AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves aim for perfection
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top of the morning to you. I see the May flowers continue. Braves are going for 6-0 on the homestand today vs. the Padres and our fleeting pal Wil Ledezma. If they pull it off, it’ll be their first perfect homestand of two or more series since June 3-8, 2003 when they took five from the Rangers and Pirates. The Braves haven’t had a perfect six-game homestand since April 2000, when they went 9-0 vs. the Phillies, Pirates and Dodgers.
Personally, I’m ignoring the possibility for showers today — looks awfully sunny to me — so let’s get on with the lineup.
Omar Infante is in the lineup today playing second base. He’s not exactly in the park yet — he was due in this morning from Richmond and when I left the Braves clubhouse about 11:40 a.m. he wasn’t there yet. But he’s been activated from the DL and I’m sure he’ll show up and throw on a uni and do what Bobby always wants done — get right into the swing of things.
This will be the Braves’ first look at their super utility player acquired from Detroit via the Cubs, who was delayed by the broken hand he suffered in winter ball. The Braves wanted him to play third base, shortstop, second base and center field while he was in extended spring training. He didn’t have time to get to all those positions so he spent the last three games in Richmond in center field.
Brayan Pena heads to the disabled list with a back strain, he apparently suffered on Sunday injury pinch-hitting against the Reds.
Also, this just in, Brian McCann rests today and Corky Miller gets the start catching Jo-Jo Reyes. No, that’s not that unusual with a day game after a night game, but it is unusual in that hey, McCann has played a ton.
Ever stop to think about how often McCann is behind the plate? Me neither. It just hit me last night how much he’s been in there, something we start to take for granted. It’s something his youth, toughness and a few off days have allowed for lately, and it’s something not just McFann should appreciate, eh?
McCann had played in the Braves first 32 games, entering Sunday. He got the day off on April 3 vs. Pittsburgh and April 20 vs. the Dodgers, but came into pinch hit both days. He had played 14 in a row behind the plate until today.
Felt like checking with John Smoltz today, just to see what’s going on with his arm. He’s 10 days into his resting period and said a lot of the pain/stiffness is dissipating in the shoulder. When he pointed to the place where he still feels a little stiffness now, it’s the old trapezius muscle. But he’s feeling positive about things and he said the serious pain started to subside when he hit the six-day mark of rest.
He doesn’t want to over-promise and undersell — something he pointed out he’s learned from the work he’s done with Kings Ridge, the Christian school he started from the ground up — but he’s betting on being back out there by the end of May. Or the way he put it “something that starts with a 2.” Hm, having now just looked that up on the schedule, wonder if it’s any coincidence that the first day that starts with a 2 — May 20 — is the first of a three-day series against the Mets at Turner Field.
Not that I’m pushing, but Smoltz, gotta love the enthusiasm. But that might be pushing it. Maybe another day with a 2 in it is more like it. But we’ll see. (Oh gosh, I’m beginning to sound like Bobby, who I’m now kidding because he says “we’ll see” so much about all these injuries.
Anyway, Smoltz said trainers wanting him to rest for a couple more days but he thinks he’ll be playing catch by Sunday in Pittsburgh. And somewhere between catch and returning to the bullpen, there will be a minor league rehab assignment.
I did ask — because I was curious — if moving to the bullpen had anything to do with trying to keep himself from having to throw all his pitches. Smoltz said no, that it’s strictly the amount of pitches. So that’s that. He also said he doesn’t see himself being in a typical closer’s role because he’s not going to be ready to go three days in a row or four out of five. So it’ll be interesting to see how Bobby uses him when the time comes. He needs some structure, which isn’t easy to pull off in the bullpen.
And one last thing. Had to share this little tidbit. I’m working on a story about Chipper and his switch-hitting history for Sunday’s Braves Insider, and I went to the source Larry Wayne Sr. who taught Chipper how to switch-hit and who is always great to talk to. And we were chatting just a bit about the ride Chipper is on right now.
Larry’s taking it all in through Chipper’s nightly calls to his dad riding home from the ballpark. One of these nights here recently, Larry said, Chipper told him: “It’s great to be me right now, Dad.”
And Larry (otherwise known as U Kno Who Sr?) also said Chipper has sounded as introspective about things lately as he’s ever sounded, and here’s one of the things Chipper told him that made him say that:
“He told me ‘In all my years in baseball, I can’t ever remember a time when I’d walk to the plate with the buzz going through the stadium like I’m starting to hear now. There’s a buzz that starts as I leave the on-deck circle.”
Rightly so. And perhaps overdue.
Without further ado……the game. Enjoy.
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Comments
By McFann
May 8, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
(Reposted from last blog…first?)
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 chrisklob
May 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
From the end of the last blog:
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 J.D.
May 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
great blog today carroll…looking forward to reading the story about Chipper
By jake
May 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
First
By McFann
May 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
It’s something his youth, toughness and a few off days have allowed for lately, and it’s something not just McFann should appreciate, eh? DOB
Yeah, I do appreciate it! Especially since he’s hittin’ .299 overall…But it’d be nice for that AVG with RISP to rise.
I think it has been taken for granted—how much he’s back there. And he calls a good game, no?
It is a bit unusual, but I’m not too surprised. I’m actually somewhat glad. I know he’s young, but we don’t want him fatigued in August because he played so much early in the year. Catching hard on the body.
By Brady
May 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Good news about Smoltz’s shoulder progressing…and I can’t wait for the story on Chipper this Sunday. My favorite two braves…
Also, did anyone see “Baseball Tonight” cut short the Braves highlights to go to an update on the Phillies/Diamondbacks game? Very vexxing for someone who can’t see the Braves games on TV anymore thanks to TBS and therefore have to rely on ESPN for the highlights.
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
There’s a buzz that starts as I leave the on-deck circle. I think it’s well overdue. Looking at his career stats lately made me realize how priveleged we’ve been to watch his career from the beginning.
It’s something his youth, toughness and a few off days have allowed for lately, and it’s something not just McFann should appreciate, eh?
I think (hope) a lot of us appreciate how valuable Brian is to this team, but we want to be careful about encouraging impressionable young girls too much. ;-)
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
HEY DOB
This is a repost from late last night.
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 22oz
May 8, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Are we sure Francoeur doesn’t need the rest with the day game after a night game?
By MAV
May 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Norton already pays off more so after 1 game than Prado could in a whole year.
Go Braves!
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
It’s really just too easy to tease “impresionable young girls.”
If you want Fanncoeur to go away, ignore them. I’m pretty sure they exist solely for the purpose of irritating you.
By Carolina Gent
May 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Hey, it’s Carroll, our ace reliever! Welcome back!
By CT
May 8, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Can someone please post game updates for people who are working?
By Jay Blaisdell
May 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
For David O’Brien: I’m an out-of-towner, so bear with me here. I don’t get to see your paper that often. What the heck is going on with Teixeira ? Is he white-kunckling it at the plate, or is it that he flat-out can’t hit southpaws ? Or is he day-dreaming about playing in Yankee Stadium next year ? Or is it all three things ? He seems to be an awful long way from the Mark Teixeira that was supposed to be the Braves cleanup hitter. He’s a guy who seems to be forever on the cusp of fulfilling his potential, and yet never quite achieving it. What’s your take on it ? Also; what’s the status on his contract talks with Atlanta? Indeed, are there talks ? Have the tight-fisted T-Warner idiots even profurred a contract ?
By BravesRule
May 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Damm. should be 2 out, instead there are 2 on with no outs. not good.
By Jay Blaisdell
May 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
For David O’Brien: I’m an out-of-towner, so bear with me here. I don’t get to see your paper that often. What the heck is going on with Teixeira ? Is he white-kunckling it at the plate, or is it that he flat-out can’t hit southpaws ? Or is he day-dreaming about playing in Yankee Stadium next year ? Or is it all three things ? He seems to be an awful long way from the Mark Teixeira that was supposed to be the Braves cleanup hitter. He’s a guy who seems to be forever on the cusp of fulfilling his potential, and yet never quite achieving it. What’s your take on it ? Also; what’s the status on his contract talks with Atlanta? Indeed, are there talks ? Have the tight-fisted T-Warner idiots even profurred a contract ?
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Well, so much for the sweep. Sounds like JoJo is having a hard time with his location.
~E~
By Kev
May 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Always good to have you around Ms.Rogers…Welcome!!!!!
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Ugh. Wake up Braves. Ugly by Tex, ugly by Kotsay. Jojo has actually pitched well this inning. Really sloppy stuff.
By Where'd That@*%&^@ BallGo?
May 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Oh well, this game is over already.
By Tomahawk Matt
May 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Who in baseball has been more valuable to their team than Chipper Jones has been to the Braves over his tenure? Names anyone? I can’t think of any. Chipper is sooooo overdue respect and praise from the big sports media world.
Keep it going Chipper!! Ride that Crazy Train!
GO BRAVES!!! GET YOUR BROOMS OUT!!
By ncgary
May 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
infante pay off in his 1st inning, pitching sells tickets offense brings the fans out of the seats but defense wins championships
By CT
May 8, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
What happened?
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
thanks Carolina Gent, it ain’t DOB today folks.
pretty nice double play Infante just started in his first play as a Brave. just nearly got his first hit but for a diving play by Brian Giles.
Infante was supposed to go three more games in Richmond but with all the lefties the Braves are facing this stretch - four in five days including today - he wanted to get Omar’s bat up now. i can see him in there at second, like today for kelly, or in center for kotsay. he played his three games in Richmond at center.
By James
May 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman, I’m not so sure about the whole Bobby/Wren making a concerted effort to counter facing tons of lefties, etc. theory. Although, to be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me (they are known to be a wee bit crafty from time to time). I do think the Norton acquisition is mostly about having a power bat off the bench. If anything, the switch hitting factor might be there, but its secondary to the value BC/FW see in having the power bat who can pinch hit.
By James
May 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman, I’m not so sure about the whole Bobby/Wren making a concerted effort to counter facing tons of lefties, etc. theory. Although, to be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me (they are known to be a wee bit crafty from time to time). I do think the Norton acquisition is mostly about having a power bat off the bench. If anything, the switch hitting factor might be there, but its secondary to the value BC/FW see in having the power bat who can pinch hit.
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Except for an occasional mistake, Francoeur is unlikely to ever, ever see a pitch over the plate.
Jam inside, whiff outside, easily exploiting his impatience and lack of selectivity. Chipper said it: “Lose an Andruw, gain and Andruw.”
By JoJo the HoHo
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Well I see that the bad old JoJo is on the mound again. so much for the sweep
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
By N8 May 8, 2008 12:54 PM
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.
Are you kidding me?
You two seriously think it’s better to have Smoltz not pitch at all for four months than to have him in the bullpen for that time? You may be the only two people in Atlanta who think this.
Last time I checked a team must make it to the playoffs before they can worry about what they need in the playoffs.
I’m all for the Braves trying to extend Smoltz at the end of the year so he can start in the playoff, if that’s at all possible. But why in the world would the Braves sit their best pitcher for four months if he can pitch in a role?
By Greg
May 8, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
The real Jo Jo Reyes has returned.
By dj
May 8, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
JoJo is struggling a bit. Gave up two runs in the first. We got one back - Teixeira drove in Escobar - in the bottom of the first. JoJo gave up two singles to start the 2nd but got a bunt out to advance the runners, a strike out and then a grounder to wiggle out of it. Maybe he’ll settle down now…
By James
May 8, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Jay Blaisdell
Are you kidding me with your 1:18 post? Obviously you aren’t big on looking at the big picture. It ain’t just about the one tree homie, got to think about forest. Tex killed it during the second half for us last year and, while he did start slow, he has certainly picked it up as of late. And, to my recollection, him and Chipper were the only ones hitting well in late and behind situations for a long while there. I am at work, so I can’t look up these stats. Somebody, anybody, back me up. HELP CARROLL! HELP! SOME OUT OF TOWNER IS BASHING ON TEX! HE PROBABLY WON’T RE-SIGN WITH US BUT WE LOVE HIM ANYWAY! STATS! WE NEED ‘EM!
By James
May 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Jay Blaisdell
Are you kidding me with your 1:18 post? Obviously you aren’t big on looking at the big picture. It ain’t just about the one tree homie, got to think about forest. Tex killed it during the second half for us last year and, while he did start slow, he has certainly picked it up as of late. And, to my recollection, him and Chipper were the only ones hitting well in late and behind situations for a long while there. I am at work, so I can’t look up these stats. Somebody, anybody, back me up. HELP CARROLL! HELP! SOME OUT OF TOWNER IS BASHING ON TEX! HE PROBABLY WON’T RE-SIGN WITH US BUT WE LOVE HIM ANYWAY! STATS! WE NEED ‘EM!
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves should rest Chipper for four months so that he’ll be fresh for the stretch and give him a better chance in the playoffs. Makes sense, doesn’t it, KC and N8?
By monty
May 8, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Braves act like they have to catch a plane or something Geez! THis guy is a reliever make him tire his arm out !
By jbutler
May 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Carolina Gent Hey- you the other half of Carolina Lady? Haven’t heard anything from her since I’ve been back around past month…just curious!!
Great insight/wit as always CR. Hope the showers stay away for you.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
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.
Yeah. Because the approach was so bad in previous years when the Braves were one of the best offensive clubs in the league.
By PrincetonBrave
May 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
So far the Braves have waged a war on good at-bats.
Ledezma has control issues, but we are giving him the ol’ free pass.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is way more valuable as a starter than as a reliever. Period. Especially in October.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo had to come out of the game with what looked like it might be a blister, the way he was fiddling with his hand. Will find out more. He made it only 2 2/3 innings.
Buddy Carlyle is in….it wasn’t pretty for Jo-Jo, though he did a decent job of damage control. five hits and two walks, two runs (sor far) he leaves two runners aboard for Carlyle.
By lt200
May 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I am without TV or radio coverage of the game. What happened to Jo-Jo?
By By 80s hawks pacman logo
May 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Hopefully the braves can win this game today,
I do have a question though, why is the ajc.com asking the fans to vote if the braves want Barry Bonds, are there rumors today of him maybe joining the braves?
By KC
May 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Well so much for the idea of leaving Jeff Bennett in the bullpen.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Looks like I will get started drinking early today. With Caryle in the game and 2-1 in the 3rd this game is going to be long and ugly. Not to mention we are facing a lefty, can’t hit them hardly. If the Pads score five I believe we are facing a tough game to win.
By KC
May 8, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
By the way… I very much like the idea of Campillo being the long-relief guy, promoting Stockman, and sending Carlyle down.
But now that I’ve said that… Carlyle will probably make me look foolish. And I sincerely hope he does.
By Bart
May 8, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
How about a front end reliever? Okay, a starter but limited to 50 pitches. Smotlz would pitch 50 pitches no matter how long that is. 2 innings or 5. JoJo can be the starter part 2. It would be a pain for the opposing team to set their lineup by because of the lefty righty thing. JoJo would know he could start warming up at pitch 35 or so. It would be a away to use 6 starters too. I know…diffeent…but a thought anyway.
By Bart
May 8, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
How about a front end reliever? Okay, a starter but limited to 50 pitches. Smotlz would pitch 50 pitches no matter how long that is. 2 innings or 5. JoJo can be the starter part 2. It would be a pain for the opposing team to set their lineup by because of the lefty righty thing. JoJo would know he could start warming up at pitch 35 or so. It would be a away to use 6 starters too. I know…diffeent…but a thought anyway.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Aww! Dang! I pulled a Coach! Sorry, Ms. Rogers!! GREAT blog, BTW! ; )
Great stuff from Smoltz with the mike today. Anybody else hearin’ this? Too funny.
AGTfan—
Yeah, I’ll go ahead and put Fanncoeur on ignore. Yeah, people find it very easy to tease me.
By Caleb
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
what’s going on with reyes? gamecast says he’s still in, but the box score says carlyle is in now.
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves should rest Chipper for four months so that he’ll be fresh for the stretch and give him a better chance in the playoffs. Makes sense, doesn’t it, KC and N8?
Bad retort Payne. Smoltz is injured. Smoltz isn’t a healthy guy they are resting just so he’ll be fresh come October.
The parallel would be if Chipper got injured and said he’s coming back as a bench player. Would it be best to give him the extra rest, miss him for a little longer, but get him back as a full time player or get him back soon as only a part time player with a nagging injury?
By Cody
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
If Reyes is out for a while Caryle will be his replacement. Wren get your @$$ on the phone and find us someone. Caryle makes me $hit everytime he pitches. Maybe he will have luck on his side today, but the Braves need to win the next several before we face the gauntlet of mid-may. The Phils, A’s, D-Backs. Good hitting and pitching oh my. Not inlcuding the Mets cause they look like a little league team.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
please stop with the “braves have one of the better offenses in the league” arugment again.
I thought 97% of the bloggers here agreed the offense can put up huge numbers then go cold through a 5-6 game stretch on a consistent basis.
Spreading the ball around the field by hitting it where it’s pitched will prevent this team from going cold too often. See Chipper Jones.
By jcmo71
May 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Carroll what happened to JoJo?
By Caleb
May 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Carroll.
By monty
May 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Can anyone explain to me why you don’t have Infante bunt Buddy over to second? Let Eunell and Chipper try to drive him in ?
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Bart: Or the team could try to revive LaRussa’s old idea of the 3 inning pitchers… Not going to happen though.
By Carolina Gent
May 8, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
jbutler No, but like you, I do miss her postings here. She always added a touch of civility when the rest of the blog got carried away! I believe she’s on the other side of the state from me.
By Carolina Lady
May 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hey, JBUTLER! Got an email saying you had inquired about me - thanks! I’m at bravesandstuff(at)hotmail.com; drop me a note! :-)
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Shaun scoring 15 runs today and none tomorrow and then 12 next day will make your team look an offensive machine, which is not true. I think braves have scored less runs in the last 16 games than in the first 16 and they have won more game recently……..what does that tells you? 7-9 first 16 games….89 runs scored in the process.
10-6 record since (16 games) 75 runs scored in the process.
By mo
May 8, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Frenchy really needs to come through here. Take away that 2 HR 7 RBI day and he has done nothing this year.
By StingerSplash
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Sacks loaded, two outs. Time for Frenchy to come through.
By jcmo71
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I am sorry, but I have no faith in Frenchie. In fact he drives me crazy.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I’m not gonna say it…I’m not gonna say it…
But I’m gonna think it!
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is way more valuable as a starter than as a reliever. Period. Especially in October.
Who is denying this? My view of this is quite clear here.
But Smoltz is more valuable as a reliever than a bench-warmer.
And the Braves chances for the playoffs improve if he’s a reliever as opposed to a bench-warmer.
And the Braves have to make the playoffs before they worry about what’s good for them in October.
Maybe you’ve missed the whole argument but there are some suggesting Smoltz should sit out until around September. That making them better in the playoffs at the expense of their playoff hopes is somehow a good idea.
By Josh H
May 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Frenchy strikes out…
Since his walk last night, he’s pretty much done the worst thing possible in his last 4 at bats (Grounded into 2 double plays, 2 strike outs including one today with the bases juiced)
Hope he gets out of this funk soon.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
way to go frenchy.
I’m beginning to think that Cox should have a long talk with Frenchy. Even if Cox told him he was considering benching him for a blanco, Frenchy might see the light.
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Not to beat on it, but when Francoeur comes up with the bases loaded, I have the same feeling I had for the past couple of years with Andruw in that same situation. A hopeless feeling.
Has marriage not been kind to him? Is it the added muscles? He does not look like the same hitter.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
FRANCOEUR…AARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
The guy hasn’t gotten a hit with men on base in who knows how long?!??!? He’s had A LOT of missed opportunities lately.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Smoltz said on a in game interview he expects to be pitching for the club in pittsburgh, peaces are starting to get together.
Id say let Soriano and Hampton rest a little more.
By monty
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is really struggling, he needs to be moved down in the order maybe 7th or 8th. Sit him out a couple of games try something.
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Man, Frenchy is in some kind of slump. Just awful. Not even close.
By Original Jon
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Who is Eunell?
By Mark T.
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
The new Andruw strikes and strikes out again. 4 pitch at bat with the bases juiced and didnt look to hit the ball to RF. The new rally killer….GEEZ!!
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Ugh. Francoeur is my favorite Brave, but he is really looking bad right now. Just abysmal. Not getting good wood on anything.
~E~
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
It was a blister for Jo-Jo, on the index finger of his left hand.
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Reyes won’t be out for awhile. And while Carroll is right it “wasn’t pretty”, he actually wasn’t bad either. The two runs came on an error, and a bad call where he struck someone out on a checked swing and didn’t get the call. Moreover, Kotsay booted a ball in center field that wasn’t called an error.
For not having his best stuff, he did a good job of pitching through it until the blister developed. But I doubt it will be a long term thing.
By sportsmandh
May 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Game notes on the yahoo boxscore say Jo Jo apparently left with a blister.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Nice throw McCann! Oh, wait, I mean Miller! (Sorry McFann.)
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
peaces = pieces
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
please stop with the “braves have one of the better offenses in the league” arugment again.
I thought 97% of the bloggers here agreed the offense can put up huge numbers then go cold through a 5-6 game stretch on a consistent basis.
Really? Braves have scored 5 or fewer runs only 19 times this season. Only the Cubs have done it fewer times.
By N8
May 8, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun
On the other blog at 12:34, KC stated this:
“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.”
Then at 12:42, you responded with this:
“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?”
Then you added:
“Are you kidding me?”
“You two seriously think it’s better to have Smoltz not pitch at all for four months than to have him in the bullpen for that time? You may be the only two people in Atlanta who think this.”
Did you read my post, or do you assume when I’m responding to you that it’s already a preconceived notion, that I’m gonna disagree with you 100 percent? Good god.
“Last time I checked a team must make it to the playoffs before they can worry about what they need in the playoffs.”
No Sh!t, huh? News to me.
“I’m all for the Braves trying to extend Smoltz at the end of the year so he can start in the playoff, if that’s at all possible.”
Yeah. I’m all for Francoeur not BOMBING with the bases loaded, too. But such is life.
“But why in the world would the Braves sit their best pitcher for four months if he can pitch in a role?”
Do you pay attention to anything at all? Previous posts? Previous years that Smoltz was in the pen? Why he wanted to start again to begin with?
When Smoltz blows out that shoulder by coming back too soon, for a bunch of games in May (you know….when it’s EARLY in the year?), I’m sure you will be the first person on the blog, stating he should have rested, because there are stats that prove your point, rather than common sense.
Then you added the following comment. Apparently NOBODY thought it was funny enough on the old blog, so you decided to post it again over here:
“Maybe the Braves should rest Chipper for four months so that he’ll be fresh for the stretch and give him a better chance in the playoffs. Makes sense, doesn’t it, KC and N8?”
Guess what? STILL not funny. Is Chipper hurt? Can he get hurt WORSE if he continues to hit? God forbid he actually infected another Braves hitter with the ability to hit. We wouldn’t want that, would we.
If you’re gonna throw an analogy out there, try and make it be REMOTELY similar to the situation being discussed. Whether you’re trying to be funny or not. Last time I checked, Chipper’s NOT on the DL right now, and he’s NOT contemplating changing positions as to ease up on his workload. Weak comparison, at best, dude.
Then the ULTIMATE in your season stats, as opposed to REAL “under-pressure, against REALLY GOOD pitching” stats, that are the REALITY of Braves Post-Season baseball stats:
“Yeah. Because the approach was so bad in previous years when the Braves were one of the best offensive clubs in the league.”
How many WS titles, with 3 HOF pitchers in the rotation, did we get in the 90’s? Oh yeah. I forgot…..it was just “bad luck” happening to a REALLY GOOD offensive club, led by the worlds greatest post-season strategist.
Too bad for them I guess.
To round it all out. IF BIG F’N IF!!! the Braves bullpen can maintain WITHOUT Smoltz in the pen (you know, with Gonzo and Soriano coming back healthy - I’ll assume you think they’ll both be fine, and contribute), then IMO, no need to rush Smoltz back.
THEN, if after resting, he could re-assess what HE thinks his role should be. If he STILL thinks that his ONLY role that he’ll be available for, would be in the pen, then FINE BY ME.
Just the same as you all say it’s too early in the season to give up on the team, isn’t it a bit early for everybody to give up on Smoltz as a starter, if our bullpen is fine without him?
Just ANOTHER example of me being semi-realistic, and asking a LEGITIMATE question, and people assuming I’m being negative.
Unreal.
BTW: Shaun, for not reading and being a pompous A-hole…..You’re AND idiot.
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Can everyone stop with should Smoltz be a starter or a reliever? He is no longer able to be a starter. He is in his 40’s. The only way he can constintly pitch is if he is a reliever. Get over it. He is not the same pitcher he used to be. At least he is trying to find a way to pitch unlike Hampton.
Bobby’s Cox you are a moron. Every year the Braves have one of the top offenses. You can not find an offense that doesnt have 5 game stretches where the offense struggles. Get over it.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Overlord, see my previous post. Only one team in all of baseball has scored 5 runs or fewer in a game less often. That includes AL teams and teams that play home games in hitter’s parks.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Yes i read that argument, and what i’m saying is that for a guy that’s had increasingly worse shoulder trouble for the past 3 years, to a point where the offseason didn’t even help, then i think the bullpen won’t be the savior Smotlz and you guys think it’s going to be.
For 1, Smotlz won’t be available everyday. If he pitches on a Tuesday, he probably won’t be available on Wednesday or Thursday.
2, if this team makes the postseason, Smoltz will have to spend 2 weeks to get his arm ready to start in October, a 2 week period where we may be fighting for our playoff lives.
Maybe the real problem of smoltz’s shoulder injuries is golf and maybe smotlz isn’t going to be hitting the green anymore, I don’t know. But Smotlz needs to rest, and if Soriano and Gonzo come back healthy, more reason to do so.
Wren needs to make a trade for a starter. I still say Harden from Oakland. He’s pitching Sunday against Texas, so he’s healthy now.
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Wow. Will Ledezma shutting down the Braves O today. Eh, it happens. This team has problems slugging against the southpaws though. Someone put one into the seats between the foul poles.
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
great! Another pitcher hurt! What a great game!
~E~
By N8
May 8, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Is the team that has been SHUT DOWN by Will Ledezma (he of the lifetime 5.10 ERA), the same one that you keep referring to as a the great offense?
It’s clear to anybody that has been paying attention, that this team is in SERIOUS trouble against ANYBODY that pitches with their left hand.
Right now are “ratio” of scoring runs, is about 1 run every 6 AB’s against right handed pitching, and 1 run every 9 AB’s against left handed pitching.
I’ll do the math for you. An average game sees about 35 AB’s per team.
Against LHP, we average a little under 4 runs per 9 innings. Against RHP, we average about 6 runs per 9 innings.
Need I point out that Mark Redman (he of the 7.98 ERA this season), allowed only 2 ER against our lineup IN COORS FIELD!!!!
Skip said earlier on the radio broadcast, that Bud Black simply wanted to get a LHP in the game against the Braves. THAT is how much respect (if you were wondering) that opposing managers have for Tex as a RH hitter, along with the rest of our GREAT lineup.
Will FRICKIN Ledezma. Enough said.
GOOD GOD! How many pitchers are we gonna lose this year?
Unreal.
By StingerSplash
May 8, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
It’s bad enough we have two hits in four innings against Batting Practice Ledezma. But holy Cornelia, are we ever gonna run out of ways to lose one of our pitchers?
By lt200
May 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Now what happened to Carlyle? OMG!!!
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
N8, KC’s suggestion clearly was to rest Smoltz until September and October. You even posted that.
Here it is: “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.”
I’m saying that’s a bad idea.
If Smoltz comes back and gets hurt, I absolutely will not question the decision. I’d rather have the best or second best pitcher pitching.
Want to talk common sense? Well, isn’t it common sense that’s it’s better for Smoltz to pitch in a bullpen role than for him to sit for four months?
It’s not about the bullpen holding up without Smoltz. I think the bullpen will be fine. It’s about getting something out of your best or second best pitcher.
It’s kind of like questioning the Teixeira trade last year because the offense was already fine. Well, yes it was, but they added more runs to the offense by adding that kind of player.
By Kev
May 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
GOD!!!!!!!!..ANOTHER injury!!nah..this has to be a curse or something…all the injuries in ONE day!!!! Christ!!
By Hawk Head
May 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
What the hell is wrong with Carlyle? Any word?
By 'Hawk Head
May 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
What the hell is wrong with Carlyle? Any word?
By 22oz
May 8, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Now Buddy’s gone? JEEEEZ. Get Chipper out now before something happens to him. Oh, and put in Resop.
By N8
May 8, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
“Really? Braves have scored 5 or fewer runs only 19 times this season. Only the Cubs have done it fewer times.”
What’s their record in those games?
Also, how many games have they scored 6 runs (like the game against Colorado that Redmam started, AFTER the game was already decided), in other words…GARBAGE TIME?
Bottom line….do you (Shaun) think that this is a WS winning lineup?
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Maybe one day we will finally win 6 in a row…..
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Epinephine how was Reyes not bad? He gave 5 hits and walked 2. Sometimes you have to pitch around bad calls. Besides if he would have thrown a strike then it doesnt matter if the batter checks his swing. As for Kotsay booting it, guess what if it was already on the ground in CF than it was already a hit.
By By Where'd That@*%&^@ BallGo?
May 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Toldya the damm game was over already.What a buncha crap. Lets just concede so nobody else goes down.
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe Wilfredo is beating us. I remember when he was a Brave. In 9.1 innings he gave up 10 runs, 8 earned, a homer and walked 4.
By Vol
May 8, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
22oz:
Funny post at 2:45!
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
no word yet on carlyle officially. it was a pretty big blow he took from kouzmanoff’s knee. think it must have hit him after the adrenaline stopped from making the out and showing the ump the ball. then he crumpled. looked like maybe the wind knocked out of him. but will let you know what more there is.
By Catty Catie
May 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
McChubby never gets a day off because they would never keep his weight under 300 pounds if he didn’t play everyday.
By McMoron
May 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Great post, DOB. You’re the best. I’m going to go practice for the special olympics now.
By Thrillhouse44
May 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Okay, I’m about fed up with people pointing to golf as the cause of Smoltz’s shoulder injuries. Could it be that it’s caused by 35 years of throwing a baseball as hard as he can? 35 years of snapping his arm different ways to make the ball bite? 20 years of pitching in the majors and throwing when he is in pain and should probably stay in the dugout instead of sacrificing his health?
No, it couldn’t be from laying it all out on the line for the team that pays him - it has to be from GOLF. Of course. SHEESH!
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Do you pay attention to anything at all? Previous posts? Previous years that Smoltz was in the pen? Why he wanted to start again to begin with? N8
N8
If you haven’t noticed by now, that’s how Shaun tries to win his arguments. He picks what he wants to read just like he chooses the stats he wants to use. He uses the same revolving door of nonsense to get you frustrated and make you explain your points over and over and over again. He has no sense of hitters in situations and think overall stats and OBP tell the whole story about what a player is going to do.
Eric from MO
I think you’re a moron and ignorant. Maybe you don’t watch our games or other games around the league and see the difference between our approach at the plate and other teams’ approaches. Every other team in the league would be lighting up Ledezma or making him pitch his A$$ off because they know he’s a reliever.
you wanna bet this team loses the series in Pittsburg after winning 5 straight, facing 2 lefties, and that our pitchers have a problem with Pittsburg’s offense? This team is predictable, but maybe that’s a function of me watching them everyday since ‘90.
By beekay
May 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Anyone out there agree with my earlier assesment?
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 Red
May 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Can someone please go down to the dugout and whisper to Tex that the season started almost 6 weeks ago?
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
N8 can you please stop posting. Rarely does any of your posts make any sense. For example you complain that Smoltz needs to be in the starting rotation and then you post in your 2:27 post “How many WS titles, with 3 HOF pitchers in the rotation, did we get in the 90’s? Oh yeah. I forgot…..it was just “bad luck.” Doesnt that completely work against you in your arguement Smoltz needing to be in the rotation. The reason we lost in the 90’s was mainly cause of our bullpin. This is just one example, there are plenty others.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Brian Giles has some 15 put outs today……and 14 of them must have been pop ups. Sheesh !!! (Im practicing there my sheesh McFann)
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, is any relief pitcher available every day?
What if Smoltz can’t start in October, which is quite probable? Then what’s the point in resting him for a few months?
Yes, he needs rest. That’s why he’s on the DL right now. But as soon as he’s capable of pitching, he should pitch. He’s not doing the Braves any good not pitching. And he’s not helping the Braves get to the playoffs if they are saving him for the playoffs.
Can’t believe this was even brought up. Honestly no one can think it’s seriously a good idea to rest Smoltz until September.
By N8
May 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Your 2:43 was a little more like it. Fair. Quick and to the point.
You lumped me in with saying that I thought he should SIT for four months. I never said that.
What I did say, was that I think he will be more help in October (if we get there - I’m pretty sure I added that point at the end), as a starter.
To which, I added that I’m POSITIVE that Smoltz, more than likely, feels the same way, or he would have NEVER come out of the closer’s roll, that he was so damn dominant at.
But commenting that ANY help from Smoltz is better than no help (like from Hampton), while true, isn’t fair to Hampton.
The guy is trying to get back on the mound to help. He has plenty of money, and could have EASILY walked away many times. He hasn’t.
He just happens to be on the DL more than others, and making SILLY money while doing it.
But if you’re gonna rag on Hampton for NOT helping when being on the DL, then you better rag on Smoltz for missing time right now, Chipper in the past, and ANYBODY who’s ever been placed on the DL.
NOTHING bugs me more, than when people question whether a player would rather play, than sit on the DL collecting a check.
I know you weren’t doing that (don’t wanna twist your words. LOL!), but questioning an injury is a MUCH different thing, than questioning a guys ability, or desire to change bad habits, IMO.
For the record, I’m PUMPED that Smoltz is going back to the pen. Our record in games he pitched in, when he was the closer, was SILLY GOOD.
Do we have enough starting pitching to utilize him? Who knows with the injuries today.
Can he be used as anything more than a “situational” or part-time closer? Who knows? He’s already stated that he might not be able to go 3 days in a row, or 4 out of 5 days.
Not sure that’s such a good thing. But he should be lights out in the 3 or 4 games he pitches in a week.
Like you said, ANYTHING is good. Worst case scenario, he allows us to NOT use a guy like Resop. Eliminating those kind of innings, is still a plus in my book.
I just don’t know if I’d rush him back NOW. Then again, as I stated before, Smoltz knows his body and I know that the mule in him would come back sooner than later, just to help the team.
But like you guys keep telling me…..it’s a long season. Gotta think big-picture, when it comes to health.
Unless you think that one DOMINATING month out of Smoltz at closer, gives us enough cushion in the division to “ride it out” for the rest of the year, in the event he gets hurt worse, and is lost for the season.
Which is very similar to my gripe with Tex. If he wouldn’t be such a slow starter, we might have a 5 or 6 game lead right now, with the way our pitching has been.
To deny he’s let us down, is wrong. To say “he’ll get is numbers”, might be correct, but I’d rather have his “numbers” start in April, not come in huge clusters later in the year (when we might be down by 10 games if the offense doesn’t find some consistency).
Time to go to work. That’s enough epic posts for one day. Especially considering nobody likes me anymore. LOL!
By Where'd That@*%&^@ BallGo?
May 8, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
And on top of that Chipper has looked terrible in every atbat today so I guess it is time for his average to come tumbling back to earth about 110 points lower. BAH!
By mo
May 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Two comments for this game: Will this team ever hit a lefty? and Take away that Saturday against the Nats and Frenchy has been terrible this year.
By Catty Catie
May 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Has marriage not been kind to him?
Lay off man eric the elder. Lay off my man.
By Vol
May 8, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Who is watching? Online it has Buddy out with a head injury. Did he get hit or is it something else?
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
What about scoring 3 or fewer runs? that would be more interesting Shaun
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
N8, I don’t think the lineup is what will cause it if this team misses the playoffs.
What’s their record in those games [in which they score five or fewer]?
It’s 6-13. But guess what? No team is over .500 in games in which they score five or fewer runs. Only two teams are at .500. All but seven teams in the majors have a winning percentage under .400 in such games.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
word on Carlyle is muscle strain to the left side of his neck, he is day-to-day.
By Catty Catie
May 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
What’s the over/under on burritos inhaled by McCann on the bench today?
I’m putting the number at 5.
By TrueBlueBravesFan
May 8, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Its time to seriously consider that Francour needs a rest….He looks awfull lately
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I must say, I have been staying out of this. But I was one of the first people to reply to KC’s notion that resting Smoltz till September is a awful idea. In fact, it makes NO SENSE at all. I believe his thought was that the goal was to win the World Series, not just make the playoffs. I laugh at such a statement. This isn’t the nineties. It ain’t that easy to get to the playoffs. If it means using Smoltz out of the pen, so be it. He can’t start, but any innings that he gives us at all will help, so the bullpen makes the most sense.
Resting Smoltz till September is a dumb idea. Bottom line.
By Ghost of Andruw Jones
May 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I’m haunting Tex.
By RC
May 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
“Buddy Carlye left game due to an injuried neck/shoulder”….how many prospects would we have to give up to trade for a new trainer?
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Some Booooing for Jeff on his last AB.
That aint good.
By N8
May 8, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO
As per your 2:59? No I won’t quit posting.
If you’re gonna post about ME not making any sense, shouldn’t you at least make sense yourself? I know. That would make too much sense for you to grasp.
You claim that I contradict myself by saying that Smoltz should be in the pen, yet pine for Smoltz to be in the rotation? Why? Because I made a comment about us NOT winning more WS with 3 HOF starters in the rotation.
Find me a post-season where SMOLTZ was the reason for that. Find me another post-season (other than the one that we won the WS), that Glavine and Maddux were BOTH dominant in the play-offs.
To top it off. Please inform me of the the other 2 HOF pitchers CURRENTLY in our rotation that would make up for Smoltz NOT being in the rotation.
You people that say the bullpen was our issue for not winning more WS?
What about the ones where Smoltz was the closer? What gives there? How about when Rocker was the closer? What’s the matter, your theory NOT holding water?
I’ll do some research, and I’m sure I’ll come back with MORE cases of our offense letting us down in the post-season than our too often maligned bull-pen. What a load of crap.
Now had you said Bobby’s MIS-USE of the bullpen, I’d give it to you. But many years, we have had one of the better over-all bullpens in the regular season, how come we didn’t win the WS those years?
Secondly, your calling me out for stating this team (all things being equal) is better off with Smoltz in the rotation than in the pen.
Interesting. Bobby said, as recently as LAST WEEK, that he “likes Smoltz as a starter”.
Have DOB ask Smoltz, where HE thinks he would be more help (all things equal).
Eric, I have no problem if you tell me that Smoltz’ shoulder is hurting, thus to get anything out of him, he’ll have to go to the pen. I accept that. Smoltz said that himself, and I believe it.
I was merely agreeing with KC, that IF our bullpen COULD hold it’s own, I would love for Smoltz, Wren and Bobby to “wait it out” for a month and re-assess it at a later date, especially with Gonzo on his way back, and Soriano having recent “good news”.
But you’re making the argument that we didn’t win more WS because of a week bullpen, thus we’re better off with Smoltz in the pen anyhow.
That is BS.
I was for getting another starter, and leaving Smoltz in the pen (because he was that damn good at closing…pure MONEY on a nightly basis). But since Smoltz has come back to the rotation, he proved that he KNEW what he was doing, and how valuable he’s been to the rotation.
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I wonder what pinch hitter BC brings in here…..
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Quirky Miller looks like an enforcer for the teamsters union.
By TJ
May 8, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Vol, tv (and Carrol) reporting it’s a neck strain. Pretty nasty collision with the runner on a “swinging bunt”. He made a good play, held the ball up to indicate he’d made the tag, and then sorta crumpled into a heap. But, walked off on his own power and all.
What about scoring 3 or fewer runs? that would be more interesting
Overlord, by my count, 14 times in 32 games, which is way too many. I think it’s a good offense (potentially, and if you look at overall numbers), but way too many shutdown games.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Francouer needs to set for a couple of days, he is sucking right now….
By Red
May 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
NORTON!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Padres might need to download the most recent version of NORTON ANTIVIRUS!!!
YEAH GREG!!!
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Welcome to your new home Norton……..yesss!!!!!!!!
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Norton was a solid pickup.
By RC
May 8, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Greg Norton = clutch hits.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
What if Smoltz can’t start in October, which is quite probable? Then what’s the point in resting him for a few months? Shaun
If smotlz can’t start in september with 3 months of rest, then what makes you think he can pitch in the bullpen for 5 months? That’s a poor argument shaun.
Smoltz IS going to be in the bullpen. Time will tell if that’s good thing or a bad thing. With how bad our offense looks in close games, I dont’ think it’s going to matter much. That’s why I wouldn’t mind if Smoltz shut it down till September. But with your overconfidence in our offense and the misleading numbers it puts up, maybe that’s why you have the position you have.
By MAV
May 8, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Norton does it again. I hope Prado never comes back. To the majors that is.
Go Braves
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
For those that busted Wren for the Norton trade……Who’s your daddy……Wahooooooooo……Looks like a one run game.
By keylargo
May 8, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Here is where we need a pinch runner even if McCann has to catch a couple of innings.
By Kev
May 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Man,What a pickup Greg Norton has been!!!Coach has to be laughing somewhere!!!!!!! Helping this team again…Big PH AB!!!
By Saltywoody
May 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Remember when I suggested a few months ago that Cliff Lee would be a good idea?
Because he’d really be nice to have given the fact that the back end of our rotation consists of JoJo, Buddy, Chuck, and Jeff. Good Lord. That sounds like the roster at a dude ranch. And has about the same stench.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Boy oh boy, Norton’s looking like a solid pickup.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
What the hell was bobby thinking. I cannot believe he pinch hit for Infante with Johnson. My gosh Johnson struggles with his first plate appearence in every game. He is more better the 2,3 time he bats. Infante needed to bat in that situation you have to see how he will do in the clutch. Looks like our 10th one run loss fellas.
By Renegator
May 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
This is setting up perfectly for another 1 run loss…
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah KJ you are my hero!!!!!
By Carolina Gent
May 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen this posted somewhere on previous blogs, but here’s an idea to consider.. when (or if) Hampton is (ever) ready to pitch again, how ‘bout putting him in the bullpen as a 2-3 inning guy, or even as a 1-inning stopgap? Seems like we could use that with all of our replacements getting hurt!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I also understand Norton could play right field, you know, for a day or two, just to give a certain golden boy a rest …
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, is any relief pitcher available every day? Shaun
Apparently Shuan, everyone in our bullpen is available everyday since Bobby pitches them everyday.
I’m not sure that will be a good idea with Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzo in the bullpen. The starting is going to have to go deeper in games, and with the staff we have, that doesn’t look likely.
BTW, that Norton pickup was a good pickup. I believe it was Overlord that caught that one and I agreed, putting it on my list of 20 things the braves needed to do. Obviously I have some sense of baseball knowledge.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
N8, you are bringing Hampton in to this, I am not. I have not said a word about Hampton. I will defend Hampton to anyone. (I don’t defend Colorado for giving him that contract but that wasn’t Hampton’s fault.)
And I do think Smoltz would be more valuable as a starter and I’m sure Smoltz thinks the same. I realize it’s not his fault that he has to go to the ‘pen but that’s the best place for him.
As far as not rushing him back, I don’t think they are. He is on the DL resting right now. And I’m sure they won’t rush him back until he’s ready.
Overlord, the Braves have played 14 games in which they’ve scored 3 or fewer runs. I count 16 teams that have played in more such games. 11 have played in fewer such games.
The Braves are 3-11 in such games. The best record is the Giants at 9-11. If the Braves have one more win in that situation, they’d be tied with the Yankees at 4-11, the eighth-best record.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Yes Sir, Frank Wren is grinning ear to ear over the acquisition of Greg Norton.
Has this been a strange game or what? Bad defense, Jo-Jo’s blister, Buddy’s collision and here we are in another one run contest.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Shaun thats what i meant about sitting on HRs instead of rallies. S
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey McFann
Are you watching the game? I’m wondering if you heard BMac explain why he’s a catcher. That sorry he told smoltz in the dugout was classic.
By scott boras
May 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
1 run games makes me sweat
By McFann
May 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
What a crummy game, but listening to the guys in the dugout has been hilarious! What a story about Felix Crabbe!!
This whole game has been worth it just for that and Spanish Lessons with Smoltz, or whatever they called it. Oh boy! Great stuff!
Norton’s been a great addition. Don’t think he’ll be goin’ to the moon any time soon!
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Bobby needs to leave Bennett in for the 8th because this game looks like it could go to extras.
By Original Jon
May 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
RC What does the Trainer have to do with Buddy getting injured? Seriously man, you people sometimes look for any excuse to complain about something or someone.
By jbutler
May 8, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I think the headline on the Braves website sums it up: “pitchers dropping like flies” Who has the can of Raid? Can he quit using it???!!?
At least they’re hanging in this one…
By Red
May 8, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The rains are coming boys. Better score some runs. Looks like Bud Black wants to delay things as long as needed to get the storms to show up
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
SD strategy for the bottom of the 7th:
Intentially walk Escobar
Intentially walk Chipper
Intentially walk Tex.
Frency, triple play.
By Renegator
May 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
They are letting us back in this thing. Come on Chip. It’s a right hander…
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
We got to win this folks the padres are giving us to many gifts.
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Gotta get our runs in before Frenchy gets up unfortunately. Get it done.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Oh man, I really hope that Chipper and Tex can bring Escobar in…it would not be good to have Frenchy up there with 2 out and a man in scoring position when we really need a run! I know that Jeff can bring him in, but it would be really, really bad if…well, let’s wait and see…
By Red
May 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
The Pods should walk Chipper. A stupid move because it puts the winning run on base. Don’t matter. Tex and Jeff stink so bad right now, the runs will never score. Jeff will roll into a DP.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, well let me go on the record to say I will mind if Smoltz shuts it down until September (if he can pitch at all).
Yes, it’s completely unreasonable to be overconfident in a team that ranks 6th in runs, 1st in batting average, 4th in on-base, 2nd in slugging.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
I have not said a word about Hampton. I will defend Hampton to anyone Shaun
Finally. Something you and I can agree on. I will defend Hampton all day too.
By Need A Win
May 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
this game would be a huge win if they could pull it off
huge confidence heading on the road after a game with this many injuries and bad luck
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Damn you Chipper should have worked the count or a walk.
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Francoeur and Chipper have left 9 men on base today. 9 guys. The best either of them did was Francoeur getting hit by a pitch.
Close and late guys. Come through again and it might just fire up the team as a whole…
By Renegator
May 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Nice effort by the switch hitting duo in the heart of the order…
Boo
By CT
May 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Can we get a score,inning, how we scored the runs besides the first one update?
By Red
May 8, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Tex wants things to do in a big city.
I know we’re just a little itty bitty city to ole moneybags BUT …….
I reckon we’re giving him alot to do here and he ain’t doing it.
If Moneybags can’t handle the things our little itty bitty city asks him to do, how is Moneybags going to handle the city that never sleeps?
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Someone who is watching please tell me how Escobar scored on that play???
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Shaun now you know what a productive out (TEX) can do for you.
By keylargo
May 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
This guy Bell for the Padres is the same 230 lbs. as AJ is. TIE GAME Come DIAZ get a RBI
By BravesFanInRockies
May 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
If a team’s record in 1-run games are mostly luck — and I think they are, because they can be back-and-forth affairs, games a team has blown after they’ve led or games where they’ve come back (like today) after trailing — then the Bravos are due to win about 15 or so in a row. Starting today??
By Caleb
May 8, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
well it ain’t pretty, but I’ll take the tied score.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Wow.
San Diego wants us to finally win 6 staight!
Thanks for hitting Frenchy and the WP!
By RC
May 8, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Jon,
It was a joke. Over half our pitching staff has been on the DL this season. A joke. Get over it.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
San Diego must want us to win this thing really bad. three errors and a wild pitch to tye the game. Hey its ugly but we need to hurry before the rain gets us.
By MiamiBrave
May 8, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I’m at the office watchin on Gameday, Chipper’s fly out showed on the warning track.
Anyone who saw it on TV tell me how close he came?
4-4 up to our bullpen, and our big hitters will be up in the 9th
By Red
May 8, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Oh, no, Pete and Skip are talking projection systems.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
B’s C—
Yeah, that was a great story! I knew he had gone from second base to catcher, I guess now we know why. He said a while back it was because he “knew he wouldn’t make it in high school as a second baseman”, well, now we know the real story.
; ) Good stuff! They oughta do this more often!
Hey hey! We are tied! Nice work Escobar, Tex, (moved him to third, but should’ve gotten a hit, really) and Heath Bell. Nice wild pitch, man!
By RC
May 8, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Anyone watching the game, what happened with Chipper’s at-bat? The MLB game tracker made it look like he almost took the ball out…was it really that close?
By monty
May 8, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Glad the pitcher hit Frenchy, he surely would of made out three. Diaz has 2-0 count but decides to swing at balls 3 and 4 instead flies to right trying to be the hero, would of brought up our hottest hitter. It doesn’t look that bad on the scorecard but it was a needless out.
By Interested Observer
May 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Efrim, Escobar scored on a wild pitch.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
For those looking for a how-they-scored update:
6th inning (2nd and 3rd runs): with the bases loaded and two out, Greg Norton hit a pinch-hit, 2-run single to left field. Kelly Johnson then grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.
7th inning (4th run): Yunel Escobar reached second base on a throwing error by Khalil Greene. Chipper flied out to deep left field. Tex grounded out to the pitcher, Escobar to third. Francoeur was hit by a pitch. With Matt Diaz batting, Heath Bell threw a wild pitch, Escobar scored. Matt Diaz then lined out to RF to end the inning.
By N8
May 8, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I know you didn’t mean anything by the Hampton comment. I think you said, you’d like to get something out of Smoltz, rather than nothing (like Hampton).
My point, is that if Smoltz isn’t healthy, I’m not sure WHAT we’ll get out of him.
I know you weren’t ragging on Hampton like others, that act like he doesn’t want to pitch.
By TJ
May 8, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
To those asking about CJ’s fly to right: I didn’t etch it in my memory… may have been to the edge of the track, but it wasn’t by any means close to a HR. Pretty routine, actually.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Even though Ring got out Edmonds I just don’t agree with the fact that Bobby is not taking into consideration that this game could go to extras: Acosta, Boyer, Ohman and RESUCK are the only ones left now. If this does go to extras we are screwed.
By Batman
May 8, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
KJ should’ve turned that. He had plenty of time to make that throw even with Huber on top of him.
Announcers say the “road block” by Humber was illegal if KJ would’ve thrown it, but he still could’ve gotten bard anyway. Looks like Prados not the only one scared out there on 2nd.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
RC, not that close…and you guys are right on the rain. it’s picking up a little bit of a breeze like it’s not far off…
gotta check on the burritos!….that got a chuckle from Mark Bradley, sitting to my left.
By keylargo
May 8, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
MiamiBrave
Chipper flew out to the just short of the track. It was not very high but might have gone out if the 20mph wind blowing out had a chance. Not hard hit, just a fly out that did not get up enough.
By Section 412
May 8, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s ball was 5 - 6 feet short. Never looked like it really had a chance. They had a shot on TV of him yelling at it to go almost right off the bat. No real noise there.
And, as an aside, aren’t we glad we didn’t just call off the game back when several posters declared it “OVER” all the way to the first inning??
By beekay
May 8, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox Your 3:34 post had me laughing out loud to myself here at work…good stuff
By Steve McP
May 8, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Chipper thought it had a chance to get out, he was angry when it dropped
By Cody
May 8, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Wow Kotsay fouls off a ton of balls then on the 11th flies out. Heath Bell would look good in a Braves uniform.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
RC
Ya it was really close. The ball was caught up against the wall and chipper was upset it didn’t go out. He thought he had it and it looked like he did too, especially with the wind blowing out. It was that patented chipper oppo HR swing. The replay showed maybe he missed the sweet spot by 1/16th of an inch towards the end of the bat. Really good swing and contact by Chipper.
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
N8 I didnt say Smoltz wasnt the reason for us not winning more World Series. Actually I clearly stated the bullpin was the problem. WHICH IS WHAT SMOLTZ WOULD HELP! Jesus Christ can you read?
By bgtv
May 8, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Here is a close game that is winnable: all of SD’s remaining relief pitchers (including Trevor Hoffman) have ERAs over 6.
By I'm Just Sayin'
May 8, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Can’t you guys from Missouri just get along?
By Cody
May 8, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Well it will be Escobar, Chipper and Tex in the 9th. Hold em boys homer means a one run win.
By Renegator
May 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
At least we cleared Kelly Johnson in the 8th inning so Esco can lead off the 9th.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
You just have to love KJ, his work has been out of this world today, nobody could have done it better. Well maybe AJ.
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Mark Wohlers choked many times in the playoffs. That is an example of our bullpin not getting it done. You brought up Rocker, great! I love Rocker, not cause what he does on the field but for him speaking the truth. Maybe he shouldnt make the racist comments but he was completely right about the single teenage mothers and people dying their hair wierd colors and also about the crime rate in New York but he was extremely overated as a player. He never even once got to 40 saves. He could light up a radar gun but he was always wild.
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Someone needs to explain to me how a batter can watch a called 3rd strike when the winning run is on 2nd.
Not picking on KJ because others do it too. It shows a tentativeness, a hope that it’s a ball, anything to bail them out from possible failure.
If you miss it, you miss it, guys, but you sure won’t hit it if you don’t swing.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
OOOPSS, we might see resop into the game pretty soon…….hold on to your sits.
By DanTucker
May 8, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Francouer needs to set for a couple of days, he is sucking right..
Cody, I agree. He’s sucked for a long time, both offensively and defensively. He’s definitely got an attitude problem, in that he thinks he knows more his batting coach. Probably a result of our hall of fame manager, old “keep’m happy, don’t embarrass me, grandpa Cox.” Cox ruined Andruw by allowing him to become one of the most undisciplined hitters in Braves’ history. Perhaps Francouer could sit for a few days in Rome or Mississippi, wherever he came from. I remember he skipped Richmond and came directly to Atlanta. He must have a few options left. A few days to sit and ponder his future, and perhaps learn the strike zone, might do wonders for his inflated ego.
By Red
May 8, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Carroll, ask Tex a question after the game. When he starts talking, throw yourselves on the floor in a fake feint and say He speaks! He speaks! The robot speaks! Then tell him to give a nonscripted answer. Be prepared though. Tex might malfunction if you ask him to have an original thought. You’ll need to have Boras on the line just in case he needs to be rebooted.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t like the way this 9th is going. I am telling you all if it goes to extras we are screwed.
By Red
May 8, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Anyone else bothered by the sign on Acosta’s back that says Will Pitch For Food?
By bgvt
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Then again, if BC insists on these “match ups”, then the Braves might have to use Resop, who has an ERA over 7. I could see paying attention to the match ups when the bull pen is rested and ready, but JoJo’s early exit has it pretty depleted.
The Braves are the only team in the NL that has not won an extra inning game this year.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
We need to end this game now!!!!!!!
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Manny for closer!!!!!!!
By Brad
May 8, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Risky move by Bobby to burn up another pitcher here in the 9th, but it worked. Shows confidence in his guys to win it in the ninth, though. Let’s hope it pays off.
By Lineup Card
May 8, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Tomorrow’s Lineup:
Black Hole
Yunel
Chipper
Black Hole
Base Clogger
Black Hole
Kotsay
Black Hole
Black Hole
By THB
May 8, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Adrian Gonzalez as the Braves 1B next year as Tex’s replacement.
Ben Sheets as our #2 starter if he pitches at least 180 innings this year. Still need another starter though.
One question, has nobody brought up Javier Vasquez for this year?? He had a solid year last year, pitches a lot of innings and strikes out a ton with a sub 4 ERA. The White Sox are doing okay, but if they fall off they may want to trade him. Anybody know his contract? How many years left and for how much?
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Everybody talks about how chippers didnt have a chance of a homerun. Then Bobby’s Cox chimes in with this,”Ya it was really close. The ball was caught up against the wall and chipper was upset it didn’t go out. He thought he had it and it looked like he did too, especially with the wind blowing out.”
This furthers prove my point Bobby’s Cox is a moron.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Terminator delivers again………..come on TEX!!!!!!!
By Cody
May 8, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Wow I cannot believe they are gonna walk Francour he could still hit into a double play no matter how the odds of that happing with runners at 2nd and 3rd.
By TJ
May 8, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Man, Thatcher throwing 82 mph on intentional balls?
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Shaun Second straight productive out for TEX……you get my point?
By Red
May 8, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Bunt single by Escobar. That’s how you win ballgames. Waiting for homers doesn’t do it. Need to have your boppers but you also need to have a bunch of guys with a diversity of ability that can do the little things that get a runner on, over and in close and late in a game.
By keylargo
May 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
A one run VICTORY!!!
0 fer no more!!
By BT
May 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I have counted 11 bloggers in the last two days suggesting Frenchy sit. Don’t mind saying I was first. Diaz wins it for Braves.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
YEAH DIAZ!!!!! WWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
By MiamiBrave
May 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
YES! A ONE RUN WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Pete H.
May 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Pinch me. We won a one-run game!
By Red
May 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Whaddya know, 6 in a row! Bravos Win! Go Braves!
By Lew
May 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
No more Oh fer in one run games. Now if we could sop injuring pitchers two at a time, we might just stand a chance.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Braves win!!!! Braves win!!!!!1 Move over cause we are rolling! Screw the 0-9 in one runs game. Cause we now 1-9…..HAAAAHAAAA……Go Braves! Not to the rest of MLB the Braves found out how to win ugly one run games…Bring on the Pirates.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
6-0!!!! YEAH!! DIAZ, YOU DA MAN!!!
By Chop Chop
May 8, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
When it was 2-1 and Carlyle went down with his injury, I started thinking about posting that the Braves were finally going to win a one-run game today. The Padres pushed the lead to 4-1 and I decided against posting.
And so, here we are. A 5-4 win.
Good job by the boys today.
By OrlandoFan
May 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
How about that, Braves fans? A 1-run victory in the W column! Nice job of hitting by Diaz. Of course, if that had been the 8th, Chipper would ahve scored too, and it would not have counted as a 1-run victory. But it makes everyone feel good. Little help from the Pads, but that’s OK!
By McFann
May 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
1-9 IN ONE RUN GAMES!!!
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
OMG. We have a perfect home-stand and we won a one run game. Quick N8, say something negative before we get too happy. :-)
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
phew.
1st 1-run win. Thanks for giving it to us San Diego.
Escobar is a gamer. Nice bunt single to start it off.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 8, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Braves have one a one run game!
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Despite the rampant pessimism, the one run streak is over! I’ll tell you what, though, a lot of the doom and gloom here is pretty annoying. I understand not wanting to get your hopes up so as not to be disappointed, but you do know the point of sports is entertainment, right? If liking a team makes you this miserable, I’d recommend finding a new pastime. In the meantime, try rooting for the team. It sure is a lot more fun than griping over every move.
By Carolina Gent
May 8, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Finally got that o-fer out of the way in 1-run games. Way to Matt!
By scott boras
May 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
the last team to win 1 run game!!! about time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
More brilliance from Dan Tucker. Yeah, let’s demote Frenchy.
I will say that Frenchy should sit down for at least one game just to relax. Get the consecutive-game shtick out of his system.
I think that he’s taking the whole “face of the franchise” business too seriously (commercials portray him as every kid’s hero) and that he’s somehow cheating his fans if he doesn’t play every inning.
He’s in the big leagues to perform well, not to occupy space on the field and in the batting order.
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Red-NO! It was joke. Sometimes you all take something a player does way too serious.
I also always find it funny how everyone tells Francouer to just simply completely change the way he bats and Bobby should just teach him a lesson and bench him till he starts walking. You can not simply change the way you bat. Has any of you actually played baseball and I dont mean slow pitch softball. If Francouer completely changes then he wont be worth a damn. All he will do is go up to the plate guessing and then he really wont hit anything.
Could he take a few more pitches. Yes, but he is never going to be a guy who gets 100 walks a year. Could he go the other way a little more. Yes, I thought last year his approach was great and that is probably the best Francouers approach will be.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Second straight productive out for TEX……you get my point? overlord
Agreed. This team needs to bunt in those situations.
Tex wasn’t bunting, he was swinging away with runners on 1st and 2nd, 0 out in the 9HT INNING! If that ball is hit harder to short we’d probably be in extras after the double play with Frenchy due up.
Finally a 1-run win! Nice win.
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Braves found out how to win ugly one run games Yeah….just play the Padres. :-)
Of course that probably means we got lucky. About damn time.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Is that the first one run win of the season? By golly I think it is.
Cox just about used his entire bullpen and it worked.
The Braves probably lost another pitcher in Buddy Carlyle to the D.L.
They still don’t have a closer.
The back up catcher can’t hit his way out of a paper sack.
The real Mark Teixeira is still A.W.O.L.
The Braves have six pitchers on the D.L. and counting.
So what is this team doing about, you ask? Well, they are on their longest winning streak in two years.
I can’t wait to see what this team will do once they actually get healthy.
By murphy
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed that Tex is standing outside of the batters box? It is no wonder he is not getting any power way back there!
By BT
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Infante, Norton and Gotay don’t swing at pitches 2 feet outside. Disciplined hitters. Norton can play right field. Not being negative, I think it would be very positive for Frenchy to sit a day or two. He can be an all star one day, he just needs to listen to Pendleton (I hope Terry is saying something to him, he certainly didn’t listen to Chipper who is the best hitter in baseball). Go Braves sweep the Pirates.
By Pete H.
May 8, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure why I (or anyone else) cares about one-run games. It’s better than losing by two, and much better than getting blown out. Losing by one means, usually, you were in the game all the way. Eventually, they even out.
As for getting Gonzalez for 1B, what on earth makes anyone think the Padres would trade one of their two decent hitters?
By THB
May 8, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Charlie Morton pitched 7.1 scoreless innings, giving up 5 hits, 0 BB, and 6 K. He’s really doing well down at Richmond. ERA is under 2 and his WHIP is quite a bit under 1.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Eric From MO
Did you see the hit? It was caught near the wall. Or are you relying on others posts? Chipper WAS upset cuz he THOUGHT HE DID hit it out. Even the announcers said it and THEY’RE the ones that said the wind was blowing out: “Chipper thought he had it, especially with the wind blowing out today,” is what they said as the replay shows chipper going into a home run trot then being all upset and in disbelief. And it was very close to the wall. Another 10 feet it’s out easy….moron.
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
That felt really good. I hope this really fires up the team. A tough victory like this could be something that could help us roll through Pittsburgh. Let’s get a series win against the Pirates, and ride a hot-streak into Philly.
~E~
By Pessimistic Pedro
May 8, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
A 5 win streak. A 6 win streak. Otherwise, they are 7-15. Good grief. The Braves stink.
9-0 against the Reds, Dodgers and Padres. 9-15 against everyone else.
I aim to be more pessimistic than N8.
By scott boras
May 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
THE BRAVES are way better than we are giving credit for!
1st in team ba .289 2nd slugging (behind AZ) 1st in least runs given (124 runs)
the one run record misleads others that just look at standings.
braves runs scored vs given continues to climb. BELIEVE, they are solid ——-playoff bound 2008——
By scott boras
May 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
THE BRAVES are way better than we are giving credit for!
1st in team ba .289 2nd slugging (behind AZ) 1st in least runs given (124 runs)
the one run record misleads others that just look at standings.
braves runs scored vs given continues to climb. BELIEVE, they are solid ——-playoff bound 2008——
By OrlandoFan
May 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Celebrate, people. Yes, Pads helped. Yes, things weren’t perfect. Yes, Carlisle got hurt. JoJo has a blister. Yes, it was a victory against the Padres. So what. Every W counts the same amount, and 6 in a row count a lot. First place is in sight. It’s not even the middle of May. Life is good for the Bravos right now. On to the road and to slay more demons!
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Dont worry AGTfan, Bobby’s Cox made up for N8 with the pessimistic remark.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
I also always find it funny how everyone tells Francouer to just simply completely change the way he bats and Bobby should just teach him a lesson and bench him till he starts walking. You can not simply change the way you bat. Has any of you actually played baseball and I dont mean slow pitch softball. If Francouer completely changes then he wont be worth a damn. All he will do is go up to the plate guessing…blah blah blah Eric From MO
That shows who the moron really is. For one, Frenchy has been hurting, and it’s been hurting the braves as balls are falling all around him in the outfield.
Second, have you ever played baseball? If it’s not that easy to change, then why do players make slight adjustments to get out of slumps all the time? How do pitchers make adjustments in their delivery from start to start and the results change?
Frenchy knows how to hit the outside pitch to right. He’s done it before, he just chooses not to do it now. It has to do with his approach at the plate, and that can change moron. When i played ball, if i told myself to get an outside pitch and hit it to right i would do it. If there was a runner on 2nd, no out, i’d hit the ball to right to move the runner over. Not always a hit, but I’d still do it. It’s not that hard to hit the ball where it’s pitched, especially for a major leaguer. To hit the ball to right you have to wait on it longer and hit it deeper in the zone.
Frenchy doesn’t wait for any pitch and maybe that’s his problem. Maybe he has a hard time picking up the ball. Maybe hit can’t hit a ML fastball if he waits longer on it so he chooses to swing before the ball is pitched. Sometimes being benched and watching others play does wonders. BC should be considering that now or atleast talk to Frenchy about it. It might open his eyes.
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
All he [Frenchy]will do is go up to the plate guessing and then he really wont hit anything. Eric from MO
I really have the feeling that’s what he’s doing now. You can tell by looking at the bat. When he doesn’t swing, it’s as if he never had any intention to - - the bat doesn’t move at all. When he does swing, the bat is moving forward as the ball is released.
Whether it’s TP barking at him, sitting him for a while, or whatever, he needs to get into a see the ball, hit the ball, mentality.
By Slider29
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
That’s one monkey off…now let’s get after that road record.
By THB
May 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
The Padres might trade Gonzalez because he would get a good return. I’m thinking that they might have to rebuild if they keep playing like this, and Peavy isn’t gonna be traded. It would be nice to get Gonzalez.
Any thoughts on Vasquez?
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox you proved my point. 10 feet aint close. 1 or 2 feet is close. 10 feet is barely to the warning track.
By ncscoots
May 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Agreed. This team needs to bunt in those situations. Tex wasn’t bunting, he was swinging away
Am I to take that as you think Teixeira should have been bunting with a runner in scoring position, bottom of the 9th, at home?
The cleanup hitter. Bunting. In that game situation.
I’m going to guess I misunderstood. I hope.
By JimD
May 8, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
10Paul - Francoeur and Chipper have left 9 men on base today. 9 guys. The best either of them did was Francoeur getting hit by a pitch.
Yeah, I guess that Chipper is starting to slip and show his age. Guess we should trade him for a switch hitting corner outfielder to come off the bench or a back-up second baseman, since we don’t have any of those.
By chase
May 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
A ONE-RUN Come-from-behind WIN…things have definitley turned around!
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
eric from MO
I wasn’t being negative. I’m talking strategy. Baseball is so great because of the strategy involved and all the talk that can be generated from it.
I’m talking strategy. Why don’t you go pick on THB and others who say we should go out and get Gonzalez and Sheets and other players for next year, players who aren’t necessarily free agents and/or won’t be traded by their respective clubs. Those are moronic statements. Me saying that our 4 of our 5 runs today were unearned and the 5th earned winning run was a result of a swinging bunt by tex who probably should’ve been bunting in the 1st place, is not a bad or negative statement.
We won 6 straight, longest streak in 2 seasons. Damn right i’m happy.
By Pete H.
May 8, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
*By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Despite the rampant pessimism, the one run streak is over! I’ll tell you what, though, a lot of the doom and gloom here is pretty annoying. I understand not wanting to get your hopes up so as not to be disappointed, but you do know the point of sports is entertainment, right? If liking a team makes you this miserable, I’d recommend finding a new pastime. In the meantime, try rooting for the team. It sure is a lot more fun than griping over every move.*
I’ll second that. There used to be a character in the unfunny Lil Abner comic strip who walked around with his own personal raincloud over his head, the most miserable man in the world. We win, and all some people here can do is complain.
Well, I have some excellent cheese here for all this whine.
Relax and enjoy the good times. You’re all going to have ulcers before you turn 21. The season is long, and if you don’t remember, the Braves of the early 90s were famous for catching fire in August and September. That’s still three months away.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
talked to Buddy after the game. he was doing much better. just a stiff neck and a cut/contusion (hey, they broke the skin, whatever you wanna call it) on the right side of his face. he said it scared him more than anything but he think he might be able to pitch in a couple of days. depending on when that neck loosens up. braves might not want to wait. they might choose to disable him to create roster rooom for Chuck James. They need a starter Saturday and haven’t announced yet who it will be.
By MGL
May 8, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Let’s give a cheer for Norton, two games in a row he brings in a key hit.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
disagree MO. 10 feet is close. I said 10 feet and it’s out EASY. It was caught near the wall. get tivo, the baseball package from DirectTV, mlb.tv, or watch the games for free on myp2p before you critize me helping out a fellow fan who didn’t get a chance to watch.
I ALSO in that post that chipper only got part of the sweet spot, maybe missed the whole sweet spot by 1/16th of an inch towards the end of the bat upon review of the replay and commentary. So when you consider how far the the ball was hit AND where chipper hit it on the bat….it was dang close.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
A Gonzalez update for you: Mike Gonzalez took a week off from throwing in extended spring training after suffering a minor setback with some scar tissue breaking up. A mid-May return is probably not going to happen now, but he’s still on track to return by the end of May from his elbow ligament transplant surgery. Instead of coming directly to Atlanta from extended spring training at the end of next week, he’s more likely to head out on a minor league rehabilitation assignment.
By scott boras
May 8, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
you guys are all negitive on frenchy…think positive were winning..frenchy will be all right
By Red
May 8, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
When i played ball, if i told myself to get an outside pitch and hit it to right i would do it. If there was a runner on 2nd, no out, i’d hit the ball to right to move the runner over.
Really? You really had that ability? You were in the 1% of all baseball players who can do that? Really? I seriously doubt that.
More likely, you were a scrub who couldn’t get around on a pitch, so your swing always lagged behind you and you hit balls to right because your swing was late. Afterwards, you claimed you intended to hit it to right but it was more like look what I lucked into.
Very rare is the ballplayer who can intentionally hit the ball to right. Most of them do it with a disciplined approach that aims to hit the ball up the middle that allows them to be flexible enough to hit the ball outside to right and to turn on balls inside and jerk it to left.
Cut out the phoney baloney crap that you aimed to hit it to right. You were never good enough to do so. Most major leaguers aren’t good enough to do so.
Most of the people who pretend they intend to go to right are crappy players with slow hands and late swings who can’t turn on a pitch.
By JC FROM UT
May 8, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Many people have suggested that the Braves get Adrian Gonzales to replace Tex. Is he a FA at the end of the season?
By geauxbraves2000
May 8, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
IMO, the Braves needed this come from behind win today, it shows them they can do it, gives them confidence. A confident team is a winning team.
WTGeaux Braves!!
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Eric the Elder
Eric From MO doesn’t watch the games so he has no idea how foolish Frenchy looks at the plate, how he’s swinging, where he’s trying to hit the ball, how hard he’s swinging, etc…that’s why he doesn’t think a day off, a lesson from management, or a new approach will do anything for him. He’s still young, he’ll learn from age like i’m sure Norton has done over time. with his .250 career avg. Norton looks like he knows what he’s doing up there.
scoots
Overlord was talking about a productive out from Tex. The swinging bunt was a productive out. A bunt would’ve been a productive out. So yeah, if tex bunted there with no out, i’m for it. With 1 or 2 out, no way. The out at 1st was very productive. Better than a flyout, or an out at 2nd with Frenchy coming up in a double play situation. Frenchy couldn’t even hit a sac fly deep enough in that situation to score the run from 3rd.
By N8's Wife
May 8, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO
“Jesus Christ can you read?”
I can read just fine, and JC has little to do with anything on this blog.
At 2:59, you stated the following:
“…For example you complain that Smoltz needs to be in the starting rotation and then you post in your 2:27 post “How many WS titles, with 3 HOF pitchers in the rotation, did we get in the 90’s? Doesnt that completely work against you in your arguement Smoltz needing to be in the rotation. The reason we lost in the 90’s was mainly cause of our bullpin.”
I’m saying that our starting pitchers were FINE. Our bullpen was FINE. It was our hitters that never stepped up.
Hell, even in the 95 WS clincher, it took a “hanger” from Jim Poole, in order for Justice to save the day.
My point being, that WITH 3 HOF pitchers in our rotation we couldn’t get it done. But with one of those HOF pitchers in the bullpen, we couldn’t even come close to NEEDING a frickin’ closer.
Again. The offense failed us. Or do you think guys like Sheff helped out in the post season? Mr. “I need more money and respect.”
As for your “Mark Wohlers choked many times in the playoffs.”, comment?
Uh. You just lost ALL credibility with that statement. Where do I start?
First of all in 38.1 IP in post-season, Wohlers had an ERA of 2.35.
He only had THREE series in which his ERA was over 1.80.
1993 NLCS against the Phillies, he gave up 2 ER in 5.1 ip. For one, he was a 23 year old kid at that point. And Mark Wohlers is NOT the reason that the Braves lost that series.
1995 NLDS against the Rockies, he gave up 2 ER in 2.2 IP. Classic Bobby Cox there. Bringing in the CLOSER in a tie game to start Extra Innings. But you’re right. Mark Wohlers had EVERYTHING to do with how THAT season ended for the Braves.
1996 WS against the Yankees. Just in case you are a complete idiot and forgot how he gave up the 3 ER in the 4.1 IP in that series, I’ll refresh your memory.
YES, Wohlers HUNG the slider to Lyritz, that TIED the game up in the 8th inning (Wohlers 2nd inning of work in that game). Lets not forget that Denny Neagle couldn’t hold a FRICKIN 6-0 lead in that game. After the 3rd inning of that game our BATS went silent.
So, in the OTHER 10 play-off series that Wohlers participated in with the Braves, he had an ERA of 0.72
What a choker, huh? For the record, ALL of those runs in the 3 “bad” series, came in 3 total games. So in 35 of 38 games that he participated in with the Braves in the Playoffs, he was FRICKIN MONEY!
As for John Rocker, you said:
“He never even once got to 40 saves. He could light up a radar gun but he was always wild.”
Yup. He ONLY had 38 saves in 1999. Keep in mind, that before Mark Wohlers, the LAST Braves closer to record 30 saves, was Gene Garber.
Oh. In the post-season, Rocker was MONEY too. In 6 post-season series with the Braves, he pitched 11.1 innings, with a 0.00 ERA, 3 BB’s (real wild) and 14 K’s.
Damn! It’s ALL his fault we didn’t win the WS with him in the pen.
You asked me to not post anymore, saying I don’t make any sense.
Hey Pot, the Kettle called to say Hi.
You sir, ARE AND IDIOT. In fact, you might be the president.
Run along, and pick on somebody that you can actually out-smart, before you hurt yourself. Your intelligence and recollection is ALREADY in question, due to me wiping your azz with the previous stats.
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
The cleanup hitter. Bunting. In that game situation.
As hilarious as it sounds, some people consider that to be strategy. I really do believe he was serious.
By N8
May 8, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Wow! Eric From MO
Dude. My wife just took you to school.
I’d be embarrassed if I were you.
By Shamus Thacker
May 8, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
chrisklob, I actually kinda half-way like Hammy and pull for him sporadically [positive statement] but you gotta admit he’s a HUGE thief and p_y. For those who can’t figure it out, yes, he’s a puppy.
Jo-Jo needs to soak his fangers in pickle juice. Tell him it’s easier if you take the pickles out.
By Red
May 8, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
So yeah, if tex bunted there with no out, i’m for it.
Thanks for confirming that you’ve never played or watched baseball.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
red
yes i could do that. I was a damn good hitter.
I could catch up to any fastball. I was a contact/line drive hitter who rarely struck out. Since you put me down, I’ll let you know my weakness was the outside slider. I also didn’t get much playing time because i was only 5’7 in high school, weighed in at 130 on a good day, and had mental issues throwing the ball in comparison to Chuck Knoblauch when playing catch before games. But, i could definately hit the ball where it was pitched and hit tons of comebackers through the middle, stole bases, and ran down fly balls in the outfield.
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
The swinging bunt was a productive out.
So what you’re saying is that sometimes a “productive out” is purely a matter of luck.
Why do I think that if Frechy made the productive out by miss-hitting a ball enough that it created a slow roller, you’d be ragging on him instead of calling it a productive out?
By keylargo
May 8, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Phillies just lost 8 to 3.
By N8
May 8, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Coach *(Yeah, I know you’re still ignoring me)
“I can’t wait to see what this team will do once they actually get healthy.”
I can tell you. The pitchers will be gathering for Camp Roger. Then within a few weeks, the pitchers and catchers will report to Florida, followed by the everyday players shortly after that.
Not so sure, why you can’t wait for next spring training? It’s still EARLY in this young season. LOL!
BTW: Nice call on Norton. I didn’t really think he’d be the answer, but never really disagreed with you either (ANYBODY had to be better than Brayan Pena coming of the bench).
So, to go along with my bowl of sadness, I congratulate you on a fine idea, and prediction. Well done.
Pete H.
“Losing by one means, usually, you were in the game all the way. Eventually, they even out.”
They haven’t the past 2+ years. In order for them to even out, things have to change, IMO.
“The season is long, and if you don’t remember, the Braves of the early 90s were famous for catching fire in August and September. That’s still three months away”
I remember just fine. But THIS TEAM has already had more pitchers on the DL, than the Braves did for damn near the entire 90’s.
We have 2 pitchers that are capable of going beyond 5 innings. Which doesn’t bode well for the bullpen….with or without Smoltz out there.
THAT being said, even though it’s been against the lowly Reds and Padres, these six games have been a pleasant turn of events, compared to April.
Maybe Shaun is right about the “luck”. Because the Braves had NO BUSINESS being “in” today’s game, much less winning it. Kudos.
By Northern Redneck
May 8, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
By Tomahawk Matt May 8, 2008 1:23 PM
Who in baseball has been more valuable to their team than Chipper Jones has been to the Braves over his tenure? Names anyone? I can’t think of any. Chipper is sooooo overdue respect and praise from the big sports media world
Geez I don’t know isn’t there some guy named Jeter?? Daren Jeter is it?
I hate the Yankees, don’t get me wrong, but I grew up in Greensboro where the Yankees use to have a single A team, and I remember seeing Jeter playing there, knowing that one day he would be a star. I LOVE chipper and what he has done for this team, but I think every GM in baseball would take Jeter with the first pick to build a World Series team around (Just for one year of course, not factoring in age)
Most valuable players to their respective teams
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
N8
Nice post by your wife.
The hiiting went stale a lot in the posteason. I’ve never liked our hitting. The hitting and our lack of power pitchers is why we never won more than 1 WS. Glavine and Maddux were great in the regular season, but never lived up in the postseason beyond 1995 because hitters are more focused and are tyring to put the ball in play.
Is it no coincidence that the one time we did win a World Series came against a powerful Indians offense that put up the best offensive season in 50 years? Maybe there’s a correlation between power hitting teams and their inability to hit soft throwing finese-type lefties.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
N8
Nice post by your wife.
The hiiting went stale a lot in the posteason. I’ve never liked our hitting. The hitting and our lack of power pitchers is why we never won more than 1 WS. Glavine and Maddux were great in the regular season, but never lived up in the postseason beyond 1995 because hitters are more focused and are tyring to put the ball in play.
Is it no coincidence that the one time we did win a World Series came against a powerful Indians offense that put up the best offensive season in 50 years? Maybe there’s a correlation between power hitting teams and their inability to hit soft throwing finese-type lefties.
By richbrave
May 8, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
CHARLIE MORTON goes 7.2 IP in relief, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO, 1.76 ERA. The man is standing tall and lookin’ good. 1-0, 7 G, 6 GS, 41.00 IP, 25 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 1 HB, 13 BB, 32 SO, 0.93 WHIP. 1 GF. As I said last week, coming soon to a ML park near you.
PHIL STOCKMAN continues to please. 1-0 with 2 saves. 0.89 ERA. 20.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 HB,7 BB, 18 SO, 0.74 WHIP, 2 HOLDS, 3 GF. OUTSTANDING!!!
By McFann
May 8, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Think maybe today’s game will be one of MLB.com’s Games of the Year—buyable on iTunes for $1.99? I doubt it. They’re kinda AL biased.
But c’mon, the final game of a home stand sweep? ‘S gotta be on there!
And hey, they’d prob’ly use the home team’s broadcast, so that means it would have all the Smoltz-McCann stuff!
That was CLASSIC stuff. Smoltz’s gotta announce when his playin’ days are done!
By Lew
May 8, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
We just finished a six game winning streak. We’re now three games over .500 (we were three UNDER a week ago). We just got the one run monkey off our back. We are only a game out of first, a half game out of second and a half game in FRONT of the Mutts (notice there are no Trolls about?). We’ve seen this done with some of the worst injury luck I’ve ever seen strike a team-especially the pitching staff.
However, one question arises-WTF are y’all b!tch!ng? Take a flipping day off and get your respective blood pressures under control. Things could be much worse. You could be a Padres’ fan.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Red,
i was and always will be a better baseball player and mind than you.
By J.D.
May 8, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
carroll do the braves charter a regular plane or do they have their own?
By keylargo
May 8, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
You have to not only want to argue, but like it too if you are doing it with other Braves people after a come from behind, walk off, bases loaded hit that gives us a 6 game winning streak. Cool it! That’s what muts a*******holes are for.
By N8
May 8, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
My wife says thanks.
“Is it no coincidence that the one time we did win a World Series came against a powerful Indians offense that put up the best offensive season in 50 years? Maybe there’s a correlation between power hitting teams and their inability to hit soft throwing finese-type lefties.”
I’ve been saying it for years. That Indians team, was EXACTLY what our teams have become (minus an “in his prime” Kenny Lofton). But the key to that series was keeping Lofton off base, and the Braves did that, at least in the games they won.
But Baerga was a a hacker, Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez weren’t NEAR the refined hitters they are today, and Albert Belle was obviously on the juice.
Add to that, they had Mike Hargrove (possibly the only manager more snake-bitten in the post-season than Bobby), as their manager. Add to THAT, and the Indians kind of have this streak of NOT winning the WS thing going on, right?
Maddux and Glavine combined to go 3-1 in that series (Avery won the other game), with a combined 2.40 ERA.
Ironically, Mr. October, John Smoltz pitched only 2.1 innings, allowing 4 ER, picking up the game 3 loss.
That lineup was PERFECT for Maddux and Glavine to chew up.
By fastasballs
May 8, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
I’m amazed they won today’s game. A pleasant surprise to say the least. If they can pull a 4-3 trip the rest of the month shapes up well with a lot of home games following this trip.
Beating the weak teams is what was lacking the past several years. They always get up for the Muts & good clubs, but have sputtered in the past against the Pirates, Reds, Pads, Nats(still have a problem with them) etc.
We know Tex will come around, but what about Frenchy? Man he looks bad at the plate & has for a while. He needs a rest.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
AGTfan,
i wouldn’t be baggin on frenchy or anyone else for the soft swinging bunt. it worked out in our favor. Sometimes you get breaks. today we got about 5. And by saying it was a break, yes i’m saying we should’ve been bunting anyway.
Anytime it’s TIED in the bottom of the 9th with 1st AND 2nd NO OUT, yes bunt. Runner on 1st no out with Tex up, no don’t bunt, runner on 2nd no out, don’t bunt but hit the ball to the right side. Get the runner over. I don’t care if Babe Ruth or Ted Williams is hitting, bunt the runners over 100 out of 100 times. Especially with Jeff Francoeur on deck. Make them walk our weakest link.
By Saltywoody
May 8, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Ummm, so who’s up for Greg Norton in right field for a while?
By Chop Chop
May 8, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Baseball’s a funny game. The Braves could get healthy and lose six in a row. I don’t get too caught up in the good or the bad.
By K C
May 8, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox = Eddie Gadell
By Braveheart
May 8, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Glavine and Maddux were great in the regular season, but never lived up in the postseason beyond 1995 because hitters are more focused and are tyring to put the ball in play.
Not really true. In 124 innings from the 1995 NLCS to the 1999 World Series, Maddux had a 1.85 ERA in the postseason. But he only got 2.88 runs of offensive support in those games.
In the 9 games the Braves lost during that stretch when Maddux started, the Braves gave him an average of 2.1 runs of offensive support.
His defense also let him down and caused 16 unearned runs during those 124 innings.
Maddux’s 1.85 ERA over those 124 innings is the best ERA over a 120+ consecutive inning stretch by any pitcher in postseason history. His .562 OPS against during that stretch is also the lowest in the history of the game over a similar stretch of innings for a postseason pitcher.
Smoltz has the second lowest ERA in the history of the game over a similar stretch of innings with a 2.01. Glavine has the fourth best historical ERA over a similar stretch of innings with a 2.22 ERA. Whitey Ford is the only one who breaks them up.
From the 1992 World Series until the 1999 NLCS, Glavine had a 2.22 ERA over 129.7 consecutive innings in the postseason.
Glavine got lots of overall run support but that was misleading too. They gave Glavine 85 runs of support during his 19 starts during that stretch. Unfortunately 51 of those runs came during 5 starts.
In his other 14 postseason starts during that stretch, the Braves gave Glavine 34 runs to work with. 34 runs in 14 starts. Not even 2.5 runs of offensive support during those 14 starts.
In the 6 games the Braves lost when Glavine started during that stretch, the Braves scored a grand pathetic total of 9 runs. 9 runs in 6 games. 1.5 runs of offensive support.
Smoltz always received more run support than Maddux and Glavine in the postseason. Sometimes you gotta tip your cap and give credit to the opposing pitcher for outpitching you and sometimes you have to blame luck but at some point you also have to question why this feast or famine crap from the offense has been plaguing the Braves for almost two decades.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Moylan had his surgery today and word from Braves PR is that it went fine. I’m also told that Dr. Andrews did find that the bone spur had broken off and compromised Moylan’s ligament, so rehab alone wasn’t going to do him any good. I think it was pretty clear anyway that surgery was the right call, but I’m sure that’ll make Moylan feel doubly-good that this was his only choice.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Lew and Keylargo,
with all due respect, why have a blog then if we aren’t going to argue about strategy or ways this team can get even better?
should we all just log off since we won 6 straight or turn this into a gay & happy place with 200 posts like “Yah!”, or “We rule”, “Way to go braves!” “Watch out pittsburg!”
You may not like the arguing, but it makes the blog what it is. Come to think of it, maybe I should hit the gym & go run some errands.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
KC
Eddie Gaedel? Now that was a funny post! i grew about 2 inches after high school though, i’m almost 5’10 now…lol.
By N8
May 8, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Lew
My blood-pressure is fine, btw.
I was just told to stop posting, because I make no sense. Ironically that request came from AND idiot, who know not what he speaks of.
But thanks for thinking of me.
Keep in mind that I didn’t start this argument. I was merely minding my own business, doing what I’ve done for almost two years.
Blogged at all hours of the night, from home and office, and commenting on the “state” of the Braves and their style of play.
Didn’t call anybody anything (other than the occasional “your and idiot”), and surely was using the same negative under-tone, that I’ve been sarcastically dropping for the duration of my participation on this blog.
In other words, the pizziness in my tone to the other bloggers, has been brought on by those bloggers, that DON’T know how to use the scroll wheel on their mouse.
Ask Coach how that works, if your curious.
About a month ago, he claimed he was going to put me on permanent “ignore” for the season.
To his credit, he’s stayed true to that statement. Hasn’t responded to me ONCE (even though I’ve prodded him a bit for a response - and even complimented him when he deserves it).
Sad day, when none of you have any more control over what you read, and respond to than Coach does.
Yikes.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody—
I am…but then who will be our #1 pinch hitter? We need Greg off the bench…put Blanco in RF.
By N8
May 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
BRAVO. The research and details of your 6:38 post, deserve a standing ovation. Especially the final sentence.
I’m glad you brought up the defense as well. NOBODY ever talks about shoddy defense letting us down (myself included).
Anybody remember inning #1 against the Marlins in the 1997 NLCS?
I bet DOB does.
Again. Bravo.
By mr baseball
May 8, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Braves didn’t so much win today as the Padres lost. But a W is a W is a W, as long as it’s not the W in the WH.
Today was a great example of how much impact in-game decisions by the manager can have. Cox decided to use who he needed to use at the time regardless of consequences later in the game, and his moves paid off.
Things could have gotten ugly if the game went 12 or so, but Diaz ended it thanks to a phenomenally dumb series of decisions by Black.
With 2nd & 3rd and 1 out in the 10th, he could have gone 3 or 4 ways — bringing in Hoffman, pitching to (but around) Francouer, trying to get Francouer with his lefty before walking Diaz to get to Kotsay, etc.
Walking Francouer intentionally and then pitching to Diaz with a lefty was probably the dumbest thing he could have done, considering how much Francouer has struggled of late and how Diaz hits lefties. But that’s what Bud Black did, which may help account for the awful record the Padres’ bullpen has compiled.
Black and the San Diego defense were probably more responsible for the Braves’ win than Norton, Diaz, whoever in a home uniform. But 6 in a row is 6 in a row.
Best move Cox did not make today: Using Boyer again in a close game. A bullpen can pitch a lot of innings as long as they’re spread around and 1 or 2 guys aren’t abused by the manager.
With guys like Bennett, Carlyle & Campillo, the team has several guys who can pitch multiple innings if needed, and the 2 lefties are probably the only 1-inning pitchers (1/3 in Ring’s case) the Braves have. Get rid of Resop, get someone in his spot who can pitch in close games, and there should be enough bullpen arms to go around if Cox uses them judiciously.
So far he has, but that’s been with the benefit of several off days. Now he has to take more than just the game he’s managing into account, and that has not been his strong suit over the years.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
I’m with Lew. Quite a bit of mud-slinging on here for what turned into a good day for the Braves. and I second on the Padre fan bit.
As for Tex, I didn’t wait him out after the game to see how I was at fake-fainting (ahem), but i did chat with him a bit this morning. when I was chatting with Chipper about pinch hitting again and Tex came up and joined in. And Tex volunteered how sometimes you never think your natural side (right) is going to get out of whack, but then when it does you’re like what in the world. he said that’s how he’s feeling right now right-handed. so he knows. he’ll have a chance in the next series to do something about it, with all the lefties coming up, or the tex posts will be lighting up the blog.
we’ll take the lighting up however it comes! thanks for your patronage today….i’m 8-2. is somebody counting? ha…
By BossLady
May 8, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
How sweet it is…..
I didn’t get a chance to log into the blog at my office.
The game is now coming on Sportsouth
I don’t know and don’t want to know who won today.
Oh yeah, thanks for my CD player I did not hear the score driving home
PLAYBALL!!!!!!!!
By McFann
May 8, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers—
I’m countin’! I should’ve kept score today, but then I changed my mind…So far this year the Braves are 1-4 when I keep score.
Yeah, I gotta a crummy record. ; )
By McFann
May 8, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I gotta a crummy record. Mio
Sheesh, I got crummy spelling, too. Darn it.
Make that “I got a crummy record.”
By AGTFan
May 8, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Hey N8. It took you a while to show up. I knew we could count on you for some negativity when we’ve won 6 in row and finally won a 1 run game. I was afraid that you were too happy to post. Was that what took so long? Did you have to wait a few minutes for the happiness to wear off before posting anything?
Your response to coach on when the players get healthy again was classic. The way things have been going this season, you’re probably right.
Of course we were lucky to win the game today. Luck plays a part in baseball. We had luck all over the place today. If you can admit that luck plays a part in winning some games, then you should be able to admit that some of our losses have due to luck as well.
Now that Bobby’s Cox has explained what kind of hitter he was, I can understand why he always wants to bunt. He couldn’t have hit a home-run with Hurricane Rita blowin behind him.
Peace dudes. I enjoy your posts at least as much as I enjoy raggin on ya.
BTW -
Yah! We rule Way to go braves! Watch out pittsburg!
I’m going to my happy place now.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
braveheart…really nice stats.
tough to argue with that other than say that Maddux was more likely to walk guys or get hit in the postseason as the game is played much tighter. His WHIP in the postseaon was 1.24. To put that in perspective, in his prime years (1991-2002), he never had a WHIP over 1.19 except for 1999, a rare off year for Mad Dog in which he posted a 3.57 era. That was also the only year Maddux had an era over 3.00 from 1992-2002. In the postseason, Maddux has walked batters at a higher rate than he did in the regular season.
Career 162 game avg: 230 IP, 46 BB’s
Total Postseason: 194 IP, 50 BB’s
thanks for proving the feast or famine argument though.
By AGTFan
May 8, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Make that “I got a crummy record.”
Since you’re home schooling maybe it should be, “I have a crummy record.”
:-)
By i cant take it anymore
May 8, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Carroll, if you are 8-2, then you need to travel with the team. i think the red sox have a traveling stylist… I agree with lew. chill out and enjoy it, people
By Trbodawg
May 8, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Great to finally win one in the ninth! Looks like Jo-Jo needs some of “Stan’s Rodeo Ointment” - contact your local compounding pharmacist for details
By Kev
May 8, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Ms.Rogers
I suppose you will go to Pittsburgh with that record of yours…right??
McFann…watch your boy Mac tomorrow…he hits pretty well against Ian Snell:
7-for-12,1 2B,3 HR,7 RBIs, 1 SO…pretty good eh..
By PA Bravefan
May 8, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Is Chris Resop still in the pen or what? I never saw him traded, designated, or what ever!! If he is still on the roster, WHY. When was the last time he pitched? Seriously can someone help me out here?
By bf54
May 8, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo Reyes 2.2 5 2 1 2 1 0 2.25 Buddy Carlyle 2 1 1 1 1 2 0 3.38 Jorge Campillo 1.1 2 1 1 1 1 0 1.69 Jeff Bennett 1.2 0 0 0 1 0 0 3.68 Royce Ring 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.75 Will Ohman 0.2 1 0 0 0 1 0 3.14 Manny Acosta (W,1-1) 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.38
Looking at the above - which mirrors our season to date, I can’t help but notice that the designations of ‘starter’, ‘long relief’, ‘middle relief’, ‘closer’, etc. don’t matter any more. Look at Smoltz - he was a great 5-inning guy, and he (and we) now understand that he might be a great 1-2 inning guy. My point being this: the new reality is no longer how many guys you have that can go 200+ - but, how you put your entire pitching staff “in play” as it were. I am no sabermetric guy - but, it two things are obvious: we are NOT going to have 3 starting pitchers going 200+ innings, but WILL have a staff that consistently, as a whole, all can pitch in the 3.0-4.0 range. Folks, that’s all you need.
Look at the numbers - this is without a doubt the very best collective pitching staff (top to bottom) I have ever seen!
I’m printin’ this - it is the burning bush!
Peace.
By BossLady
May 8, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Per Chipper: Lose an Andruw and gain an Andruw.
Francouer is a Rally Killer, this is the second time this game.
I know you guys have seen the game and he could have won it, but, all I see is what I see………
By McFann
May 8, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Kev, I’m excited! Only righty for the whole series, too. (Good off day for him, too, eh? LOL)
AGTfan—
Good point. OK, “I have a crummy record.” ; )
BTW—My dad went to GT!
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
I have never seen more Frenchy bashing than today. I haven’t been happy with his play overall, but the kid is on pace for something like 50 doubles. He will be fine, so will Kelly and so will Tex…..
The only worry is the stress on the bullpen late in the year because our starters have the least innings pitched in the National League. That is a problem that wie will probably see in the months of July and August.
With that said, the team has won 6 games in a row and is 18-15 overall. I am very happy with that.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
I know you didn’t mean anything by the Hampton comment. I think you said, you’d like to get something out of Smoltz, rather than nothing (like Hampton).
Never ever said anything about Hampton since we’ve been discussing Smoltz…never.
Overlord, productive getting-on-base led to the productive out. No possible way to have productive outs without getting on.
By Braveheart
May 8, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
His WHIP in the postseaon was 1.24.
Yeah, but in the 124 postseason innings that I’m talking about that he pitched from the 95 NLCS to the 99 World Series, Maddux’s WHIP was 1.03.
And as to the walks issue you are talking about, Maddux only walked 25 batters in those 124 innings and only gave up 103 hits.
I’m not arguing that he has been a good postseason pitcher otherwise. His ERA in the other 70 innings of postseason pitching is almost 6.00.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 8, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Norton has made a big difference in the two days he has been a Brave. It is nice when a move works for a change.
Morton pitched a heck of a game today. Came in in relief of Scott Williamson and pitched 7 and a third innings of shutout ball. The Richmond team lost 2-1 but tip your cap to the other side.
Thorman had an RBI double and his hitting has improved greatly over the last three weeks.
By N8
May 8, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Shaun
“Never ever said anything about Hampton since we’ve been discussing Smoltz…never.”
Sorry dude. I just scrolled back and looked, because I was sure that it was you that had a rip on Hampton. I was wrong. It was my good buddy Eric.
“Eric from MO* at 2:29
“At least he is trying to find a way to pitch unlike Hampton.”
Wow. To think that he pulled his hamstring in Mexico (must have been para-sailing, right), then he had a setback in Spring Training (perhaps he hurt himself standing in line a Typhoon Lagoon?), and then pulled the pectoral muscle WARMING UP FOR A FRICKIN GAME HE WAS GONNA START in the bullpen at Turner Field.
I see exactly what you mean, Eric. Hampton has made NO EFFORT to get back on the field.
Again. Sorry Shaun for the mix-up. As much as you and I argue over the significance of certain stats and situation, at least you back up your theories and thoughts with REAL NUMBERS that support your angle.
Eric, plays a little bit of “Pin the tail on the most un-educated response”, and types that “selection” in and presses POST. Often having as much relevance to the conversation as DOB would at a Whitesnake convention.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Braveheart.
Again. I can’t argue with your stats. N8 was right in that you deserve a standing O. You proved what i’ve been trying to say in hundreds of posts for 2 years in a few paragraphs.
I thought maddux and glavine struggled more in the postseason than you pointed out, but that must’ve been the defense and Houdini offense, my main frustration with the team for 2 decades.
Isn’t it ridiculous how good Maddux was if we think his overall 1.24 postseason WHIP was uncharacteristicly bad?
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez took a week off from throwing in extended spring training after suffering a minor setback with some scar tissue breaking up
Mike Hampton has forever tainted any “set back news”. I hear the term “scar tissue breaking up” and immediatly recall ol’ Hammy when his “scar tissue” broke. When was that, 2 years ago? I think whatever broke off migrated up his arm and into his chest…
By Lee In S. GA
May 8, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
I still believe with Smoltz going to the bullpen, a trade for a quality starter will happen by midseason. This will happen no matter what the Braves record is at the time.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
PA Bravefan Resop last pitched in the Braves series but the game was already decided when he pitched. he is Bobby’s B-I-T-C-H. He keeps the grass watered in the bullpen.
By BravesDave
May 8, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Finally, a 6-game winning streak. Now I can say something positive. The Braves, for the last week, have done exactly what they have needed to do for the past two+ seasons…they beat down two poor teams, the Reds and the Padres. Nice work guys, now keep it up against the Pirates.
I have to give the Braves credit for improving to 18-15 despite the constant injuries.
I also have to say that I am enjoying all of the discussion about Francoeur and his awful play this season. It is about time others are jumping on this rather than people just jumping on me for commenting about his lack of development. Well, I haven’t really posted in about a week.
It has been 22 games since our boy Jeff last hit a HR. He has 1 HR and 13 RBIs in his 32 games that weren’t April 12 against the Nats. That would be a robust 5 HR and 65 RBI pace over a 162-game season.
Add these impressive offensive numbers to his less than stellar defense in RF and ask yourself the question: Why does Jeff Francoeur play every game in RF for the Atlanta Braves?
By DAP
May 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
good win today…it seems like everything is going our way right now…however, bobby’s use of the bullpen today was strange. he is doing alot if this match up stuff, and its burning alot of pitchers. i dont like it at all. its gone from not using anyone more than one innings, to not using anyone for more than 2 outs. i especially didnt like him pulling benntt when he did, and ohman when he did.
all i can figure is that bobby and wren are planning an overhaul of the bullpen at the all-star break. if they arent planning it, they need to start, cause that bullpen is gonna be shot.
By Logan23
May 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Leo Mazzone Article
By BravesDave
May 8, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Question for the Blog: Does anyone know exactly when Teixeira starts heating up in one of his typical seasons?
I know we have been treated to the “he is a slow starter” line on a regular basis, but this guy is killing me. It feels like he has had a full season worth of at-bats with RISP in just the last week and has invariably flopped.
Tex has 2 HRs in his last 23 games. Between Tex and Jeff’s 0 HRs in his last 22 games, that is not much power production from two power positions.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Sorry Pabraves fan I mean the reds series.
By ncscoots
May 8, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I need enlightenment. In the first 9 one-run games the Braves played (and lost), the mere breath of “luck” as a component was received with hoots and derision by our, well, less optimistic bloggers. But, in winning a one-run game today, the victory has been noted with curled lip and disdaining sniff by some of those same posters, because the Braves were…lucky.
This is a dichotomy worthy of long pondering and discourse. Perhaps even a journey to the wise man at the top of the mountain. Because, truly, this seems remininiscent of the Laws Of Robotics Paradox. It’s that knotty a question.
Or, then again, maybe the folks taking those two positions are just fulla crap. Yeah, that might be it.
By BravesDave
May 8, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
OK, I need to stop. I am getting negative again.
Seriously, I am very excited about the 6-game winning streak. This team could have tanked after losing Smoltz to the DL.
Adding my two cents to the Smoltz bullpen vs. starter discussion, I am OK with him returning to the bullpen. Hudson, Glavine, and Jurrjens are going to keep the Braves in most of their starts (if the season-to-date is any indication).
I think Bennett should be in the rotation once Smoltz and Gonzalez return. That would make 4 solid starters and a fantastic bullpen. To me, that is decent enough recipe to win the NL East.
By Random
May 8, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox—
I totally agree with you.
I saw someone a few months ago who had (imo) a good turn of phrase for what it seems some people want this blog to be — “another inbred and incestuous circle jerk, with everyone patting each other on their backsides and congratulating each other on their genius and congeniality”.
Wait a sec — that was me, wasn’t it? Boy is my face red.
PS: Sorry, ‘Rroll Rog’, I gotta disagree with you on this one.
By Random
May 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
On Smoltz:
If I’da been here at the time, here are a couple of things I’da had to say:
Prior to his 3k K game: ”When Smoltz does get his 3000th K, I‘d bet the farm that he misses his next start. He is fiercely driven by specific goals, and 3k K is one of them. Both the psychological letdown and the after-effects of the physical exertions (pitching thru pain, specifically) that will have gotten him to that point will combine to take him out of his next scheduled start.” I was almost right on that.
On his contemplated move to the bullpen: ”Smoltz may go to the bullpen, but no way will he be THE Closer, like he was previously. He MAY join the ‘closer committee‘, or maybe not, depending on how Cox chooses to use him. No way he can pitch two days in a row; in fact, he‘ll be hard pressed to pitch every other day. The most I would expect from him this summer is once every three days.”
By fastasballs
May 8, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Are the Marlins for real? My guess is no, but they have been impressive to this point. They are beating up on the Brew Crew once again tonight.
By Some Blogs Ponder the Mysteries of the Game
May 8, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Why is it that when a batter hits a pop fly, the pitcher always points to the sky?
Does he really think (perhaps because he touched it last) that he’s the only one who knows where the ball went?
By Cody
May 8, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Folks this series with the Pirates is really important. We need to take 3 out of 4 or heck sweep them becuase when we go to Philly. the Braves have Reyes (Assuming he his blister is fine) vs. Kyle Hendrick, Game 2 features Glavine vs. Bret Myers and gm 3 has James (Assuming he is back in the rotation) vs. Cole Hamels. Though it is good that the Braves will face right handers Philly will also be facing the lower 3rd of our rotation. If the Braves can take two of three in filly you would like to thing the return home will be awsome. We would face Oakland with the top of our rotation against their middle. The BRAVES NEED A GOOD SERIES IN THE LAND OF STEELE. A split would return use to turner in a week back at .500. What do yaw think?
By BossLady
May 8, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Hi Ms. Rogers, thanks for the blog.
I just caught up on the blog from yesterday and today, Whew!!
I can’t believe there was a blogger attempting to upstage and play games with the Blog Master, DOB.
Mr. O’Brien is an Atlanta figure, even though he takes time to come on here and give information updating us on the team.
He has absolutely no obligation to respond to you or to anyone unless he finds the need.
If you need attention so badly, then you should look to your own personal life. The nerve of you attempting to ask an embarrasing question to gain attention is a sign of an emotional problem. Some folks pronounced you drunk and some thought you to be gay.
How could you need another person’s attention so bad as to humiliate yourself like that?
If you gonna blog just blog. If anyone reads or answers your question fine, if not, then deal with it, please.
Some people have pointed out that a young lady is present here actively bloggin with DOB and the regulars. If you have no pride or respect for yourself, then, respect her, please
By the way, I am an old school lady and you can’t embarrass me cause I’ve been there and done that too many times.
Thanks Ms. Rogers, ROCK ON DOB
By Cody
May 8, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Hey fastballs the Brewers arn’t really playing good right now. teh Marlins have also takin advantage of their soft schedule. They will fall when they play the better teams.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Looking at the Marlins schedule they will probably stay in the East top until June that is when their schedule is loaded with tough games. They will play Arizona and Tampa 6 times. There is also several other great teams they will have to face. The Marlins are good but young and they will fade in the summer. I will say however that if they are still near the top in July this will be a team that the Braves will have to worr about. However, that run differenital that they have will catch up with them eventually. They just can’t seem to pitch very well and that will hurt them in the Dog days.
By N8
May 8, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
scoots
I believe in luck. Sometimes you are lucky.
Sometimes you are unlucky.
I’m not sure 0-9 in one-run games before today can ALL be chalked up to “bad luck”. Do you?
Were the Braves “unlucky” when Wohlers hung the slider to Leyritz? I tend to say NO.
However, speaking of Leyritz, the victim of the car accident, when he ran the stop sign, was VERY unlucky.
If I say that Justice was “lucky” that Poole hung the pitch in game 6 of the 95 WS, then in fairness, I have to admit that Leyritz was lucky to be given such a pitch to hit out of the park, right?
While I do believe, that things like luck DO even out over time, It’s gonna be hard pressed, for anybody out there, to convince me that we are gonna win 9 more 1-run games, based purely on luck.
Like I said a few weeks ago, Chipper slipping on a wet turf in SF a couple of springs ago and getting injured is and example of bad luck.
Francoeur swinging at the first pitch in the middle of a rally, and killing it with an inning ending double play, is NOT bad luck. That’s a bad approach.
Hampton, re-injuring himself, while warming up for his start in the bullpen for his first start in nearly two years, is bad luck.
Andruw showing up to spring training 25 pounds overweight, is NOT bad luck, it’s bad conditioning.
Lonnie Smith NOT picking up the ball or his 3rd base coach, while getting made a fool of by then rookie Chuck Knoblauch is NOT bad luck, it’s bad base-running.
Getting called out on NUMEROUS pitches outside of the strike-zone with Livan Hernandez on the mound and Eric Gregg behind the plate, is NOT bad luck, it’s bad umpiring (along with poor adjustments at the plate - Gregg was at the very least consistent in that game, with his horrid strike zone).
I’ll stop, because I’m sure you get the picture.
If not, I’ll put it into one sentence for you:
There was plenty of bad luck in the nine 1-run losses, before today. However, if you blame luck and luck alone on those 9 losses you are more wrong than I am, IMO.
The good luck today for the Braves, was the manner in which the Padres GAVE THEM runs. Especially the inning that the tying run scored on the wild pitch/pass ball.
But the “skill” of the win today for the Braves, was in making contact, which moved runners along (be it by accident or not), the clutch pitching of the bullpen when TWO guys went down to injury.
Other than the early approach by everybody other than Chipper at the plate against Ledezma, the Braves played a sound game defensively and with the pitching (after an ugly start to the game). In other words, they hung in there.
Earlier in the year, it would have all fallen apart EARLY.
Same with last nights win. Hudson, was clearly frustrated, yet he held it together enough to maintain his normal sound outing.
In the midst of a five game losing streak, I believe the team would have imploded last night, and let the 4 DP’s get the best of them.
I’m a MUCH bigger believer in momentum and attitude, than I am of luck. Good teams make their own luck by not shooting themselves in the foot, even when not at the best or at full strength.
Poor teams (like the way the Braves were playing 2 weeks ago), seem to let every little thing get to them, and let the pressure and nerves get the best of them.
If I had one phrase to describe the past 6 games, it would be “under control”. Things have calmed down for them. Even WITH Smoltz and Soriano on the shelf.
Like I said last night, I’ll “buy” into the winning, when it’s not against 2 of the worst teams in the entire league. But I have to give credit where credit is due.
For seemingly two years, I’ve b!tched, pizzed and moaned about us “playing to the competition”. Meaning we play good, competitive ball against the Mets and Phillies. Yet get our buts handed to us by the Pirates, Nationals and other “have nots”.
The Braves teams of the 90’s made their living KILLING the poor teams (anybody remember 18-0 against the expansion Rockies?). Well to be fair, they killed EVERYBODY, but especially the lesser teams.
These past 6 games were a NICE start. Let’s see it continue A) on the road, and B) against good teams - with their aces on the mound, and I’ll get a little more pumped up.
Sorry for the long post (no….not really), but for all the b!tching I’ve done the past few days (and b!tching at I’ve received), I figured some down to earth assessments were in order.
I’m SURE tomorrow, it’ll be back to normal for me, and the rest of you.
By scott boras
May 8, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
wow n8 you sure have long blogs(novels)
By BossLady
May 8, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
David Bowie:
Angie, my Angie you can’t say we never tried, Think of all those nights we cried.
My Angie, beautiful, think of all those times we lied.
That’s Life
Oh my, what Belvedere can do. I’ve got a 7:15 staff meeting. Nite All
By Lew
May 8, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox-Dude, I tell everyone to ease up on the criticism and enjoy themselves for one lousy day and I’m an a*****? Maybe you do need to go to the gym and run some errands-you’re starting to take yourself a bit too seriously.
I didn’t say everyone had to go orgasmic, but good God Almighty, with some of the posts and suggestions, you’d think that all access to sharp objects or the upper floors of high rise buildings should be denied.
Maybe it’s time to sit back, take a deep breath and be happy for an evening. Go take your wife to dinner or your boyfriend to a show and be glad you’re not the fan of a team that is in last place or has lost 17 of 21 like the Padres. From the sound of things around here, we just lost six in a row-not the other way around.
Our pitching has been phenomenal, all things considered. Our hitting has been good if a bit streaky. Chipper is still hotter than hell at the plate. Our bench is actually coming through and looking pretty good. If we play this well with the team as banged up as it is, just think how good they’ll be when some of them get healthy again. You could actually indulge in a bit of optimism if you’d just let yourself. Try it. It doesn’t hurt. Really. Of course, it IS doubtful Nathan would have anything left to say, but we could chance it, couldn’t we?
By ncscoots
May 8, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Random, no offense to your turn of phrase, but a lot of the genius and congeniality that used to inhabit this blog is no longer present. And, bubba, the replacements ain’t exactly top-shelf.
I guess what might be an “incestuous circle jerk” to some might be called a pleasing and congenial neighborhood to others. But, on even the most convivial days of this blog’s past, it’s never been a place of unanimity and gratuitous hail-fellow-well-met. Disagreement has ALWAYS existed here. But there was discourse, instead of rants; well-reasoned arguments, instead of knee-jerk reaction; and a general sense of delight at the diversity of the participants, instead of multiple “your and idiot“‘s (though many of those arrows are well-aimed, I’ll admit).
Bloggers come and go, the neighborhood changes, the tenor of the blog shifts. Just because it is so doesn’t mean I have to like it all that much.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
How do you like this, the so called NL LEAST is the only division in baseball with 4 teams playing at least .500 ball. There is not .600 team (the AL CENTRAL is the only other division without a .600 team). And I dont think that the situation will last, there will be a .600 team before next week is over, as top 3 teams are playing very good baseball….and yes…..include the fish. Not sure how they are doing it, but there are finding ways to do it.
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Things are looking good right now. 6 games in a row. I hope they keep this rolling all the way into Philly. Can’t see one reason to be bummed on this game… well, except Chipper’s average dropped. But he’ll boost it back up to .440 in Pittsburgh.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I need some directions here……once Prado is ready, how would the Braves would manage the situation? Will Gotay be released? What other option is there? The guy has a good OBP.
About Carlyle, I know there is a lot of people that dont like him in this blog, but I think he has always been good enough to do what we need him for…. some bullpen innings eater and some emergency starts. He is a lot better than other teams have as 5th starter or long reliever. And his injury today says a lot to me. He is willing to give it all for this team. He tries really hard.
Norton is looking like one of the missing pieces. I hope he keeps going north. But if he keeps this performance, those 1 run loses and late inning loses will soon take another direction.
Infante, well, I didnt know that guy was. He look very good at the plate and defensively….. as solid as they come. Know I even feel that if chipper has to sit 3 or 4 days…..we have somebody to step like a man and not like a little league.
Soon we will have Gonzo here and Smoltz. Then Soriano….. WOW.
And Im sure 75% of the bloggers will LOL about this one, but I would be to anyone that Hampton will win a game for the Braves by june 15th.
By THB
May 8, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
These are our options for FA pitchers next year:
C.C. Sabathia - Not gonna happen
Ben Sheets - Possible, injury prone.
Oliver Perez - Not sure, not very good command.
John Lackey - Have we forgot about him? I see he’s injured, anyone know when he’s coming back? Hes pretty darn good.
Brad Penny - He’ll get a big contract, at least I think so if he keeps up his good work. He’s only 31.
What does anybody think about going for Vasquez this year as our #3/#4 starter? What’s his contract like?
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Lew
I didn’t call you an a*****. I don’t know where you got that. No one on here’s an a***** from what i know. I only called one person on here a name and that was Eric today when i called him a moron back, but that doesn’t mean he is.
All i’m saying is we all have our own idea of how the game is supposed to be played and we all want to play GM to some extent. Some of us will back the team, players, manager, or the GM no matter what, and others will disagree. The differences drive the blog and it makes for interesting discussion. This is also a good place to vent.
Never did call you that nor meant to slew it that way if that’s how you interpreted it. I am actually taking the girl out for sushi when she gets home, so i won’t be here much longer, to your satisfaction and many others. And I am happy that we’ve won 6 straight. I’m been waiting for this since since being denied many times last year and once already this year. Go braves.
By chrisklob
May 8, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Lew From the sound of things around here, we just lost six in a row-not the other way around.
Great point! I think that if this team went 161-1 that some folks here would still find things to complain about.
Go back and read the comments that were posted during the first few innings of this afternoon’s game. The Braves had won five in a row yet you’d think the world was coming to an end.
Scoots Random, no offense to your turn of phrase, but a lot of the genius and congeniality that used to inhabit this blog is no longer present. And, bubba, the replacements ain’t exactly top-shelf.
You hit the nail on the head! Way too many “and idiots” on this blog these days.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
THB the way Hudson and Jair are pitching right now, I dont see the braves going for a big name. They go smart on move, they dont blockbuster just for the heck of it. If Bennett and JoJo keep the good work, there might not be a big need for a #3 or #4. The season is long. They will know what their needs are in august.
There might be a need for some big name pitcher, but Im not so sure about it right now.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Overlord
gotta run but before i do here’s my opinion on what the braves should do when prado returns. It’s very hypothetical like your Hampton assumption.
Prado has more trade potential than Gotay, but i say keep gotay and send prado to the minors to learn 3rd base for next year and move chipper to 1st for next season. Not sure how chipper will be at first, but he’s moved to left before and has dug out a lot of balls on throws to 3rd over the years with success.
It’s a long shot but it’s a possible long term option.
But i do think hampton will pitch this year, and with some success.
Can’t wait to see what you all say when i get back.
By Chop Chop
May 8, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
This team is going to Hell in a handbasket. Six wins in a row, including a one-run win today, is a sure sign of the Apocalypse if I’ve ever seen one. Go check your CJV (Chuck James Version) Bible. It’s gotta be in there somewhere.
By Philliesuk
May 8, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Just went onto the blog for the 1st time today, and I absolutely cannot believe how much b*tching and moaning was going on earlier today.
You would think that some of you do not know the game of baseball very well. Here’s a quick lesson: 1) Baseball has a very long season, and you win and lose a lot of games 2) Teams go on streaks, where they may win a lot in a row or lose a lot in a row 3) Players go into slumps, and there is never a time during which every single player is crushing the ball
I mean, seriously. Tex and Francoeur will come around. Look at their track record. Also, the Braves are a great team this year; there, I said it. With all of the injuries that we have sustained, I think that our team BA, team ERA, and W-L record are all pretty amazing. And while Cox has made some questionable decisions, overall he has done a stand-up job.
I’m all for criticizing and trying to find ways to make our team better, but the negativity is just getting crazy.
Okay, I’m sure some of you will yell at me now.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox sending Prado to the minors will make the team weaker(my opinion), he is a more complete player than Gotay.
Moving Chipper to 1B would be a move that I would do, but not to put Prado as our 3B. Why? Because if TEX leaves, we will need a pure cleanup hitter, not some patches or a platoon at the cleanup slot. Maybe if Braves trade for a power hitting 3B, then Id move Chipper to 1B.
Braves are counting on all the kids they have in the minors to play for the next decade, so our cleanup hitter will not come from the OF. McCann aint no clean up hitter. So that leaves us with 3B and 1B.
By chrisklob
May 8, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, you’re definitely right. Wren needs to scrap this team and rebuild for next year. There is absolutely zero chance of success in 08. :)
By scott boras
May 9, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
chrisklob you are sooo lost why are you wasting your time and my time about ur meaningless blog. You make no sense
By chrisklob
May 9, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
scott boras, did you happen to notice the smiley face that I tagged on the end of my post. It’s called sarcasm. Granted, it doesn’t always translate well to the printed word but that is why I added the little emoticon at the end.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
klobber,
i am now the voice of optimisum?
call it like i see it.
our pitching has been great. our run differential, is mind boggling.
hung out with steaky, from 790 the ZONE all night at five seasons watching his celtics.
for anyone that loves great beer the maybach (may german beer is now running at FIVE SEASONS, the absolute best brewery in atl.)
for all you college football fans, the TWO STEWS ARE GONE AND AINT COMING BACK.
on to baseball, we have our moments.
you guys have been absolutely killing the golden boy. i got a hunch he will recover.
i have been one of his biggest critics, only because how the media wanted him to be the next justice, jones, gant, or murphy.
he is not a power hitter.
his closed stance with that lunge, will always prevent him from driving the ball. GOTTA HAVE QUIET HANDS.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
i know i dont need to come to your defense klobber but i got your back in this stupidity.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
lew,
appreciate the brotherhood. DAMN GOOD DAWGS ARE HARD TOO FIND.
hope you read the late nights.
i read all your spring training posts. loved your take on the braves, we may disagree but you are a great fan.
hope you and the grinch enjoyed yourselves. i also hope ORCA is well.
hey lets celebrate the first braves six game winning streak since?
take it when you can get it.
last year WIN ONE LOSE ONE. this year who knows?
absolutely shocked that this team has rallied.
time to give COX credit. he could keep a screen door during a hurricane together.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox-Dude, just didn’t want anyone thinking I was involved in an incestuous circle jerk so I decided to spice it up so you could see that I can be contentious, too.
I can assure you that I’ve been on this blog long enough (three years and still going) to know that there are differences of opinion. I don’t care that there are and I don’t need you to tell me about it. I was just making the point that maybe it’s about time that some here quit the b!tch!ng when we are obviously winning and enjoy it.
When we win six in a row and go ahead of the Mets for one of the few times (if not the only time)in three seasons, you should revel in it and not complain that Bobby Cox mismanaged the bullpen or b!tch that Francoeur swings erratically or Mc Cann is too heavy. You think we don’t know how some here feel? God knows we’ve been bludgeoned with enough doom and gloom to last millenia.
I’m going to bed. When I wake up in the morning I’ll still be happy about the Braves recent winning streak. I’m not so sure you and others here will be.
By Mark in PA
May 9, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
N8, your 6:46 included the following:
Ask Coach how that works, if your curious.
N8, You’re one-third of the way to… nah, not gonna say it. I appreciate the critical thinking about events and proceedings of our team (and he is a big fan, folks— read his posts closely.) Think of him as the hedge fund in a portfolio. He’s the ‘bowl of sad’ in a six game win streak, and perceptive in a loss. He wants them to win, he’s just looking for ways to do it better. Most of the time.
That said—ditto for Lew’s post 6:05. Why are there so many flame-o-gram posts after a win? BTW, CONTRATS Carroll for another win! What’s your record now- and are you coming to PIT? And if no one has said it yet—we do not win that game in April. Despite the TWO injured pitchers today, it looks like our luck has finally turning (neither injury is long-term, and we did win).
I’ll be waving back to y’all in ATL Friday, from Sect 114, behind the dugout (Caveman, the traffic’s not so bad here! Thanks for the clarification last night, and sorry for the spikes).
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
lew,
read my previous post.
by the way, i am going to tempe.
i think this might be a great season for us DAWGS.
the dawgs schedule is already ranked # 1 BY EVERYBODY.
our road games, south carolina, arizonia state, LSU, FLORIDA, kentucky.
add on tennessee, and alabama at home plus georgia tech.
damn tough schedule.
if we win 10 of them we are better then anyone in the country.
please let us match up with any team in the BIG TEN.
By diarrheamouthN8
May 9, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
Especially considering nobody likes me anymore. LOL!N8
what makes you think that anyone ever did?
By Mark in PA
May 9, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
Chop Chop 11:28 Six wins in a row, including a one-run win today, is a sure sign of the Apocalypse…
LOL! On top of N8’s dissertation on luck, that is just too funny!
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this
well i got N8’S back.
so call me out. the dude knows more about baseball then most of you forgot.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this
so all of you want to attack N8,
i will stand here and defend him.
he might take the glass less filled, but he knows baseball.
so pile on if you will, it is easy.
but my man n8, is a fan.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this
n8,
by the way i dont like whitesnake.
i think most of your posts have gravity.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
mark in pa,
why the anger, like i said i got neights back.
so call somebody else out. n8 has been around these parts for a while.
he has earned the right to say what he wants.
like it not he is great blogger on this thread, and he knows the game.
sorry n8 to speak for you.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this
all you poser’s
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
Looks like Prados not the only one scared out there on 2nd.Batman
man there are some truly ignorant posters on this board and you’re one of the stupidest
By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)
May 9, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
I got Greg Norton’s back. Without him, the Braves would not be on this six game winning streak.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this
coach,
never thought that i would say this, BUT GREAT CALL ON NORTON.
enjoy it you made a great call.
you said when he was DFA, pick him up.
great call. now if you can convince bobby to stick in right field, every now and again, you be the man.
By nolie
May 9, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this
I aim to be more pessimistic than N8.Pedro
Good luck man, you have set yourself a herculean task. ;-)
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
ya overlord…
that last post was sporadic as I didn’t have much time to think about it.
You’re right, we would need a cleanup hitter. Although I think chipper would do good in that role we would at least need a #3 hitter then. Not sure if Prado could learn 3rd base either. He’s been a great defender in the minors but his head has gotten in the way so far in the majors, something time can heal as he gets more comfortable and more playing time.
But getting back to your original question. I’d also keep Prado in the bigs and maybe move Gotay. Prado’s got a better bat. As big of a Prado fan as I am, i’m just wondering where he plays in our long term plans, and I only see bench which leads me to think trade, unfortunately. I’d still rather trade KJ, but that’s not a popular opinion on this blog.
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
Resop is really a liability in the bulpen. Bobby, has lost all the confidence in him, but he cannot be sent back to the minors because he has a lot of potential, and has shown signs of improvement, and he is out of options so another willl jump in and get him. If Jo-jo or Buddy, are not going to be able to pitch, I’d say its better to send someone to the DL, and send phil stockman, or chuck james, or both.
Also I would like to say Bobby Cox was absolutely masterfull with all he did this homestand, he managed his bulpen perfectly, he used the right pinch hitters, and he used the running game to manufactor runs. Good job.
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 3:46 AM | Link to this
And by saying it was a break, yes i’m saying we should’ve been bunting anywayBobbysCox
I’ve always thought that you are and idiot, but now you done gone and proved it beyond a doubt. You want your cleanup hitter bunting in that situation? My my, how do you manage to actually get through a day if you are that stupid in regular life, Your vaunted baseball playing expertise musta been no higher than little league or high school. what a dunce.
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
wow n8 you sure have long blogs(novels)ScottB
Thats cause he is so totally self-absorbed. He actually thinks people read those rambling paeans to solipsism
By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)
May 9, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this
uga-brave, I take credit for nothing. Frank Wren saw the need for another big bat off the bench and jumped at the chance to get Norton.
Maybe my suggestion was read, maybe not. I’m just happy as hell that the bench is no longer a weakness.
With the addition of of Greg Norton and Omar Infante, coupled with Blanco and Gotay, the bench is much improved.
Of course, LF has become the platoon situation many thought it would. So Diaz can be included in with the bench.
I know many don’t like Corky Miller and he can’t hit his way out of a paper sack with the bat. But, his defense behind the plate is absolutely superb and he calls a great game behind the dish. That’s what Cox wants from his backup catcher.
By Random
May 9, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this
ncscoots—
Point taken, provisionally.
I’ve only been quick-skimming recently, hitting the known value-added posters, so I may have missed any new-found bitter rancor amongst the tyros.
But wasn’t it pretty much the same way during last season? Perhaps we were spoiled by the winter’s gentility and the spring’s hope eternal.
At any rate, continued winning should cure all ill, iaw the Gospel of Lew.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
Got an 8 a.m. flight to Pittsburgh, and looks like the forecast has improved slightly since I looked last. Had called for rain every day, now looks like only slight chance tonight and iffy tomorrow before worsens Sunday.
So maybe we’ll avoid having a doubleheader. But I’m gonna count on at least a rain delay or two in next four days….
Coach, Norton’s been a great pickup. Not an “ugly” stick if you ask me, since he’s not a huge power guy. More a “professional hitter” who can get a key hit off the bench. But nevertheless, your recommendation of him looks mighty prescient about now….
Went to a terrific Radiohead show last night in Atlanta. One of the few bands I’d still go see in a large venue (they’re entire presentation is strong, the hi-tech lighting/video perfectly complementing a band at the peak of its edgy power. And hey, all the cool kids were there (and plenty of us 40-somethings).
Got to see the entire game yesterday before heading to the show. The Home 9 is starting to play the way they’re capable. Nothing flukey about it. Folks, anyone who let the April struggles and injuries skew your view of this team … well, face it, this is a good Braves team. As I said, even with Smoltz out, they’ve got the horses to win the division if they get good starting pitching from Huddy, Jurrjens and Glavine, plus at least decent pitching from a couple of others.
Why was I not surprised to see no shortage of moaning and second-guessing after the team just swept an entire homestand?
By JCFROMUT
May 9, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
The White Sox look like they may need a 2nd baseman. Would anybody trade KJ for JAvier Vasquez. I know this opens a hole at 2nd especially with Prado out, but maybe Lilibridge could handle it for the time being.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
JCFROMUT, no way. Vazquez is a fine pitcher but he’s 31. Johnson is 26 with a career .356 on-base and .435 slugging.
DOB, don’t you know it’s not okay to say bad breaks are a factor in the Braves’ losses but it’s okay to think luck is a factor in their wins?
By Salty
May 9, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
…so I decided to spice it up so you could see that I can be contentious, too.
Oh, my gosh! Lew having to tell someone he can be contentious is akin to the Pope advising He’s Catholic! LOL!!! Lew, I almost lost my coffee on that one!
Scoots “…genius and congeniality…”; you turn a nice phrase! I know, it’s the Tiger in you! (Yes, I’m a shameless supporter! LOL!)
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
JCFROMUT, besides, I’m not sure the White Sox would accept realistic value for Vazquez. You could make a pretty convincing argument he’s been their best pitcher.
Speaking of the White Sox, how about Kenny Williams? I was actually pretty critical of him for thinking it was still 2005 and not making enough moves. While the Sox offense is certainly nothing to write home about, their pitching has been spectacular. He went out and got Floyd and Danks and, I know it’s a long season, but they’ve finally started to show their promise.
By Efrim
May 9, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Shaun
What direction do you think they should go if they end up losing like 88 games?
Speaking of the White Sox, how about Kenny Williams? I was actually pretty critical of him for thinking it was still 2005 and not making enough moves. While the Sox offense is certainly nothing to write home about, their pitching has been spectacular. He went out and got Floyd and Danks and, I know it’s a long season, but they’ve finally started to show their promise.
Their farm system might be the worst in baseball. They desperatly need some talent installed. It would probably do them some good to trade some of their vets for younger players if it doesn’t work out this year. Konerko, Dye, Vasquez, and even Swisher. Swisher playing 1st base as a Tex replacement sounds good to me. What do you think?
By Scott
May 9, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Some of you are horrible fans. I swear, if every player on the team isn’t hitting 300 and driving in ever runner on base when they come up, you guys act like they’re trash.
Even the best players normall fail 70% of the time. Yes, SEVENTY PERCENT. It would do a lot of you good to remember that.
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Even the best players normall fail 70% of the time. Yes, SEVENTY PERCENT. It would do a lot of you good to remember that.Scott
I try to but I forget 70% 0f the time
By bedsheet
May 9, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I had a nightmare last night. I dreamed that A Jones was playing rightfield for the Braves during the last home stand. I wake up this morning to find that A Jones might not have been playing rightfield for the Braves, but Francoeur’s numbers the past 6 games sure remind me of A Jones. Batting .217 with 1 RBI and leaving 24 base runners on and stikeing out about a quarter of the time. I don’t see a great improvement in his patience at the plate everyone keeps talking about. He has the ability, but he sure looked like an easy out these past 6 games.
By chase
May 9, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I saw on ESPN that The Philthies may be interested in trading RYAN HOWARD this season and build around Utley and Rollins
They also said Howard although having a bad season so far will probably get 10-12 million a year on the FA market and the Phillies and he can’t get together on a contract for that much
If we don’t think we can re-sign TEX should we go after HOWARD? I didn’t even realize he was going to be a Free Agent at season’s end
If you could get him for 10-12 mil a year why not???
I’d rather have TEX but that would fill a hole for less money maybe
I still like the thoughts of trading for HARANG..he is having a bad season so far (1-5) and the Reds are going nowhere fast so those factors may combine to make it easier to get him and for less…
We are going to have to make some move for at least a #2-3 type starter..
And everyone, we are riding this streak even though SMOLTZ, SORIANO, and GONZO are out…wait till they get in the pen with Acoasta, Boyer, Ring, and Bennett…
That pen could be lights out scary good…add one strater and the Bravos easily become the favorite
By brent a.
May 9, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I’ll never second guess a 6-0 homestand.
Things definitely turned around, especially the last 2 games, with comeback victories.
Take it on the road, and I’ll be convinced.
Very much looking forward to some head-to-heads with the Phillies.
Go Braves!
By JCFROMUT
May 9, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Shaun; What do you think it would take to get Vasquez? Or do you think it would not even be worth looking into?
By McFann
May 9, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
BossLady—
Thanks for your 10:15!
I also saw your post about not wanting to know who won the game yet. I’ve been there myself many times. We went up to look at a college a few Saturdays ago (April 12?), and we taped the game. Didn’t want to know the final score till we had watched it, but we ate at Chillie’s for dinner, and the game was still goin’ on. Saw that it was 10-2, but we watched it anyway.
Did you get a load of Smoltz with the mic? That was great!!
By Reid in EAV
May 9, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Here’s how my part of that Chipper “buzz” works. When the guy walks to the plate with nobody on, my brother and I start giggling. When he walks up there with someone on, we start cackling. And when he walks up there with RISP, we cackle loudly and rub our hands together.
I’ll bet that kind of “buzz” is good for a 20-point average bump at home.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
chase, I don’t know about going after Howard. He’s one of those players that has all the ingredients for an early decline—power, lots of strikeouts, relatively low batting average, big body. $10-12M a year may be worth it for a year or two but that could quickly turn into a bad contract given his skill set and body type.
JCFROMUT, I just don’t think the White Sox would take realistic value for him, especially if they are in contention. If they fall out, they’ll still probably want a major league ready young player that is probably more valuable than he’s worth trading for.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Chase-You think Howard MIGHT get a $10-12 million contract on the free agent market? Dude, he just got $10 mil in arbitration-his FIRST arbitration. He’ll pull in $15-18 on the open market if he pulls in a penny.
Salty-Just seeing if anyone was paying attention. Imagine someone sitting there telling me not to be optimistic after a six game winning streak that puts us ahead of the Mets?
Reality check time for Bobby’s Cox. Not too sure what crawled up his anal cavity to begin with. Maybe I’ve just been on my best behavior too long. Might be time to stir the pot a bit-or smoke it, anyway. Yeah-that’s the ticket.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Lew and Chase, yeah, Howard will get a huge deal (that the team will regret in a few years). But let’s hope it’s not the Braves. (I don’t think it will be.)
By KC
May 9, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
brent a. I would like to say I am looking forward to the Phillies series as well… but… here are the likely pitching matchups:
Myers vs. Reyes/Bennett
Hamels vs. Glavine
Moyer vs. James
Neither Hudson nor Jurrjens will pitch in the upcoming series against the Phillies. And unless he’s on a bit of a hot streak, Chuck James always makes me nervous when he has to pitch in one of these little league parks like the one in Phili.
On the flip side… if we could find a way to take 2 of 3 there, that would be fantastic! We’d be heading home for a weekend series with Jurrjens and Hudson going Fri/Sat.
So here’s hoping.
First things first though… gotta take care of business against the Pirates. Really need to take 3 of 4 there.
Glavine, James, Jurrjens, and Hudson are going in this series, so we should have a good shot at taking 3 of 4.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Signing Howard is out of the question. I wouldnt like a guy that strikes out more than AJ and that teams play a shift on them. Pathetic and boring. I like TEX 1000 times better. Some more $$$ but it is worthed.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Shaun-I doubt it will be Atlanta. First of all, he’s under contract for a couple more years (the Braves will need to fill 1B long before then) and I know for a fact Ruben Amaro,Jr and the Phillies brass are attempting to sign him long term.
Besides, I have a feeling if he were on the market NOW, he’d get a contract to rival the one Tex is looking forward to.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
DOB, where does Pittsburgh rank among your favorite parks? I hear it’s a beauty. Too bad it’s wasted on that franchise…but maybe they are on the verge of turning it around with the new regime.
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
LEW
I WAS QUOTING the guys on ESPN baseball tonight last night about the 10-12 mil for HOWARD
If you had read my post carefully there would be no need to attack me…I didn’t come up with those figures on Howard the ESPN insiders did YELL AT THEM
By Thrillhouse44
May 9, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
It is a great feeling knowing that the Braves are ahead of the Muts and only 1.5 games out. However, I believe that Snipper69 would argue that the Muts are in a better position…if he would show his face today.
The pitching matchups certainly don’t favor us in Philly, but any one of those 3 guys can pitch a gem on any given day.
By rammerjammer
May 9, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Looking post-Tex, what about our ol’ pal Adam LaRoche? He’s averaged 24 HR, 88 RBI last three seasons, and we know he can pick it. Dude’s just 28 and - correct me if I’m wrong - he’s making $5 million on a one-year arbitration contract.
By Efrim
May 9, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Not a fan of Howard. Never will be. Feast or famine type hitter….much more so than Dunn or Burrell.
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Lew you said * Howard is under contract for a couple more years and I know for a fact that the Phillies brass are attempting to sign him long ter*
Well excuse me! I guess you know more than all those guys at ESPN who are in constant contact with all the GMs….
They actually said that the Phillies GM is a lame duck and is leaving at season’s end and they have not gotten anywhere with Howard so they have stopped negotiating and that is why he MAY be traded…also he has accepted arbitration this year..the ESPN guys were saying trade him before he hit the FA market this year….
I don’t think you know it all ther my friend…
And I said I WOULD RATHER HAVE TEX…but IF you can’t resign him…Howard at 10-12 mil may not be a bad option
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
One thing about TEX. We are all sure (at least 99% of the blogger) that the leader of the club is Chipper (you can make that coleader with Smoltz maybe, which I doubt, because team has continue to performe or even performs better now that smoltz is on DL (ODD). Team never performs at .500 if chipper is DLed. That being said. I want to point TEX attitude. Though he has not been speaing loud with his bat, you just have to take a look at the picture on AJC´s braves page….. TEX encouraging and celebrating. Youll see the same if you go to www.braves.com. And I saw the same the other day when Norton drove in his 1st run as a Braves….as cameras pointed toward him, he was pointing his index finger toward 1B like saying “there you go Norton”. He is always in the middle of celebrating and congratulating teamates. More than anybody else I have noticed on the team.
Just a thought.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Chase-You think I attacked you? Say something stupid and watch what an attack really is. Besides, If you had done a bit of research or paid attention on the blog, you would have been aware of Howard’s arbitration award. It only happened in February and was huge news.
Besides, if I had attacked you, I would have maybe called you names or called your intelligence into question-NOT point out facts that are commonly known.
By Efrim
May 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Chase
Howard isn’t a free agent until after 2010.
My pick for Braves 1st baseman in 2009 is Nick Johnson. I know he is locked up for next season, but maybe the Braves can pry him away for a couple of prospects.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Oh and one more thing Chase-No maybe I don’t more than all those guys at ESPN (though I damn well DO know more than some of them. However, I DO know Ruben Amaro, Jr. and his entire family and have known them for over 45 years-before the Asst. GM was born. I also spent time with him in Clearwater this Spring, so YES, maybe I DO know what I’m talking about.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
And I said I WOULD RATHER HAVE TEX…but IF you can’t resign him…Howard at 10-12 mil may not be a bad option
May not be a bad option for a couple of years. But I’m guessing he’ll want more than a couple of years and quite possibly more than $10-12M a year.
Efrim, nothing wrong with Dunn, Burrell or Howard except, again, those players generally decline earlier. Particularly players like Howard with little defensive skills and speed, and with that body type.
By chase
May 9, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
I knew the facts about Howard’s arbitration 10mil…
I’ll say this agian for the slow learners and those in the back row..
EVERYTHING I SAID ABOUT THE HOWARD SITUATION WAS SIMPLY A REPEATING OF WHAT THE ESPN GUYS SAID LAST NIGHT!!!
i came up with none of it on my own…except to say for 10-12 mil a year Howard wouldn’t be a bad second choice
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
According to John Delcos of the Journal News, the Mets are discussing whether to sign reliever Derrick Turnbow, who was recently designated for assignment by the Brewers.
Turnbow, an All-Star in 2006, is 0-1 with a 15.63 ERA in eight games this season.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Report: Mets show interest in Turnbow By Journal Sentinel staff Tuesday, May 6 2008, 03:11 PM
The New York Mets reportedly have had internal discussions about reliever Derrick Turnbow, who last week was designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Newsday, the Mets are unsure if Turnbow would be willing to accept a minor-league deal, which apparently is all they would offer.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Just got into my Pittsburgh hotel room.
Shaun, PNC Park ranks in my top five, for sure. It’s a gorgeous ballpark. And I’m literally looking down on the ballpark and the playing field right now, from my 14th-floor hotel room directly across the river.
I could cover the game from here, then maybe just run over and get some quotes…. But I don’t think that would sit well with the folks paying for me to be here.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Chase-Dude, talk about slow learners. If you actually KNEW of Howard’s $10 mil arbitration award AND were aware of his free agent status, then you should have KNOWN how ludicrous the ESPN statements were and you should have commented on how stupid they were.
What does that say about you and your analytical abilities if you still posted that even knowing how stupid it was? I mean, if Howard is making $10 mil NOW, what will his arbitration award be this coming offseason, if he posts any kind of half assed numbers? I’d bet closer to $15 mil than 12.
Now THAT was an attack.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
DOB-Not to mention that the hot dogs always taste better at the ballpark.
By chase
May 9, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
LEW…if his numbers don’t improve significantly then he will be lucky to get 10-12 million again next year
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Anybody wondering why are the phillies having a good season?
This could help you get an idea:
Brad Lidge 16 G, 16 IP, 0.00 ERA, 15 K, 6 BB, 7 H, 8 SV, 8 SVO
Romero 17 G, 14.1 ERA, 0.63 ERA, 14 K, 13 BB, 9H,
Ruddy Seanez 12 G, 13 IP, 1.38 ERA, 5 K, 8 BB, 7 H
By Random
May 9, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
In regard to the ongoing KC—Cody (N8—Shaun) “Smoltz Summer Shelving” contretemps:
Shaun: “But why in the world would the Braves sit their best pitcher for four months if he can pitch in a role?” No way is Smoltz the Braves’ best (or second best) pitcher right now, injured and agonized as he currently is. The main point of the shelving argument is that by resting four months, Smoltz may just be able to resume that role, just in time for the play-offs.
And don’t think that Smoltz will be able to pitch an inning of relief 4 or 5 times a week if he comes off the DL in May — never gonna happen, my friend. Or if it does (given Bobby’s habitual misuse of his bullpen), he’ll be finished — kaput — forever by the end of June.
Please recognize that one of the assumptions of the argument is that the Braves would be able to make it to the post-season without Smoltz’s services during the summer (ref your “Last time I checked …” remark).
Rhetorical question: what other over-medicated and obtuse inmate would make such an assumption? Why, none other than our very own DOB: “As I said, even with Smoltz out, they’ve got the horses to win the division if they get good starting pitching from Huddy, Jurrjens and Glavine, plus at least decent pitching from a couple of others.”
And Shaun, it’s NOT simply “about getting something out of your best or second best pitcher” — it also matters WHEN you get it. (Kind of like it doesn’t matter when Tesh hits an 8th inning grand slam in a 16-run blow-out win.) If we get only six more wins from Smoltz this summer before his arm finally falls off for ever, and we get into the post-season by eight or ten games, I’d really much rather make the post-season by just two or four games, and have those six Smoltz wins available during the play-offs. Wouldn’t you?
Don’t underestimate 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.
And finally, who do you think the Red Sox are going to pull out of their azzes in Sep/Oct? That’s right — Curt Schilling.
From MLB.com: “For Schilling, Thursday was the second small step in a long recuperation. There is no timetable set for his return, since he has yet to begin a throwing program consisting of long-toss, bullpen work, batting practice, throwing in simulated games and, eventually, a Minor League rehab assignment.”
“Schilling, who owns the highest winning percentage in postseason history, has not started a game since winning Game 2 of last year’s World Series. He went 9-8 last year with a 3.87 ERA in 24 starts before missing six weeks with a shoulder problem.”
Anyone else see a parallel? Does anyone really think that Epstein and Francona are idiots?
By Lew
May 9, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Chase-As bad a start as he’s off to and he’s still hit 6 HR and knocked in 17 in less than 1/5 of a season, which still averages out to 30 HR and 85 RBI. In today’s market, if you believe that even those numbers will not lead to an incredible boost in arbitration figures, then I’ll just be generous and say you’re naive in the extreme.
If, which is more likely, since in little more than 2 1/2 seasons, he’s hit 135 HR in that Little League Stadium the Phillies call home, he breaks out of his slump and hits his customary 40 HR, knocking in his customary 100 RBI, the award will be considerably larger.
Dude, you made a mistake. Don’t compound it any more. Quit while you’re ahead and you don’t look like a complete fool.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Chase-Not too sure if you’ve even been paying attention to what goes on in MLB. You are aware that Howard’s arbitration award may well be the reason that Frenchy hasn’t signed a long term contract? Why should he? If he puts up his usual 100 RBI season, Frenchy will receive an arbitration award of more than $10 mil. Count on it. He is.
You are aware that these days, $10-12 million is what a pitcher with a .500 record and a 5.25 ERA makes? You are also aware that once the salary Genie came out of his bottle, it was going to be impossible to put him back?
Common sense will tell you that if Tex is gunning for $22 mil per at the end of HIS arbirtration eligibility, that in two years when Howard is eligible for his BIG payday, that you’re looking at $25-30 mil. It will also tell you that he will make no less than $15 mil in arbitration this offseason-it’s the way the trend goes and Howard is probably number two at first behind Tex in the minds of most GM’s. I’ll bet you the Wurlitzer of your choice that’s how it all shakes out.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Random-He’s not going to sit out the next four and a half months. Count on it.
By chase
May 9, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
LEW
How in the Hell did I “make a mistake”
I was repeating what someone else said?
you look like a fool for arguing with me for repeating what someone else said
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Random, yes, it’s quite possible for the Braves to win the division or wild card without Smoltz, but how can anyone know if it’s going to happen? I certainly don’t want to take that chance; I’d rather Smoltz pitch and if they build up a big lead, then maybe rest him.
True, Smoltz is not the Braves’ best or second-best pitcher right now. But if he’s healthy enough to pitch, he will be about that good.
And does anyone really think Schilling is the same pitcher he was in all those post-seasons? I don’t think the Red Sox thinking is, “We’re going to rest Schilling for most of the season so he’ll come out and dominate in the post-season.” If they think that, it’s time for their front office to find new jobs. If Schilling was at all healthy and was the pitcher he was in 2006 and 2004, he’d be pitching in the regular season.
So, yes, if the Braves could guarantee themselves a spot in the post-season without Smoltz, it’s worth resting him until very late in the season. But unfortunately no such guarantee is possible so the Braves should (and will) put the best players they can on the field as often as they can.
Unless Smoltz is so injured he can’t be one of the five or six or seven best pitchers on the staff, the Braves should not rest him any longer than they absolutely have to. All this talk about resting Smoltz until late September-October is pointless unless he’s so injured he can’t be very effective.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Rollins back with the phillies tonight.
I wonder if thats good or bad….. he is the guy that made the biggest amounts of outs in the league last year (if not in the majors).
By Roman Gal
May 9, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Chase I hate to burst your bubble, but I happened to see ESPN last night when they were talking about Howard. What they said was that he is making $10 mil this year and next year he will probably make about $16 mil and the next year $20 mil before he hits the free agent market. They were saying that he could become available at the deadline or during the winter so the Phillies could get some good prospects and build the team around Utley and Rollins.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
If he puts up his usual 100 RBI season, Frenchy will receive an arbitration award of more than $10 mil. Count on it. He is.
Lew, I wouldn’t count on that. Not at all. Howard was coming off two years in which he won an MVP award in ‘06, and finished 5th in MVP voting in ‘07. He hit 105 HR, and drove in 285, with a 1.032 OPS in those 2 years. (not to mention a ROY award in ‘05)
Francouer is a league-average hitter (and take away his first half-year, when pitchers actually threw him fastball strikes) and he’s below average.
I’m not hate’n on Frenchy; he’s an adequate hitter and a good defender. Just no way he gets awarded $10 mil in arby. He’d never even ask for it because he knows he would lose.
By brent a.
May 9, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
I think it’s difficult to rate Smoltz rate now, in terms of his status on the Braves.
How do we know what he is?
He was our best pitcher, and was great in every start until his last one.
Now, he’s hurt (as he was in that start).
So, if he got back to the level of health he was at before the NY Mets game, would he be our best pitcher again?
And right now, would he even qualify for our rotation?
We don’t know. We don’t know what Smoltz is right now, nor do we know what he will be in the future.
Based upon how he’s looked and felt, and based upon his comments, I would trust that in a couple of months, Smoltz will be able to throw one dominant inning at a time, until either A) he retires, or B) his arm falls off.
Each of which may well happen sometime between the middle of September and the first of November.
By N8
May 9, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
I appreciate you having my back. Thanks.
Lew
Ahhhh. Not 24 hours after you tell the blog to relax and get along,(while dropping my name in there), you’re sparring with your own “Eric From MO”.
You see, it’s hard to not squabble with people when they spark a nerve NO MATTER what the Braves have done, right.
So to you, Lew my friend. I’ll give you the same advice you’d give me right about now.
Sit down. Breathe, and……TAKE YOUR PILLS. LOL!
Braves Rule
“Thats cause he is so totally self-absorbed. He actually thinks people read those rambling paeans to solipsism”
For one. If you’ve paid any attention, you’ll notice that the LONG posts I have are generally (most of the time), directed at one person, where I’m answering a question they’ve ASKED ME.
So, quite honestly, I could care less if 99.99 percent of you scroll past them and don’t read them.
The posts that are “spewed” out for the general blog reader, are usually much shorter.
Like I told the others yesterday. Use the scroll wheel on your mouse if you don’t like them. I don’t care.
Coach has me on “permanent ignore” for the season. But you know what? I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that he still reads my posts.
In fact, I’m guessing there’s been a couple of times that he’s had to bite his lip to NOT respond, since he’s vowed not to. So while he is “ignoring” me, he’s still paying attention. I’m sure of it.
Random
Your 11:40 post hits on many points. Especially the Schillling comparison.
I fear as well for Smoltz’ health if he comes back too soon. We’ve won 6 in a row without him (you know the winning streak everybody is so pumped about?). So why not MAKE him sit for a month or so and rest?
The guy is a fighter, he’s gonna go ALL OUT when he comes back.
But you seem to GET what the discussion and point of view was about.
Let me make myself clear, I get what the reality of the situation is. AS SOON AS Smoltz is ready, he’ll be pitching.
Let’s just hope he lasts, in whatever role he can provide us with.
Like I said yesterday, WORST CASE SCENARIO, he pitches in Resop’s role. In other words, he’d be a valuable guy taking up a wasted roster space.
If Smoltz only gives us 30 innings the rest of the year, but they are game changing innings, why can’t that be good enough?
By Lew
May 9, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Chase-If you quoted what was said, knowing that he won $10 mil in arbitration already and you knew that he was not eligible for free agency and STILL quoted them without commenting how stupid their contention was, then you made a mistake, because you should have realized how stupid their comment was.
You parroted some useless info that made no sense-that’s ALL you did. Wow, We’re so impressed. Why didn’t you add some meaningful commentary on the quote? THAT might have been impressive and maybe some one would have agreed with you. No one made any comment about how stupid you were until you claimed an attack and then compounded it by leaving your foot in your mouth-not to mention shoving it further down your throat. You’ll also notice that NO ONE has agreed with anything you’ve said to this point. Doesn’t THAT tell you something?
Quite honestly, this is pretty damn well typical of you and your posts. You talk inanities and then act all hurt and p** that someone tells you that your and idiot. Then you jump all over me when I tell you the real situation and claim I attacked you.
Maybe it’s time to leave the security of Mommy’s basement and go back to school. You are severely undereducated if you really believe half the crap you spout on a regular basis.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
*At the time it was a great move, but now I regret it. You see the difference in organizations and how things are run and, believe me, the Atlanta Braves are about as good as it gets, * — Leo Mazzone
FULL ARTICLE HERE
By N8
May 9, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
“DOB, don’t you know it’s not okay to say bad breaks are a factor in the Braves’ losses but it’s okay to think luck is a factor in their wins?”
Oh, Shaun, you kill me.
Do you get that we were 0-9 in one run games and NOT ALL OF THOSE GAMES were lost because we gave away runs with errors, walks and wild-pitches???
We scored 4 UN-EARNED RUNS yesterday and won 5-4. THAT is a lucky victory.
I have contended and agreed that SOME of the nine 1-run losses were a tad unlucky (like Tex ripping the ball for a few line-drive outs, etc…).
But NOT all 9 of them.
If you can’t agree with that statement, that’s your problem….not mine.
I tell you what. If from now until the end of the season, we win 9 more games that we had NO BUSINESS winning (like yesterday’s game), and we DON’T lose another game “due to bad luck”, (in other words - it evens out at some point), I’ll type in all capitalized letters in bold face, how much smarter you are than ANYBODY who’s ever typed on the blog.
OK, fair enough?
Because you’ve said MANY times, that “luck evens out”.
We’ll see.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
brent a., well I think once he’s healthy enough to pitch, the Braves should assume he’s one of their best pitchers and put him on the roster instead of resting him until September…that’s my point.
By Billy Walsh
May 9, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
The MVP of the league for the Phils is back in the lineup… I would say that is a good thing for the phils. Ryan Howard is going to command at least 18 mill per year, and even if the Phils traded him there would be no possible way they would trade him to an NL East team. Make Tex an offer and see what happens. If he doesnt accept, then the braves get a few draft picks and frees up money (along with Hampton). I like the idea of going after Furcal….and the way Heyward is hitting in the minors..we might see him up here next year.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Dude, I haven’t even boosted my blood pressure, which on Tuesday, when I saw my doctor, was 116/62-not too bad for a fat guy. In between arguing with our resident immature fool, I’ve cleaned some spots on the carpet left by my overexhuberant dog, walked three quarters of a mile, made and then ate my breakfast.
Quite honestly, if he hadn’t claimed I’d attacked him (which of course I didn’t), I wouldn’t have even made another comment on the situation.
Besides-Look at all the grief I got for counseling peace. Apparently no one wants anything but contentious. I can oblige them. I’ve been too nice for too long, anyway.
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
N8 as the voice of reason? I love it. But I have to disagree with you and Random on the Schilling comparison. Totally different situations. I agree I’d rather have Smoltz take his time and come back as healthy as possible. I trust the man to know his own body. When he thinks he’s ready, I’ll take his word.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Braves should trade for pitchers from the tigers more ofter.
By DAP
May 9, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
chase ryan howard isnt a free agent until 2012.
the lesson here is, dont listen to the guys on ESPN!!! they get stuff wrong all the time.
efrim im pretty sure his arbitration years are 2008-2011, free agent in 20012. i also really like nick johnson for next year. bat him third and let chipper cleanup, and johnson’s offensive abilities are maximized.
By Yars
May 9, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
DOB…..at the Radiohead show last night, did they not play Creep? Saw a picture taken of the setlist, & it wasn’t on there. Kinda weird if they didn’t play it.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Nathan-One item of interest for you, Dude. David Coverdale of Pale Serpent fame is releasing a new CD and going on Tour this summer. DOB will be so pleased, right?
My question is this-Is it still HIS hair or is he resorting to wigs/extensions now? If he’s lost as much hair as I have (and we’re about the same age), I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t all his.
By Braves20
May 9, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
TJ - Thank you for the link to the Mazzone story. Sad to read - not sure whether I’m sadder for Leo or for us.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Because you’ve said MANY times, that “luck evens out”.
Actually, I’ve never said that. Sometimes it doesn’t.
I’ve also never said that all 9 one-run losses were all due to bad luck.
Let me make my view of this very clear: When a team is as good as the Braves have been in games of every other run margin, and considering they haven’t been all that bad at home in one-run games over the past year, I think it’s quite reasonable to assume bad luck has played a pretty big role in losing 9 one-run games.
By ncscoots
May 9, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Looking post-Tex, what about our ol’ pal Adam LaRoche?
rammer, some posters here have echoed that very sentiment. He seems to start slowly, too, though, and we’ve seen how the blog reacts to THAT, LOL.
Personally, I’d love have that guy back in Atlanta, but I’m not sure he’s the guy I’d want hitting cleanup. That would be the only fly in the ointment, for me, anyway.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Yars, they didn’t play it, and they’re not going to play it, from what I understand.
By Braves20
May 9, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Scoots and Rammer - agree. For the money, we could probably not do much better than LaRoche - money that would be better invested in the center of the infield rather than a corner.
By jim
May 9, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
It would be nice if Francouer were more selective at the plate, but he will probably never be a selective hitter, and I don’t think selectivity is his main problem. The bigger problem is that he is not getting good wood on the ball when he does get a pitch to hit. The league seems to be pitching him inside, particularly up and in, and he is getting jammed every time. If some stat freak were keeping track of every swing at a bad pitch, broken bat, late swing foul ball, and weakly hit ball (hit or out), I would be willing to bet that the number of swings at bad pitches would be at a rate no worse than in previous years, but the total in each of the other three categories would be significantly higher. I also think that the tendency to commit early is reinforced by the need to overcompensate for the late swings and jams and the blow to his confidence that these poor results must be having. Maybe the weightlifting has slowed his swing, maybe its the pressure of trying too hard to live up to the initial hype, but he needs to make adjustments to both the swing and the approach.
The best thing for the Braves and Francouer right now would be for him to sit for at least a game or two and end the stupid streak! The consecutive game streak is a selfish individual “accomplishment” that puts the indvidual above the team (sorry, Cal, but this applies to you too!). Neither the player, nor the team benefits when a tired player with a slower bat does not take a day or two off when necessary.
By Philliesuk
May 9, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
chase Are you crazy? You think that Ryan Howard will make 10-12 mil on the FA market? Andruw Jones made 18 a year, and you think Howard will make a little over half of that? I’m going to stop there, because I think everyone with a sane mind here knows:
1) Ryan Howard will make close to, if not more than, $20 mil a year 2) The Braves will not try to sign Ryan Howard 3) Ryan Howard is the best in the business at striking out. Why would the Braves want him?
Personally, I think Ryan Howard is overrated. But in the current market, dude’s gonna bank.
By Pat Maier
May 9, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
I just “caught up” to this blog today and didn’t have time to read ALL of it. Can’t help but wonder if those “non-believers” who mentioned already losing the “sweep” when we were only into the first coupla innings came back to maybe “apologize” about their previous posts. After all, we DID win the came and DID sweep and I’m sorry if I missed any “apologies”.
By ManOfTeal
May 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Go Marlins!!!!
BTW I voted that the Braves would get swept by the Phillies…..HA!
And WTF is Tampa Bay doing in first place????