Braves

By Satan

May 7, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

first?

By Stuart

May 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Great choice for the song lyrics today. I bump that one on my MP3 player. I know some folks would not like it, but if Chipper did want to change his song once and awhile, that one would be perfect.

By OrlandoBrave

May 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

How about Jair Jurrjens? What a trade this looks to be now. Glad we have this kid and he looks like he could be the real deal long-term.

Where would we be without Glavine? Luckily, he should be able to give us about 200 innings this year. With Glav, Huddy, and JJ, we still need Reyes and James to step up from now to the end of the season and for 09 considering the quality free agent starters are few and far between as well as pricey.

Lets go Bravos!

By Sir Stealth

May 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

They should do a live take on Copperhead Road if there’s a pitching change before Chipper comes to bat. Extended mandolin solo during the warmup and then all of a sudden that big bass drum comes in…

By hk

May 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

… current ‘MVP’ (Runs + HR’s + RBI’s) …

… projected year-end values …

http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/mvp08a.htm

By David

May 7, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Started the season thinking the starting rotation was nothing to worry about while the bullpen would be a concern. When & if Gonzo and Smoltz join the ‘pen, it will be SOLID. But we’d be crazy not to worry about the rotation even more then - as great as Jair has been, he’ll get tired; Tommy could have a good season but is old & may get too tired like he did last year; Huddy will be reliable; but the other two spots worry me most…..

By N8

May 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

“I’m listening to the new Neil Diamond CD, the second of his produced by Rick Rubin.”

Two things, DOB.

1) Is that the same Rick Rubin, who according to Black Crowes front man Chris Robinson, was trying to convince them to change their name to the Kobb Kounty Krowes (when abbreviated KKK)?? Yeah, that guys a “winner”. Cant argue with some of his work (most of it actually), but talk about a guy being AND IDIOT.

2) I’ll assume you didn’t catch Neil Diamond on American Idol last week, huh? Does that make him “un-cool” being the guest singer/coach for the contestants? Or is it acceptable, since he was more than likely just trying to plug his new release?

Not a big Neil Diamond fan (I like the hits….how can you not?), but I am however a HUGE fan of Will Ferrell’s Neil Diamond “story-tellers” skit on SNL. Classic.

“Bill Brasky … er, Chipper leads the majors with a .500 average (29-for-58) with runners on base.”

Speaking of SNL skits with John Goodman in them…. Nice touch.

Totally agree with you on the starters innings. That number has to go up, or this pen is gonna be in trouble. A healthy bullpen wouldn’t withstand that much work. So our M.A.S.H. unit, surely isn’t gonna survive, if that workload continues.

By Renegator

May 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Nice song choice DOB

Here’s to winning 5 in a row but the fact that Wolf is left handed means the Braves will struggle to score runs. Tex, Kotsay, and KJ seem to struggle big time against LHP.

By brent a.

May 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Just had a chance to hear Frank Wren speak at the Atlanta Press Club luncheon this afternoon.

It was a real treat. He sounded very genuine, and still seemed to feel very good about this year’s team.

Someone asked him about Cox’s handling of the bullpen, and Wren’s response was basically that if you pitch a reliever 1 inning, you’ll likely have him available for the next game; but if he goes 2, you lose his availability.

He also specifically noted how well Ring and Bennet did in their roles last night. Even knew that Bennet got the pop-up on a breaking ball.

Also, Terry McGuirk told us that John Schuerholz told him recently that he could not have done as good a job as Wren has done over the last 6 months since he took over.

Also of note; he referred to Gorkys Hernandez as one of the team’s “cornerstones” for the future (I’m pretty sure that was the word he used).

(He’s very proud of the Renteria trade).

By Philliesuk

May 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I brought this up in the last blog, but does anyone remember when Chipper struck out three times in a game? The amazing duo Utley and Wright both did it last night.

By BossLady

May 7, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Wednesdays, 9:10 AM Rude 680 gotcha

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

YO DOB

You still haven’t answered my question ??

BOXERS OR BRIEFS OR COMMANDO??

By McFann

May 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Daybed (in regards to your 1:51 post on the other blog)—

Yeah! Love that OBP of McCann’s! (.350+ is a good number to be around for OBP, isn’t it?)

Would like to see that AVG with RISP to rise up tonight!! (I’m sure he’ll been in tonight. Hasn’t gotten a day off in about two weeks, but perhaps Thursday he’ll sit.)

Posted this on the last blog at the same time DOB put up this new one (Thank you, BTW), so I’ll just repost it here (if you don’t mind):

Hey, Random. Where ya been?

Oh, I know that’s what Fanncoeur said, and not you. What a sad, angry little man he was!!

The way he said—allow me to paraphrase here—that McCann has hit into more double plays than Francoeur, made it sound like there was a HUGE difference. Actually, it’s only 3-2. And with RISP, they both have only one.

So, it’s already McCann’s fault that Francoeur doesn’t have more RBI? Well, what’s his excuse when Francoeur bats in front of McCann? Oh, that’s right. He did bat in front of BMac during that big game of his. “Mea culpa”.

As a matter of fact, Francoeur has 8 RBIs when he bats in front of McCann, and 12 RBIs when he bats behind him. Huh…

But why am I giving you the lecture? Haha! You didn’t say it, and the guy that did say it disappeared.

Sorry. ; )

By kdbanks

May 7, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s family crest is a picture of a barracuda eating Neil Armstrong and his poop is considered currency in Argentina.

Did I ever tell you about the time Chipper took me out to go get a drink with him? We go off looking for a bar and we can’t find one. Finally Chipper takes me to a vacant lot and says, ‘Here we are.’ We sat there for a year and a half — until sure enough, someone constructs a bar around us. Well, the day they opened we ordered a shot, drank it, and then burned the place to the ground. Hoss yelled over the roar of the flames, ‘Always leave things the way you found ‘em!’. True story.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 7, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Not sure if this story has been posted on past blogs yet, but I thought I’d post the link here. It’s about John Challis, an 18-year old dying of cancer who gets a hit in a game. Very inspiring.

John Challis Article

By McFann

May 7, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Francoeur is to blame for his own lack of production… P-Town Brave

So true.

You were a player back in your day? Cool. Who’d ya play for?

By jbutler

May 7, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

DOB Since we’re making musical confessions today…I will admit to seeing the king of polyester Neil Diamond in concert WAY..WAY back in the day. I loved his 60’s stuff- some 70’s..but he can groove it in his own way. The concert was another story. Lots of polyster. Lots of middle aged women. Better experienced on the radio.

By David-ATL14

May 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Excellent song choice, blog’s not bad either.

The CRUSADING EVERYMAN rounding into mid season form albeit early May!

Keep up the good work.

By BT

May 7, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

SI on Tex’s next destination. 15-1 against us!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/05/07/heyman.teixeira/index.html

By Matthalen

May 7, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

The only other song besides Crazy train for Hoss HAS to be The opening riff to “Unchained” by the great Van Halen! That’s the greatest guitar riff of all time and I’m shocked that I haven’t heard any other players being introduced to that song.

By Overlord

May 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Shaun what i said is that TEX is “not consistent”, its early may and he is under .270 BA and low HR and RBI total. He might get hot, but what if Chipper was not this hot? We would easily be 7 games under .500. And the 20M guy would not be stepping up because its april and may, he starts playing baseball in june, not fair to pay him 18HR if he takes 1/3 of the season off. His numbers might not be so bad, but not worth 20M. Dont get me wrong. Im a TEX fan and supporter, but to me he is not a 20M man. Chipper is, Smoltz is (was). TEX is a great all around player, rare commodity, but not elite.

By Ed Glennon

May 7, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Here are a few of the DL players we have traded for in the last few years: Aybar, Baez, Soriano, Gonzalas, Dotel, Infante. We don’t need better scouts. We need better doctors.

By Sir Stealth

May 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Uh, looks like I woulda been better off starting Joey Votto at first this week over Tex on my fantasy team. Prove me wrong Tex! Hit 4 bombs tonight!

By 18 Wheels of Love

May 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

‘Chip’ - to the tune of ‘Bob’/with apologies to the Drive-By Truckers

Chip goes to bat every evenin’

every evenin’ the quad ain’t flairin’

Chip never has to have talks with the coach

cos’ Chip never bothers with slumpin’

He likes to take pitch ‘er or two every now and again

He always had more aches than he ever had pills

Chip ain’t big on the talkin’

He’ll take a walk but he’s much better trottin’

Chip takes care of his Bobby

He’s the only one he lets call him Larry

He don’t smoke so much he just sticks to the snuff

and keeps the field lookin’ just like he wants it

Every day at the batting cage Chip’s Coach hears

that another Skip’s made ’nother bat disappear

Larry ain’t exactly fond of sittin’

He’s just got his own way o’ hittin’

Larry’s still gotta hittin’ cage in the yard

2 coaches come in 2 more comin’ go

He used to talk to us but he don’t anymore,

Ain’t got no time to blog like he did before

He figures all any of it’s any good for is making Dave’s job harder

till there ain’t nobody like Chip anymore

Chip still hits for his Bobby

He’s a legend though his knees a ‘lil knobby

How big a legend today? Ask Chip and he’ll say,

“He’s a big one and wins like ya oughta”

He likes to take pitch ‘er or two every now and again

He always had more aches than he ever had pills

Chip ain’t big on the talkin’

He’ll take a walk but he’s much better trottin’

By Danko

May 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Props on choosing lyrics to one of my all-time favorite songs. i know you mentioned it in a blog a while back, but as i don’t have much time to post, I’d like to mention I saw Steve’s kid open for Isbell at the 40 watt about a year ago and he really tore it up.

By Jim

May 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Boyer’s innings are mounting up and are a concern, but hopefully when Gonzo and Smoltz return, he will be used less regularly. Right now he’s the best option we have and the only 2 good options for getting him more rest are a lot of blowout wins, and more innings from the starters.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

McFann, yeah, I’d think that around .350 is a good OBP, though I’m not really sure. I know that, as a team, the Braves have a .352 OBP, and they rank 4th in the NL.

DOB — could you (or anyone else) give us a sort of target number for OBP? If .280-.300 is the target for batting average and below-4.00 is the target for ERA (just my numbers, and everyone is free to agree/disagree with those), what is it for OBP?

Also, McFann, wouldn’t you consider the three off-days that the Braves have had in the past week to be off-days for McCann as well? I wouldn’t see the need to rest him anytime soon, but hey, that’s just me.

By JGraham

May 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hampton is the landlord on DL Street.

By Nashbrave

May 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

They need to fire the physician who gave Soriano a clean bill of health before that two-year signing.

By BamaBrave

May 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

One of the amazing things about Chipper is that he never really seems to overswing. Even his home run swings are nice and smooth. I haven’t enjoyed watching a player bat this much since George Brett’s heyday.

By scottBravesFan

May 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Chipper is having a heck of a year. DOB you say the Cubs and Cardinals have rabid fan bases but the Braves aren’t far behind in terms of numbers. Check out the Harris poll conducted every year on the most popular teams. The Braves were second last year behind the Yankees.

By THE BEAR

May 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

I have a question.

Any Andruw supporters out there who would like to trade Kotsay even up for Andruw today?

I thought not.

By N8

May 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Couldn’t agree more with your 2:51 post.

I hope he stays (because as of right now our options at 1B are thin at best - unless Chipper moves there), but if his STARTING points 20 per year for 10 years (like was suggested in the Heyman story link above), he’s gotta be cut loose.

And to me…with the shambles that this pitching staff is in, as I’ve said MANY times (only to get ridiculed), I’d consider moving him EVEN IF WE’RE NOT OUT OF THE RACE in July.

As a Braves fan, I’d rather “sacrifice” this year (unless somebody REALLY thinks this team has a legitimate shot at a WS title WITHOUT Smoltz in the rotation leading the way), and gain prospects at the deadline, then let him walk for nothing.

Because while Tex’s “history” shows that he heats up later in the year, (didn’t Andruw’s “history” show that he couldn’t POSSIBLY struggle ALL YEAR like he was last year?), if he has an off year, we might not get any prospects for him at all, just like Andruw.

Not to mention, if he has a down year, would he dare accept arbitration?

If he walks and we win nothing (last year with him & this year), and ANY of the prospects that were dealt for him pan out for the Rangers, JS and Wren will have let us down, IMO.

By Jim

May 7, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

KJ, McCann, and Kotsay have done OK against lefthanded starters this season — not as good as against righthanders, but all three will stand in and give a decent AB. Chipper is not quite as good as he is against righties, but still almost otherworldly. Diaz against lefties has been as good or better than Blanco against righties. The big drains on the lineup against lefties have been Tex and Francouer. Tex has been almost Andruw Jonesian against right-handed pitching (we keep expecting that to change with the weather), and Francouer has contributed as little against lefties as he has against righties. Our lineup will always be better against righthanded pitching, but we need those two to step up to do better against lefites.

By Porter Wagoner Look-Alike

May 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels,

You nailed it again. Bravo, my friend.

By Chix luv the Braves 2

May 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I read that article on SI and there was nothing in there that was earth-shattering or new. The Mets boards have been beggin for Tex since before the season started and you know that Yanks are going to go hard after not getting Santana last year. He is an incredible defensive 1st base guy and I know the “stats” may show otherwise, maybe its just me but outside of the Mets game and maybe one other one does it seem like he ever gets the “big” hit?? You have 18 RBI’s when the 2 guys ahead of you both have over .400 OBP??? (Chipper is close to .500) Seriously,last night when he came up with bases loaded was there anyone who had this feeling that we were about to blow the game open like you would if it were Chipper or Escobar in the same situation?? I know i didnt. it seems like he comes up all the time with someone on base and……nothing. Again, I know the numbers may indicate different but I have not been that impressed consistently with him. I keep hearing he is always a slow starter but does anyone realize he only has 1 more HR than Escobar and tied with Kelly Johnson with 4???? Again, maybe it is just me.

By Shaun

May 7, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Overlord, whoa! You jumped from $15M to $18M to $20M. Where did that come from? Who said he was a $20M player besides maybe Boras? I conceded that $15M would be a lot for him (or pretty much any one player) on the last blog. How did you get up to $20M?

At any rate, it’s not as if Tex is playing that bad. Yes, his batting average is .267 but he’s also posted a .348 on-base and a .442 slugging. But more importantly, by the end of the season (barring a mega-disaster) he’ll be one of the five best first basemen in baseball.

By Jim

May 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Last weekend the Mets’ announcers gave the statistics for McCann in day games after night games that he has started. I believe the batting average was about 230 and the power numbers were also very low. I expect he will be rested tomorrow afternoon.

By DAP

May 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

N8 If…ANY of the prospects that were dealt for him pan out for the Rangers, JS and Wren will have let us down, IMO.

ive edited your post so i can ask you this: what do you consider a player “panning out”? does that mean if any of them make it to the majors, or does it mean if any of them become stars?

By NRBQ

May 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

22-year old kid gives up 1 run with 8 K’s, 1 walk, gets a hit, and we take him out after 6?

This bullpen will be toast by the break.

By ellaguru

May 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Banks, you’re a stitch.

Dave, I think, respectfully, you should reconsider using the word “splendid” in any future blogs—I believe it is the trademark of Mr. Mark Bradley. I fear “splendid” is a gateway word leading to lines like “Chipper’s hitting better than anyone not named Hank Aaron,” which might then lead to your saying something about—the horror—“the choppers and the chanters.” We just can’t have that. I suggest you maybe find your own trademarked descriptive term; maybe something like “Boy, when that Brian McCann runs out a double, from behind his butt looks like two shoats fightin’ in a croaker sack!” or some other Grizzard-inspired observation :)

By Stuart

May 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

It is only appropriate that Satan religated me to the number 2 post on the blog today.

Unless Tex changes agents - ain’t happening, but it is worth hoping for. To be honest, I will take 15-1 right now. I have no hope Tex is coming back, that way I don’t get them up.

I just hope whatever the braves do they sign a big bat to hit behind Chipper so he can keeping getting pitches to hit. If we lose Tex and don’t replace him, Chipper is going to get the Bonds treatment and walk all the time.

By flange1

May 7, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Afternoon all,

Tough news of Soriano! I do not have a good feeling about him coming back this year.

I think this season is going to rest on Boyer, Acosta, Gonzo and Ohman. It is time for Stockman to get the call to the big club.

Another great start from JJJ. This kid really looks good right now.

The rotation will work with the folks we have, we need strong work from Bennett and James to shore up the 4 and 5 spots.

I think a trade is coming for a starter, I think Anthony Reyes is the guy, just hope we don’t have to give up to much to get him.

Hope Huddy can KEEP THE STREAK ALIVE TONIGHT!

By eric the elder

May 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

As much as I would like to share in the optimism over the day when Gonzo and Smoltz make it into the bullpen, it’s awfully hard to do.

Both are damaged goods, and neither will be able to pitch with a clear head. Like buzzards in a tree, injuries will be watching and waiting, and it would be inhuman of our guys not to have that on their minds.

The notion that Gonzo and Smoltz will solidify the pen for the rest of the season is one to be relished - - in bizarro-world.

By Shaun

May 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

He is an incredible defensive 1st base guy and I know the “stats” may show otherwise, maybe its just me but outside of the Mets game and maybe one other one does it seem like he ever gets the “big” hit??

Are you serious?

Teixeira career with RISP - .323/.439/.630

Career with runners on - .294/.396/.572

Career late and close - .277/.371/.538

Career in high leverage situations (per baseballreference.com) - .319/.413/.598

By Stuart

May 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Jim, Tex’s struggles have come from the right side of the plate. His right handed hitting shoes don’t fit right now.

Shaun, if Andruw got 18.1 a year, Tex is going to get 20 easy, especially with the 3 teams that need first base help next year.

Whether or not anyone is worth that kind of money is debatable to say the least, but I think you can point to Tex’s presence in the 4 hole as one of the reasons Chipper is hitting so good. Chipper is getting stuff to hit for the first time since Galaraga was hitting behind him.

The thing about Tex is that it may cost more to replace him that it would be to pay him. I’ll explain:

Since there is NOT an internal replacement to hit in the 4 hole, then you have to go and get someone to hit there. That is going to cost right there. Also, I will be willing to bet body parts that Chipper won’t hit as well without Tex, so with Chipper not hitting .430 and no Tex the braves cannot get away with the lack of power out of the OF they have. You may have to go get someone to play the OF, there is some more money right there.

I just wish Liberty would pay move the payroll to 90-100 mil and pay Tex. If you cannot build a winner on 90-100 mil, you don’t need to be building teams.

By Saltywoody

May 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Every time I hear Tex say “Let’s just get through this year and see how things play out,” I translate that as “CHA-CHING CHA-CHING CHA-CHING, SEE YA ATLANTA!!!!”

Honestly, no way we ever keep this guy. It seems like he does his best to act humble and to overstate his love for Atlanta…but it’s also pretty easy to see through all of that to the fact that he hasn’t negotiated a long term deal, snubbed Texas’ generous long-term offer, and will be with the Mets or the Yankees next year, almost surely. You’ll notice in that article that he says “Yeah, I have family in Atlanta. But I also have family in New York, Baltimore, Toronto, Zimbabwe, etc.” He’s not exactly limiting his options, is he?

For me? Not worth anywhere near $20 a million a year. Not even close. For as good as he is, I don’t consider him to be in the same category as A-Rod or Pujols or Chipper. He doesn’t command that kind of respect from pitchers and he hasn’t proven himself capable of stepping up and carrying a team yet.

So, on that note, I’ll enjoy him hitting behind Chipper, hopefully getting hot and helping carry us to the playoffs, and hopefully ending up as a key piece of a World Series. But, anything past that? Good as gone.

Tex is a rental player and nothing more. And I don’t want someone with that lack of loyalty on my team (unless, of course, he decides 15 million a year is cool because he loves Atlanta so much, then I’m all for it).

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I think Tex is going to get between 20-23 million a year from the Yankees.

By couldawouldashoulda

May 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Another note about that Neil Diamond CD, Matt Sweeney of the 90s band Chavez plays guitar on the record. He’s awesome so that record may be worth checking out after all.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Sign of the times: Braves have a team meeting at 3:45 — with the team doctors.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Don (EllaGuru), you just made me smile.

And good points you made. Duly noted.

Is a gateway word like a gateway drug? Probably.

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Mets are pouring it on Brad Penny right now. 3-0 after 2

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels of Love: Awesome lyrics on the Chip song. That’s a classic post….

kdbanks: Love the Chipper as Brasky post.

By Jim

May 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Stuart, I believe I said Tex and Francouer were not producing enough against lefthanded pitching!! They both have to produce if we are to be less vulnerable to lefthanded starters.

However, Tex’s production — power, hitting with RISP, even productive outs — when batting lefthanded has not been nearly what we (nor Boras) have expected.

By ernesto

May 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

that would be a cool tune to come to the plate to…although I think all you’d get to hear would be the long bag pipe (?) intro, but one of my all-time fave of Earle’s

“Folks, things are obviously in place for the Braves to stretch their winning streak to five games, if they get a decent game from Hudson.” DOB

Thanks for the kiss of death DOB, jeez!

By McFann

May 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Daybed—

With regards to the off-days, duh, how stupid of me! Completely forgot about those annoyances. Heck, I’d say that’s enough rest for a while!

Braves are 4th in the NL in OBP, eh? That’s cool.

It’s also sweet that they have what—the Major’s best home record? Can’t say they aren’t giving their home fans their money’s worth.

But those poor fans that travel the country to watch the Braves…tsk tsk…that road record needs to RISE!

By Saltywoody

May 7, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Sign of the times: Braves have a team meeting at 3:45 — with the team doctors

Seriously? The whole team?

Should we be expecting something to the tune of “The entire team has been placed on the 60 day DL. As a result, the entire AAA roster has been called up to fill in…with the exception of Brayan Pena and Corky Miller, who were already AAA members but mistakenly playing for the major league club?”

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

I can imagine the team orthopedist at the meeting going on now: “Hi folks, I guess most of you know me. But for the few of you who have not been in the MRI tube at my office this season, allow me to introduce myself….”

The team dietician: “Fellas, we’ve got to start eating better, drinking more water, SOMETHING. You’re making me look bad….”

By N8

May 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

DAP

Meaning if any of them have long careers of being productive (at positions that we might not be productive - kind of a stretch with Escobar and McCann in place), or if they could have been traded for somebody else that would have been here for more than a year and a half.

If any of them end up being super-stars, we got screwed.

In years past, when we traded for players, they signed extensions (McGriff), along with actually helping us win, and at worse case scenario, we traded them off for other needs (Neagle traded for Boone, who was traded for Veras and Sanders).

Hell, we traded Andy Marte for Renteria, who was traded for Hernandez and JJJ. So the way I look at it, Andy Marte (even if he ends up out of baseball in a couple of years), will have helped this team for years to come.

Very similar to Doyle Alexander. Do I expect to get a king’s ransom for EVERY guy we trade off? Nope.

But if Wren doesn’t feel like there is a REAL shot (not just a crap-shoot of a chance), at us going deep in the post-season (if we even get there at all), he’d be silly to NOT trade Tex.

Just like the Rangers did last year, when he turned down the 140 million over 8 years.

If I’m Wren, I make him our “max” offer (in other words the max of what we are willing to give him after the season), and if he and Boras decline….move on.

Granted, the only teams that are gonna give up a ton for him are the ones with a real shot at retaining him. So which of those teams might be in the running come July? I dunno…..it’s early.

But if Wren is gonna bank on a Colorado Rockie type streak at the end of the year for us to get to the dance, it will be a big mistake.

What’s he gonna do, scare off Atlanta area fans from coming out to the games? Seems like they don’t need any help with that, from what I’ve seen on TV.

That being said, if they are willing to break the bank for him after the season (which would be a big mistake as well - unless payroll is allowed to go up another 20 million), then they could just wait it out.

After all, there is a LOT of money coming off the books at seasons end.

Add to that, Hudson aint going anywhere, JJJ is gonna be a part of this rotation for a few years. So if Chuck and (or) Jo-Jo show signs of being ready to be the #3 and #4 guys next year, with the time they will see in the upcoming months, we might not even need to spend a ton of money on the rotation next off-season.

Thus we could give tex 20-25 million per (with the 20 million dollar payroll increase, previously mentioned), and not be crippling the organization for years to come. Especially with Chipper and Smoltz not needing 5 year extensions anytime soon.

Sorry to answer your simple question with an epic post.

But the answer was deeper than a one sentence response.

Ultimately, Wren’s job doesn’t just run through the end of this season. JS did a WONDERFUL job of making moves that gave us success and flexibility year after year (be it with a deeper checkbook, but still).

So I want Wren to do what’s right for the team LONG-TERM, not just for right now. I’ll trust, that he’ll do whatever is necessary to do that. He has so far.

By Shamus Thacker

May 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Great job as always DOB.

The JJ trade has saved us. Anybody still have a problem with it? lol

By Cody

May 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

This meeting may have somehing to do with the bug that has been going through the club house since basically Spring training. At least I hope it is. Or they may be reading the last rights the way we have been dropping like flies. DOB did a priest attend with the doctors.

By 18 Wheels of Love

May 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I wonder if this is one of those George Brett-type meetings from the late 70’s where everyone has to get a penicillin shot?

By ncscoots

May 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

There will come a time this season when Chipper’s shoulders are not quite so broad as now, and I’d be willing to bet real American-American dollars that it will be Tex carrying the team through that time.

Folks here can belittle Teixeira as much as they wish, point to his slow start as a fault and a weakness, and ratchet down their perception of his market value…doesn’t matter. At some point this season, and for much of it, he’ll be an offensive beast.

Whether he and Chipper are both en fuego at the same time is mostly irrelevant; either one, on a hot streak, can hoist the team and roll on down the road. And that’s exactly why the Braves traded for the guy.

By Shamus Thacker

May 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Bet that 3:45 meeting is one Hammy’ll attend. Hell, he’s the star of the show.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

May 7, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels of Love:

That was an all-time great post. One of my favorites off the new record, and it made a splendid transition. Maybe they should replace the crap on the TV ads and intros with your little ditty. When will they understand that I already know where the Braves play? Here, I know…

Peterbilt, Peterbilt!

Go Bravos!

By 18 Wheels of Love

May 7, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Bring in Richard Simmons for a little training session.

By Steve-O in NY

May 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

kdbanks

BILL BRASKY!!

By Cody

May 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Liberty media said that the payroll is going to increase. People must be thinking TW still owns the team because if you think James is going to be an effective starter you need to wake up. He will never be any good until he figures out another pitch. Also if Liberty gonna give us money to spend then we need to find better talent. The Braves have more resourses now and don’t have to totatlly rely on the farm due to a budget.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

BOXERS OR BRIEFS — DOB?!?!

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Shamus. You’re right, imagine where Braves would be if they hadn’t done that deal…

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Those of you doubting Tex will get $20 mill per, why? Why do you not believe a guy who’s four years younger than Andruw was entering free agency, and who’s been as steady and productive as just about any hitter in baseball during his five-plus seasons in the majors, and who won consecutive Gold Gloves in his last two full seasons in the AL, would not get a multi-year deal worth $20 mill or more when teams including the Yankees and possibly Mets will be looking for a first baseman? And when he’s represented by the same agent/magician who got Andruw a two-year, $36.2 mill deal after the worst season in Andruw’s career?

By Shamus Thacker

May 7, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Bet these docs won’t have any face recognition problems when Hammy’s wheeled in. Maybe they can check his bad boob again while he’s there.

Hope they bring a sexual identity therapist to see if he can be “re-hung.”

By don

May 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Goodbye, “Big Tex”. You sure were an expensive rental. Go wherever you please. Just don’t come back to Atlanta. The damage from the trade will be felt for many years.

Oh. Take Schuerholz and Wren with you.

By 18 Wheels of Love

May 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Appreciate it…that’s what my company gets for sticking me in this cube! I did another one that got buried at the end of an old blog…I’ll have to go dig it up and repost…it was pretty good too.

But all praise should go to the truckers…whom I will see live for the first time at the Music Farm in a little over a week!

peterbilt!

peterbilt!

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Not to look ahead or anything, but —

With Ledezma starting tomorrow, my guess is the Witness Protection Program will release Corky Miller, but keep his GPS ankle bracelet activated. Heap gets a day off.

Diaz gets a second consecutive start in LF. With Prado injured, however, KJ likely stays in the leadoff spot tonight and Thursday.

I’ll be very happy when Infante’s on the roster …

By Shamus Thacker

May 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Capt. Caveman, if you’re asking DOB what type underwear Hammy dons, they’re called panties.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

… or could Gotay get a start at 2B in one of those games?

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Why is someone with a screen name Caveman asking another man what kind of drawers he wears? You’re embarrassing cavemen everywhere.

By DAP

May 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

N8 no worries on the long post. you definetly answered me. i was just curious what you thought…i really think one of the pitchers would have to become something for it ot be a bad trade…and only if we dont resign tex, which is still in reach….barely.

By 18 Wheels of Love

May 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Repost from the 1-4 losing streak

Levity for the Weekend Series with apologies to The Drive-By Truckers

Bobby Needs a Drink (to the tune of Daddy Needs a Drink)

Bobby needs a drink to deal with all the losses

To deal with all the hurting to keep from getting tossed

Bobby needs a drink to calm down the bosses

To execute his gameplan on moving runners up

Bobby needs a drink to keep players playin’

To compensate for KJ who’s got nothing going on

Bobby needs a drink so Roger fix one quick

Pour it nice and strong with your blue alternative road jersey on

Bobby needs a drink to put Smoltz in the bullpen

To hear through the fans screaming and the no smoking sign turned on

There ain’t nothing in triple A like the roster I wrote out today

Put that blue alternative road jacket on and enjoy a little ball

By Shamus Thacker

May 7, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

YW DOB

If Andruw got 18-per, Tex will get 30.

By Chix luv the Braves 2

May 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Shaun, You must have missed my point with “I know the stats say otherwise” because you immediately posted stats. How about the .258BA, 18RBI’s and 4HR stat? I am speaking of this year. Other than the Mets game, when has he came up with a big hit for us? I actually like Tex and hope that he stays with the braves but $20 mil???? But isnt it ironic though, that this time last year (according the incredibly awesome DOB) Andrew was hitting .235, 29RBI’s, and 5 HR. And we wanted his head on a platter. But we want Tex to get 20 mil? The batting avg. may have been lower (slightly) but he was driving in the runs which is what my whole original post was about. The guys ahead of him are getting on at almost .500 and he is not driving them in. There has to be more production to get that kind of money.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

May 7, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

DOB:

You hit the nail on the head with your 4:05 post. I was asking myself the same question as I was reading that post. It’s like a horrible car accident… I turns my stomach and nearly makes me cry, but I can’t seem to turn away. I keep hoping that the EMT will pull one of the battered victims from the wreckage and miraculously bring him to life… But alas, the medic just stands there, smoking a cigarette, and tells me that “life’s a b***.” Thanks a lot N8, you’ve crushed my soul.

Go Bravos?

By OrlandoFan

May 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels: Don’t know the tune but loved the lyrics

By CharlieAlphaBravo

May 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Hmmm… Perhaps if N(egative Nancy)8 could pose his apocalyptic rantings in the form of a catchy lyric, like 18 Wheels. That might take the edge off…

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Shamus

Hell — Hammy’s been to the doctor so much I figured he just wore his hospital gown under his clothes.

I think DOB might ignoring the question because I forgot to put in the other possibility —- THONG!!

OK DOB — now it’s out there — whatchagonnadowithit !!!

By McFann

May 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

The team dietician: “Fellas, we’ve got to start eating better, drinking more water, SOMETHING. You’re making me look bad….” DOB

That was funny! (The rest of it was, too!)

When will they understand that I already know where the Braves play? Here, I know… CharlieAlphaBravo

I know it, too. Honestly! You know the one that really bothers me? The one for “Wednesday Night Braves” where the guy says, “It’s the ONE NIGHT when your Braves are in ONE PLACE!” Ugh! That one bugs me…

By JimD

May 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

DOB, apparently blogging is the one thing not so easy that even a caveman can do it.

By Paul

May 7, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Dave, Thank you. Please for the love of all that is good and holy, Chipper swap it up man, you have to be tired of that song already.

By Random

May 7, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Reprise (not reprisal) from last blog:

Cody—

First, I think you reckon without (or misunderestimate) Smoltz’s burning desire to add to his postseason numbers/performance. Now that 3k Ks are in the rearview mirror, that is probably the one and only remaining personal stamp he wants to leave on the game.

IF he thought that the Braves actually would make it to the postseason without his services until mid- or late September, I’d bet that he’d be more than willing (insistent, in fact) to reserve himself for the playoffs.

Second, “the close games at the end with the Mets, Phils, D-backs[?] and Cubs[?]”* begin 12 Sep — that certainly fits within KC’s scenario.

Finally — “He has to help the team anyway he can” — agreed. And resting until September may be the best way for him to help the team — again, provided that the Braves can get to the postseason in that scenario.

PS: btw, good stuff from you about Jurrjens — thanks.

By ncscoots

May 7, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

The damage from the [Teixeira] trade will be felt for many years.

Let’s see, Saltalamacchia is hitting about .250 in a handful of ML AB; Andrus (the guy I really hated to see go) is whacking at about .260 down on the farm; Beau Jones is on the minor league DL with a comfortable 5 ERA; and Neftali Feliz is walking about 5 a game (to go along with a K per inning, admittedly).

That sound to you as if half an All-Star team got away?

By McFann

May 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Indeed, Capt. Caveman, Chief is right. I don’t think Fred and Barney (let alone DOB) appreciate this disturbing obsession of yours. QUIT ALREADY!!!

Back to reality…

By FJR

May 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I put this in the last blog, but if you’re a braves fan and you want any shot, you pray for the yankees to make the playoffs. If the Yankees make the playoffs they might just sign one out of CC Sabbathia or Tex. I think they might go for Sabbathia after their young guns have struggled.

If they miss the playoffs, Hank is going to make sure they get both, no matter what it takes. They have 90 million dollars coming off the payroll.

By Porter Wagoner Look-Alike

May 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels, I was trying to go back and find that one (Bobby Needs a Drink) after I saw your most recent masterpiece today.

Pour it nice and strong with your blue alternative road jersey on

That’s solid gold, right there, sir.

By Random

May 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Hey, yerself, McEff — howzya doin’?

Oh, I’ve been here, and I’ve been there. But I’m back in gen pop now, with full privileges once again.

(Subject to constant monitoring, of course, but then again, who isn’t these days?)

Good to be back.

Later, kid.

By Chix luv the Braves 2

May 7, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, i dont think anyone is questioning whether or not Tex would get $20mil its whether the braves should pay $20 mil a year.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

braves 2008 playoff bound

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

braves 2008 playoff bound

By Workinlkeadawg

May 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

I’ll say it again we have made 2 pitcher trades,one was back in the late 80’s: I’m hoping the Jurrgens trade turns out half as good as the Smoltz trade. This teams pitching rotation and BP have changed drastically sense spring. Jairs and Reyes are I think the keys to Atlanta’s rotation this year. Here’s how I see it. Starting Rotation1-Huddy,2-Jurrgens, 3-Glavine, 4-Reyes, 5- Bennet Bullpen- Acosta, Ring, Ohman, Gonzales (pls be soon) and Smoltz as closer. If this rotation and BP can stay healthy we have an excellent chance. If Jurrgens and Reyes can give quality innings along with Huddy and Glavine will take the East. Those are big “ifs”, but can the Braves do it any other way. Pitching looked solid out of Fl. but then the hammer fell. I this years rotation will include both JJ and Jairs, hopefully doing well. Out of the spring it looked like Atlanta’s main concerns were on a couple of position players. Now Atlanta’s season depends on a couple of rookie pitchers.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

May 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Chix:

Tex isn’t driving them in because by the time he gets to bat, Chipper’s already cleared the bases. And by the way, in close and late situations, Tex is hitting .529 in 17 ABs, with 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, and 4 BB. His OPS is 1.619. But you’re right, we should probably go with your gut, rather than the stats…

By BamaBrave

May 7, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

OK…so Tex is gone. What’s next at first? Thorman again? His plate discipline was appalling…

By TJ

May 7, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t mind paying $20 mil a year; just wouldn’t do it for 10 years. 6/$120 is okay. If somebody’s gonna pay Tex to be a star until (almost) age 40, okay. They can have him and we’ll take the draft picks and move on.

By Ramblin Wrecker

May 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Asking a guy what kind of drawers he wears. So easy a caveman could do it.

By geauxbraves2000

May 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I like Tex, but not for $20M per year, seriously handicaps the payroll of a team without the first name of New York or Boston.

Geaux Braves!!

By Jim

May 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Any word yet on why a closed meeting with the Drs. Is this a conditioning lecture that they figured would be better heeded coming from the mouths of the medical staff?

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

OK LADIES AND GENTLEMAN: with no more wasting time here are 20 REASONS BRAVES ARE PLAYOFFS BOUND ‘08

1.With all problems aside #1 in least runs given

2.Braves to half in runs scored

3.Braves continue to outscore opp. the RS vs RA

4.you figure injuries with heal,will gain players

5.braves rebuilding bullpen with smoltz and gonzo.

6.mccann and frenchy raising stars

7.MARK TEIXEIRA

8.CHIPPER JONES ON FIRE, a true leader

9.1 run luck will change,too much offense

10.braves should be able to trade for “servicable” starter.

11.didnt have blanco last year

12.Jurrjens is the real deal

13.have emergency backups: bennett,james,buddy. 2 were starters last year

14.jojo’s new adjustment will help him bring large potential. he will only get better

15.two best switch hitters back to back in lineup.

16.CF i know hard to say before but major improvment..a hitter and can field. AJONES HURT TEAM LAST YEAR.

17.Turner Field:Best home team in MLB!

18.ACE HUDSON know what it takes to be a winner.. go huddy :O)

19.look solid on paper

20.HOMER RUN happy team ——braves 2008 playoff bound——

By DCbrave

May 7, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

18 Wheels Of Love

Loved that lyrics of 2:55. Went back to read it twice with joy. We need more of that here and often. You showed tons of wheels of love to Chip.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

OK LADIES AND GENTLEMAN: with no more wasting time here are 20 REASONS BRAVES ARE PLAYOFFS BOUND ‘08

1.With all problems aside #1 in least runs given

2.Braves toP half in runs scored

3.Braves continue to outscore opp. the RS vs RA

4.you figure injuries with heal,will gain players

5.braves rebuilding bullpen with smoltz and gonzo.

6.mccann and frenchy raising stars

7.MARK TEIXEIRA

8.CHIPPER JONES ON FIRE, a true leader

9.1 run luck will change,too much offense

10.braves should be able to trade for “servicable” starter.

11.didnt have blanco last year

12.Jurrjens is the real deal

13.have emergency backups: bennett,james,buddy. 2 were starters last year

14.jojo’s new adjustment will help him bring large potential. he will only get better

15.two best switch hitters back to back in lineup.

16.CF i know hard to say before but major improvment..a hitter and can field. AJONES HURT TEAM LAST YEAR.

17.Turner Field:Best home team in MLB!

18.ACE HUDSON know what it takes to be a winner.. go huddy :O)

19.look solid on paper

20.HOMER RUN happy team ——braves 2008 playoff bound——

By P-Town Brave

May 7, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

well you got that all wrong . I’ll do that, as did several last night after that post. BravesRule

Funny you say that because I didn’t see hardly any comments…maybe you can find those for me…

Oh, and its hard to agree w/ you considering things called stats and all…

Somehow my logic is that a guy who actually gets on base A LOT is better than a guy who may go 4-5 in a game, but then goes 2-18 the rest of the week and follows that up w/ another week just like it…

I’m not calling for his head, but you guys need to face it…he’s not a good leadoff hitter, nor should he even be one.

We’re you not also the ppl who called for Marcus Giles’ head when he was a leadoff hitter here?

Let’s play a game…who’s numbers are these…and then maybe you can tell me why one over the other should be our leadoff hitter…

.256 .335 .271 .364
.344 .396
.290 .403 .292 .347

Matchup the stats w/ the player and then maybe you have a case for who should bat where…

Note…1 in there is not a current Brave.

By Greg

May 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

You know, guys. Maybe we have to think like the Yankees and Red Sox. Unless we can sign a great pitcher with the money, we need to sign Texeira because we can’t afford to let him go to the Mets. That lineup with Tex would be scary as hell.

By Fanncoeur

May 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

The team dietician: “Fellas, we’ve got to start eating better, drinking more water, SOMETHING. You’re making me look bad….”

It’s been 3 years and McCann still doesn’t know there is a team dietician.

And before McFann acts like a petty chubby chaser in her response, Jeffrey doesn’t know there is a dietician either.

Jeffrey thinks it is a team deity-ician that makes him walk on water.

Maybe McCann would mix a water or two into his diet if Jeffrey would stop walking on the water.

By rammerjammer

May 7, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Daybed,

Great link on your 2:37 post. Thanks.

By I'm Just Sayin'

May 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Yeah Caveman, drop the underwear talk and get back to your real obsession, ragging on Coach. He does Coach little leagers, but sometimes he has to leave in the third inning because his shift in the guardshack starts at 9 and he can’t get fired again.

You know Coach, I’m not really a Coach, I just portray one on a blog.

Blogging is just like washing your hair, cut, paste, repeat.

By Captain Cavefann

May 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Captain Caveman wears a garter belt.

Captain Caveman has been known to wear a girdle a time or two as well.

A very vain fellow this Caveman.

By P-Town Brave

May 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

OK…so Tex is gone. What’s next at first? Thorman again? His plate discipline was appalling…BamaBrave

God I hope not! This is the same Scott Thorman who is currently hitting in the .220 range at Triple-A w/ more K’s than hits.

FWIW, Josh Anderson is still hitting over .300 and has 11 steals in 13 attempts.

Also, while looking at Triple A, 2 other hitters caught my eye…Look like Clint Sammons is finally finding his hitting stick(.329/.396) and Diory Hernandez just has some gaudy numbers (.452/.489)

And who doesn’t love Charlie Morton right now?

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

TEX the coverstory on cnnsi.com—mlb

By Freshmaker

May 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

They should definitely pony up for Tex, in my opinion. It’s not like he is free now anyway. What does he make now - $12M or $14M? Something like that. Hampton comes off the books next year, as would Glavine presumably (unless they resign him). Those two salaries alone would be enough money freed-up for Tex. It would be a shame to let him walk. Hopefully he’d take a “slight” discount to stay - like $24M or so.

By Jim

May 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Scott,

Unless you are bidding to become Francouer’s agent, you cannot claim that he is demonstrating that he is a rising star. He is only a complementary player right now and stagnating. Selectivity improving, but holes in his swing pointed out earlier keep him from being an offensive force. He is not hitting very many balls hard — even many of his hits are bloopers and bleeders. He is jammed too much and does not handle the pitch above the belt like a rising star would. If he were to become a rising star ala D. Wright this year, we would have as good an offense as any team in both leagues. But his progression is looking more like Austin Kearns than David Wright or Mastt Halliday.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

YO MCFANN

You are the last person on this blog who needs to be talking about “OBSESSIONS”.

It’s obvious you want to be “Mrs. McCann” with every post you make, so mind you own McBusiness ……..

By Pete H.

May 7, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

DAP

ive edited your post so i can ask you this: what do you consider a player “panning out”? does that mean if any of them make it to the majors, or does it mean if any of them become stars?

I’ll one further. I’ll assume that all the players we traded are ready for prime time. Would even ONE of them be more than a bench player or middle reliever at this time? The answer is no. We traded guys who were pretty much blocked for something we needed badly. At worst, we’ll get a couple of draft picks for Tex, plus his production for a year and a half. I liked Salty and Elvis a lot, but neither was likely to take away Mac’s or Yunie’s job.

There is almost no chance we can outbid the Mutts and Yanquis for Tex, but that will free money to do other things. Finding a guy who can hit and play first decently won’t be that hard (my favorite alternative is to bring back Max Ramirez, who can rake but ain’t gonna ever be a ML catcher), and the rest of that $12 million can be used to shore up the pitching.

Tex is a terrific guy to have around, but not at $22 or $23 million for eight years. 1B is perhaps the easiest position to fill. Hell, we could get Barry Bonds for a fraction of that and stick him at first.

By The Mighty Hermaphrodite

May 7, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Captain Caveman, if you are looking for a good time, gimme a call.

By don

May 7, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Boy, don’t we all wish we could have the blind devotion of ncscoots to the Braves. He is certainly an optimist rather than a realist.

It took a few years for the Braves to look good in the Alexander-Smoltz trade. The “Big Tex” fiasco will take a few years to prove its point but, have no doubt, it will happen.

And, ncscoots, in the meantime, we continue to wait on “Big Tex” to produce in the clutch. We haven’t seen it yet.

Bye, bye “Big Tex”. You’ll look good in pinstripes.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

im disappointed i didnt have yunel escobar in my top 20…go yunel you rock

By Bobby's Cox

May 7, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Tex will sign with the Yankees next year to play in the new gazillion dollar ballpark. We’ll be lucky if we get an Ian Kennedy for him, but atleast he won’t be in our division.

By P-Town Brave

May 7, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Let me post those BA & OBP again since they kind of ran together:

Let’s play a game…who’s numbers are these…and then maybe you can tell me why one over the other should be our leadoff hitter…
.256 .335
.271 .364
.344 .396
.290 .403
.292 .347

Matchup the stats w/ the player and then maybe you have a case for who should bat where…

Note…1 in there is not a current Brave.

By Fanncoeur

May 7, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

He is not hitting very many balls hard — even many of his hits are bloopers and bleeders.

Frenchy’s on pace for 84 extra base hits. Imagine what he’ll do when he stops blooping and bleeding balls to the wall.

By P-Town Brave

May 7, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Jim

I could not agree more w/ your statement about Francoeur…

He is looking more everyday like a guy who is more suited toward the bottom of the order than the middle of the order, and yes, Austin Kearns popped into my head as well…

By Bobby's Cox

May 7, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

If Tex turned down 140 mil over 8 years (17.5 per year), he’s definately gonna want at least 20 this offseason.

The article someone above posted said that Tex is unique in that he can stick to a script.

Said Tex:

These are things to talk about at the end of the season.I’m not going to make any predictions. I’m enjoying playing in Atlanta … and there’s no doubt this organization is a winning organization. When I become a free agent, Atlanta’s definitely in the mix.

Now that sounds like Boras script. This guy won’t be a brave next year. If we let AJ and Tex go and get nothing for either of them, (but actually gave up an Andrus & other prospects) then that’s a waste, especially if we miss out on October again this year.

By McFann

May 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

YO CAVEMAN

I’m sorry.

But I think *DOB wishes that you’d mind your own business, as well.

By Tushy

May 7, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Tex thinks he is a big city type who likes to have lots to do. Could’ve fooled me. He seems like the most boring personality to ever put on a Braves uniform. Does the guy ever speak? Does he ever smile? Tex has the personality and charm of tree bark. Enjoy him while you can then waive good bye and good riddance at the end of the year.

By chix love the braves 2

May 7, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

CharlieAlpha…. Chipper’s cleared the bases already?? Really? Out of 65 hits, 10 times he has not been on the bases when Tex came up and Yunel has had 44 hits and 3 times he has not been on. And out of that he has 18 RBI’s. That is not my gut, that is factual. Again, why was everyone screaming about Andruw but Tex gets a pass.

By JT

May 7, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any news on Soriano????

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

the attack on the caveman continues…lol

go huddy

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

oh yeah — raggin on Coach

I have been doing some “homework” on our esteemed colleague - Coach Cut&Paste.

Seems that his Little League team is not doing so well and he was recently involved in an argument over playing time with several parents. Here is a transcript:

Coach - “I am the leader of this team and I know what is best. Now first of all - I didn’t pitch little Timmy today b/c he doesn’t match up well with kids on the other team who can actually hit the ball. He also was eating a snow cone today before the game and my research shows that on days that he picks snow cones over ice cream his ERA goes up by 2-3 runs. Now if you cross reference that with the fact that Billy’s dad threatened to kick my butt last weak — I obviously had to go with Billy. Now if any of you provide me with some protection I need an escort to my car b/c I promised Bobby’s mom that I would let her kid play center field but he only had 2 assist last year in T-ball and I wanted to go with a more seasoned 10-yr old for that position b/c Ricky has a better chance of not making me look as stupid as I really am.”

By Hue Jass

May 7, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Jeez with all this talk about underwear and homosexuality, I’m starting to miss the Mets fans….at least they talked about freakin’ baseball.

By Stephen

May 7, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Is it “journalism appropriate” to approach a player on his poor performance?

Check out Francoeur’s numbers, factoring out the big day he had at Washington where he went 3-5 with 2 HRs and 7 RBI:

122 AB 12 2B 1 3B 1 HR 13 RBI .262 BA .290 OBP .401 SLG .691 OPS

Those are just plain ugly numbers…

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Tushy I dont approve your comments.TEX=STAR

By fastasballs

May 7, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Even if the Braves don’t resign Tex they will acquire some draft picks. We didn’t “get” anything for Andruw because he was not offered arbitration. Had he been, he would have accepted it & we’re in deep poo poo this season. Remember when Maddux accepted arbitration & JS had to dump Millwood to Philly?

Andruw would have had to have been traded prior to becoming a 10-5 guy. Looking back that would have been a great move, but who would have thought he could decline to this. By the way he is on the bench again today.

Tex is too good to let go for a few picks, but if the Braves have a very legit chance to go to the post season he isn’t going anywhere.

Thanks to whoever posted about the players traded for Tex. I knew Salty was not doing very well, but was wondering about the others.

I also wonder if the Braves missed their chance to trade Brandon Jones. He’s really fighting it at Richmond right now.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

LMAO Hue Jass

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

LMAO Hue Jass

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

oh ya A Jones benched again today..his only homerrun…..yes chuck james

By Salty

May 7, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Hue Jass Nah, Mets fans talk about the Mets. Talking about baseball and the Mets is an oxymoron! LOL!

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

great point stephen!!! ok francoeur time to shine!

By Mark T.

May 7, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

I think Francoeur should hit 7th. Just like he was his rookie season. He is reminding me AJ, in so many instances. Especially with runners on w/ less than 2 outs. Or in situations where a pitcher is laboring, he always seems to help that guy get out of an inning. Like on Sunday, when we has the bases juiced and no outs, he swings at the 1st pitch(90% of the time anyway or at least that’s how it feels), and gets jammed pops up to short. Can you work the count please?! I just think McCann needs more protection behind him in the 5 slot. Call me crazy but I think you should have Yunel hit 6th, to make McCann see better pitches vs righties and have him or Diaz hit 5th vs lefties, putting whoever is the hotter of the 2 at the moment in the 5 slot.

By Hue Jass

May 7, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

LOL Salty good point. But talking about baseball and homosexuality doesn’t make much sense either. Baseball is about firm open-palm slaps on the behind and showering with other men, not some fruity crap.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))

May 7, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

The Yankees are seventeenth in pitching and tenth in offense when comparing all major league team rankings. I really do believe that they will miss the playoffs. The Bronx Bombers last missed the playoffs in 1993.

When and if that does happen, Teixeira is all but fitted for pinstripes. Hank Steinbrenner will give Scott Boras whatever the hell he wants with little argument.

As far as the Braves starting pitching goes, that 169 innings stat is a bit deceptive. The Braves have played two fewer games than most teams.

The real litmus test is quality starts.

Compared with the Mets (13 quality starts), Phillies (18 quality starts), Marlins (14 quality starts), the Braves currently have 15.

If you were wondering about the Diamond backs, they have 20 quality starts.

But, David O’Brien is right, the Braves bullpen has been torched. It has seen 106.2 innings of work already and is on pace for more than 550 innings. Which would be an all time Braves record.

Um, folks. Thats not good.

Interestingly enough, the Mets starters have 174 innings total and their bullpen has the same identical 106.2 innings that the Braves pen has.

The Phillies have played three more games than both the Braves and Mets. Their rotation has 203 innings and it’s bullpen has 104.

Atlanta plays 34 games in the next 34 days. The Braves need some consistency from the rotation as in five who will stabilize it.

By raindawg722

May 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Boras. Discount.

Boras. Discount.

Boras. Discount.

Nope. Just could not get those two words in the same sentence.

By Robert

May 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Kudos to Frank Wren for two prescient trades: 8/29/07 – Edgar Renteria to Detroit for Jair Jurrjens and minor league center field prospect Gorkys Hernandez. 1/14/08 – Reliever Joey Devine and minor league pitcher Jamie Richmond to Oakland for Mark Kotsay. Oakland will pick up about $5 million of Kotsay’s $7.35 million salary. To date, both look like smart deals for Atlanta.

By Ozzie Guillen

May 7, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Hue Jass doesn’t like my blowup doll.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Heyman and his sources do not see the Braves re-signing Tex. The suitors, in order of likelihood: Yankees, Mets, Orioles, Mariners, Braves, Red Sox, Giants. A battle of the New York powers is a reasonable prediction - both clubs should have first base open and the market for the position is otherwise poor.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Clubhouse meeting was just a semi-annual thing they have with the dietician. Not a special meeting called due to the rash of injuries or anything like that.

Still waiting for word on Soriano. Doctor met with him, then had to go back into surgery. Was supposed to get here sometime around now to meet with Braves officials.

We’ll likely get something around gametime, but maybe earlier, maybe later tonight.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

raindawg722 never is

never is

never is

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

I PREDICT 30M PER WILL BE TALKED ABOUT..TEX=MVP

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Diaz hitting seventh and Kotsay hitting eight tonight. Personally, I wouldn’t bat Kotsay that low anymore, not hitting like he has.

Kotsay has hit .184 (4-for-34) in No. 8 hole, .417 (5-for-12) at No. 2, .444 (4-for-9) at No. 6, .373 (19-for-51) at No. 7

By Salty

May 7, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Dietician, huh? Andruw skipped that meeting last year, apparently! LOL! Go lean, hold the cheese…no bread!

Obviously, though, Bennett took it to heart! I haven’t seen that kind of weight loss in a short time frame since Eric Gregg tried sub-300 for a few weeks…back in the day!

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

CharlieAlphaBravo, sorry about removing that part of my post you referred to. People are probably wondering what you’re referring to now in my 4:05 p.m. post.

What I had said was that it must be difficult getting through the day with such a disposition as the guy in the 3:50 post continually puts on display. I mentioned that his posts just have a soul-sucking force about them that left me feeling empty after I read them. He’s a bowl of sad, to quote Patton Oswalt from Athens, Ga.

By Patrick

May 7, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,

What do you think about putting Escobar at leadoff and Kotsay second with Kelly as streaky as he has been to start the year.

By Salty

May 7, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Hey scott boras…how about 40M, per? There, talked about it, so it shall be? Talk is cheap…probably the only thing that is, where Tex will be concerned! Lol!

Kotsay is really finding his groove…much of his 8-hole was prior…now that he’s locking in, hopefully it won’t matter…and perhaps he’ll get more walks, and good pitches for Diaz. Hey, he was 0-12 versus Young before last night!

By Hue Jass

May 7, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Scott, er, Mr. Boras, I think that 30m a year for Tex is a possibility, but I wouldn’t pay that much for ANY one player even if we had that kind of money to spend. I’m all about resigning Tex, but my ceiling would be 22m. There’s much more we could do with 30m if Tex walks.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

MRI and bone scan negative on Soriano, which, of course, is positive (meaning no tears, no stress fractures, etc).

He’ll resume throwing program with peace of mind, for him and organization. No timetable for return.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the Sori update.

As for resigning Tex, I’m with the folks who don’t want to commit too much of the payroll long-term to one player.

You don’t want the Braves to be in the same shape the Giants were in during the Bonds era (even before he started juicing) or where the Cards are now with Pujols. You have one HOF player, a bunch of guys who are happy to be playing Major League Baseball, and a front office that every year prays for a few miracles.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Sometimes those prayers are answered, mind you, but still …

By StingerSplash

May 7, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Was the doctor telling Soriano, “You’re next” before going back into surgery. Matthalen, agree on the “Unchained” riff. Nothing like the YouTube clip of the 81 show in Oakland with the fire-rimmed gong, either. Maddux used to come to the plate with “Runnin’ With the Devil” when he played for the Braves.

DOB, as much as I love today’s musical choice (a prime choice at that), why not “I Ain’t Ever Satisfied” for youknowho.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Salty, good point about Kotsay at 6:35. Probably won’t matter, hitting eighth. Shouldn’t, at least.

I just like him up in the 2-hole, but to do that you’d have to bat Escobar leadoff. Which I actually like, too.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

CHECK THIS STAT!!

braves tied for 1ST in team batting avg with .287

braves least runs given 118 runs (4th in era)

thats 1st out of 32 teams wow…wow

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

tex will explode later in the season and EVERYONE will call me..28-30m could seal the deal…my job is to get paid (in millions)

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

folks,

is skip carry losing it?? he has slowed down. he just said on radio “the mets pulverised the mets….pause…” then says dodgers!

By ncgary

May 7, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

i agree with n8 on one thing about tex, id make my best offer that i could for the simple fact that he makes chipper a 50 point better hitter, but if tex wouldnt sign with my best offer , id trade him this year , i think 7 year start at 15 million increment it by 2 million each year, trade him after 3 years we average paying him 17 million for 3 years and then unload him on the red sox in 2011 if the mayans happen to be wrong and the world doesnt end in 2012, that equals out to 147 for 7 yr or 21 million a year, and even offer him an 8th year option if need beturning it to 176 over 8 years or 22 million a year either way id unload after 3 before he hits 10/5

if he wont sign that trade him july 31

By Yars

May 7, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Would anyone be surprised if some team offers Tex a contract that averages out to $30 million per season? Hell no. One of those AL teams will give into Boras & his demands. A player making even $20 million per season is ridiculous. I wonder what the highest paid MLB player will be making 20 years from now? Good to see Joe back in the booth.

By Epinephrine

May 7, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Horrible call.

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

is skip carry losing it?? he has slowed down. he just said on radio “the mets pulverised the mets….pause…” then says dodgers!

Are you completely ignorant and don’t know what Skip went through last winter? If you don’t know, then you shouldn’t be blogging here. It’s a miracle that the man can even get behind the mic right now. Your little pansy a@@ would have quit on life and been dead months ago if you went though what he went through. So shut your damn mouth.

By bf54

May 7, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for Neil Diamond comments. I grew up on Dale Hawkins, Buddy Holly and Elvis as a pre-teen, graduated to all the typical mid-teen groups 4 Seasons and Beach Boys (whom, I saw, or at least Mike Love in Cocoa Beach last month facing the ocean and a crowd of 7K - almost died in heaven), and then on to Beatles, the Floyd, U2, REM, and agree that Arcade Fire is much more than a casual listen…

but, I can appreciate Neil Diamond - good music is good music (try:Brooklyn Road as a ‘roots’ piece!) no matter the style or ERA.

(For that matter lister to Fats Domino’s 1949 “The Fat Man”), or 1956’s Marty Robbins’ “Singin’ the Blues” (skip the Guy Mitchell version).

Anyhow, DOB - my thanks to you for this blog, and to all the bloggers who make it my daily read.

I have loved this team since 1954.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

We’ve apparently cursed Huddy and the Braves tonight.

No outs, Cox has been objected, one Padres run in, two on base … oy!

By Epinephrine

May 7, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, if you put Kotsay too aren’t you just begging to put lefty relievers in to Kotsay, Chipper, and Tex? Kind of asking to cripple the heart of our order if you ask me…

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

I don’t like walking Bard there. Giles hits Hudson well.

By albanian braves fan

May 7, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

hudson is balkan? did not know that hudson was balkan. Maybe also albanian? perhaps.

By bf54

May 7, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

I like Frank Wren - a very, very able successor to John Shuerholtz. His astuteness gives me confidence for the long run - even tho’ we - like Moses may have to wander in the dessert for awhile -before the last river to the promised land is forded. Solid baseball guy without a doubt.

By T to the D

May 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Uh Dave… Like Earl and all but replacing “Crazy Train” with anything other than Styx “Mr. Roboto” is just plain communist.

By the Stranger

May 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Not to mention Kelly is ideally suited to hit 8th. And I mean that as a positive - he’s got a little bit of everything. Can’t imagine Hoss would argue hitting behind Esco & Kotsay.

By Stuart

May 7, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Diaz should use ‘CopperHead Road’ when he is batting against LHP.

By Saltywoody

May 7, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

He’ll resume throwing program with peace of mind, for him and organization. No timetable for return.

I wish I could sign a 2 year, $10 million dollar contract with my organization. Then I could just sit around, have doctors look at me once in a while, reassure everyone on a fairly consistent basis that “I’m encouraged by my progress, but can’t rule out some future setbacks,” and generally just do nothing while making a ton of money.

These Hampton and Soriano characters are much smarter than maybe I give them credit for…

By Bowie

May 7, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

**Soriano was damaged goods when we got him and has been ever since. Why did Braves give him 2 year deal knowing he was hurt. Management had to know.

Got to love Jair Jurrjens!

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart , no have no idea what happened. i feel bad

By eric the elder

May 7, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

albanian braves fan, for what it’s worth, I enjoy your posts. Nice comic relief.

You aren’t yet in the same league as “jounalist jimmy smith” (veteran bloggers will remember him), but keep plugging. You have potential.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody,

Sure, blame players when they’re injured for goldbricking. Your. And. Idiot.

By Dream

May 7, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

I’d say don’t overpay for Tex…move Kelly to 1B, and resign Furcal like you previously said Dave. We’d have a damn good infield with Chipper and Yunel and a bunch of money left over to sign a bit of pitching.

By N8

May 7, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

DOB

“What I had said was that it must be difficult getting through the day with such a disposition as the guy in the 3:50 post continually puts on display. I mentioned that his posts just have a soul-sucking force about them that left me feeling empty after I read them. He’s a bowl of sad, to quote Patton Oswalt from Athens, Ga.”*

WOW. Of all the negative posts I’ve spewed onto this blog, my 3:50 wasn’t ANYWHERE close to as “sad” as you make me out to be.

FACT: JS traded for Tex last year, giving up more “prospects” than he has ever given up for ANY player he has acquired since becoming the Braves GM. It didn’t result in a playoff birth.

FACT: The odds of us retaining Tex’s services are far worse than the 15 to 1 odds that Jon Heyman puts us at. If the Yanks, Mets, Red Sox and even the Orioles decide that they WANT him bad enough, the bidding will be out of our league. Period. The man is not gonna sign for less than 25 million per season. Mark it down.

FACT: If we don’t get to the playoffs this year, the “effort” of JS and now Wren to put a good team on the field will be appreciated, yet the Tex deal will have been for nothing.

I realize that Tex was the “best” player available for us last year (allegedly no pitching available to help out), but are you telling me that there wasn’t a JJJ type “young” pitcher out there that a team would have been willing to part with for Salty? If so, then fine. They got what they could get out of those guys (the prospects).

Tex may end up hitting .350 this year and STILL hit 40 HR. But the fact remains, his April numbers haven’t helped matters much.

So essentially you get 5 good months out of the guy, and THAT is gonna cost somebody 20-30 million per year. Yikes, to say the least. I mean, after all it IS common knowledge that he doesn’t do well in April, so buyer beware, right?

With our pitching injuries to start the season, a MONSTER April from Tex could have gone a long way towards giving us a “cushion” until Soriano, Smoltz and Gonzo get back.

But never mind. I’ll just “accept” that Tex doesn’t hit in April. That’s just how it is.

On a (GASP!!!!) positive note, does anybody realize that Kotsay is on pace for ONLY 20 or so less RBI than Andruw gave us last year? At a considerably lower rate.

Oh yeah….that’s right. The Andruw lovers will tell you that he saved a run or so per game with his glove. And to think that all those Dodgers fans that are chanting BRUUUUUUUCE when he strikes out, don’t understand that. That and the fact that Bruce isn’t even his name.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

bowie not damaged goods according to the new MRI . he will rest and come back

By radoncbravesfan

May 7, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

diaz then francouer = rally killers tonight

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

That sucks. 2 DP’s hit into with the bases juiced. This game should be over.

By Tigerman

May 7, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

AAAARRRRGH

WHEN WILL FRENCY LEARN TO TO HIT TO THE GAPS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO PULL THE BALL. LOOKS LIKE HE IS WATCHING TO MANY AJ VIDEOS.

By bf54

May 7, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with Overlord at 2:51 on Tex. He’s not elite, he’s not a 20M guy. I say let ‘m go, like we did AJ -even tho’ his numbers will likely be much better.

By bigchiefrg

May 7, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice Kouzmanoff goin into second with his spikes raised there. Maybe Huddy should buzz the tower. I agree with playing hard and breaking up a double play, but not with spikes up.

By Epinephrine

May 7, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Whatever funk that Tex and Frenchy have fallen into, they need to get out of it stat. You can’t be hitting behind Yunel and Esco, who are setting the table time and time again, and stand them. It is just killer. Tex and Frenchy have passed up so many rbi opportunities it is gross. But worse still, teams are going to start to notice pretty soon. It needs to end.

By Old Coach

May 7, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, Have a heart, everyone’s not as smart or up to date as you are. God bless Skip and Joe.

By Epinephrine

May 7, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Yunel and Chipper that is

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Ahh, another side order of sadness from Glum of Gulliver’s Travels. “We’ll never make it. We’re doomed.”

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Why did Braves give him 2 year deal knowing he was hurt. Management had to know.Bowie

Yes, they had to know. That’s why they gave him a two-year deal, because it would make for obvious second-guessing that would take away from questions about the Teixeira trade and the seemingly slim chances of resigning Tex.

You’ve got it, Bowie. Can’t get anything past you.

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry boras man. Reminds me of when I was in high school and some kid showed up with a shaved head one day and I yelled out in a joking manner “Damn. What did you do to your head?” Turns out the kid had leukemia, was going through chemo and died 6 months later. That comment haunts me to this day. Wish it would have stopped me from being a loudmouthed jerk…. but it hasn’t.

Anyways, here was the story Carroll did on Skip:

Braves fans already have plenty to adjust to this season with the changes in television coverage. They’ll also have to get used to a lot less of Skip Caray on the radio.

The play-by-play voice of the Braves for the last 32 years will only be broadcasting only home radio games for the Braves for the foreseeable future because of health concerns.

“Hopefully as the year goes on, I may do some traveling but it’s too early to tell,” Caray said prior to Monday’s home-opener against the Pirates, as he was filling out his lineup card in the Braves radio booth.

Caray, whose TV duties were reduced in recent years, did not travel to Washington DC for the season-opener on Sunday night.

“I’ve got diabetes, I’ve got congestive heart failure, I’ve got an irregular heartbeat — which is called arrhythmia — and I’ve got, at times, reduced kidney and liver function,” said Caray, whose doctors need to keep a close eye on him to monitor his medicines.

Caray, 68, missed several weeks of games last September because of a health scare, and then had an even bigger scare after the season.

“I almost died in October,” Caray said. “I was in intensive care for three weeks. I don’t remember any of it. I woke up one day and all my kids were there and my wife, and my cardiologist. I woke up and said ‘Where the hell am I and what are y’all doing here?’ I had no idea.”

Needless to say, he feels fortunate to be doing any games at all this season.

“My wife told me she went in there one day and they were wheeling me off to the side in ICU and she said, ‘Great, is he getting a room?’” Caray said. “And they said, ‘No, ma’am, we’ve done all we can do for him. Make sure that his next of kin is close.’ So it was that close.

“And I do remember somewhere in there — I don’t know when — but I woke up one time and I remember thinking, without any fear, ‘So this is what dying is like. This isn’t so bad.’ And the next thing I remember, the doctor and my family are looking at me. I just woke up.”

Caray said a combination of problems put him back in the hospital.

“One of the doctors put me on a medication to help my kidneys and it threw something else out of whack, and my liver failed,” Caray said. “I don’t understand it all. I hate to talk about it because I’m afraid I’ll give bad information.”

Caray said calling baseball games again gave him something to shoot for all winter.

“I love the game,” Caray said. “The games are great. And I love the people, seeing [my friends]. And the laughs we have with my partners. I’m not going to miss the traveling much. I would do it if I were physically able because it’s part of the job.”

His biggest problem lately, Caray said, is a lack of sleep. He’s only been sleeping a couple hours a night, he said. Despite his fatigue, that familiar sense of humor still comes through.

“They’re trying to put me back on sleeping medication which I’ve been off of since October,” Caray said. “I haven’t slept since October either.”

By Allen

May 7, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

DOB Has Chipper mentioned the blog any since the season started?

By uga-brave

May 7, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

diaz and francoeur not driving in runs wirh the bases loaded and less then two outs. production from our corner oufielders is lacking.

By josh

May 7, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

What doesn’t kill, makes you stronger. That’s my theory of why all of this mess today will make the team better come October.

By Bowie

May 7, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

S. Boras hope you’re right but it may be in his head, are something mri can’t pick up. Thanks .

By McFann

May 7, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Hey! Been out Mother’s Day shopping!

This is delayed, but:

The elevator rises!! .189!!

By albanian braves fan

May 7, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

is not familiar with “jounalist jimmy smith”. instead is hoping to be one day in same league with sejfulla myftari. or luan bexheti. maybe so.

By bigchiefrg

May 7, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the post Braveheart…I have always been curious but been too proud to ask because I could have sworn ive read every braves article here and mlb.com for the last 10 years. Just started posting here this year though Ive been reading for a lot longer. Im a huge N8 fan though

By McFann

May 7, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Fanncoeur—

Francoeur has now grounded into more DP with the bases loaded then McCann has.

Only sayin’ this because you brought it onto yourself. Wouldn’t have pointed out otherwise.

Next time you see Francoeur (or anybody for that matter) walk on water, let me know.

By Interested Observer

May 7, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

With Peter Moylan headed for TJ surgery, one important question needs to be asked: How badly will the resulting scar mess up his tatoos?

By albanian braves fan

May 7, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

kouzmanoff is scoring all runs for padres! kouzmanoff is sometimes macedonian name. macedonia is neighbor to albania. like south carolina to georgia. example of.

By bigchiefrg

May 7, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

AJ and edmunds sure have very similar numbers before that hit in the 6th 170 170 1 1 4 6

By Saltywoody

May 7, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies

I guess saracasm doesn’t come through in posts…so if it seemed like I was accusing Soriano of goldbricking (which I was, a little, but not wholeheatedly), I apologize…I was just remarking publicly that it’s pretty sad/cool/whathaveyou that major league players can make such an ungodly sum of money while “rehabbing.” And I was also venting some frustration at the fact that our closer, who we just gave a 10 million dollar deal to and put all of our faith in, has pitched approximately 3 innings this year. I don’t think that’s an unreasonable gripe. I’ll point out, also, that I said nothing about him being damaged goods or releasing him or anything else.

You know what does come through in posts, though? The fact that someone is overusing a joke. Like, say, if I were to tell you “Your.And.Idiot.”

By N8 (IE: Life sux & so do the Braves)

May 7, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Ahh. Good to see the AJC pollster is at it again with the “How many HR’s will Chipper hit” question.

To that question, I’ll ask my own….

What if my answer I would like to give is 27?

By StingerSplash

May 7, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Time for Tex and Frenchy to start picking up the slack.

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

4 Double Plays……

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Not a banner night for Glum or for Francoeur — two GIDPs in his first three plate appearances. Brutal.

That’s FOUR double plays the Bravos have grounded into in six innings. Tough to do.

By McFann

May 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Huh……Poor Chipper.

By radoncbravesfan

May 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

add another hit into double play for frenchy following a quick tex fly out. I think chipper is getting tired of being left on base

By N8

May 7, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Go ahead homers.

Give me some spin doctoring on the 4 DP’s the Braves have hit into tonight.

I stand corrected. I have nothing to be concerned about as a fan.

On a side note, after seeing Chipper NOT hit any HR’s tonight, I’d like to amend my vote. I now think he’ll only hit 23.

DAMN! I still can’t answer the poll.

By Slider29

May 7, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Hoss has officially reached a plasma state.

By varoadrunner

May 7, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Will someone please kick Frenchy in the a*. second outside pitch tonight that he has tried to pull into a double play. Kick his a* and tell him RIGHT CENTER

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

We can always trade for Kyle Davies. He has a 2.61 ERA in AAA. LOL

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

hope we win a 1 run game today!

By Hue Jass

May 7, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Interested Observer, I think a better question is how will those tatoos look when he’s 70?

By Tigerman

May 7, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Ditto on my 8:12

Damn that is really a poor approach. Come on TP got to get him straightened out

By Mark in PA

May 7, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Heap was loafing. Could’ve have triple #2 there!

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Braveheart- Where ya been? Listening to Mike and Dog too much lately???

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash

“Time for Tex and Frenchy to start picking up the slack.”

Don’t buy tickets to ride on the Titanic, I think it might sink.

By Bowie

May 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

DOB- Sorry, I’m not as smart as you are. Like your Tex spin to it. Soriano has been known to… never mind you know anyway and its your blog. Keep singing!

By Efrim

May 7, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Bases juiced. Lets put a couple on the board. Finish this one off.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Well, here’s the “ugly stick” (Coach term) with the bases loaded and none out, tie game in the seventh….

By the way, Braves are 0-12 in games they were tied or trailed after six innings. Tonight tied after six….

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

varoadrunner

“Will someone please kick Frenchy in the a. second outside pitch tonight that he has tried to pull into a double play.”*

Well, hell! From my angle, he’s 2 for 2 then. But why on earth would he be trying to pull a ball into a double play?

By Kev

May 7, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

See….Its cristal clear that the one thats helping this team is McCann…Big time 2B and Francoeur….2 Rally killing Double plays…Give me a break…nothing to Frenchy but McCann its a better all around hitter.

By murphy

May 7, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

We have to get some of these guys past 3rd base!

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Will someone please kick Frenchy in the a.*

McFann has been kicking Frenchy in the buttocks since Thanksgiving if you haven’t noticed

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Somewhere Coach is smiling.

By radoncbravesfan

May 7, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

I’m liking the Greg Norton pickup. Nice hit up the middle.

By MurphyRules

May 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Good LORD! Is there ANYONE on this team that can score from second on a hit to the outfield?

By Stuart

May 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Welcome to Atlanta Mr. Norton

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

OK DOB — A SERIOUS QUESTION

With Norton added as another switch-hitter, the Braves can almost field an entire infield of sw-httrs.

Has any ML team ever had an all switch hitting infield??

C’mon - ya could at least answer this one.

GREAT hit by Norton just now.

By Mark in PA

May 7, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

I think N8 found a raisin in his bowl of sad. LOL!

By MurphyRules

May 7, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

OK, Kotsay can!

By bigchiefrg

May 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Uh oh…I think Chipper may be slumping

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Yunel’s family must be in the stands again tonight. He’s really pumped up. Even after the ump scolded him for throwing his bat last time up, he does it again.

There is no doubt that the kid can play, and play well.

But he’s gonna get drilled by somebody pretty soon.

Oooops. Was that a negative comment after something good? Sorry.

But come July when Yunel is on the DL with a concussion after getting pelted in the helmet by a 98 mph fastball, y’all will be asking why?

I’m telling you why….in advance.

Anyhow, that was a VERY nice job by the lower portion of the order, picking up the slack for the 4 DP’s earlier in the game.

By radoncbravesfan

May 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

At least Tex can crush his bat with the ball

By Mark in PA

May 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Along with the strong defense and bat, Mark Kotsay can move on down the basepath! I don’t think Andruw scores from second on that hit (assuming he would have been on base). I know, steals are the only indicator of team speed, but…

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

That’ll work. Coach, a tip of the glass, or cap. RBI single for Norton for a 3-2 lead.

And Kelly adds a sac fly… And an RBI single by Yunel …

Dare I say, the Braves are going to win a game they didn’t lead after six innings.

By varoadrunner

May 7, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

DOB

Will you please tell Boog that we don’t want to hear about Willy Tarveras getting thrown out in some game yesterday in the middle of the Braves’ most exciting inning.

PLEASE

By McFann

May 7, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Kev—

Thanks you!

Braveheart—

Very funny at 9:05…

Boy, I sure do like Kotsay!! (And Norton, too!)

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

“Mark in PA*

“I think N8 found a raisin in his bowl of sad. LOL!”

Actually that was the brain of the person who comes up with the poll questions. It was dried up and a little shriveled.

By bigchiefrg

May 7, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Watch out guys…I think Boyer may be finding his stride…Now if we could only have the same happen for Acosta

Call me crazy, but I would actually feel best if they trot jeff bennett out there to close

By radoncbravesfan

May 7, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Frenchy needs a day off

By BT

May 7, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

I am not sure that the “albanian braves fan” is not the famous Journalist Jimmy in disguise.

I really think Frenchy needs to sit a game or so and watch. What a talent but he has much to learn and some great teachers around him. Heck with the streak!

By Fantastic Four

May 7, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Chipper is The Human Torch:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=g4vJ_f4Pqtc

Tex is The Thing.

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

“Dare I say, the Braves are going to win a game they didn’t lead after six innings”

That comment will probably ensure that it doesn’t happen.

Thanks.

By Cody

May 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Francour needs a couple of days off he is the worst hitter on the team right now……

By bigchiefrg

May 7, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Nice Glum…

varoadrunner, I agree some bad timing on Boog’s part but man, those were some really unbelievable throws by Ankiel and last time I checked Taveras is pretty fast. Oh and Ankiel went 2 for 5 with a dong to boot….

my 2nd pick behind bennett would have been ohman. Short of the dong last night, you have to admit that was a gr8 pick up by the birdman upstairs as well.

By Tomas

May 7, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Way to go Greg Norton.

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Will Ohman…er….closer?

Hurry back Smoltz…..PLEASE.

By StingerSplash

May 7, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Should we be reading anything into the sudden out of love for Acosta? Hooked after two hitters last night, Ohman called on in the ninth tonight.

By murphy

May 7, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Geez this match-up crap again??

By TJ

May 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah, couldn’t let Ohman face the always-dangerous Felix Crabbe in a 3 run game.

By StingerSplash

May 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Whoops, spoke too soon on Acosta. My bad!

By murphy

May 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Geez this match-up crap again??

By KC

May 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

The quote of the night comes from Skip Caray…

As McDowell was on his way to the mound to pull Ohman out, Skip -never one to shy away from a smartas* comment (something I really love about the guy) - said the following:

“We’ve got to use 5 pitchers a night. It’s like a rule.”

By radoncbravesfan

May 7, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Nice win again by the patchwork Braves, an awsome machine when we find all the parts.

By McFann

May 7, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Waytago, Braves!!

6-0. perhaps????

hey Murphy, gotta admit, it worked.

By StingerSplash

May 7, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Must be something about Clemson. Frenchy (a Clemson signee) — not so good with ducks on the pond lately. And Khalil Greene ended about seven of the nine innings tonight at the plate, or so it seemed. Hard to do in four at-bats, but if anybody (not named David Wright or Bill Brasky) could, he could.

By Glum

May 7, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Does Joe NOT have access to actual stats or the internet?

He just stated that the Braves are 13-4 at home….where they didn’t have a lot of success last year….then saying they were better on the road.

2007 home record: 44-37

2007 road record: 40-41

uh….ok.

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

BRAVES WIN! MAGIC NUMBER IS 132!

By Cody

May 7, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

We need a closer, this bullpen by comitee $hit may work now, but in summer we are screwed. I can’t wait until Smoltz & Gonzalas returns.

By Latvian Lover

May 7, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

I like Johnny Cash and music and baseball and Elvis and girls too and I want to blog and be a braves fan and root root too. How you say go bravoes? win win bravoes.

Me and Johnny Cash were good buddies too

By Saltywoody

May 7, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

bigchiefrg

Lotta dongs in your 9:28 post.

By albanian braves fan

May 7, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

hah. is brave victory 53! now is for cold birra stella and some spinach pie. mirëmbrëma!

By Cody

May 7, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Bobby needs his arse whipped!!!!!!!! use one F** pitcher in a three run game. My gosh it is May not August. The Braves have played the last two nights like there is no tomorrow. When was the last time we were two over .500 anyway.

By Cody

May 7, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

never mind we were two games over last year after the all-star break but damn this team will need a fresh seven in the pen by July 31st. We are using pitchers like SOS pads. Every damn wash.

By bravesfan

May 7, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, was that Mike Woodson sitting behing homeplate?

By Jackie

May 7, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bACTgCNgL7Y&feature=related

By MurphyRules

May 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who knows the save rules? Acosta DOES NOT earn a save tonight.

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

cody bobby was ejected. never 2 games over

By BT

May 7, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Glum

Joe is probably on pain pills. Good that he was able to remember the teams.

Cody, we won get over it.

By Cody

May 7, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

I am 12 into a case of Bud. This game drove me ape $*&#.

By Slider29

May 7, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Don’t you love how Jerome just subtly called out Brian Jordan for saying “p!$$@d off” on live TV…”let’s see if you learned anything tonight.”

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

OK - this is a cutandpaste answer to my earlier question.

Question My favorite bartender claims that the starting infield for the L.A. dodgers in the early sixties consisted of Junior Gilliam at third, Maury Wills at short, Jim Lefevre at second, and Wes Parker at first and that all four of these players were switch-hitters. Is he correct? Was there an all switch-hitting infield in the early sixties. How close is he to being dead center? Thanks.

Answer Pretty close. It 1965, to be exact. That’s when Parker joined Lefebvre, Wills and Gilliam as part of the only all switch-hitting infield in MLB history.

In 1966, Gilliam played only part time, and then retired. The all switch-hitting infield only lasted about a season and a half.

Interestingly, those four guys were the ONLY switch-hitters playing for the Dodgers at that time.

By KC

May 7, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Cody: I can’t entirely fault BC (or in this case, Roger McDowell) for using several pitchers. It’s the byproduct of losing your 2 best relievers to injury.

Acosta has not established himself as a lockdown closer yet… so they’ve got to go with the matchups late.

I think they’re also trying to do whatever they can to get by for now, knowing that help is on the way, as Gonzalez, Smoltz, and (hopefully) Soriano are due to join the pen within a month’s time.

Can’t really blame them for doing whatever it takes to win ballgames right now. They should have the pieces they need to dial back their use of Boyer, Acosta, and Ohman this time next month.

By Jackie

May 7, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Try again.

How about that Norton?

By fletch f fletch

May 7, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

I loved Brian Jordan as a player, but does anyone else agree that he is PAINFUL to watch on tv…absolutely horrible! Go Braves!

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Infante recalled from Richmond, will be here for Thursday’s game. Pena going on DL with mid-back strain, though that part won’t be official until tomorrow.

By TNRON

May 7, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

By MurphyRules

May 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who knows the save rules? Acosta DOES NOT earn a save tonight. Evidently YOU dont know the rules.He came in with a 3 run or less lead,as the official rulebook says makes him eligible for the save.The official boxscore records Acosta the save.

By Mac

May 7, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

This is not you guys’ fault, it’s a wire story, but from the recap:

“Manny Acosta recorded the final two outs for his third save.”

This is not a save. It’s only a save situation when the pitcher:

1. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning
2. He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat or on deck
3. He pitches for at least three innings

By ncscoots

May 7, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Somebody call Lew and let him know a blogger tonight called me “an optimist not a realist” filled with “blind devotion”, LOL. THAT ought to get me some points with the Mad Artist! :-)

Get ready for it, Coach is going to be IM-possible to live with now. Braves not only GET Norton, but he delivers his second appearance? HAVE mercy. :-)

And, just to be persnickety, Frenchy never made a class at Clemson. Can’t put those DPs on us, baby. Khalil, OK…

By JimD

May 7, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Katie Temple just said Infante would be activated tomorrow and the corresponding roster move would be announced tomorrow.

By Mark in PA

May 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Cody, I warned Caveman last night about posting to the blog drunk. He ignored me, and continued his inquiry of underpants, for some reason. Scroll up and see how that went for him.

Just be careful, man. You can’t unpost here too easily (although you can change your handle, Caveman. I’m still embarrassed for you!)

By Church Lady

May 7, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Pena going on DL with mid-back strain

How conveeenient.

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Infante recalled from Richmond, will be here for Thursday’s game. Pena going on DL with mid-back strain, though that part won’t be official until tomorrow.

I thought you were going to say that Pena won’t be told he has a mid-back strain until tomorrow.

By bf54

May 7, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

By David O’Brien May 7, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this Why did Braves give him 2 year deal knowing he was hurt. Management had to know.Bowie

Yes, they had to know. That’s why they gave him a two-year deal, because it would make for obvious second-guessing that would take away from questions about the Teixeira trade and the seemingly slim chances of resigning Tex.

You’ve got it, Bowie. Can’t get anything past you.

Dave, I haven’t the vagueist idea of what you were saying. Any chance you’ll enlighten this thick skin? I mean it - I missed you’re point entirely.

By Mac

May 7, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

TNRON:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/1999/0908/46403.html

He has to enter the game with a lead of no more than three runs and throw at least one complete inning. Otherwise, the tying run must be on base, at bat, or on deck. This was not a save, whatever the official box score says, and it will eventually be changed.

By JimD

May 7, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Sorry, TNRON, but MurphyRules and Mac are correct - a save should not have been awarded. When Acosta entered the game, yes, there was only a 3 run lead, but he didn’t pitch an entire inning. That part of the rule reads:

*4. He satisfies one of the following conditions:

1. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning*

If a pitcher pitches less than a full inning then the following criterion has to be met to earn the save:

*4. He satisfies one of the following conditions:

1. He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat or on deck*

Such was not the case, so Acosta should not have been awarded a save. It will undoubtedly be reviewed and reversed.

DOB, was Schiavone the official scorer again tonight?

By PrincetonBrave

May 7, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

I think Skip made a great point on the Peachtree broadcast the other day concerning games-played streaks - they are cute and neat to talk about, but usually that sort of thing ends up hurting the team. Players need a day off from time to time, especially if they are struggling.

Time for Frenchy to get a day off. Put Blanco in there, he’s got the wheels to at least get only one out on that ground ball to short with the bases juiced.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Saltywoody,

My bad for not getting the sarcasm. (Of course I did use the cliche on purpose …)

IMO, the people who should be furious about Hampton are Rox fans; after all Colorado had to eat most of his salary (and they’ll be stuck with Todd Helton’s contract ‘til 2011, too, years after he’s become nothing more than a solid #2 hitter with little power making $16 mm a year).

Nice win tonight. Good to see No-ah-ton get the pinch hit and Acosta pick up the save.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Omar went 2 for 4 tonight with 3 RBI for Richmond, He has been swinging a pretty good bat.

I guess Bryan must have put his uniform on crooked or something. Hey… it happens…. :-)

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

OK, not a save. Still good to see Acosta finish the game.

In other news, Paul Bako has four home runs. Time to get the cup and and pee, Paul …

By uga-brave

May 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

another good win for the home team.

no point in me being critical of frnacoeur, he is now doing it to himself. the dude needs a day off.

unlike some players that dont know their stats, frenchy is very self aware. he is a fan of the game.

it is gonna be really hard for him to reach the next level with his current mechanics. he has absolutely no power the other way.

the braves rushed him to the show, and while the short term results were great it might not have been the best move.

kotsay sure does look good though.

By uga-brave

May 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

another good win for the home team.

no point in me being critical of frnacoeur, he is now doing it to himself. the dude needs a day off.

unlike some players that dont know their stats, frenchy is very self aware. he is a fan of the game.

it is gonna be really hard for him to reach the next level with his current mechanics. he has absolutely no power the other way.

the braves rushed him to the show, and while the short term results were great it might not have been the best move.

kotsay sure does look good though.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 7, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Good win for los Bravos! Hudson pitched well and got his game back together after giving up the balk and getting out of that second inning.

Not to dwell on the negative, but once again Francoeur doesn’t produce with men on base. Two GIDPs, the first with the bases loaded and an inning-ending DP; the second one a bit less significant, but still there nonetheless. As I said toward the bottom of the last blog, Frenchy hasn’t been hitting with men on base at all lately. He’s got to get a different approach going.

By 22oz

May 7, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

I can see this going on behind the scenes with Brayan Pena:

Brayan Pena goes to sit at his locker, gets out his laptop. He receives an email: “I have an offer for you, after the game tonight, you will complain of pain in your middle back. You will be put on the DL. In 5 days, an man with a white suit and a white hat will pick you up in a limo, and take you to a team where you will be a catcher, who actually gets to catch.”

By Steve

May 7, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Andrew who??? That Kotsay has been a baller!

By THB

May 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I tell ya, with everything that has happened, them Braves are winning. They’re streaky, but right now they’re really on top of their game right now. Soriano should come back, as should Gonzo. If they come back, it at least adds a lot of confidence.

It sounds like Tex is leaving, and I think it would be smart to not overpay him and get the draft picks. Here are my top picks for replacement 1Bs (And I’m not expecting Pujols):

1. Adrian Gonzalez - He’s solid all around, he’ll hit at least .280 with 25+ HR and close to 100 RBI. And he’s only 26 years old. They coule trade him if they start to rebuild, you never know.

2. Carlos Pena - He’d be tough to get since the Rays are winning and he’s young. Starting off slow though, but he hit 40+ HR last year and hit above .280.

3. Mike Jacobs - He’s an above average hitter, last year hit mid .260’s with 17 HR in just over 100 games, but this year he has 9 HR’s with 24 RBI an .271. He might be a realistic option since the Marlins wouldnt mind getting a couple good prospects. He’s turning just 28 this year.

By TNRON

May 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected.I apologize if I offended anyone.

By Northern Redneck

May 7, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Everyone has been talking about how we have no power production from the corner outfield positions..and there has also been talk of how to replace tex in the lineup, because folks you might as well realize it now that there is ZERO chance he is coming back, unless payroll increases by AT LEAST 10% which won’t happen…. simple solution

ADAM DUNN… free agent after this year… will hit 40 home runs, will strike out a lot, but a lot better than putting mac or fruity, i mean frenchy in the 4 hole.

This is probably the best option to this point, unless we make a trade for someone like beltre or adrian gonzeles which would be PERFECT

I also think that about 90% of this blog has had enough with your talk about AJ… the guy did nothing but play the some of the best centerfield in the history of baseball, and produce great numbers… all over about a decade span, he left on good terms and his former teammates still love him, so just shut up already and be happy that kotsay has turned out to be such a great acquisition. How many different people are gonna say

where are all the AJ supporters now? blah blah blah -we know he sucks now but don’t bash the guy, we should all want him to do great in L.A. unless hes playing us

By Braveheart

May 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Brayan Pena goes to sit at his locker, gets out his laptop. He receives an email: “I have an offer for you, after the game tonight, you will complain of pain in your middle back. You will be put on the DL. In 5 days, an man with a white suit and a white hat will pick you up in a limo, and take you to a team where you will be a catcher, who actually gets to catch.”

Pena will be happy until he finds out he has been traded back to the Cuban national team.

By Dracula

May 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Sorry that I have not been able to blog sooner. I had carpathian tunnel syndrome. Blah!

By Pete H.

May 7, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

hah. is brave victory 53! now is for cold birra stella and some spinach pie. mirëmbrëma!

Pass us one of those, and welcome.

By AGTFan

May 7, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Daybed Wagmoe Thanks for the link earlier today. The story put things in perspective.

Gotta love “Negative 8” (N8) and all the complainers. Braves get a win and he’s whining about too many double plays. If they hadn’t hit into all those double plays, he’d be complaining about only scoring runs when they have a big lead and don’t need them. I heard a rumor that on those occasions that N8 has multiple orgasms in an evening, he starts complaining about only having orgasms when he really doesn’t need them.

I won’t get into defending Frenchy. He’s struggling a little right now, but do all of you guys really want to keep encouraging McFann? Encouraging 12 year old girls with massive crushes on a player seems reckless to me.

And McFann. Just a hint. Constantly bashing a dude’s bud is not the best way to win his heart.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

bf54: it was pure sarcasm. in other words, i was saying it was silly to suggest the Braves management “had to know” that Soriano was hurt, then give him a two-year deal anyway.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 7, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Mark in PA

Why would I change my name??

I’m the same guy who had half the blog believing the Barry Bonds had signed a contract with the Bravos.

I was merely pointing out the fact that DOB seems to focus on certain bloggers to respond to. He only seems to respond to the really ludicrous statements. So I came up with the most ludicrous I could think of. Sometimes I do things just to amuse myself.

At least I didn’t say anything with profanity or in a classless way. (well, maybe)

I could post like a few others here with a non-stop slew of doom&gloom and “supposed” expertise but we already have those idiots. I choose to provide a little relief every now and then from the constant barrage to remind everyone that (to quote Bill Hicks):

It’s just a ride - folks!!

And if DOB chooses to answer then Hey - Bonus !!

By Sir Stealth

May 7, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

22oz. that’s gotta be up there for post of the year.

By Shamus Thacker

May 7, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Everybody was bawling their eyes out yesterday. Norton this, Norton that; I even thought about enquiring as to why they didn’t up Ralph Cramden too, but fortunately I thought better of it! I was wringing hands bout Norty yesterday; sure glad we had him tonight!

WTG BRAVOS!!!!!!!!!

By scott boras

May 7, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

22oz..i kinda agree with you.

By dgd

May 7, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Good game tonight. I have said since spring training that Escobar and Kotsay should be 1-2 with KJ batting FIFTH. His power and patience would be a boost in that spot. He is way more selective than Francouer and won’t clog the bases like McCan. Let Frenchy and McCann bat sixth and seventh or flip flop them depending on lefty/righty starter. I like Frenchy and McCann but don’t think either works well as middle of the order hitters. I’ve been watching a few Red Sox games lately, and they’re worth watching just to see how well Jason Varitek runs a game: probably better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Maybe someday McCann will be in his league (personally I doubt it though). I still think the all-time biggest fleece trade was Varitek and Derek Lowe for Heathcliff Slocumb………

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Caveman: String bikini.

By uga-brave

May 7, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

N8,

they are riding you harder then the golden boy. chin up n8.

for all those riding tex this is his M.O. he is a slow starter, however my office is right next to the atlanta sports and tissue massage center and tex is a regular there during homestands. i would not read too much into it. all the falcons and several other braves are regulars there.

bobby never gets credit for the little things. he keeps huddy in the game by getting tossed and he managed the bench and the pen great tonight.

funny how when players do their job, bobby never gets any credit. all a manger can do is put players in a position to succeed the rest is up to them.

props to the offense for making wolf work early tonight, even though the DP’s were killers the pitch count mounted.

i wonder if bobby is even considering sitting frenchy for a game. my gut says no, unless it gets worse and it really aint that bad.

the reality of it is this might be the type of numbers you can expect from him, and it wont be because of a lack of effort. you can only do so much with those swing mechanics.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

JimD: no, tonight the official scorer was Jack Wilkinson, esteemed former AJC sports writer.

By faninFaytown

May 8, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Perhaps a minor pet peeve? I don’t know but you would think that the people who think they have enough braves/baseball sense to come on here and rant and rave and talk about how bad “andrew” is doing… could at least spell his name right? It’s not like he was a brave for a few years or anything.

By StingerSplash

May 8, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Good to see Wilkinson is putting his free time (and golden parachute, no?) to good use. One of the best ever to tickle the keyboards ever at the AJC.

By Epinephrine

May 8, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

DOB I know you have nothing to do with the polls…

But “With Tom Glavine ailing”? Seriously? Either the ajc poll writer is the first person to break this story, or what in the world is he talking about?

By Barney

May 8, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

SING ALONG EVERYBODY!

I love you. You love me. We’re a happy family, with a great big hug, and a kiss from me to you. Won’t you say you love me too?

HOOORAAAY!

By nolie

May 8, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Wren’s response was basically that if you pitch a reliever 1 inning, you’ll likely have him available for the next game; but if he goes 2, you lose his availability.BrentA

exactly right for the most part. i can never understand all the folks who complain about the one inning gigs. It allows for much more flexibility in the long run than using a guy for a longer stint

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 8, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

Thanks DOB

I forgot about the buttfloss. Good answer.

Now—Is it a coincidence that Norton is a switch-hitter or are BC/FW making a concerted effort to corner the market on switch-httrs for the matchup advantages and to counter the fact that they seem to face more leftys than any other team??

If the latter is true than what particular scenarios are they looking at within their division as far as teams and pitchers that this approach will pay the big dividends on. (Other than the obvious left/left and right/right)

I’m not really asking so much for stats as much as the philosophy of their current lineup and if this switch-httr style is as big a key for their offensive production this year instead of just great hitting by certain players.

I have a personal opinion but I am curious what DOB or any of the other bloggers thoughts are pertaining to this rather unique influx of players.

By gotigers72

May 8, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Jair Jurrjens, 22 years old and dealing! He could end up being a #1 for a long time in this league. Reminds me of Smoltz, not his stuff, but the way he throws strikes, doesn’t get behind. Great makeup. Jo Jo could learn something from him about getting ahead in the count.

Neil Diamond? Neil freakin’ Diamond? Are you freakin’ kiddin’ me? Solitary Man is a decent song, but how ‘bout Cherry Baby and all that other horrible stuff he sings? And that lame movie he was in. I dated a girl that was crazy about him, and I dropped her like a rock. Because of her Neil obsession and the fact that she was dumb as a box of rocks.

By Pete H.

May 8, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

DOB

**By David O’Brien

May 7, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

bf54: it was pure sarcasm. in other words, i was saying it was silly to suggest the Braves management “had to know” that Soriano was hurt, then give him a two-year deal anyway.**

Sometimes you are too kind. There are way too many whiners and sobbers and conspiracy theorists who could run a baseball team even better than the job they do delivering pizzas on this site.

No need to respond to stupidity.

Although I have heard that the Braves just go around looking for guys with their arms hanging by a shredded tendon so they can pay them millions. Just a rumor I heard.

Can we put in a whining fine here? And a secret sob-sister fine for Mutts fans pretending to be Braves fans?

By kirknga

May 8, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

I don’t think it would(will) be the end of the world if the Tex leaves.

Remember that the positive is that is $12 million more to spend. Someone above mentioned the other contracts thats expire.

If the worse case happened and Tex leaves, the Braves would have close to $30-38 million to spend (Tex $12 million, Glavine $8 million , Kotsay $2 million , Hampton $8-16 million).

At a minimum, the Braves would need a starter and a 1st baseman. Assuming the center field position is filled from within, it seems to me that even if we lose Tex, it will not be as if the Braves would not be players in the market with at least one big signing..say a starter like Lowe or Sheets or Sabbathia and enough money for a solid or lesser signing as well.

Cheer up everyone the future is not bleak either for our Braves either way. We’ll have the resources to replace the innings and rbi’s we lose.

By BravesRule

May 8, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this

Funny you say that because I didn’t see hardly any comments…maybe you can find those for me…PT

why in the he11 should I go to the effort to find something that you were either too blind or too besotted with bias to find on your own? there were people who agreed with Kelly as leadoff. look it up yourself j*******

By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)

May 8, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this

Norton’s base hit was a thing of beauty and yes, I’m still smiling.

In case the nay sayers among us haven’t noticed, the Braves are two games over .500 and 1.5 games back of the division lead.

Somebody forgot to tell the Braves that the season is over and Turner Field is scheduled for tractor pulls every weekend until October.

The news on Soriano is great. So, when will he get his butt on the mound and start earning his keep.

O’Brien, whats the word on Mike Hampton. I saw his ugly mug in the dugout.

How is it that the Braves, who have been devastated by injury to it’s pitching staff and position players, are leading the Major Leagues in hitting at .289 and are third in ERA at 3.58

The answer is encapsulated in two words: DEPTH and TALENT.

By mr baseball

May 8, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

Regarding the occasional discussions on here about strikeouts vs. productive outs, a question of great philosophical import:

What is the more productive at-bat — grounding into a double play with the bases loaded and no outs to score the run, or striking out?

Basketball coaches seem reluctant to instruct their players to commit fouls in the final seconds with a 3-point lead to prevent a potential game-tying shot. Does the same hesitance apply to baseball managers who allow their pitchers to swing away with the bases loaded and one out, inviting a potential inning ending DP?

Another question of great interest to all of us on this blog: Where is Coach to bask in the glory of his Greg Norton advocacy? Nice move by the Braves to provide some room for both him & Infante by placing the grievously injured Pena on the DL. How much more trade value is he going to have after 15 days on the sidelines?

Newest Braves’ guessing game: What injury will Resop have when he goes on the DL to create a spot for Chucky?

If and when Gonzalez ever returns, how do the Braves send someone to the minors who has stranded 18 of 18 inherited runners? Or does Buddy go, leaving 3 lefties in the pen to go with 3 lefty starters?

Decisions, decisions. And we haven’t even started speculating on who goes if/when Smoltz and Soriano come back. If is currently leading in that race with 62 percent of the vote and more than half the precincts still out.

Less than an hour until Hillary gets that dreaded 3 a.m. phone call from the scariest person in the known universe: Howard Dean.

By Michael Stipe

May 8, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

EXCUSE ME….CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?

I’m gonna need all the shiny people over here, to my left. Then I’m gonna need the happy people to gather over here, to my right.

When everybody is situated, I’ll count to 3, and then if EVERYBODY could hold hands, that would be GREAT.

Alright, 1….2…

By BravesRule

May 8, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

i think 7 year start at 15 million increment it by 2 million each year, trade him after 3 years we average paying him 17 million for 3 years and then unload him on the red sox in 2011NCGary

you are totally dreaming dude. the bill will be way higher than that.start at 15 mil? LOL.

By BA

May 8, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

Hey Cavethong, I don’t think they planned all the switch hitters, more an example of good management in general. Nice to see ‘ole DOB take n8 out at the knees. Speaking of DOB, what’s your opinion of Lou Reed? The Transformer record? When I saw “utility infielder called up”, my heart jumped- CANAZARES time! I know, he’s actually the opposite of a utility player, a man with no position. Too bad the Braves are in the real league. Ten bucks says Infante starts tomorrow.

By nolie

May 8, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

Has any ML team ever had an all switch hitting infield?CaptCaveman

I remember in the mid-60s the Dodgers had Parker/Lefebvre/Wills/Gilliam playing together. I don’t know if there have been any others playing regularly or not.

By N8

May 8, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

AGTFan

“Gotta love “Negative 8” (N8) and all the complainers. Braves get a win and he’s whining about too many double plays…”

For starters, don’t lump everybody else in with me. 1) NOBODY complains as much or as well as I do. 2)Uh….I didn’t complain ONCE about the double-plays AFTER we took the lead. 3) I wasn’t the only person complaining/commenting on the DP’s

Here’s what DOB had to say after the 2nd one that Francoeur hit into:

“Not a banner night for Glum or for Francoeur — two GIDPs in his first three plate appearances. Brutal….That’s FOUR double plays the Bravos have grounded into in six innings. Tough to do.”

Aw, shucks. He even got a jab in at me in the same sentence.

So how come you’re not ragging on DOB (not even a Braves fan), for pointing out the four DP’s tonight? Oh. I get it. When the beat reporter points it out, it’s fact and must be true. But when a frustrated fan points it out, it’s negative gloom & doom. It’s all clear now.

“If they hadn’t hit into all those double plays, he’d be complaining about only scoring runs when they have a big lead and don’t need them.”

Again. You’re missing the point. It’s not about results, as much as it’s about approach.

Don’t even try and argue that Francoeur’s approach with his AB’s that resulted in DP’s is acceptable to you. Because if you do it will make you look more silly than the following comment did/does:

“I heard a rumor that on those occasions that N8 has multiple orgasms in an evening, he starts complaining about only having orgasms when he really doesn’t need them.”

If you’re gonna try and keep up with the sarcasm and cute analogies on the blog, you’re gonna have to do better than that. Weak at best, my friend.

Besides, your right about the runs. Had these guys executed on HALF of the opportunities that Wolf put on a platter for them, it would have been the classic 10 run out-burst.

So, let me get this right. By mocking my recent posts that point out how often we’ve lost 1-run games (yet lead the league in hitting and pitching - or close to it), you think this offense is clicking on all cylinders, and ACTUALLY performing as good as the “numbers” say they are?

I gotta be honest. The recent RESULTS of the games have been fantastic. Also, don’t get me wrong, I’m ECSTATIC (not quite “multiple-orgasm” ecstatic, but ecstatic none the less), that we’ve been beating up on the “have-nots” on the NL. IT’S ABOUT TIME!!

But make no mistake about it, our 5 game winning streak has come against the Reds and Padres (without having to face Peavy or Maddux). In case you’re wondering (and I know you are), they are 2 of the 3 worst teams in ALL of MLB, combined they are 26-43.

So let’s not print play-off tickets just yet.

After tomorrow’s finale against SD, our next 18 games are against teams that have gone a combined 95-75, and 7 of the 18 are on the road.

Get back to me after those 18 games. If we manage to finish off that Diamondback series and are STILL over .500, I’ll back off.

Until then, the Braves are what they are. A team barely above .500 with only 2 of their 5 starters being consistently capable of going past the 5th inning. Along with having our 4 best relievers (Smoltz is now a reliever, so that’s what I’m considering him), on the D.L, and no real clue of when any of them will come back and how productive they will be.

But you go on with your warm and fuzzy 5 game winning streak, while talking about multiple orgasms, if that makes you feel better. :-)

By N8

May 8, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

BA

“Nice to see ‘ole DOB take n8 out at the knees.”

Good thing for me, and quite unfortunate for you and DOB that I don’t type with my feet, huh?

Tell Jeff Gilooley hi for me. I’ll assume you’re a big fan of his.

By Furman Bisher

May 8, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this

I remember in 1818 the Redlegs had…what were those guys names? Oh forget it. Anybody seen my bedpan?

By N8

May 8, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

BA

Dang. I almost forgot…..

:-)

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 8, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

Hey BA

Actually that would be Cave-Commando.

And isn’t it nice to see Coach show up at 2 am to regurgitate that which has already been said 3-4 times already today.

And Nolie - I did cutandpaste an article about the Dodgers in response to my own posts.

My question would be if you remember how they were perceived as a lineup?? Were they strong enough from both sides of the plate to really create an advantage or did teams just make them bat from their weak side constantly?

By BA

May 8, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this

Hey genius, tell Jim Jones hi for me! You seem to be in his corner! Too bad you didn’t finish your plastic cup of kool-aid. You’ll have to excuse me, I’m going to go work on my white flag, since clearly the season is over. I didn’t realize the Reds and Padres aren’t major league teams. Sweeping a home stand can’t possibly be a positive thing. With only five months left, NO WAY the Braves have enough time to catch up from being 1.5 games out.

By N8's Wife

May 8, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this

Was somebody being mean to my husband on this blogg thingy (is that what all of you dungeons and dragons geeks call it)?

He went to bend crying, and now he’s gonna wake up in a bad mood tomorrow and be all negative and stuff.

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

By BA

May 8, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this

Geez, capt… swaying in the wind…

By BA

May 8, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this

OK, I take back the plastic cup bit, I thought the Gilooley thing was a gay joke. Actually kind of funny, if a bit of a reach.

By nolie

May 8, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this

I remember in 1818 the Redlegs had…what were those guys names? Oh forget it. Anybody seen my bedpan?*Furman8

yeah some people can remember a lot of things and some can’t remember so well and some are so dumb that they think nobody else can remember more than the few crumbs of info that they can remember and some are too senile to remember much of anything and some are just smarty pants who think that they are funny. I wish I could remember which I am. Who is Furman Bisher anyway, I forget.

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 8, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this

BA

You know my favorite song -

Call me the BREEZE !!

LOL

By nolie

May 8, 2008 4:24 AM | Link to this

And Nolie - I did cutandpaste an article about the Dodgers in response to my own posts.

My question would be if you remember how they were perceived as a lineup?? Were they strong enough from both sides of the plate to really create an advantage or did teams just make them bat from their weak side constantly?CaptCave

yeah I saw that you did, after i had already answered. After the initial interest of it being new I don’t think that it affected things all that much. I think all but Lefebvre were not too different one way or the other. Also there was much less of the turn-em-around philosophy back then so I would guess not but I don’t remember for sure. Gee I thought I did ok just remembering that it had occurred before, I wasn’t expecting an essay question exam. ;-)

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

May 8, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this

WOW — 2 and a half hours without a post. Are you guys wimpin out or what?

By Shamus Thacker

May 8, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

The phrase “wimpin out” brings Hammy to mind. He should try one’a them Manzeers. With some added support, maybe he’d quit straining his damn manmaries.

My actual opinion of what’s happened to Hammy is this; he was a heavy juicer who stopped when congress/baseball decided that apple pie trumped HGH. He’s decomposing before our very eyes! Ted Williams prolly has more freezer-burned muscles in his little fanger, than Hammy has from head to toe.

And, on toppa that, he’s a pathetic p_y. Yes kids, that’s puppy….

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Stuart, Actually Andruw will make $14,726,910 this season. So I think Teixeira will get in the $15M-$18M range from somebody.

Shaun, You must have missed my point with “I know the stats say otherwise” because you immediately posted stats. How about the .258BA, 18RBI’s and 4HR stat? I am speaking of this year. Other than the Mets game, when has he came up with a big hit for us? I actually like Tex and hope that he stays with the braves but $20 mil???? But isnt it ironic though, that this time last year (according the incredibly awesome DOB) Andrew was hitting .235, 29RBI’s, and 5 HR. And we wanted his head on a platter. But we want Tex to get 20 mil? The batting avg. may have been lower (slightly) but he was driving in the runs which is what my whole original post was about. The guys ahead of him are getting on at almost .500 and he is not driving them in. There has to be more production to get that kind of money.

Well, if I’m the Yankees, I’m perfectly willing to give Teixeira five or six years at around $20M per year. No matter what stats you’re looking at, the guy is one of the five best first basemen in the game and probably will be at least in the top ten for the next four, five, maybe six years.

Oh, and you know what he’s hitting this season in late and close situations? .529…with a .619 on-base and 1.000 slugging. So I’m not sure what you’re looking at.

And you’re right. Andruw was having a pretty good season through 32 games. Unfortunately the season was 162 games long.

By Efrim

May 8, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I could see the Yankees or even the Mets offering Tex a 7 year deal worth around 160 million. I’m not sure why other people can’t see that.

By 22oz

May 8, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Does it bother anyone else that 97.1 the River is over 2 years old, but still calls itself “The NEW 97.1 the River”? Just a random thought for a slow morning on the blog.

By Big Easy

May 8, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

22oz, yes, that drives me crazy. Love the station, but it ain’t new anymore. Just like when listening to 94.9 The Bull for a Braves game, and they say they are the “new home for Atlanta Braves baseball.” They are in their second year broadcasting games, hardly new.

~E~

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Finally we are back to the good times. Braves leading the league in AVG. and ERA.. Not sure how much will it last, but it sure is sweet.

Braves also have allowed the fewest amount of HRs and BB.

One other thing I like a lot is that we are 6th in runs and only 6th in HRs, that means we are not sitting on the HR as much as in past years.

Yesterdays “norton” RBI single was just beautiful, Im not sure how good or bad he really is, but his AB looked as solid as any of the starters could have had. And now Infante is up. Looks like we are in business.

We are only missing smoltz as starter or him in the bullpen and another starting pitcher. This Im not so sure about. Maybe JoJo proves me wrong.

By STRETCH

May 8, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Am i looking at the schedule correctly? In Pittsburgh for 7 straight games?

By McFann

May 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

And McFann. Just a hint. Constantly bashing a dude’s bud is not the best way to win his heart. AGTfan

Oooo! Important point! ; ) Well, I’ll quit so long as guys like Fanncoeur don’t prompt me…or if he does something really dumb…

Does it bother anyone else that 97.1 the River is over 2 years old, but still calls itself “The NEW 97.1 the River”? 22oz

Oh, isn’t that annoying? Sheesh! We talk about that in the car a lot. They play some good stuff but they aren’t “new”.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

And that lame movie he was in. I dated a girl that was crazy about him, and I dropped her like a rock. Because of her Neil obsession and the fact that she was dumb as a box of rocks.Gotigers72

Now that rocks.

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Overlord, more importantly the Braves are 6th in runs, 4th in on-base and 2nd in slugging.

And not to nitpick, but I think homeruns are a good thing. And I think in year’s past the fact that the Braves have been “sitting on the homerun” is a good thing as evidence by the fact that they’ve been one of the top run scoring teams in the league over the past several seasons.

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Efrim I agree that muts will offer him some really good money. Braves will then be in trouble. We are good, but if the muts go TEX, Reyes, Wright, Schneider as their IF, I just cant argue anymore than they might be as good as us. Off course that would depend on who the braves get in 1B. But braves cant afford to put McCann or Jeff as cleanup hitters. None of them have been introduced as our 5th. So how could any of them go from a “Platoon 5th slot” to cleanup?, that would be beyond me. That means, if we dont resign TEX, finding another cleanup 1B would be a must.

By AGTfan

May 8, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

OK N8. I apologize for lumping you in with the other negative posters. You’re right. No one does it more frequently. (Or as well.) (Or as long-winded.) I usually enjoy your posts, when I can finish reading them before I fall asleep. Not your fault. I’m getting old.

By flange1

May 8, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you see the Braves keeping Gotay after Infante and Prado are both back with the team?

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Coach: Nothing new on Hampton. Talked to him yesterday. He’s not done any throwing yet since the re-injury….

BA: What do I think of Lou Reed? One of the all-time greats and one of my favorite artists, both solo and with Velvet Underground (I’d put VU and Nico album in my top 25, for sure).

His best solo? I’d take Transformer, New York, and Songs for Drella.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Overlord, that’s pretty wild. Yes, it’s true: Braves today lead NL with .289 average (sixth in runs) and also lead the league with a 3.51 ERA (Arizona slipped to 3.58)….

Stretch: Four in Pittsburgh, three in Philly….

Shaun, his exact salary for THIS season is irrelevant. The only thing that matters in a multi-year contract is the average annual value, with bonuses and whatever else is guaranteed. That’s it. All that matters. And Andruw is getting paid $36.2 million for two seasons with the Dodgers. End of story.

By Josh H

May 8, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

What also annoys me about 97.1s proclamation of “being new”, is the really annoying techno music that they play with the sound bite.

By Braveheart

May 8, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Tex will easily get $20 mil+.

The news on Soriano is great. So, when will he get his butt on the mound and start earning his keep.

Coach, while I agree with you on Soriano, isn’t that a bit of a hypocritical stance for you to take on Soriano considering your rants all spring long against Chuck James? You took Chuck to task all spring for pitching while thinking he was just hurt during the last two months of 2007. But then you turn around and want to take Soriano to task for not pitching when he is hurting.

I know the distinction you will draw is gonna be that there is a difference between being injured and hurt. And, you’d be right on that, there is a huge difference.

Chuck, however, didn’t know he was injured last year - he thought he was just hurting the way Smoltz and Hudson hurt and ache and he was just trying to emulate them and not bail out on his team when his team needed him. The team didn’t know he was injured either until after the season - for the same reason they didn’t know what was going on with Soriano - they waited a while before doing all the tests they could on his arm.

So I find it strange for you to lambaste Chuck James for pitching while he thought he was just hurting but then tsk, tsk, tsk Soriano for not pitching when he is hurting. You can’t have it both ways.

Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Chuck, Moylan have all proven they will take the hill when they are hurting - and even injured. Hell, Chuck even took the ball in his first start this year when he clearly wasn’t done rehabbing a career threatening injury. Hampton and Soriano are proving THIS SEASON that they won’t take the mound until everything is perfect. Such a shame.

Got one guy with a screwed up hamstring, another guy with a torn up shoulder and elbow, another guy with a partially torn rotator cuff, another guy with bone spurs stabbing his ligaments, another guy who has experienced inexplicable drops in velocity, who are dying to throw another pitch.

Hampton and Soriano, on the other hand, roll over and play dead so that they don’t have to throw another pitch.

By Thrillhouse44

May 8, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Although DOB compares this season to a roller coaster ride, I like to think of it as a Magic Carpet Ride.

By kdbanks

May 8, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Best part of today’s game is that it’s no longer called a “Business Man’s Special”, but rather a “Business Fan’s Special.”

So, no old guys smoking stogies wearing three piece suits with fedoras, talking about nailing their secretaries after a three martini lunch I guess.

How cool must it have been to be a businessman in the 50’s.

By Efrim

May 8, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Overlord

McCann or Francouer shouldn’t be handed the cleanup role. I’m sure Frank Wren will get a cleanup hitter that plays LF or 1B. I don’t want to think about Tex on the Mets…..it’s a scary thought.

By Lew

May 8, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

UGABrave and I disagree much of the time (except on the fact that he, the Caveman and I are damn good dawgs). However, he is absolutely right about Bobby keeping Hudson in the game with his ejection and not getting credit when the players actually perform.

I shudder to think at the results had Hudson been ejected in the second inning. He should know better than to let it get to him like that. It’s one thing with a kid like JJ, but there’s no excuse for Huddy in that situation.

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

DOB, my main point is Teixeira will be worth at least $15-$18M, despite what some think about his “lack of consistency.”

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Coach: Nothing new on Hampton. Talked to him yesterday. He’s not done any throwing yet since the re-injury…. DOB.

DOB, actually, thats some good news, finally braves trainers found out the best for him is to rest. Now that they are letting him rest, Im much more positive on Hampton. People dont forget, his elbow and hamstring are OK (at least as we speak), if that pectoral muscle heals, he is in business and Im sure youll be happy to watch him helping the rotation. Youll see.

Shaun, sitting on the HR is not a good thing. Hitting the HR is a good thing. I like braves approach this season, they have been scoring in so many different ways and from so many contributors. Thats 6 players with 15 or more RBI and 8 with 10 or more, thats team work.

Just comparing…..

Mets have 3 and 6 players with those numbers i mentioned.

Redsox have 5 and 7.

Angels have the same amount, 6 and 8.

DBacks have 7 and 8.

Phillies have 4 and 8.

Cubs have 5 and 9.

Tiger have 3 and 8.

Yankees have 5 and 8.

All these teams are the teams that will compete for their league championship. I did miss some. But you can see braves are spreading the job just as good as some of the better teams on the league. Mets and Tigers have not done so so far, maybe thats why the are not looking so good so far.

By Thrillhouse44

May 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

While the bullpen is performing well, I’d rather Soriano take his time than come back too soon. If he can rehab at the pace that he and his injury needs, while the team is winning, that’s great. That way there is less chance of him coming back too early only to get re-injured and miss the rest of the season.

By Braveheart

May 8, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Do they have to do Mother’s Day in Pittsburgh again this year?

Isn’t that where it all started to go wrong for the Braves last year with that Larew start?

By Jim

May 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Good news on Soriano! With no more bad news on the injury front, by the end of June we could have a bullpen of Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, Boyer, and (pick 3) Acosta, Campillo, Ohman, Ring, Bennett, Stockman. If the first three are healthy, this could be a dominant bullpen and the last 4 are good enough to spread the work around to keep the pen fresh even if some combination of Glavine, James, Reyes, Hampton, Bennett only give you an average of 6 or fewer innings / start. The 1990 Reds team won the World Series with only 2 good starters and a dominant pen.

If we can stay close until the end of May, the team should only get better as the season progresses. If we stay healthy, this team has as good a chance of winning the WS as any since the mid to late 90’s. I feel very optimistic about this team and like to concentrate more on what the possibilities are this year than who will be playing for us next year. I think, afterall, the two topics are not unrelated and that the farther we go into the playoffs this year, the higher the budget will be next.

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I agree, TEX in mets uni could spell big trouble, specially if now that we know smoltz and glavine are mortal and wont be any better next year.

REYES, CHURCH, WRIGHT, TEX, BELTRAN…. that would be enough to give us a slap on the face.

Efrim, could you mention some LF cleanup hitters??? cant come up with any but Barry Bonds and im sure we dont want him here. Any options that come to your mind to replace TEX and get a cleanup hitter in the same deal?

By 22oz

May 8, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, Magic Carpet Ride can be heard on The “New” 97.1 The River.

I hope Skip’s on radio, i always loved his businessman special comment: “Lots of businessmen are here with their daughters (or is it nieces)today.”

By Braveheart

May 8, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Now playing on Thrillhouse’s IPOD:

Puff The Magic Dragon

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Thrillhouse44 I have the feeling there is a better chance for Hampton to come back than for Soriano doing so. Just my hunch.

By Braveheart

May 8, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Sometime this month, Thrillhouse will get married and become Killedhouse.

I was gonna attend the wedding but I heard Thrillhouse specially requested “Do You Believe in Magic?” to be played at the funeral, er, wedding.

When I heard that he requested that song, I said “I’m Audi 5000.”

By saying that I became just as cheesy as the guy specially requesting “Do You Believe In Magic?” to be played at his wedding.

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

*Wed. May 7, 2008. News: Martinez, nursing a strained left hamstring, threw a bullpen session in Port St. Lucie Tuesday with GM Omar Minaya in attendance and there is the possibility that his next outing could involve facing hitters in batting practice, the NY Newsday reports. Meanwhile, Hernandez (sore tendon in right foot) returned to New York Tuesday to be examined by the Mets’ medical staff and got the go-ahead to shed his walking boot permanently, the NY Daily News’ Mets blog reports. *

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Tue. May 6, 2008. News: *Rollins *(ankle) said he feels about 90 percent and is close to returning to the Phillies, the Associated Press reports.

By Lew

May 8, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Overlord-Yes, Tex in the Mets’ lineup would give them some more punch-no doubt. However, consider this-next season, the Braves will likely need to replace Smoltz and Glavine, the Mets will need to replace Perez and Pedro (not that Pedro is of any use to them now) and maybe someone else-I’m not sure.

First of all, will the Mets actually have the money to get one or two top starters, pay Santana and STILL be able to afford another $22 mil for Tex? I don’t think so.

It’s not going to be Tex who makes the difference next year for the Braves or for the Mets. As usual, it will be the pitching.

By Braveheart

May 8, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Johnny Cash impersonating Elvis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYctbbWWzzo&feature=related

By THB

May 8, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I tell ya, with everything that has happened, them Braves are winning. They’re streaky, but right now they’re really on top of their game right now. Soriano should come back, as should Gonzo. If they come back, it at least adds a lot of confidence.

It sounds like Tex is leaving, and I think it would be smart to not overpay him and get the draft picks. Here are my top picks for replacement 1Bs (And I’m not expecting Pujols):

Adrian Gonzalez - He’s solid all around, he’ll hit at least .280 with 25+ HR and close to 100 RBI. And he’s only 26 years old. They coule trade him if they start to rebuild, you never know.

Carlos Pena - He’d be tough to get since the Rays are winning and he’s young. Starting off slow though, but he hit 40+ HR last year and hit above .280.

Mike Jacobs - He’s an above average hitter, last year hit mid .260’s with 17 HR in just over 100 games, but this year he has 9 HR’s with 24 RBI an .271. He might be a realistic option since the Marlins wouldnt mind getting a couple good prospects. He’s turning just 28 this year.

By Shamus Thacker

May 8, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

DOB Quote: Nothing new on Hampton. Talked to him yesterday. He’s not done any throwing yet since the re-injury….

WHEW, I was get’n worried! Nice to know Hammy’s not been exposed to his personal kryptonite, baseballs…..

By Thrillhouse44

May 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, were you ever able to find the American Idol - The Best of Seasons 1-4? You can claim you’re not coming because of Do You Believe in Magic, but we all know you sent your regrets once you discovered “Karaoke Revolution: American Idol” was not part of our plans.

I think our first dance is going to be The Thrill is Gone.

By KC

May 8, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Last night on the Braves post-game show, John Smoltz again repeated that he knew he could continue to start the rest of the year…

However, interestingly, he also said (paraphrasing) “if it were September, it would be a different story”.

Again, shut him down for a few months, and crank him up again in September… as a starter.

By KC

May 8, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

The Braves are:

#1 in the league in ERA

#1 in the league in team batting avg.

#4 in the league in runs scored

These things certainly bode well for Atlanta. If they can remain near the top of the league both offensively and defensively… they’re going to win a lot of games this year.

By KC

May 8, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

I meant to say… “both offensively, and in ERA”.

By beekay

May 8, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

DOB

I think we need to give Frenchy a day off before our next off day…don’t put him in for pinch hitting or anything. He needs two straight days off. He is pushing it because of his streak, he will never catch Cal. If he sits out and puts the streak behind him then we can let Blanco or diaz or Norton fill in when he is less than 100%. I’ll bet he would come back with a bang…..on another note if Kotsay keeps playing this well, what kind of contract would he demand?

By 3trees

May 8, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Since its a bit slow this am, maybe someone could enlighten me on the evolution of the first base mitt (catcher’s too)? Saw the pic of Tex and hadn’t ever given it much thought. I assume with less lacing there’s less of chance for the ball to “go through” plus more padding for “receiving”, whereas a regular fielder’s glove needs the extra flexibility of the separate “fingers”?

I know I could research it easily enuff, but thought I might get more interesting thoughts here in addition to the “facts”.

Go Braves!

By TN-MAN

May 8, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Bobby being his normal self throwing Infante right in there, it will be interesting to see how he does:

Padres

Giles RF Crabbe 2B Gonzalez 1B Kouzmanoff 3B Hairson CF Greene SS Huber LF Morton C Ledezma P

Braves

Infante 2B Esco SS Chipper 3B Tex 1B Francoeur RF Diaz LF Kotsay CF Corky C Reyes P

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Overlord, not sure the difference between “sitting on the homerun” and “hitting the homerun.” Good offenses hit homeruns…period.

Also, when have the Braves not had contributions from several hitters in their lineup? Since 2003, the Braves have had at least five or six above above average hitting regulars.

By timthebrave

May 8, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I was at the game last night. That brings me to 3-1 on the year. Yes I was the one drinking in the bud garden and cursing around your kids in the stands. Sorry about that f*** s**….Bring your brooms out today. Go Braves!

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

KC, why would you want your best or second best pitcher to literally not help you at all for four months?

By AGTfan

May 8, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Well, I’ll quit so long as guys like Fanncoeur don’t prompt me

McFann, I’m pretty sure that Fanncoeur was created strictly for the purposes of responding to your attacks on Frenchy and to just generally antagonize you. I’d say that if that was their intention, they’ve been wildly successful.

Is there something in the water in Bravesland? UGABrave and Overlord have been making absolutely optimistic posts lately. Next thing you know N8 will say something positive.

Worse than that, I find myself agreeing with and enjoying posts from Lew and UGABrave and other damn good dawgs. Oh no, I just realized, I’m wearing Red and Black. Now I have to go home and change.

By Renegator

May 8, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

We really haven’t had too many B squad lineups this year. We’ll see how Infante and Miller do today…

Got my broom out for the sweep!

By Supes

May 8, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

DOB

You are quickly going national…wednesday you were on the Rude Awakening 680the fan and then on ESPN First Take…will it be long before you are actually on TV like Steve Wyche?

By Renegator

May 8, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

New blog for the game, DOB?

By Jim

May 8, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Regenerator,

It will be nice if Infante and Miller are contributors to a victory today, but it will be much more important if Francouer and Texeira are major contributors. The performance of these two against lefties will determine how much or how little the team will struggle against lefties. Given that Chipper is more than dependable but with a bit less power batting right handed and Escobar has been hitting lefties and righties equally well, it is Francouer and Texeira that have to step up and make this team less vulnerable to lefthanded pitching!

By KC

May 8, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Shaun: I’ve mentioned this a couple times in previous posts, but…

I think it comes down to what the Braves goal actually is.

If it is to get back to the playoffs… then by all means, put Smoltz in the bullpen as soon as possible.

But if the goals is to not merely play in October, but to win another World Series… our best shot (by far) is to have Smoltz in the rotation come October.

If the bullpen were desperate for a closer, as we were a couple years ago, that would be a different story. But Boyer and Acosta look good, and we should have Mike Gonzalez, and (apparently, since there’s no structural damage to his elbow) R.Soriano back soon.

It is also far easier to trade for a quality reliever than it is to get another ace like Smotlz.

As long as the bullpen is holding its own without him… I think he could be of greater value to this team starting the last couple weeks of September, and hopefully… October.

Sure, it’s a roll of the dice. There’s no guarantee we’ll get to the post-season with Smoltz out for the next few months. (No guarantees with him for that matter either).

But again, if the goal is to win it all… having Smoltz start those big games on the big stage gives ATL the best shot at another ring.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Supes: TV’s not good. They have to wear makeup on TV. And drive to a studio. And then be recognized by way too many people.

Radio, you can do while walking around going about your everyday existence, or while sitting home in sweats (or underwear, right Caveman?).

We like radio. Especially Buck and Kincade, The Rude Awakening, 680 the Fan, WSB, and Charlie Steiner (send the bonus checks to my house, fellas).

By McFann

May 8, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

AGTfan—

I’ve never said anything about Francoeur that is even close to what Fanncoeur said about McCann.

Did I ever call Francoeur “Jeff Bignose”, or make any attacks on his looks—no one cann help the way they look—the way Fanncoeur did to McCann (McChubby, McCurly Fries and all that junk)?

All I’m saying is that Francoeur needs to step it up a bit. (Notice how, the day after the afore-mentioned blogger said that McCann had rolled his “fat [butt]” into more double-plays, Francoeur grounded into two.)

And listen, McCann needs to step it up, too! That AVG with RISP is hardly acceptable. And his defense is still slightly lacking.

My “attacks” on Francoeur are no different than anyone else’s who thinks he needs to turn it up a notch, and maybe take a game off. Perhaps I got a little out of hand, and for that I apologize.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 8, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Speaking of radio, don’t forget 960 The Ref in Athens — Bill Shanks does a phone-in interview with them on Thursday mornings, and my man Bill McAuliffe puts them up in podcast-form on their website. Here’s the link for this morning’s interview

Also, a quick question regarding Corky Miller as today’s catcher — despite the fact that the Braves have had three off-days in the past week and a half, is McCann getting a day off today because today’s game is a day game after a night game?

By richbrave

May 8, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

JOSH ANDERSON has pulled his average up to .299 (38-127)in the past three games. 11 stolen bases with only 2 caught stealing. At least three assists from cf in 31 games. 46 TB,.348 OBP, .362 SLG. The book on him is out, but he fights back.

BARBARO CANIZARES is still pounding the ball, but not at the all-world rate from early in the season. .327(36-110). Only 2 errors. His fielding is slowly improving. He has more flexibility around first. .362 OBP, .473 SLG., and .835 OPS.

SCOTT THORMAN played third last night. No errors. His average continues to climb at .231(25-108). Power numbers not good however. .270 OBP, .306 SLG., .575 OPS.

Gotta’ cut this short. Want to go see CHARLIE MORTON pitch.

By chrisklob

May 8, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

This week’s sign the apocalypse is near:

Is there something in the water in Bravesland? UGABrave and Overlord have been making absolutely optimistic posts lately. Next thing you know N8 will say something positive.

When Shamus says something positive about Hampton, I’ll know the angels won’t be far behind.

By N8

May 8, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“Overlord, not sure the difference between “sitting on the homerun” and “hitting the homerun.” Good offenses hit homeruns…period.”

You are actually correct. However good pitchers DON’T give up a ton of HR’s. Which is why the Braves have not done as well in recent years in the playoffs against good pitching.

Add to that, good pitchers often give up hit. Say, like Maddux and Glavine in the playoffs. They haven’t been as horrible as many have made them out to be in the playoffs, but they’ve given up enough hits to get beat. Yet neither of them have given up a ton of HR’s in their playoff appearances.

Which is why I’d rather see the team scoring runs with good AB’s, then “sitting” on a 3-run HR, that isn’t likely to come against good pitching.

Worst case scenario, against good pitchers, if we took enough pitches to get them out of the game, we MIGHT get to see a reliever that doesn’t have the ability of the starter, thus we MIGHT hit the 3-Run HR off that reliever.

AGTfan

“Next thing you know N8 will say something positive.”

I say PLENTY of positive things. I’ve complimented Kotsay on his play. I’ve commended Wren for making the Renteria trade. Many times my rants are followed by a “but”…..this has been impressive. Hell, half of the time, my rants are in a post where there was compliment given within the same post.

Similar to how you all think I dwell on the negatives of this team, you all dwell on my negative posts.

EVERYBODY is very quick to rip me for pointing out a negative stat, AB or Bobby decision. Yet VERY FEW of you are ever around to comment on a positive post that I have made.

AGT, earlier you stated:

“OK N8. I apologize for lumping you in with the other negative posters. You’re right. No one does it more frequently. (Or as well.) (Or as long-winded.) I usually enjoy your posts, when I can finish reading them before I fall asleep. Not your fault. I’m getting old.”

No need to apologize. I’m a big boy. I can take the criticism when it’s justified.

I just found it a bit odd, that yesterday’s 3:50 post set DOB off. Not even in my top 20 posts THIS SEASON, as far as negativity goes.

Not my fault, if other peoples bad days cause reactions to a post.

I don’t let my occasional hectic day “ruin” my blogging experience. Hell, I don’t even let the good days, ruin my negativity on the blog. The two are COMPLETELY separated.

It just kills me, when people assume that since I’m not “satisfied” with the health and results of this team so far, that I treat EVERYTHING in my life that way.

It’s frickin baseball. If I’m not on the blog arguing with people, or not watching the game, I don’t think about it. 3 kids will do that to you. Much more important things on a daily basis to deal with (like your mom being less than 3 weeks removed from a heart valve replacement surgery - and spending 8 of the last 10 days in ICU from complications). In fact, I think about the conversations on the blog, more than I think about the play on the field. How sad is that.

Life is good. Until 5 days ago, the Braves were not. It’s that simple.

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Sure, it’s a roll of the dice. There’s no guarantee we’ll get to the post-season with Smoltz out for the next few months. (No guarantees with him for that matter either).

Exactly! So why would you want to roll the dice by not having him pitch at all? If he’s in the bullpen for the next four months, at least your best or second-best pitcher is giving you something.

I don’t think anyone, not even you, would say the Braves have a better chance of reaching the post-season if Smoltz doesn’t pitch for four months than they do if he pitches out of the ‘pen. So, they have to do what is most likely to help them get in to the playoffs.

By KC

May 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Shaun: To follow up on my last post…

Lets say the Braves get to the post-season and match up with Arizona, and face Webb, Haren, and Johnson…

We NEED Smoltz in the rotation come September/October.

By timthebrave

May 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

thanks richbrave for updates on the farm. keep them coming

By OrlandoFan

May 8, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

RICHBRAVE: Thanks for your updates. Those are great.

Did anyone mention this? I may have missed it, but I kept an eye on Sports Center through three replays this morning (actually on No. 4) and NEVER saw a Braves highlight. Saw all those Cincy guys hit homers and the sensational grab of the homer in LA by the guy holding the baby in his other arm, but I never saw our new hero with his big pinch hit.

By N8

May 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

KC

Your 12:34, was a PERFECT (and accurate) response to Shaun’s question.

I agree with you 100 PERCENT. In fact, I’m gonna guess that Smoltz does as well. After all, it was him sitting in the bullpen going “un-used” in the playoffs, while the rotation failed to hold their own, that made him want to start again.

All that being said, it’s ultimately up to what Smoltz thinks he can do to help.

Unlike many on here, who have said it should be Bobby’s decision where Smoltz is used. I have enough respect for the man, and his knowledge of his pain threshold, and ability under such pain, to trust his judgement.

If Smoltz says that pitching in the pen, is the only way he can contribute, let the man pitch in the pen, and cross our fingers that we get there, and when we do, JJJ and Hudson are a good enough 1-2 punch to do well in the crap-shoot.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

KC: Again, shut [Smoltz] down for a few months, and crank him up again in September… as a starter.

I’m thinking the same thing but mainly out of “selfish” reasons. I want Smoltz to get back to the post season and get some more W’s on his record. Glavine is right there on his heals and so is Pettitte. I’d like to see Smoltz get at least 3 more wins in the post season. 5 would be nice but would require some long series.

By OrlandoFan

May 8, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I think today will be a watershed day for JoJo. Another good outing, and he might develop some adhesiveness. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Hope Infante gets off to a good start, too.

By N8

May 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Shaun

I’m not so sure why you’re missing the point of KC in your 12:46.

All he’s trying to say, is that IF Smoltz rests for a few months, and we are able to maintain our “closeness” to the division or wild-card lead without him, our playoff chances would be greater with the GREATEST post-season pitcher of the past 20 years, starting. Not sitting in the pen, where he might not see an inning of work if Hudson or JJJ don’t do their job.

He’s not stating that he doesn’t want Smoltz to contribute at all, or that we’re better off without him. You keep twisting his point off the path of what his point actually is.

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

AGTfan, I thought you were my friend, LOL.

Shaun, N8 the difference between “hitting Hrs and sitting on HRs” is how pathetic braves look when they just want to kill the ball with Dave Kingmans type of swing. Totally diferent kind of approach with guys spreading the ball all over the field, you can include Jeff, Brian, KJ and even chipper there.

I have also seen very little 1 pitch ABs from braves hitters (I noticed this after a 1 pitch AB out by chipper), they look much more patient. Walks not show that, but you bet they are.

Meanwhile……….way to go TEX, pickup for Chippers bad AB.

Welcome “back” Infante, he made a defensive play in the 1st to start a DP, that im 1000000% sure KJ is not able to make even if ball was hit in SLOMO. Great addition to the ball club and he lets us know right from the gate. He also hits a line drive to leadfoff the game, only the be robbed of a hit by Brian Giles.

2-1 the score, this team suddenly is looking as a fighting back team.

GOOOOOO Braves.

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Great K by JoJo to Giles… that guy rarely strikes out.

SD leaves 2 RISP. Tumbs up.

By Shaun

May 8, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

New blog up.

N8, twisting his point? He wants Smoltz to sit for four months. How is that NOT equal to Smoltz not contributing at all for four months?

Hey, maybe we should rest Chipper for the rest of the season so he’ll be fresh for the playoffs.

By Overlord

May 8, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Smoltz just said on TV that he expects to be back in pittsburgh. That is great news.