
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Three Dodgers have gone yard tonight (game’s in seventh inning), including Furcal, his fifth.
This will not shock anyone: Andruw is 0-for-3.
Seriously, I’m starting to wonder if he’ll hit for any higher average than he did last season.
By N8
May 6, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
DOB
That’s pretty funny, with the Prado “headline”.
May I make a suggestion that you could pass along for a “poll” question idea?
If were up to you, how long would you make Prado’s injury last?:
A) Season Ending injury.
B) Out until October
C) About 132 games
D) Only 2 weeks, but I hope he returns as the “closer”.
By Jack Torrance
May 6, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
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By fastasballs
May 6, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
I love listening to Scully call a game. Without doubt one of the best.
I almost feel sorry for Andruw, even the Dodger fans are booing him. He’s just lost at the plate. Torre has batted him anywhere from 2nd to 8th in the order over the first month or so & nothing is working. It’s amazing to think Chipper is batting nearly .275 points higher than Andruw, wow.
By uga-brave
May 6, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
i for one feel bad for andruw, it’s getting to be like a greek tragedy for him.
if this continues past memorial day it would not suprise me if the dodgers try to unload him. they would probably have to pay at least half of that contract for the next year and a half though.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
May 6, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
I can remember an AJC headline writer who topped the advance for Game 3 of the 1996 World Series with “WHY PLAY IT OUT?”
Wish I had saved that one.
By El bravo (EbX)
May 6, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
AJ could easily be out of a full time job in a month or two. Weird how we have NO mercy that he is the offensive equivelent of a Moehler, Knoublock, Jax, Ankiel…I know the cool thing from a Braves’s fan and a working dude would be, ‘18 mil, who cares’. Well, its no fun watching him be one of the fastest, youngest star to loose it. I feel his pain…must suck to loose it at 32.
By fastasballs
May 6, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
El bravo, Andruw is 30 I believe.
By N8
May 6, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
“…must suck to loose it at 32.”
Dude. It’s just a slump. I’d bet my Braves 2008 World Series tickets, that he wins the NL MVP this year.
The dude lost “it” at age 31, maybe mid-way through the season in which he was 30.
But with that “no-hit..all defense” approach, Gary Pettis must be proud.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 6, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
I looked at the schedule. In the next thirty-four days the Braves play thirty-four games with one off day followed by a double header.
If Cox is going to set his rotation, now is the time.
The Braves lose Martin Prado for 6 to 8 weeks after he slid into first base head first…… and the Braves won the game by seven runs.
For stupid. Where do these major league players pick up this garbage? We sure as hell don’t teach kids to go sliding into 1st base head first in little league.
Mark Kotsay is the only outfielder on the Braves roster who remembers how to use both hands while catching a flyball.
One of the most basic fundamental aspects of hitting is to keep your head squared up and looking straight out at the pitcher with both eyes.
And when he goes into his motion, the batter then has the ability to track the ball all the way into the catchers glove while keeping his head on the ball with both eyes.
Some big league hitters stand in the box with their head sideways using one eye and I’m just astounded that they can hit at all.
Losing Prado the way that the Braves did just frustrates me and I know Cox is equally as unhappy about it.
OK, I’ll stop ranting. At least for the moment.
Joe Simpson, here is to hoping you get back in the booth real soon. That fella in the booth with Boog on Sunday can’t hold a candle to you.
By N8
May 6, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
fastasballs
“El bravo, Andruw is 30 I believe.”
Andruw is 31. He’ll turn 32, later this season.
uga-brave
“if this continues past memorial day it would not suprise me if the dodgers try to unload him.”
Maybe Andruw and Kevin Brown can play catch. Better yet, Kevin can pitch “simulated” games to Andruw. My guess is, that Brown could STILL get AJ to chase that sinker (barring Brown can actually stand up).
By BA
May 6, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
That Jack Torrance is at least as interesting as an N8 post, and even less repetitive!
By J.D.
May 6, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
really gotta feel bad for ‘Druw…tough couple of seasons for him he is just lost at the plate..hopefully he turns it around what braves fan doesnt love that guy still
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 6, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this
Mark Kotsay 31 hits , 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR’s, 12 RBI, 9 walks, 12 K’s, .357 OBP, .447 SLG, .301 BA
The Braves are paying him two million in 2008.
Andruw Jones 16 hits, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 15 walks, 34 K’s, .267 OBP, .248 SLG, .158 BA
The Dodgers are paying him fourteen point one million in 2008.
Frank Wren is looking smarter by the minute.
By Moby Grape
May 6, 2008 4:50 AM | Link to this
Technically, possibly, Butler was a PTBNLPeteH
Yeah. Behenna was sent in early Sept, and Butler & Jacoby were sent in Oct after the season was over.
By nolie
May 6, 2008 5:18 AM | Link to this
Andruw is 31. He’ll turn 32, later this season.N8
Druw’s birthday is one day away from Chippers I believe. He just turned 31 two weeks or so ago. Will probably not have two birthdays in the same season… IMO. ;-)
By Philliesuk
May 6, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
I kept my mouth shut the entire time that someone dogged Kotsay at the beginning of the season. Everyone was so convinced that we would lose so much on defense. Well, I think it’s obvious that he was a great pick-up by Wren. He’ll probably only hit .280 or so and knock in fewer runs than Andruw, but he brings stability and maturity. Remember when people would say, ‘Andruw would have gotten to that one?’ I say the same kind of thing when it comes to Kotsay’s pitch selection, which is certainly better than Andruw’s.
I had a chance to meet Kotsay at Spring Training, and the dude is a solid guy. He signed autographs until every last person got something signed. He cracked jokes the whole time, like, ‘Hey, don’t you guys realize I’m not Francoeur? I’m not sure you want to waste your ball on me’ and ‘you’re not gonna get much on ebay with my autograph.’
By richbrave
May 6, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
OMAR INFANTE got his first rehab start and went 2-4 and scored a run from the cf position. The idea was to start him off with three infield games then move him to the outfield for three games, then on to Atlanta provided everything’s O.K. That’s been speeded up with the injury to PRADO. But with NORTON on the scene, BRUNDIGE may revert to plan “A” today.
JOSH ANDERSON got the game winning hit for the second day in a row, but at 1-4, his average still fell to .291. He now has 11 steals.
CLINT SAMMONS continues to hit the ball going 2-3 and raising his average to .341. He has three passed balls and two errors with one run allowed in 21 games played.
CHUCK JAMES pitched seven innings and was solid. He ups his record to 1-1 with the win. His line in the game: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO. Too many hits, but otherwise O.K. Overall for the year in Richmond: 17.0 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 8 BB, 10 SO.
PHIL STOCKMAN continues to impress on the mound. His overall now: 19.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 18 SO. When I talk about dominating this league with 3/1 ratios the tall Aussie is getting it done and his numbers show it.
VALADIMIR NUNEZ the third member of our Cuban contingent continues to improve in a relief role. To date: 16.2, 17 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 5 BB, 15 SO, 3.89 ERA. He did well in his 11 relief appearances at the beginning and recently. He sandwiched these around four rough outings last month which accounted for most of the ER’s. His SO/BB ratio continues strong however, and the too many hits syndrome appears to be improving. He still throws strikes, only now they aren’t for HR’s.
By Braves20
May 6, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
Greg Norton - gosh I haven’t been this excited since we got Woodchuck from the Mets.
Watched him for two seasons down here in Tampa Bay - wasn’t impressed. Apparently the Rays also were not impressed nor were the Mariners.
By N8
May 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
nolie
You are correct about Andruw’s B-day.
When I looked it up on baseball-reference.com, it listed his DEBUT as August 16th, 1996. I mis-read it as his B-Day, which was listed right below his debut date.
Either way, he still has lost “it”. LOL!
BA
“That Jack Torrance is at least as interesting as an N8 post, and even less repetitive!”
:-)
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 6, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
A nice little opinion piece this morning by Bob Lipper of the Times Dispatch on the Atlanta pitching staff
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Anybody else have questions about Andruw’s true age? Still an unusually dramatic decline but I think his age may be a contributing factor…along with his skill set.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Hard to believe that the Kerry Wood 20-strikeout game was 10 years ago today.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 6, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Gil, I read Bob Lipper’s article and it does have an element of truth to it.
However, I still think this team has more than enough gas in the tank to compete.
By chrisklob
May 6, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, a couple of y’all were discussing Brett Butler and whether or not he was a PTBNL. This is from baseballreference.com’s page on Butler:
October 21, 1983: Sent by the Atlanta Braves to the Cleveland Indians to complete an earlier deal made on August 28, 1983. The Atlanta Braves sent players to be named later and $150,000 to the Cleveland Indians for Len Barker. The Atlanta Braves sent Rick Behenna (September 2, 1983), Brett Butler (October 21, 1983), and Brook Jacoby (October 21, 1983) to the Cleveland Indians to complete the trade.
By I'm Just Wondering
May 6, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Dumb question, but you might know the answer. Does Leyland still smoke? Do any other major leaguer players, coaches still smoke cigarettes? Where do they do it, if they do? Leyland certainly doesn’t smoke in the dugout anymore, does he? You used to catch him on camera all the time, sneeking one.
It was funny watching that special on HBO about the Brooklyn Dodgers, and seeing the players smoking after the games, or in the tunnel between innings for the starting pitchers. Talk about a different generation.
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Hard to believe that the Phillies are 19-14 and no one is taking them seriously…..at least on this blog.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Efrim, the Phillies always seem to be overlooked. I guess it’s because they’ve underachieved so often over the past seven or eight years (except for last year). Being in the same division with the Braves and Mets, their management and player development has been overshadowed. But look at the team they’ve built. Pretty impressive, as much as I hate to give their fans anything to gloat about.
By McFann
May 6, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Choppinmama—
Very funny at 10:01!! (Yes, I’m developing thicker skin along with my sense of humor, as long as folks don’t go overboard.)
That, along with Timmy’s complete game shutout, is the highlight of the young season for me! Will never get tired of watching that!
AJ has a triple, too? Huh…
THE PHILLIES ARE 19-14??? Crud. When did that happen? Sheesh…
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
May 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
19-14 without Jimmy Rollins, yet no one is taking the Phillies seriously.
I guess their record so far is just luck.
By John Adcox
May 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Hey, RichBrave:
Thanks a million for the farm update, mate. Good stuff.
By Willy Wally
May 6, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Frenchy has more extra base hits than Ks so far. Don’t know if that is all that meaningful but for a free swinger like him, that’s incredible.
By 3trees
May 6, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
richbrave - Really appreciate all the farm updates.
Also appreciated the Grant Hart/Husker Du refs earlier. Played a great show with them and Soul Asylum back in the 80’s at Irving Plaza in NYC. No offense to the Huskers, but Soul Asylum was the best band there that night. Saw Little Feat at the Variety the other night and the band can still play. Great rhythm section.
Let’s see what the bats can do against better pitching (Pads). Hopefully, they’ll keep it going.
Go Braves!
By GeorgetownKid
May 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
richbrave
Thanks for doing that. It is nice to see James have a good outing.
By Beck
May 6, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
I think [Charlie Morton] is Major League-ready, but I really think he could use another six weeks just to continue to work on his fastball location and get some more confidence. He’s got a lot of weapons. Any one of his five pitches can take care of business.” —Pitching coach Guy Hansen to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Morton is 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA in six starts.
By DAP
May 6, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
did anyone see albert pujols score the winning run from 2nd in the top of the 9th on a ground out? amazing.
By ppaddy123
May 6, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Coach 12.47 AM I know it’s against your nature to ever try to put a positive spin on ANYTHING, but, do you EVER try to count your blessings? I mean the BRAVES are playing 500 ball with a shamble of a starting rotation! Tex has yet to come around, also. This team will only improve in the coming months. For crying out loud, April ‘ain’t nothing but extended spring training. Oh and one other thing, where Prado is concerned, with a guy like you it will always be a catch-22 situation. HE GOT HURT HUSTLING! If he hadn’t been hustling with a seven run lead, you would have criticized him for that. YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!
By N8
May 6, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
* Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera*
“19-14 without Jimmy Rollins, yet no one is taking the Phillies seriously…..I guess their record so far is just luck”
Well, duh! Isn’t EVERYTHING that happens on a baseball field a crap-shoot?
Willy Wally
“Frenchy has more extra base hits than Ks so far. Don’t know if that is all that meaningful but for a free swinger like him, that’s incredible.”
While impressive (15 XBH to 12 K’s), he also has 11 outs (in 15 AB’s), when swinging on the first pitch.
Hard to K, when you hit a dribbler to the SS on the first pitch.
But I agree with you, a bit “odd” in those numbers. He’s “on pace” to have around 30-35 walks (42 last year), and only 60-70 K’s.
I think it’s a decent amount of improvement, in his selectiveness at the plate.
By Lew
May 6, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
The Phillies get no respect because they are the Phillies and will find a way to screw up. The only reason they won last year was that the Mets and Braves screwed up more than they did. Their pitching will not hold up.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera, well when your fourth-best hitter (for a career) won the MVP last year, it’s pretty easy to understand why the Phillies are winning.
Utley, Burrell, Hamels, Romero and Durbin have had monster first months.
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Shaun, their bullpen has been excellent. Hamels is an ace…right now. They have done it without Rollins, which is really impressive. Also, I think people assume they have no starting pitching and it will be a matter of time before they implode. I disagree. Their starting pitching isn’t great, but it’s enough….it was last year. That team will keep winning. Howard hasn’t even gotten it going yet and I think Utley will end up winning the MVP this year….although if Chipper can stay healthy, he just might.
By DAP
May 6, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
N8 frenchy seems to be turning into a contact hitter now. wierd. it might be a while until we see who the real jeff francouer is going to be.
those talking about not taking the phillies seriously…i am. i think they are the 2nd best team in the division, after the braves, but they are only 2.5 games ahead of 4th place right now, so it not like we should treat them like the dbacks who are 7 games out of third. like many have sais, no one in this division is running away with it.
By Tom in NYC
May 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Was watching the Mets-Dodgers game last night, and like a couple others who posted already, I just felt bad for Andruw. I mean he’s not a bad guy, had a great career here, and certainly didn’t leave on bad terms. He just looks so lost up there and I feel for him, hope he can turn it around soon…….just not against us.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Isn’t EVERYTHING that happens on a baseball field a crap-shoot?
N8, did anyone ever say “EVERYTHING” is a crap-shoot? If so, where? Find it, please.
This is what I don’t get: People criticize folks who look at in-depth stats because they view human like robots. But then if you bring up the randomness of the game, then you are criticized for bringing up chance, luck and randomness.
By Willy Wally
May 6, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I say: “Frenchy has more extra base hits than Ks so far. Don’t know if that is all that meaningful but for a free swinger like him, that’s incredible.”
N8 says: While impressive (15 XBH to 12 K’s), he also has 11 outs (in 15 AB’s), when swinging on the first pitch.
Geez, what the hell was that all about?
You saw my meaningless stat and decided to counter it with a meaningless stat of your own?
Well, then, I see your schwartz is as puny as mine.
By DAP
May 6, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
i think chipper has a chance to win the MVP, but the braves have got to make it the postseason for him to get it. i think he tends to get overlooked, and so its going to be hard for him to get it.
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Lew
They started last season 4-11. Since then, they are 104-76. They are for real. I know they have no starting pitching beyond Myers and Hamels, but when you have a middle of the order like them, you can overcome that. As Shaun said, their 4th best player won the MVP last year.
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Rick Rubin has done it again with Neil Diamond (yes, Neil Diamond). New album is terrific, even better than the first one they did together a couple or three years ago….
Whaddya say we put out a new blog? Gimme a little time to numbers-crunch and it’ll be up by 11:30 a.m.
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Just Wondering: Yes, Leyland still does. Stopped briefly a while back, but now back at it. And yes, in dugout sometimes.
EFRIM: Who on this blog doesn’t take Phils seriously? I think most of us have predicted a three-team race since before spring training even began. Don’t really have any idea what you’re talking about, because I think the vast majority of folks here believe Phils have at least as good a chance as any team to win the division. I know I do.
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
DOB
Um….Everyone just talks about the Mets and Braves on the blog and the Phillies kind of take a back seat. Obviously, most of it is because of the Mets fans coming on here, but that is all I meant. For example, and this isn’t to pick on you Lew, he thinks the Phillies are still the “Phillies”. Like it is still the Scott Rolen Phillies or something. That team is gone. I think people should stop looking at history from years ago and look at what is currently going on. Phillies have a really good team.
By McFann
May 6, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
DAP re your 10:42—
You’re not kidding.
I take the Phillies seriously, too. I’ve always been “scared” of the Phillies. (Especially if the Braves play them on ESPN…)
By Chop Chop
May 6, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
I believe the Phils are going to win the division.
By KC
May 6, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
EFRIM and DOB: I must admit… I did not take the Phillies seriously. And I’m still not convinced.
I think they still have big questions with their pitching.
After Hamels and Myers (who hasn’t looked like the guy who used to be their ace)… I’m not convinced. Kendrick, Moyer, and Eaton doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence as far as I’m concerned.
Also, their bullpen isn’t very deep.
I don’t think they can merely slug their way to another division title… unless injuries decimate both the Braves and Mets.
They got lucky last year. I don’t think they’re going anywhere unless they get BIG (over-performing) seasons from the guys in the middle/bottom of their rotation.
By KC
May 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Having said what I just mentioned in my last post about the Phillies… one could make a similar argument about the Braves rotation right now. Not as strong an argument… but similar.
This rotation was supposed to include Smoltz and Hampton. It doesn’t look like Smoltz will be a part of the rotation this year (or perhaps ever again), and who knows with Hampton?!
I think Jurrjens has made a believer out of all of us… but we’ll still be leaning heavily on at least 2 of the Reyes/Bennett/James trio. And there’s just know way to know what we’ll get.
Keep in mind that heading into this season, when healthy, James has been very solid for us. If you look at his numbers 2/3 of the way through last season (before the shoulder problems)… he was top-15 in the league in ERA.
And Reyes and Bennett both appear to have a lot of potential, so I feel ok about the bottom of our rotation. But we’ll just have to wait and see.
What could make all the difference is the health of the bullpen.
If we could get Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzalez all healthy in that bullpen to go with Acosta, Boyer, and Ohman… DAMN!!! That could be the best bullpen of a generation.
The Braves have to hope for 2 things:
1 - strong performances from the young guys at the back of the rotation
2 - HEALTH!!! (There are going to be injuries, but they have to hope they can get it and keep it at a manageable level).
IF things go well for them in those 2 areas, the Braves will win the division.
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Like I said DOB, not everyone takes them seriously.
By flange1
May 6, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I heard Mike Campbell talking about the Neil Diamond record. He an Benmont Tench from the Heartbreakers play on the record.
Also heard there were no drums…
Sounds interesting
By KC
May 6, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Efrim: I wouldn’t go as far as to say I don’t take the Phillies seriously. I’m not sure I did before the season, but I do know.
However, while I may take them seriously, I still expect them to finish 3rd unless the Braves and/or Mets just can’t get beyond the injury issues their year.
By Tom in NYC
May 6, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Oh man, I HATE when we play the phillies on ESPN!!
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
KC
I understand man, but as you said, you didn’t before the season. I think people just look at the starting pitching and assume they are not going to be able to hold up through a 162 game schedule. I think they have enough starting pitching. And if I were to pick one pitcher under the age of 25 to lead my staff the next decade. It might just be Cole Hamels.
By KC
May 6, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Efrim: I love Hamels. I think he’s already a great pitcher, and will be one of the best around for a long time.
But he’s only one guy.
Yeah, they’ve got Myers, but he hasn’t been all that impressive as a starter since the 2006 season.
And who do they have after that?
Anything can happen. Moyer, Kendrick, and Eaton may combine for a 3.90 ERA this season. I seriously doubt it… but who knows?
And again, lack of depth in the bullpen could be exposed as the season progresses.
If I’m a betting man, I’m wagering that either the Braves or Mets will win the division. I think they both have better teams if they can get/stay reasonably healthy.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
DOB and Efrim, I don’t know if it’s a matter of anyone taking them seriously or not. I think they just get overshadowed, which is understandable because last year was the first time they won anything in a while even though they had the talent to win the division in a lot of years this decade.
But I do agree with DOB, before last season and before this season and maybe before lots of other recent seasons people generally thought the Phillies were right up there with the Mets and Braves.
By ppaddy123
May 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
BRAVOS have 3 games with the Padres and a 4 game set with the Pirates. Hopefully we can take 5 of 7. Meanwhile, Phillies have 3 left with the Diamondbacks before going to SF for a 3 game series with that juggernaut! Hopefully, we’ll be breathing down their necks when meet up!
By DAP
May 6, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
we can talk about slugging your way the post season, but really, anytime a team wins throughouts the season, its going to be because of pitching.
the phillies have a great offense, they have hot alot of homeruns, and scored a good number of runs, but thats not why they are winning.
phillies team ERA is #8 overall at 3.76
pitching wins over the long haul, hitting wins in jumps and spurts. obviously, youve got to be able to hit, but ulatmatley, pitching wins.
the phillies have pitched well, so they have been winning, if they dont continue to pitch well, they wont win, even with rollins back.
By ncscoots
May 6, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
It certainly appears that the Braves will need every last drop of the pitching depth they accumulated this offseason.
Jurrjens is starting to work up to dangerous territory. Slotting him at 5, with the corresponding starts off, would allow the Braves to manage his innings (as they should), but now it would appear he’ll have to carry a load in the middle of the rotation. No chance a right-minded organization throws him out there for 200 innings. And even if Reyes has Linda-Blaired his head, you can’t put 200 innings on him, either.
So, now the starters look to contribute even fewer innings than many of us originally thought. Either more innings from the bullpen, or some starts from…somebody. And the options of James, Bennett, and Hampton seem to be what’s left.
What might have been a formidable, even dominating, rotation of Hudson-Smoltz-Glavine-Hampton is shredded. Now, the Braves actually DO need Glavine to be an ace, a group of rookie and near-rookie starters to perform out of their skulls, and yes, Hampton back on the mound.
The offense is going to score, and a good bullpen figures to only get better. But I think one has to be concerned about the starters. At least, a little.
By Efrim
May 6, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Shaun
My point was that they are 19-14 without the reigning MVP of the National League and no one was really talking about them. That is it. I still think there are people that overlook them, because of the lack of starting pitching and a feeling that they will somehow blow it when it counts.
By DAP
May 6, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
by the way, the phils have scored 7 more runs than the braves, but they have played three more games. braves are averageing more runs per game than the phils, tigers, and the red sox. looks like weve got ourselves a pretty good offense oursleves.
By DAP
May 6, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
by the way, the phils have scored 7 more runs than the braves, but they have played three more games. braves are averageing more runs per game than the phils, tigers, and the red sox. looks like weve got ourselves a pretty good offense oursleves.
By McFann
May 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Tom in NYC—
Yeah, that Miller sure loves them Phillies!! Sheesh.
By Random
May 6, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Good call on Greg Norton, Coach.
I’m totally sure that mr baseball and Captain Cakeman have already phoned to give you your props.
By Lew
May 6, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Efrim-Dude, I’m originally from Philly, back in the days when they were losing ten in a row and blowing the ‘64 pennant race-a feat unequaled until last season Met’s collapse. I’ve paid close attention to them throughout the years, even though I’ve been a Braves’ fan for decades.
However, to we Philadelphians (must be bred in at birth when one comes into the world that close to the Liberty Bell), disrespecting the Phillies is as much a tradition as Booing Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, broken legs on opposing players or knowinging the Mets are perennial douchebags.
Breathing fumes from the Schuylkill River gives us a right to do this. It’s a Philadelphian’s method of paying dues-even we transplanted ones.
By TennesseePaul
May 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: Well put Scoots (12:23). This team will have to walk a fine line between leaning on the rookies and not over working them. That isn’t going to be easy.
By Tom in NYC
May 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Is Escobar supposed to play tonight? Does anyone know if he’s doing better?
By Lee
May 6, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Florida appears to be the team not taken seriously. Here they are still in 2nd place and everyone keeps taking about how they will not remain a threat. Probably much like the majority of fans with the Rockies last year. The Marlins are young and have nothing to lose. In other words they are dangerous. They always play hard against the Braves. Hopefully the Braves will win the division; if not, I will be rooting for the Marlins any day over the Mets or Phillies. Most also predicted St Louis would flop this year. Wrong again.
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the delay, but NEW BLOG IS UP
By Salty
May 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Ah…the ‘Sure Kill River’…and Expressway! Aptly named! LOL!
By gobraves
May 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Whaddya say we put out a new blog? Gimme a little time to numbers-crunch and it’ll be up by 11:30 a.m.
It’s 1:00??
By N8
May 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Shaun
“N8, did anyone ever say “EVERYTHING” is a crap-shoot? If so, where? Find it, please.”
Uhhh…. EVERY TIME the Braves lose a playoff series (which happens a LOT), Bobby states that “these things are just a crap-shoot”.
Besides. You’re the one using the “luck” comment more than anybody on this blog combined.
I don’t believe that the Braves are unlucky in close games. I believe that they are typically outplayed, out-managed, and in general, just not very good.
Willy Wally
“Geez, what the hell was that all about?…You saw my meaningless stat and decided to counter it with a meaningless stat of your own?”
For starters. I obviously didn’t catch your sarcasm while stating your stats on Frenchy were “incrdible”. So I was stating what he does on the first pitch.
As for it being a “meaningless” stat?
Uhhh…how about…NO?
The guy swings at the first pitch A LOT!. In the past, he has had much success by swinging at the first pitch. Thus, Bobby and TP have stated they didn’t want to “take away his aggressiveness”.
Well this year, he’s not doing so hot on the first pitch. He’s making outs more often than not on the first pitch.
So my point was, that while he’s NOT striking out as much, at least in the past, he made pitchers pitch at least 3 pitches to get him out.
I was going to post more stats, but chose not to. Forgot what they were already, but the oddity of it all, is that he has a HORRIBLE batting average when he’s ahead 1-0 or 2-0 in the count as well.
So ultimately with Francoeur, it’s about pitch recognition. When he guesses correctly (or the pitcher makes a mistake), he gets hits.
But clearly, he’s still not as selective as say, Chipper. But then again, Chipper is gonna be in the HOF some day, and Jeff, more than likely will not be. So that isn’t a fair comparison.
That being said, Francoeur reminds me VERY much of a young Andruw Jones. Let’s hope that he doesn’t start emulating the 31 year old AJ, any time soon.