AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOK, Braves, now do it on the road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pittsburgh — Yes, the Braves righted their listing ship by sweeping an entire six-game homestand against Cincinnati and San Diego, a couple of last-place teams. Now comes the real test.
Because to convince a lot of denizens here and baseball observers everywhere, the Braves are going to have to prove they can play good ball on the road and not just beat up on teams at Turner Field.
Says here the severe dichotomy won’t last. The Braves, even with their swelling ranks of walking wounded, are too good to continue losing 11 of every 15 road games (they are 4-11 on the road, worse than any team in the majors except 4-12 Washignton).
Then again, we don’t believe they will continue to win 14 of every 18 home games, either (their 14-4 home record is the best in the majors).
So they’d best get the road thing cleaned up quickly and start playing more consistent ball, not limping home from dismal road trips and expecting to get healthy by winning all or most of their home games.
And they will. We’re fairly certain of that. There are 129 games left in the season, and the Braves can only get healthier (Right? They can’t possibly put more key members on the DL at once, can they?)
So anyway, they come to Pittsburgh looking to get their road house in order (cue the Patrick Swayze fight scene … OK, didn’t get much sleep after seeing Radiohead last night).
They start a seven-game trip with four at Pittsburgh, where the Braves will look to avoid any semblance of a history repeating. We won’t go into the details of last year’s Mother’s Day Massacre, the blowout at PNC Park that served as the unlikely turning point in the Braves’ season, after which they dropped like a rock and never fully recovered.
But just because the Pirates are 15-19, don’t get any assumptions that they are ripe for sweeping, or even taking three of four from.
Because the Pirates not only have a winning record (9-7) at beautiful PNC Park — by the way I’m literally looking at the stadium as I type, from the window of my 14th-floor hotel room) — they also are 4-0 with a .331 batting average and 3.00 ERA in their past four home games, including a win against Philly and a sweep of the Giants.
(Hey, the Giants are lowly, but not as lowly as the Padres. S.F. is 14-21, two games ahead of S.D. in the West.)
And don’t look now, but our boy, Adam LaRoche, has once again flicked on the switch after his traditional ghastly April. ‘Ol Rochy is 8-for-20 with two home runs and six RBI in his past five games, after hitting .167 with one homer, five RBI and 30 strikeouts in 90 at-bats in his first 26 games.
Lot of lefties: Tonight we’ve got Tom Glavine (0-1, 4.50) going against Pittsburgh’s Ian Snell (2-2, 5.09), and Snell’s the only right-hander the Pirates are starting in the four-game series.
It’ll be interesting to see how many of the last three games of the series Mark Kotsay will start against the lefties. He’s been one of the Braves’ hottest hitters the past two or three weeks, but Kots is still hitting just .191 (9-for-47) vs. lefties, compared to .388 (26-for-67) vs. righties.
And he’s also hitting .255 with one homer and five RBI on the road, compared to .349 with two homers and 10 RBI at Turner Field. But I’m guessing he’ll play at least two of three games vs. the lefties, and he should. Too early to start any platoon in center, if you ask me. Not as long as Kotsay is healthy.
Gregor Blanco does need to play and has earned playing time. But do you folks agree that Kotsay should hit against a few more lefties to see if the early numbers were just a product of a slow start overall? Because he’s hit lefties well in the past.
Speaking of a lefty-righty disparity, Matt Diaz’s is a bit alarming. He’s 9-for-54 (.167) vs. righties and 20-for-46 (.435) against lefties. Wow.
Oh, and I’m thinking Brian McCann is squeezing a bat somewhere right now, just waiting to get to the ballpark and play tonight. Because he’s 7-for-12 with three homers against Snell. If that’s not ownership, it’s a lease with an option to purchase.
For those wondering, the Braves lead the league with a .288 average against right-handers, and their .286 average vs. lefties ranks fourth. Not much difference average-wise, but the Braves are slugging .477 against righties and just .395 against lefties, which is a very wide gulf indeed.
They have 49 doubles and 27 homers in 723 at-bats vs. righties, and only 19 doubles and eight homers in 430 at-bats against lefties. Big difference. Big.
The Braves’ home thing: In case you missed it here a few days ago, the Braves’ home sizzle actually began late last season, a reversal of the trend they followed most of the season, when they played so well on the road and struggled at home.
Since Sept. 5, 2007, the Braves are 23-6 with a .304 average and 3.13 ERA in their past 29 home games, with 174 runs scored (6.0 per game).
During that same period on the road, they’re 9-18 with a .253 average, 4.02 ERA and 117 runs scored (4.3 per game).
This season Atlanta leads the NL with a .316 home average and ranks eighth with a .252 road average. Their .287 overall average is seven points ahead of the second-ranked Dodgers.
The Braves also lead the league with a 3.49 ERA, ahead of Arizona (3.54), although Atlant’s road ERA is nearly two runs higher than the D-Backs’.
Braves starters, as hard as it might be to believe given their rash of injuries, lead the NL with a 3.27 ERA that’s almost a half-run ahead of the second-ranked Cardinals starters (3.73).
But Atlanta starters are also last in the league with 178-2/3 innings. Gotta clean that, up, obviously, or they’re going to have to have a regular shuttle for fresh relievers back and forth between Richmond and Atlanta by midseason.
Tex cooled off again: Mark Teixeira usually starts slow in April, but it looked like he was back in a groove after going 19-for-56 (.339) with seven doubles, two homers and 11 RBis in 13 games from April 17 to April 30.
Since then, the first baseman is 3-for-20 with no extra-base hits and two RBI in his past six games, though he does have seven walks and a .393 OBP in that span.
OK, enough for now. Let’s have a tune and get some lunch before heading to PNC Park.
”WHITE LEXUS” by Mike Doughty
Please show me how to live
Please show me how to have a day
I don’t wanna wake up now
Why do I have to wake up, anyway?
Like a soap star in anguish, shrill but bland
When your white Lexus comes
Around
The way
Idling in the long driveway
Try to feel nothing on command
When your white Lexus comes
The thrill
Be damned
I forgive the world right now
Still I play the chump’s role every time
My world’s the surface of the moon
My heart’s down in a diamond mine
Like the black stars of Memphis, moaning on,
When your white Lexus comes
To drive
Me out
Drive me to the edge of town
Try to feel nothing on command
When your white Lexus comes
The thrill
Be damned
Damn it to the last damned man
Comments
By Johnny G
May 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
about 5th?
By dgd
May 9, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
What are Escobar’s #’s vs. lefties and Righties? I know he’s hit all season, but wondered if there’s a big difference there……
By Ramblin Wrecker
May 9, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
“Nobody puts baby in a corner!”
By ncgary
May 9, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
lets sweep the pirates
By Cecil34
May 9, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
A big indicator of where the season is headed would be how the Pittsburgh series winds up.
Winning 3 of 4 would be a move in the right direction, 2 and 2 would be pretty much status quo, and 1 and 3 or worse and our worst fears will be realized.
The 4 starters projected for this series must put on their “A” game in order to kick this road trip off in the right fashion.
We are quickly approaching the June 1st mark that will tell the tale on this ‘08 edition of the Braves.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Cecil34, hmmm…and I was under the impression that the Pittsburgh series was only four games. But you’ve set the record straight: The ENTIRE SEASON hinges on this series!
By RichmondBrave
May 9, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Get our 4-6 hitters hitting and we wll go on a run of 6 or 7 games scoring 10 runs a game. 7 and 8 holes are hitting better than Tex, Mac and Francoure. Chipper needs some help behind him. Lets take 3 of 4 in Pitt and sweep Philly. Go Braves!
By N8
May 9, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
” Yes, the Braves righted their listing ship by sweeping an entire six-game homestand against Cincinnati and San Diego, a couple of last-place teams. Now comes the real test…..Because to convince a lot of denizens here and baseball observers everywhere, the Braves are going to have to prove they can play good ball on the road and not just beat up on teams at Turner Field.”
Strange. I got my azz ripped for almost 48 hours, for saying essentially the same thing. Granted I said it A LOT.
But you don’t know how good that makes me feel to know that the blog-master STARTED OFF the new blog, with essentially what I’ve been crying from the roof-tops.
Shaun
Again, sorry for confusing you with another blogger. I could have sworn that you have said numerous times that luck evens out. My bad.
Lew
I was just giving you crap dude. You always attempt to talk, and calm me down, when my blood starts boiling. I was just doing the same for you, my friend.
AGTfan
I can agree that the Smoltz/Schilling situation is different. But it is a bit similar, don’t you think?
The main difference, is that the Red Sox have a TON of money and can go get somebody if available without worrying about the cash. In other words, they can “afford” to be a bit more patient with Schilling.
Where the Braves might be a bit more desperate (for lack of a better word), to get Smoltz back on the field. Add to that Smoltz himself seems to be LESS “ok” with resting, than Schilling does.
So in that respect, you’re correct. The situations aren’t the same.
By NS from Kennesaw
May 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Apart from the rotation has to be on their A or B+ games, the offense has to keep going.
I would love to see our dudes at 1B and RF need to start hitting more consistently. Both are too good a hitter to be where they are tight now
GO BRAVES !!!
By Stuart
May 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
DOB,
That slugging % against LHP is the key. The braves have a hard time stringing together hits without a terribly timed K or a DP. If the braves can get the slugging % up against LHP, then batton down the hatches boys it will get fun.
Tex has to get going. I know the rotation is struggling to throw alot of innings, but this team was built with an idea to pound teams into submission with the offense to cover the lack of innings from the starting staff, shorten the game and win with the bullpen.
Even if Gonzo and Smoltz come back to the pen and Tex gets going this team still needs some right handed power at the plate (Frenchy and Tex can be the solutions if they get it going) and a veteran innings eating starter. If they get those two things, then it is ON boys and girls and it is going to be nice.
GO BRAVOS!!!!
By Yars
May 9, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
DOB….did Radiohead play ‘Creep’ last night? I saw a picture of their setlist & it wasn’t included on it. Also, do you think Tex could use a day off?
By Dirty Dancing 3: The search for more wrinkles
May 9, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Oh gosh I hope we dont have a relapse of last year up in the pitts. Hopefully we can get 3-4 if we come back off this road trip with only one or two wins then, this is one weird season.
SINGS Now I hadddd the time of my life and I all it all to AJC.com letting me waste my workday!!!
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Anyone else see a parallel? Does anyone really think that Epstein and Francona are idiots? Random
I see the parallel with Schilling. I’ll take it one step further and say that I saw the parallel with Clemens when i said the braves should Clemons smoltz. Although Schilling had a totally different injury and Clemens was just trying to play the market to earn extra cash.
The ONLY reason i’d be in favor of smoltz waiting till September would be because of his durability. If 3 months of offseason rest wasn’t time for that shoulder to heal this year, then I don’t think 3 weeks of rest is enough time to cure a “severely” inflamed biceps tendon.
Again, Smoltz IS going to be in the bullpen and likely soon according to him. We’ll see how the shoulder responds. If we keep winning then there’s no rush for him to jump back on board so fast. But the fact that his shoulder problems have been reoccurring earlier and earlier in the season over the last 3 years is worrisome. I’m no doctor but I fear he’s developed arthritis in that shoulder.
By Mark T.
May 9, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
I think the best thing is to focus on each game indiviually. I would love for us just win both series, that would make it at least a 5-2 road trip. However, i dont know what it is but we just arent hitting lefties as well as we used to. There was a time we were punishing lefty starters. I believe it was before the ‘04 season we would tattoo lefty starters but now not so much. Could it be we have too many pull happy hitters from the right side versus the spray hitters we’ve had in years past? DOB, might you a have guess or an idea as to why we struggle against lefties now?
By jim
May 9, 2008 2:04 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 ernesto
May 9, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Yo Yars!
You didn’t ask me but I don’t think Rhead WILL play Creep anymore. They’re sick of it.
By Pete H.
May 9, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
That Braves better concentrate on shutting down McLouth. He’s been tearing it up. Imagine, we almost got him instead of Lillibridge. Well, maybe not almost, but we sure tried. Sadly, they knew what they had. Rats.
The Pirates are playing well lately. Heck, even Yates has been pitching effectively.
We’re not going to be able to judge a season by one series (that’s just plain silly), but this is a big one. We’ve finally got some momentum, and have to keep it going. I’d feel better if Smoltz was starting one of these games, but the guys we have going have all been pretty good lately, despite a weak start from Glavine. Hopefully, his leg is better and we can get 7 good innings out of him tonight.
By tim
May 9, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Dave-must confess the last 3 radiohead records have left me scratching my head, but have seen them a few times live where they were amazing..Their Masquarade show in 96 or98? was unbelievable.how would you describe the tone of their set last night? I love Thom Yorke, but can only take so much of that head shake before I get dizzy..oh, and the run along the river in Pittsburg gotta be one of the best urban running paths in the country. Hope you have fun there…
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
N8 Part of the difference is that the RS have more money than God. Part of it to my way of thinking has to do with individual personalities of the players. I’ve always felt that Schilling has a huge chip on his shoulder and seems to think he always has something to prove. I’d be more inclined to see Schilling trying to come back before he was ready if left to his own choices than Smoltz. I think Smoltz has better impulse control. Even if he’s chomping at the bit to get back and we know he is, I think we can trust his judgement.
Not that Smoltz or BC are going to pay any attention to our opinions anyway.
By Thrillhouse44
May 9, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
If that’s not ownership, it’s a lease with an option to purchase. DOB
I know the T-shirt thing never took off, but if you put this classic line on a beer koozie, I’d order a dozen.
By eric the elder
May 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Poor Mike Doughty. He should take the advice given to Job: Curse God and die.
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Gregor Blanco does need to play and has earned playing time. But do you folks agree that Kotsay should hit against a few more lefties to see if the early numbers were just a product of a slow start overall? DOB
No i don’t because….
Speaking of a lefty-righty disparity, Matt Diaz’s is a bit alarming. He’s 9-for-54 (.167) vs. righties and 20-for-46 (.435) against lefties. Wow.
Diaz has his righties well in the past too, so why wouldn’t he get more at-bats against them if he’s ALWAYS a slow starter in april and actually hit better this april than in aprils’ past? Your answer is probably because he’s not hitting righties, but that could be a product of his slow start. He won’t get a chance to prove it unless he plays against them, your same argument for Kotsay.
I agree blanco needs more playing time, and that platoon actually is working, so keep on keepin’ on. Maybe the platoon should come in right field…wink wink.
By McFann
May 9, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Because he’s 7-for-12 with three homers against Snell. If that’s not ownership, it’s a lease with an option to purchase. DOB
Great analogy!
By StingerSplash
May 9, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I think “Road House” and I think Kelly Lynch and a wonderful evil turn by Ben Gazzara. But that’s just me. For those of us unable to attend Radiohead last night, how bouts a lil review of the show, Monsieur O’Brien?
By Chop Chop
May 9, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Kinda bored over here, so I listened to Lee Elia’s infamous tirade a few times. On the same YouTube link, I found this little Sparky Anderson gem. (He’s very civil, isn’t he?) You can find the Elia tirade, and a bunch of other nuggets, over in the Related Videos section of that link.
By Chop Chop
May 9, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Check this one out, too:
Earl Weaver on Manager’s Corner
Hahahahahaha…I wish Bobby would do that sometime.
By Joe
May 9, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Since the Braves wont re sign Tex, they need to do whatever it takes to get Jake Peavy away from the Padres while they are so bad!!!! They will be able to afford Peavy when Tex is gone and Hampton gone too!
By Mike
May 9, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I say we take 3 out of 4….Chuck just doesn’t impress me, never has.
By RC
May 9, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, I hate to disagree with your song selection, but you missed a golden opportunity by not using The Beatles “Why Don’t We Do It In The Road?” Especially for a trip starting in Pittsburgh:
Why don’t we do it in the road? Why don’t we do it in the road? Why don’t we do it in the road? No one will be watching us Why don’t we do it in the road?
By PrincetonBrave
May 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
DOB
Are Charlie Morton’s impressive numbers at Richmond getting any serious attention with the Big Club?
Is it reasonable to expect to see him start some games with Atlanta, especially if(!) a certain Mike Hampton does not return to duty?
By parks
May 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Joe Peavy signed a extension with the Padres
By Jake C.
May 9, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
DOB, What website do you use for individual player statistics?
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
If by any chance Frenchy was to read this blog, the first thing I would tell him is Stop it. Don’t pay any attention to what any of us have to say. We’re all a bunch of wannabes. You’ve had better quality coaching at every phase of your career than you can get from anyone posting on these blogs.
Next I’d tell him to remember that he started playing baseball because it was fun. Go back to that first basic. Have fun. Most of us would trade almost anything we have to be in your shoes. Have fun. This isn’t rocket science. See the ball, hit the ball.
I would tell him to forget about any streaks of any kind. He’s got a HOF manager who can decide that he needs to sit. I’m pretty confident that if BC thought he had a better option then Frenchy for right field and it would be good for the team or good for Frenchy, he’d sit him in a heartbeat. Frenchy’s not in the position Cal was in late in his career. If BC says sit, Frenchy sits.
By Cecil34
May 9, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I know what you mean! It does seem funny that a series at this point in May would loom so large, but I think it does.
Primarily because the Braves need to start dominating the 15-18 mediocre level teams in order to be able to stand up to the division leaders, which loom large on the horizon also.
We all remember the self-destruction in Pitt last year when it was so unexpected.
I also agree with others that beyond the pitching, the Braves must score runs.
That alone can buy a rotation and a bullpen a LOT of grace!
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention this. Did you guys (and ladies) see the note in Jayson Stark’s blog on ESPN.com, about Chipper?
From a scout, on Chipper: “The fans are going to elect David Wright to start the All-Star Game, but it should be Chipper. Don’t get me wrong. David Wright is a really good player. But Chipper is such an accomplished hitter in so many aspects, I look at it like David Wright is basically learning to be Chipper.”
By chase
May 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal Not trying to be a jerk BUT what I wrote is EXACTLY waht was said on the 10:00pm Baseball tonight on ESPN2
Philliesuk
You didn’t read the posts man..I never siiad that I thought HOWARD would only get 12 million…THAT IS WHAT WAS SAID BY THE TALKING HEADS ON ESPN…
Lew i guess you must always be right, you know more than everyone else including ESPN insiders, and if anyone says something on the blog that you don’t agree with you must attack them until you think you are right….
I guess everyone else on here should just let you take over, apparently we don’t even need DOB or any other bloggers…we should all just click on the headline and read whatever the ALL MIGHTY LEW has to say…
That’s it everyone…don’t post anything anymore without running it by Lew…All bow down beore THE GREAT AND MIGHTY LEW…he is the man behind the curtain!
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
PrincetonBrave, they’re definitely getting attention from Braves officials, who are very pleased at his strides. But they’re not bringing him up anytime soon, barring absolute disaster and the loss of a few more pitchers. They don’t want to rush him.
By Workinlkeadawg
May 9, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Question. We are at Pittsburg tonight, say Glavine pitches a decent game and the top of the 9th comes around.
The score is 4-3 the Braves load the bases with two out, Tex has had no hits and is due up.
Would you pench hit Norton for Tex?
I know the politically correct answer is no, but Norton is “notorious” for these situations.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Pete H., I wouldn’t be too concerned. Lillibridge may turn out to be a heck of a ballplayer.
By GSU-Paul
May 9, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB, Georgia State Signal Sports Editor Lee W. (GSU_Lee) is graduating this weekend. Let’s all take the time and give him congrats and welcome another journalist to the field. He has worked very hard to create a respectable Sports section for GSU and we all owe him many thanks. Way to go Lee and good luck!
By jim
May 9, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
I can’t get caught up in the discussion of what will or will not happen in the offseason and who will or will not be available. I like the chances of this team if we get the injured players back and they are healthy and if we avoid any further major injuries. What will happen in the offseason will then be determined by:
How people perform and develop during this season.
How far we go in the playoffs, if and when we get there.
What the attendance figures for this year will be.
What the budget will be for next year when numbers 2 and 3 above are factored in.
The evaluation of which prospects are continuing to progress and what their potential may be and which are not progressing and not likely to be significant contributors in either the near or long-term future.
At the end of the season, these questions will be answered and next year’s team will be constructed around these parameters. Until then, this year’s team can be pretty good, and the next month will be critical in keeping things close until we get our pitchers back from the DL and see if they are going to be able to contribute.
By Random
May 9, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Lew, Shaun, brent a., N8, AGTFan — Thanks for the comments on my previous blog post; et tu,Bobby’s Cox.
Lew: “Random-He’s not going to sit out the next four and a half months. Count on it.” Nobody ever said he would — only that perhaps he should, and why, and what would need to happen to allow it. See my reply to Shaun below.
Shaun: “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 tried very hard to make clear that a basic assumption of the Shelf-Smoltz position was that the Braves would make the play-offs without him.
One way to attack the position would be to accept the assumption and argue against it on the same grounds as everyone else. Another way would be to actually refute or persuasively dispute the assumption, and simply dismiss everything that followed from it.
Mealy-mouthed caviling about how we don’t really know whether the assumption will come about (“how can anyone know if it’s going to happen”) does nothing to advance the discussion. Once you wrap your mind around that, please explain the concept to Lew and chrisklob.
Shaun: “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.’” Well, we’ll see.
Shaun: “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.” See — once you accept the assumption, it turns out you agree. That’s all we’re saying. Now, was that so hard?
N8: “Let me make myself clear, I get what the reality of the situation is. AS SOON AS Smoltz is ready, he’ll be pitching… 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?”
I get it too — we’ll take whatever he gives us, and we’ll LIKE it!
AGTFan: “But I have to disagree with you and Random on the Schilling comparison. Totally different situations.” How so, in your opinion?
Bobby’s Cox: “I see the parallel with Schilling. I’ll take it one step further and say that I saw the parallel with Clemens when i said the braves should Clemons smoltz.” I must have missed that comment — sorry. I’ll go back and check it out.
Thanks again, all. What do you think, DOB — would you care to weigh in on the subject?
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
RC, you’re right. That would’ve been perfect. Might have to add it….
Tim: How did the most recent Radiohead album, In Rainbows, leave you scratching your head? It’s rocking. It’s nothing like the two before that.
Show was incredible. Great visual presentation and light show to go with a tight band and a whole lot of energy. Surprising, to me, how much energy they had. Yorke’s amazing live. Total rock star, in a good way.
By tim-braves lifer
May 9, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, why no matter what does espn continually overlook Hoss when they do their “whos hot” segments even though he’s out hitting the world?
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Jake C.: Stats Inc., a pay-by-minute account the paper has.
By Mr. Snrub
May 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
That is what I was afraid of. The fans my not snub Jones in that he’ll get a lot of votes, but I agree David Wright will get the most fan votes at 3b making him a starter. Too much power in the hands of the fans when it becomes a popularity contest instead of a best player contest.
By Mr. Snrub
May 9, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
PS: Radiohead live are awesome. One of the best. I was lucky enough to catch them a while back, and have been trying to see them again ever since. Not coming close enough to my house on this tour though, too bad for me.
By Ford
May 9, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Did any of you read this today?
http://bravesnuworld.com/
It’s the first thing I have read in some time that didn’t seem like gratuitous Braves pie in the sky wishful thinking. Yesterday’s game did seem like a throwback didn’t it? Something shifted.
It gave me chills.
And I, for one, do believe.
Go Braves!
By ncscoots
May 9, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
“I look at it like David Wright is basically learning to be Chipper.”
Too bad for Wright. That class is over, and that school is closed.
Once Scott Rolen was thought to be better than Chipper. Any number of other 3B’s have made a run at the title for a year or two. Most of ‘em now more resemble roadkill than a ripping 3B future HOF’er.
Who else in the NL, regardless of age, compares favorably to a 36-year-old Chipper? Aramis Ramirez? Garrett Atkins? Please.
David Wright is a fine ballplayer, perhaps even an excellent one. But “learning to be Chipper”? Doomed to fall short on that one, and it’s no disgrace to do so. He ain’t the first.
By brent a.
May 9, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I read Leo’s comments about the Baltimore organization, and I’ll just say, that I bet Frank Wren would agree with him 100%.
I asked Mr. Wren earlier this week about his top move as a general manager, and he said, “Well, I’ve only had a couple”, and referenced the Renteria trade as his top achievement.
There was no indication from Mr. Wren that he enjoyed his tenure in Baltimore, nor did he rate anything he accomplished during that year at or near the top of his career GM accomplishments.
He considers the first move he made as Braves GM to be better than anything he accomplished as GM of the Orioles.
By Saltywoody
May 9, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
their swelling ranks of walking wounded
That’s actually quite poetic, DOB. I’m impressed. Must be beautiful, scenic Pittsburgh that brings out the bard in you.
By John
May 9, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Why don’t all of the Braves fans who so seem to spend almost every second of their work day blogging on here devote just one Braves off day to voting for Chipper for the All-Star game? If all of you were to do that then he would be a starter and y’all wouldn’t have to moan about how he got snubbed come July. Just take a letter off of your email address every time you reach the 25 max vote and you can keep on voting.
By Steve McP
May 9, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
RC - “why don’t we do it on the road with nobody watching us”
Surely that would be more appropriate for July 21st when we take on the fish.
By Shaun
May 9, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Workinlkeadawg, have you looked at Tex versus Norton’s stats overall and in those situations? I’ll take my chances with Tex over Norton every time. You can’t be serious with that post.
Random, yes, if the Braves would make the playoffs without Smoltz, they should rest him. And if my aunt had balls, she should be my uncle. They should do the same if they could make the playoffs without Hudson or Chipper or Escobar. But when you figure out how to guarantee the Braves can make the playoffs without Smoltz pitching until September, you let them know. I’m sure they’ll be happy to take you up on your suggestion. What a ridiculous discussion. And you criticize me for not “accepting the assumption.” Well, it’s ridiculous and outrageous to assume that it’s possible for them to know whether they can make the playoffs without Smoltz throwing a pitch until September. If Smoltz can pitch effectively before September, even in the bullpen, they will and should use him. Why even entertain such an outrageous assumption that a playoff spot can every be guaranteed?
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Congrats to GSULee.
Milt Newton 4 Hawks G.M. Sekou sez Milt’s got a shot. Don’t know much about his credentials outside of what Sekou mentioned but Milt was my favorite college player in ‘88. That reverse layup he had in the championship game seals the deal for me on who should be the next Hawks G.M.
BTW, did anyone else hear DOB on the Rude Awakening the other day talking about Billy Knight running the franchise into the ground? That was funny. I was waiting for Perry or Rude to ask DOB who pi$$ed in your Cheerios this morning.
By ncscoots
May 9, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
…Pittsburgh that brings out the bard in you.
Think that might be just a new, slightly-tight leotard being strapped. Such tends to bring out the bard-ness, I believe.
By Ted
May 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
did any of you see Pardon The Interruption yesterday? In “Over/Under” both Tony and Mike took “Under” on Chipper hitting .350 this year. Probably a smart pick, but what bothered me was that during the discussion they both referred to George Brett as a better hitter than Chipper Jones like it was a no-brainer.
I know that it is always an honor to be compared to a HOF player and somebody who once hit .390, even if it was the same year he was on hem‘roids (he said with tongue planted firmly in cheek), but I looked it up. George Brett’s career average is .305 compared to Chipper’s .309 and Chipper has hit like 100 more home runs.
I’m not saying that Chipper is obviously a better hitter than Brett was in their primes, but the point is surely debatable; especially when you take into account this insane streak he’s been on for the better part of 2 years.
DOB-I don’t know if you ever run into the PTI guys; but if you do, you may ask them to submit to a chemical test. I love PTI, but this proves the lack of love that Chipper gets from the national press.
Keep it up Chipper! I would have taken the “Overs” on that one!
By Workinlkeadawg
May 9, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper will never (and surely He knows), get the media or even fan recognition that he deserves.
I recall talking to a guy at a Marlins game in ‘06. I remember him saying Chipper was only an average 3rd baseman.
That guy was from Naples, but I think what he said is the opinion of alot of people across the country.
Unless you’ve watched him daily over his career, you’d never think of defense, when his name is mentioned.
By Ray
May 9, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
DOB Here’s a little known tidbit on Road House…
It caused an unprecedented moment on the original Siskel and Ebert show.
They started out bad mouthing Road House for its implausible and pointless plot (because, after all, they were a high minded critic show that couldn’t very well praise such ludicrous, violent folly) But, after they both gave it the requisite down turned thumb, something incredible happened: they started discussing it in more detail, and suddenly they morphed into just a couple guys talking about a kick a* action flick, culminating in a moment of silence, as if they were both waiting to see if the other would be willing to twist his wrist upwards.
Alas, the moment passed; they remembered where they were, or who they were, rather, and went on to the next review.
But I never forgot the moment when the two foremost film snobs almost talked themselves into a reversal over the inimitable Road House.
By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER
May 9, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I am Sam and I love the braves!
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Random
I don’t think Schilling is a important to the Sox chances of being in the post-season as Smoltz is to the Braves. I trust Smoltz to make the decision that’s best for him and the Braves for the season as a whole.
I think a lot of us may be thinking Smoltz is in worse shape than he is actually in because we’ve been so snakebit this season.
By DAP
May 9, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
chase weve already adressed this alot on the last blog, but the point is, dont quote stuff from the ESPN guys, they get stuff wrong all the time. and, i have a feeling that you felt pretty proud of yourself for hearing this and spewing it back up on the blog without thinking about it, before some people on here gave you a little hard ship for it. now your trying to cover saying “it wasnt ME who said it!” well, it was you that said it HERE.
By N8
May 9, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for the snipit from Stark’s Blog. I’ll assume like everything else on ESPN’s website, it’s an “INSIDER” blog, in other words….it’s NOT free.
He’s totally correct. In that Wright will be elected to the AS game, and that Wright is trying to become the “next” Chipper.
That being said, I certainly WILL find it amusing when all the homers will REFERENCE that comment, when bickering with Mutz trolls (by saying “SEE…Jayson Stark, said so….”), yet Jayson Stark was considered AND IDIOT when he dared say that Andruw was over-rated.
I suppose, in real life, somebody is allowed to be correct on one stance, and not on another.
But you get my point. Stark will be considered a genius for that comment (either that, or somebody will say it’s about time that the East Coast Bias of ESPN “recognize”. LOL!), but not so much for his Andruw comment.
AGTfan
I agree.
By Thrillhouse44
May 9, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
You know what I want Smoltz and Glavine to teach these young kids as they near the home stretch of their careers? The art of the rally cap. In the early ’90s, these guys took the rally cap to a whole nother level. Not only did they have the standard rally cap (inside out), they had “the shark” where they folded the hat in and set it on their head with the bill pointing straight up like a shark ready to circle its prey. I think it would help the Braves pull out a few more of these one-run games. (Just a thought off the top of my big, overworked dome…)
By etownbrave
May 9, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
tim-braves lifer Hoss was mentioned in “3up-3down” on the 10pm edition of BBTN last night. Said he was so locked in on pitchers, going up to plate with a plan, rarely missing when he swings, and being willing to settle for base hits rather than swinging for the fences. Even going 1 for 5 yesterday he is still outpacing next closest BA by 53 points.
By Chop Chop
May 9, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
N8,
It’s a free column.
Jayson Stark blippity-bloop
Stark quotes “some of the great minds in the scouting business” about different players in “The Rumblings Scouting Bureau” section. That’s where the Chipper/Wright stuff comes in.
By Taylor
May 9, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Why didn’t Glavine get on the team bus yesterday afternoon? Did he drive himself or did he make an early trip? Same with Hampton, what was his situation? Just not traveling with the team to Pittsburgh?
By Big Easy
May 9, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I agree, Thrillhouse44. I remember watching those games in the early 90’s and that is one of the seminal pictures burned in my brain: The dugout full of guys with the rally caps on. I still pull out the old “shark” rally cap occasionally when I am at the park. Classic stuff.
~E~
By Chris
May 9, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Mike Doughty - nice
By Nate
May 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
How can anyone say that this Braves team was built to pound teams into submission and cover the lack of innings from the starters with the bullpen?
I agree on the offense, but the pitching part? The emphasis in the offseason was depth at starting pitching. Remember how excited everybody was a few months ago that the Braves had nine MLB-quality starters. With regards to the pitching staff, I think is fair to say that Wren sacrificed bullpen quality for starting depth. Before the season, on paper the bullpen was the weakest part of the team.
So far this season the bullpen has been a real enigma, with some guys pitching really well and others imploding. One thing is certain, though, the pen can’t continue to pitch four or five innings a night the whole season.
So here’s a question for everybody to answer: With regards to starting pitching, what’s more important quality or quantity?
I think that during the season quantity is more important that quality. Better to have six or seven guys who are capable of starting, than two aces and a bunch of question marks. But in the playoffs I’d pick quality over quantity. Gotta have two big time pitchers to win the pennant.
By Pete H.
May 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
The only 3B better than Chipper are Eddie Mathews, Mike Schmidt, A-Rod and, if only for his glove, Brooks. Wright might or might not be as good someday, but as someone noted above, Scott Rolen was assumed to be on a path to be the best. He never arrived. And Wright has come back to earth this year; he’s good, but he has another 10 years or so of being good to great to catch up with Chipper.
There was a great 3B joke a few years back, when the Padres were forced to go with a platoon of weak-hitting SS Tim Flannery and the mediocre utility guy Randy Ready at 3B. Some writer noted, “Randy isn’t ready and Flannery will get you nowhere.”
Well, I thought it was funny…
By Seymour
May 9, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
DOB-
I know a doctor with a reputation for fixing ailments like Smoltz’s with really impressive results. He uses alternative techniques, including Applied Kinesiology. A friend of mine went to him with a shoulder condition he had had for years and assumed would have for the rest of his life, but after two visits his shoulder is now good as new. I can’t help but wish Smoltz would see this doctor. If I gave you the doctor’s information would you pass it on to Smoltz?
Seymour
By RC
May 9, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
There is one sure way to keep David Wright starting over Chipper in the All-Star game….go vote for Chipper! You can vote up to 25 times online at braves.com…the link to the ballot is on the lower right-hand portion of the screen. I just finished my 25 votes, so he’ll get at least that many.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Chase You Moron-No I’m not always right but I am most of the time and I am this time for sure.
What will it take to convince you that Howard is already making $10 million a year right now and will make even more next year in arbitration? That’s the way it works.
If ESPN thinks he’ll hit the free agent market or sign a long term contract for $10-12 million per year then they are as big a moron as you.
BTW-Has anyone else agreed with you yet? Didn’t think so.
By OrlandoFan
May 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Given the situation at the moment, it would be criminal by all measure for anyone but Chipper to be at 3B for the National League this year. If Wright gets the vote, Braves’ fans wear the blame.
By no 74
May 9, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
74?
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
DOB,
How are the braves last in the league in innings pitch by starting pitchers. This home stand they compelled a total of 34.2innings of 54 innings.They averaged a total of 6 innings. Those is what a normal pitcher accomplishes now a days, and its a quality start. They’re definitely getting better, Hudson is definitely getting better, his velocity is back and has been consistant the last two games, Jair has been mr. consistant has not thrown a game below 6 innings, Jo-jo had a fine debut for the season and lasted 5 innings, but the injury bug hit the braves again and he lasted just 3 innings, and tom glavine has gone 5 or more innings, in 3 of his 5 starts counting the one where he got injured in the first inning in the washington game. DOB who is 28th in the league in innings pitched by a starting pitcher.
By MGL
May 9, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Aw, come-on, Wright deserves it, after all, he’s hitting .192 in May alone.
By Thrillhouse44
May 9, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Big ups, GSU Lee. The working world isn’t as fun as school, but at least the homework isn’t as bad.
By 2009 Lineup
May 9, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson
Yunel Escobar
Chipper Jones
Nick Johnson*
5.Pat Burrell**
Brian McCann
Jeff Francoeur
Jordan Schafer
Pitcher
2009 Starting Pitching
Tim Hudson
Scott Kazmir*
Jair Jurrjens
Chuck James
Charlie Morton
2009 Relief Corps
Rafael Soriano
Mike Gonzalez
Peter Moylan
Blaine Boyer
Manny Acosta
Will Ohman
*Braves trade Brent Lillibridge and Eric Barrett for Nick Johnson
**Braves sign Pat Burrell to 4 year deal worth 52 million
*Braves trade Cole Rohrbough, Tyler Flowers and Steve Evarts for Scott Kazmir
By Thrillhouse44
May 9, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Good point, MGL. Wright is tanking it on purpose. Now when he really starts playing, it’ll make his and the Muts’ comeback even more epic.
By chase
May 9, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Padres release JIM EDMONDS…would he be a good bench pick up for th eBraves on the cheap?
By Steve E
May 9, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
DOB - I’m kinda shocked at your answer about Stats Inc. I’ve always pictured you whipping up numbers at baseball-reference.com. Do you ever use that? I think the interface kind of blows, but lots of great info in there when you get used to it. What’s you favorite non-for-pay stats site?
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 9, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
HEY RAY
I was the head bouncer at a local bar in ATL called the American Pie and we used to quote Road House all the time. Not that any real-life situation like that would ever happen but just because it was both good fun and implausibly hysterical.
As I used to tell me crew, if you got home and jerk-off to Road House your not gonna be a good bouncer, but if you can recognize the one important fact that makes the movie work than come back and tell me. Each person only got 1 chance to answer and the first right answer got to pick their schedule for the next week. It took 3 days and many laughable answers before one guy got it right — NO COPS in the movie until the last scene. As I used to say to the owner when something happened outside of my view — ” A polar bear fell on me !!”“
Awwwwwwww— Good Times
By 2008 Season
May 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
2009 Lineup, who cares? Just enjoy ME!
By Yars
May 9, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Online voting for the all-star game should not be allowed. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling most of it is rigged. There is probably some computer hacker genius NY Mets fan out there, (think of Matthew Broderick’s character in War Games) that will make sure that David Wright is the starting 3B for the NL & wins by over 1 million votes. Hell, Wright could have a .260/11/32 line at the all star break & still win. Fans should only be allowed to vote at the ballpark. If you don’t live near a ballpark, you should be able to request up to 25 all star game ballots through the mail, fill them out, then mail them. I suggest Circle K stores should carry the ballots. now playing: twentieth century fox by the Doors.
By Random
May 9, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
AGTFan — Oh, okay — I get what you’re saying now. Can’t argue Smoltz’s importance to the Braves — that’s the main reason I think we should use him more wisely and reserve him for the more critical situations, eg, the play-offs (but also to get to the play-offs, if need be).
On the other hand: “I think a lot of us may be thinking Smoltz is in worse shape than he is actually in because we’ve been so snakebit this season.”
No, I think why a lot of us may be thinking Smoltz is in worse shape than he actually is is because we’ve had him blowing smoke up our azzes as to the extent of his injury up until the very minute he was unable to raise his arm above his shoulder.
I agree with Bobby’s Cox: “If 3 months of offseason rest wasn’t time for that shoulder to heal this year, then I don’t think 3 weeks of rest is enough time to cure a ‘severely’ inflamed biceps tendon.”
Shaun: “Why even entertain such an outrageous assumption …?”
Well, if you’d rather talk about your aunt’s balls, okay.
Besides, how are your assumptions (eg, “If Smoltz can pitch effectively before September”) any less outrageous than any others’? Fact is, we’ll probably have the opportunity to see which of the two assumptions (Smoltz can pitch effectively the rest of the season vs the Braves can make the playoffs without Smoltz) pans out before the end of the season.
Let’s just wait and see.
By MGL
May 9, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Why in the world would we want Jim Edmunds. He’s the Padres’ mistake.
By Scott
May 9, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
This team has all the pieces of the puzzles to become a championship team. The only thing that will stop them from success is injuries. I can’t wait for this weekends series in Pittsburgh as I am making my yearly trip to see my beloved Braves. Too bad the weather isn’t gonna be a little warmer. Then again maybe seeing Chipper keep tearin up MLB pitchin will make things a bit hotter.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Yars, agreed (online voting). And if they’re gonna allow online voting, why 25 votes? Why not 100? 500?
If they’re gonna do it, allow ONE vote. (well, the answer is probably that they sell advertising based on “hits” and they’d rather get 25 hits than one).
I’d love to see Chipper start at 3B, but I’m not about to play that game 25 times. It’s insulting.
If fans are gonna elect the team, I think voting should be done at ballparks. Still a bias to teams with bigger attendance, but at least they’re paying fans.
I really think players, not fans, should vote on the starters, and then let fan votes fill in the rosters, but I know baseball is too “fan friendly” (i.e., money driven) to allow that.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Chase-I’ll attempt using logic one more time, to try and convince you why you and the ESPN guys are totally wrong in this instance.
Miguel Cabrera is probably the most similar case to Ryan Howard-only he’s one year ahead of Howard. He was the first to win a $10 million arbitration award-Howard is the second (and yes, I’m aware Howard is a few years older). Check the following stats-I used Baseball Reference’s 162 game averages since their times of service are somewhat different-
Runs-C, 100-H,99
HR-C,31-H,49
RBI-C, 117-H,134
OBP-C,.386-H, .388
SLG-C, .537-H, .588
Cabrera was just traded, like you think Howard might be (more on THAT in a minute). He just signed a 7 year contract extension for $152.3 million. That works out to $21.7 million per year-a far cry from the $10-12 million you and the ESPN Idiots think Howard would make long term. Are you sure you even understood what they were saying?
As far as trading Howard-Just why TF would the Phillies even consider doing this? Especially right now? If he is to make over 20 mil a year, then they have him dirt cheap for two more years before they would have to get into a bidding war for him, as he is not eligible for free agency until the end of the 09 season. Besides that, the Phillies are defending their NL East title and are only 1/2 game out of first place after only 30 games. Why would they throw in the towel now? That makes no damn sense at all. Little you say does, though so no surprise there.
Tell me exactly where I’ve misjudged in my analysis. I bet you can’t because Dude, I’m not wrong. Ryan Howard will NOT sign another contract for anywhere as low as $10-12 million per year-not even in arbitration. You’re wrong. Period. So are the ESPN dudes in this instance- IF thats what they really said. Not too sure you ever really quoted the article-just paraphrased it. Maybe you misunderstood?
By Jake C.
May 9, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks. I thought you had some absurd beat writer knowledge of baseball reference I had never mastered. I will continue to use baseball reference to double check your work, with the rest of the denizens.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Dave O’Brien, since Chuck James is scheduled to pitch tomorrow and isn’t on the roster, who gets the Axe?
My money is on Buddy Carlyle going on the D.L. or back to Richmond.
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Random
Just so you’re not pulling teeth looking for that comment i made that the braves should probably “Clemons” smotlz, I should let you know that I made that comment last week in the blogs that said smotlz was moving to the bullpen and not in the last 2 blogs.
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Random
Just so you’re not pulling teeth looking for that comment i made that the braves should probably “Clemons” smotlz, I should let you know that I made that comment last week in the blogs that said smotlz was moving to the bullpen and not in the last 2 blogs.
By Yars
May 9, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman…if you recall, in Road House, Brad Wesley pretty much controlled the entire town. He could do as he pleased. He paid the police force to look the other way. It wasn’t until Patrick Swayze’s character, Dalton, came in & cleaned things up. Welsey wasn’t all that bad. He did bring a JC Penney to the town! Some words of advice, never underestimate your opponent, & expect the unexpected. Last but not least, be nice, until it’s not time to be nice! Road House is a guilty pleasure. Has a huge cult following.
By Moby Grape
May 9, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Unless you’ve watched him daily over his career, you’d never think of defense, when his name is mentioned.Workin
thats better than a lot of people in baseball think of him. His rep is of a below average defender, in fact in the few years b4 he went to left he was widely considered one of the worst fielding ones in baseball. Even last winter when he commented about the GG award many commentators laughed at him for even mentioning it as a possibility. Someone posted the results of the fielding associations ratings of third basemen from last year listed him 19th with just one point. the leaders had 80 or so points. That perception will never change now whether it’s warranted or not. I think he’s way better than 19th but I don’t think he’s all that good, either
By JordanPTC
May 9, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
“If that’s not ownership, it’s a lease with an option to purchase.”
Classic line, DOB. Classic.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Miguel Cabrera is probably the most similar case to Ryan Howard-only he’s one year ahead of Howard. He was the first to win a $10 million arbitration award-Howard is the second
Check your facts, Lew.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Coach, it’ll be Buddy, barring some injury tonight.
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Lew
Great 5:08 post and argument. Arbitration on Howard would indeed be a deal for the Phils for the next 2 seasons.
Unless the Phils can get immediate Major League ready front line starters (like ground ball enthusiast Harden and a Blanton) upon trading Howard, then he’s staying. In that ballpark and this division, pitching should be the phillies primary goal. Howard won’t sign for less that Cabrera, even if he has an AJ ‘07 type year.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
He just signed a 7 year contract extension for $152.3 million. That works out to $21.7 million per year
8 years, works out to $19.037 mil per year.
By Philliesuk
May 9, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
DOB Did you happen to check out the Radiohead special on VH1 this past weekend? Incredible.
I’ve never gotten to see Radiohead live. They’re one of those few bands where I pretty much like every one of their songs. Not a single track on The Bends and OK Computer that isn’t amazing (except maybe ‘Fitter, Happier’).
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Oh, outstanding: It’s pouring now. They just stopped BP.
By chase
May 9, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
LEW
Like I said you are the know-all be-all God of the blog…
You are infinitely right and I and all others are infinitely wrong…
Nevermind that you ARE CONTINUALLY BLASTING ME FOR SOMETHING I DIDN’T SAY BUT SIMPLY REPEATED…
I guess I should just gravel at your feet for forgiveness for thinking that guys who are paid to know this stuff and are in constant contact with those in power may actually know something you don’t
I should now bow down before LEW and apologize FOR SOMETHING SOMEONE ELSE SAID….
Good greif man is your EGO THAT BIG?
You are still trying to argue with me and prove a point that I never suggested or argued against in the first place…
Please leave me alone and take your complaints and your know all attitude to the people at ESPN!
By 22oz
May 9, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Ok McFann, i figured out the athens paper ad with mccann. go to photobucket.com, and search “mccann athens”
By Efrim
May 9, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
That 2009 lineup is nice, although that is a lot of talent to trade for a LHP who is TJ surgery waiting to happen and a 1st baseman who is a free agent at the end of next season.
Burrell for 4 years and 52 million???
Some team will give it to him, but I am not sure it will be the Braves.
Although the Braves are going to have to spend some money this offseason considering they have like 50 million coming off the books.
Anyway, I really hope they get the game in tonight. Doesn’t matter to me though as I will be watching Pens-Flyers.
GO PENS!!!!
By McFann
May 9, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks, 22oz!! Great photo!!
By Bobby's Cox
May 9, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Anyway, I really hope they get the game in tonight. Doesn’t matter to me though as I will be watching Pens-Flyers.
Me, i may not mind so much. This team’s been playing great with all the off days lately. If a postponement helps us win our 7th straight, by all means. However, the double headers are starting to rack up.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Burrell is underappreciated because he can be a butcher in the field (though not much worse than Diaz).
As a hitter, however, he rocks. He’s like Manny without the goofiness. OK, not as good as Manny but really good. Just boring.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Chase-Whatever. You must be right because you refuse to admit you could be wrong. If you didn’t agree with what you supposedly quoted, then why did you even bring it up? You certainly didn’t dispute it.
It’s all my fault because I espoused another point of view and used facts, figures and common sense to disagree with you? If you choose to believe everything you hear from ESPN, it says much more about you than it does about this subject.
Sorry you think everyone’s out to get you-especially me. Most of the time I totally ignore what you have to say because you usually don’t have a clue and it usually isn’t worth my effort to correct your misconceptions. This case is no different.
Blaming me for getting on your case won’t make your assertions any more correct. Like I said, who so far has agreed with you? You can think all you want that I’m a know it all and arrogant in the extreme. You may be right, but you still haven’t shown me where I’m wrong though, have you?
By chase
May 9, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
LEW
My point is..why should I admit I am wrong when I WAS NOT THE ONE WHO SAID IT…Maybe THEY are wrong maybe YOU are wrong I don’t know..BUT I CAN’T BE WRONG…I DIDN’T SAY IT…THEY DID!
By chase
May 9, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Oh and by the way..I really haven’t seen anyone agree with you either…
I did however, see someone correct you on some bad facts you spouted
I don’t agree with ESPN 99% of the time…they have a biased against the Braves, SEC and UGA and Atlanta sports in my opinion…
But how can I just presume that a guy on ESPN is wrong and that you are right when the guy says he has talked with the Philthies brass and says they may trade him and he may get 12 mil a year?
How can either of us (and I haven’t once argued the guy was definitley right and that you are definitley wrong UNLIKE YOU) argue who’s right or wrong when we weren’t in on the conversation this guy had with the Phillies?
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Lew is your head starting to hurt? I’m pretty sure the wall isn’t falling down. Might as well stop banging sometime.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Burrell is underappreciated because he can be a butcher in the field (though not much worse than Diaz). As a hitter, however, he rocks. He�s like Manny without the goofinessBravesFanInRockies
Uh, well … no. They are not even remotely comparable.
Burrell has a .259 career average with a .369 OBP, .486 slugging percentage and 1166 strikeouts in 4117 at-bats.
Manny, a future Hall of Famer, has a .313 career average with a .409 OBP, .592 slugging percentage and 1579 strikeouts in 7191 at-bats.
Manny has 11 100-RBI seasons, including six seasons with more than 120 RBI.
Burrell has two 100-RBI seasons in eight full seasons in the majors, with a high of 117.
Ridiculous to mention them in the same sentence.
By Chop Chop
May 9, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
I declare Lew the winner.
(Wurlitzer-worthy, no?)
By chase
May 9, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
DAP
My friend..you need to go back to my first post on the subject..The First words out of my mouth were I saw on ESPN
Why should I feel “proud” and who are you to set and judge what I was thinking…Everyone was just talking about could we resign TEX or not and when I heard this I threw it out for discussion…Tell ESN they are wrong not me…
I guess I should check with you and LEW to confirm that JIM EDMONDS has been released…after all it was ESPN who reported it first and I guess I/we shouldn’t trust anything they say…
By chase
May 9, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
DAP and LEW her is my original post
Now you tell me where I claimed to be right? i even questioned whther or not he was a free agent..Isaid I didn’t think he was 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
Tell me..Exactly what in that post should I apologize for?
By Dawg Fan
May 9, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Get the Braves to fall in line with the other big names in baseball and get rid of the long pants! Wrinkled, baggy and just not a clean and streamlined looking as the original outfits.
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
On the sports poll more people actually think that we will get swept at Pitt than think that we will win one game. Interesting.
By Read the whole post
May 9, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Burrell is underappreciated because he can be a butcher in the field (though not much worse than Diaz).
As a hitter, however, he rocks. He’s like Manny without the goofiness. OK, not as good as Manny but really good. Just boring.
By Dan
May 9, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
CHASE - LEW
GET A ROOM already.
By Yars
May 9, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Ronnie Gant in the booth with Boog. Joe sick again?
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
is interesting question: braves are “straightened out” after home streak of wins or still “crookened up”? is important question!
part of braves are “straightened up”
chipper very straightened - could draw line with him. yes.
on other hand some crookenedness:
glavin possibly crookened - we see today
frenchmen acting very very crookened is pulling at balls. no?
By TJ
May 9, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Chase, for what it’s worth, I see nothing wrong with your post.
I do think Howard will be traded this offseason. The team that obtains him will probably rush into giving him a longterm contract for more than $10-12 mil per year (even though he’s got a couple of years left before being a free agent) … but they’ll probably be sorry. He leans toward being overweight, and will be 29 to start next year. Not a good longterm signing. Maybe good as a 1B/potential DH in the AL.
I’d love to see the Yankees go after him, to take them out of the Tex market.
Braves won’t be involved, I don’t think. Phils wouldn’t trade him to a division rival unless they got our entire farm system in return.
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
blogmaster obrien is speaking of “butcher in field”. could provide some lamb, possibly?
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
DOB
Does it look like we get baseball tonight or is the great Lew - Chase Debate our best entertainment option tonight?
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Did our leadoff hitter just stroke out to leadoff the game???…… tell me something new-
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Guess I should have taken my own advice and spent 30 seconds researching Burrell’s career stats before posting …
The point I tried to make (and failed miserably doing) is that Burrell’s hardly the bum that many Phillies fans (and others) seem to think he is. He’s been defined by his mediocre batting average and below-average fielding when in fact he’s a productive hitter.
Comparable as a hitter to Godzilla (.859 OPS) or Beltran (.848) though both strike out less.
My bad …
By Efrim
May 9, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
TJ
I’d love to see the Yankees go after him, to take them out of the Tex market.
Then that will probably mean that Tex is a Met next year. I’d much rather have him in Yankee pinstripes.
By Efrim
May 9, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Mclouth is a stud.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Could anybody tell me why the hell did the mets get rid of NADY??? he is lloking pretty good this year. Now they even want him back… Maybe theyll have to pay 3 times what they would have to if they didnt send him packing.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
People, relax, I just talked to TEX before the game and he promised me he will be back with the braves next year. He says he just love it in atlanta.
By eric the elder
May 9, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Efrim, Tex’s consistent spin about his status includes very little about wanting to remain a Brave.
That being the case, I think a lot of Braves fans are having a problem warming up to him.
If, as you suggest, he ends up a Met, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes during the Mets first visit to the Ted. He has no Braves history, like Glavine, so Braves fans, forgiving as they tend to be, would not likely give him a warm reception.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I appreciate that sentiment… I don’t want to see Tex in a Muts uni either.
But, they’ve just signed Santana at what, $23 mil a year? They owe Beltran $18.5 mil for the next few years.
And they’re gonna need to replace Alou, Delgado (that would be Tex, but they owe $4 mil as a payout to Delgado), Ollie Perez, Pedro and (I’d bet) Castillo too (2 bum knees, poor hitting).
Plus O Hernandez is gone, and a couple of their other players. Wagner will be on his last year.
I’m just not convinced they can buy another $20 mil player, and also address their other needs, but maybe they can. We’ll see!
By Lew
May 9, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
AGT Fan-Yeah, there comes a point where you realize that even if the brick wall realizes it’s missing a mortar joint, that it isn’t likely to fix itself. I think that Chase may be missing more than one mortar joint. Let him wallow in his profound ignorance. Ain’t my problem.
By THB
May 9, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone answered this before, but here goes..
If Reyes and James can’t hold down the back of the rotation, would it be wise to go after Javier Vasquez? He had a solid year last year with a sub 4 ERA (3.74) and pitches a lot of innings, also with a lot of K’s. He’s 31, about the age of Millwood.
Now, what would it cost and what is his contract like? If he has 2-3 years on his contract and under 10 mil for each, that would be decent. I was thinking maybe B.Jones, Locke, and Diory Hernandez? What do you guys think?
By Philliesuk
May 9, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
TJ I was thinking many of things you said in your post. Notably that Howard will possibly be traded this offseason, that the team that signs him will regret it, that he is suited to be a DH, and that he would fit in well with the Yankees.
albanian braves fan is back. sweet. Chipper is very straightened. Let’s hope that Tex becomes more straightened soon.
By THB
May 9, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone answered this before, but here goes..
If Reyes and James can’t hold down the back of the rotation, would it be wise to go after Javier Vasquez? He had a solid year last year with a sub 4 ERA (3.74) and pitches a lot of innings, also with a lot of K’s. He’s 31, about the age of Millwood.
Now, what would it cost and what is his contract like? If he has 2-3 years on his contract and under 10 mil for each, that would be decent. I was thinking maybe B.Jones, Locke, and Diory Hernandez? What do you guys think?
By Pete H.
May 9, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
TJ, good post. My take is that they’ll do what it takes to get Tex and worry about the rest later. They have to beat out the Yanqis for him, or they lose the front page.
Not smart, perhaps, but I think they’ll pay whatever it takes to get him. And he has made it clear that highest bid wins. Unless the Orioles go insane, he will be a Mutt.
That leaves them without an outfield and a starting rotation. Not to mention a farm system.
Glavine seems to be doing a nice job tonight. Hope he can keep it up. We’ll get to Snell eventually. I hope.
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
DOB I know most Braves fan probably don’t care, but are the locals talking about the instate NHL playoff series?
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
“Watching” the game on Yahoo.
Tommy’s doing fine … 38 pitches thru 3. Let’s get some runs. I’d hate to waste a start where Glav goes deep into the game and has nothing to show for it.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
THJ no need to go for Vazquez just yet. The back of the rotation has been doing good enough job so far. I would still let them show what they are made of some 4-6 more weeks. Plus there is no need to talk about that in the middle of a 6 game winning streak. Lets see if they can keep it up.
By ncgary
May 9, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
glavine passes spahn and feller tonight in strikeouts?
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Tex is hitting the ball hard, tough luck for him its always directly at someone. Look at his swings it seems like every time he hits it its on a line.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Gonzo back on mound today in extended spring, got three outs on nine pitches (eight strikes) and was clocked at 90 mph. Said he felt good. He’ll probably pitch again Monday.
I’d guess the rehab assignment could begin after that outing or at least by the end of next week. Braves hope to have him back at end of month, which would be 12-month point of rehab from TJ….
Glavine passed Bob Feller, is tied with Spahn right now for 24th on strikeout list….
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Frenchy may be headed for the .240s. Ouch.
By gerald b. owens
May 9, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
sorry to say but francouer has become the second coming of andrew jones. a complete sucker for low and away.
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
The player who is not hitting the ball hard or even making contact is franceour. His hits are broken bat singles, or little dribblers to third base. He used to smack that ball hard, hope its just a slump.
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Watching Frenchy strike out or ground into DP trying to pull everything with runners on is getting old.
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Hey everybody, I agree with John’s 3:11pm comment. I voted 100 times for the Braves’ players yesterday. It took me about 35 minutes to do it (I did it with my 4 e-mail accounts. It’s easy and fast to do it because you don’t have to fill in the blanks everytime you vote because, unless you close the window, they keep your player selections and just have to click through the ballots). I think it will be hard for us Braves’ fans to see Chipper missing the All-Star Game (yet again) after having those great numbers since the 2006 season.
So, go ahead!!! Vote for the Braves’ players! Vote for Chipper!
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Just tied Spahn….
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
So far so good for tom….. he has been doing good enough to my delight. Only 1 bad outing and the injury one. He has been giving the braves a chance to win more often than not.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
radoncbravesfan: Big time. It’s on in the pressbox. And when the Penguins scored while ago, many in the crowd cheered.
It’s huge news here, dominated the front page of the paper. I’m surprised there are even as many fans at the ballgame tonight as there are.
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
No offense so far for glavine. When he pitches well there is no offensive support, and in his bad outings there is offense. He is like Horacio Ramirez in 2004 when he finished the season with a 2.39ERA and finished 2-4.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Penguins just tied it up 2-2. That game started after this one, and there are more goals scored already than there are hits in this game (three).
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
blogmaster obrien discussing “Gonzo”.
does make him “Gonzo” journalist perhaps.
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
I’d say Bobby needs to give Franceour a day off, or he’ll burn himself at 30 like Andruw is doing now. Franceour has a bad ankle, and he doesn’t want to rest it because of the stupid streak of consecutive games played, Franceour is stupid who cares about the damn streak he aint gonna pass cal Ripken so why bother, being healthy is more important.
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
blogger “luisguillermo” mention: “…i agree with john’s 3:11…”
must be nice person,
john 3:11 say:
“for this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another”
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
What a play by Tex, awesome….
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Helluva play by Tex to stop that one. Wow. Prevented a double.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
And now Rochy’s hitting .205. Yikes.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
62 pitches through 5 innings. C’mon guys, help him out a little.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Pena’s doing a lot better today. He had same thing (back spasms) that Chipper had. Hey, a lot of us over-40 guys have been there, right? His reaction was same as you or I the first time we had it: Terror. Fear that you’d need back surgery, etc.
He’ll start doing baseball activities again this weekend.
With Washington having put BOTH its catchers (Lo Duca and Estrada) on DL yesterday, you gotta wonder if they want Pena, and whether Braves would trade him in the division if they did.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
DOB,
The Yahoo page says Chuck’s going to start Saturday. Any truth to that rumor?
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Think about that: Of all the pitchers who ever donned a big league uniform, the Braves have two of the top 25 strikeout pitchers in history on this current team (well, one inactive).
And had three of the current top 25 together for much of their careers.
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t think a game against Ian Snell is a game where you can complain about a lack of offensive run support. The guy’s a good pitcher. Runs should be at a premium in this one. A Glavine vs. Snell matchup smelled like a 5-4 or 4-3 game from the beginning.
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Frenchy up with the bases full, a chance to redeem himself??
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Frenchy, here’s your chance, son …
By Big Easy
May 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
McCann continues his ownership of Snell. C’mon, Frenchy! Sacks packed with no outs…let’s break the slump…
~E~
By McFann
May 9, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
.211!! He’s gettin’ closer! gotta like that Snell!
By Interested Observer
May 9, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Man, these Pirates announcers are BORING!
By keylargo
May 9, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
What the Braves need to do with Tex is to make their contract offer now. I know BoreAss does not want to do it now but it’s the Braves money. If he will not take what the Braves have to offer then they can trade him - to the AMERICAN league. Not the muts. At least we can get something in return, control where he goes, and not let the muts get stronger. I just can not believe one half of a season production can be worth more than all those assets.
By Big Easy
May 9, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Well, that will work. Not a great AB, but it drove in a run.
~E~
By murphy
May 9, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is NOT looking good.
By murphy
May 9, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is NOT looking good.
By eric the elder
May 9, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Francoeur is absolutely lost up there. Absolutely lost.
By Philliesuk
May 9, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Frustrating. Francoeur just is so out of the zone right now.
Can’t too angry though. The Braves have had a lot of big hits in the past week. They’ll do it next time.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Oh well, at least Jeff didn’t strike out (or hit into a 1-2-3 DP and kill the inning entirely).
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
1 run, this offense is sleeping when they’re in the road. No clutch hitting for frenchy this year, he used to have the most two-out rbi’s.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
francoeur is an empty uniform, that could of been a double play.
nubbers and bloops. this could get bad for him. pride and ego always cometh before the fall.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Mac is now 9-for-14 against Snell (with three homers, though none tonight).
Also, Snell’s not too bright, eh? Didn’t run out of the box when he hit into a double player earlier, and didn’t cover first on that potential double play in that inning on the Francoeur grounder.
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
albanian braves fan : is that from the Bible or something. I meant this: text to be linked
Anyways, if “loving one another” is voting for the Braves’ players, so be it.
By Jim
May 9, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Here’s a link to Matt Diaz’ 3 yr average stats for the years 2005-07:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=5595&type=batting3
Yep, slow April starter and hits .300 vs both left and righthanded pitching. It’s too bad he wasn’t given a real shot at being an everyday player.
Too bad Frenchy doesn’t get a rest. His stats look just as much as a product of the number of ABs he gets. And as for baseball men like BC knowing what they’re doing, that’s highly debatable (sp??)
As for Chipper, God is he great. It’s a shame (and a pity for people who love to watch him play) that he has been hurt so often. Sure HOF.
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Great job by Glavine to get out of that jam and another quality play by Tex.
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
pirates catcher fail to get hit and drive home runner, is probably very frustrated. is saying something like “gosh doumit”. or similar.
real pirates always “plundering” these pirates mostly “blundering”. is thinking.
By Dutchie
May 9, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Beginning to look like another one run WIN…..on the road!!!
Go one guys, keep it close now.
Go Braves!
By Dutchie
May 9, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
hmm…hope I didn’t jinx it….
Did Kotsay look sluggish on that play?
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Pirates newcomer Jason Michaels come to plate with ‘em loaded and one out….
By eric the elder
May 9, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Snell should never pitch to McCann. No Braves pitcher should ever pitch to Nady.
By geauxbraves2000
May 9, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
That’s okay Tommy, great game, snake bit by the run support again, but you did your part.
Geaux Braves!!
By AMG
May 9, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
We may not like the end results, but I will take 7 innings and 2 runs from Glavine everytime he pitches.
Tough luck Tommy.
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
When is Glavine going to get his first win of the season? He pitched well tonight and losing again…
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
should pinch hit Norton for Frenchy
By ncgary
May 9, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
time to wake the braves bats up
By Lew
May 9, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
DOB-You got that right. I always wondered about players missing games with muscle spasms until I had one myself. Wouldn’t wish one on a Mets’ fan.
By mr baseball
May 9, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Over the years, how many games have the Braves lost because Cox left his starter in one batter too long? He did the right thing the other day getting Glavine out with 2 outs in the 5th. Walking a non-hitter like Bixler was a mistake, and letting a tiring Glavine pitch to Sanchez was a bigger no-no.
1-10 in one-run games? Unfortunately for the Braves, the Pirates’ manager has more sense than Cox and is not going to leave his lefty reliever in to pitch to Francouer. When is the Frenchy of 2006 and 2007 going to re-emerge? The Frenchy of 2008 is not too tasty.
By Dutchie
May 9, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Sorry for jinxing it….. Free beers as a concellation from here….
Go Braves!
By Tomas
May 9, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
That a way frenchy my hero.
By Lew
May 9, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to see Yates pitching as well against us as he did for us. Tie game.
By TJ
May 9, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
He shouldn’t have swung at the first pitch :)
By MEB
May 9, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
A little two out bingo, bango, bongo. Great to see Frenchy get a big hit!
GO BRAVES!!!
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Francoeur ties it!
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Francoeur ties it, going the other way!
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Clutch hit by Francoeur on FIRST PITCH thrown by Yates.
By the way, when Michaels struck out with bases juiced while ago, one Pittsburgh pressbox wag said, “Now he’s officially a Pirate.”
By TJ
May 9, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
funny, really, because Marte would probably have eaten Frenchy alive. But the Bucs played by the book.
By eric the elder
May 9, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I’ve been on Francoeur for a week, but now credit where it’s due. Great approach that time.
By JC from UT
May 9, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Nady would sure look good in a Braves uniform. Could he replace Tex if Tex leaves?
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 9, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
I did some number-crunching on Frenchy’s numbers since his 2-homer, 7-rbi game against Washington. I think we all know that he’s been struggling, but the men-on vs. bases-empty splits are a bit alarming. Here’s what I found (and once again, these are since that 7-rbi game, and they don’t include tonight’s game):
When men have been on base, he’s making outs and not bringing in runs.
…And guess what happens AS I WAS TYPING THIS POST? Good ol’ Jeff hits an opposite-field single to bring home Tex to tie the game! Way to go Frenchy!
Seriously, I know that he’s been struggling lately, and despite looking up these numbers and posting them here, I’ve been pulling for him to come out of it as much as I’ve been pulling for any other Brave. Here’s hoping that his two RBI tonight will get him out of his funk and have him producing like we know he can. Way to step up in a huge spot!
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
He’s gonna keep doing that with Ring, one batter at a time. Just bring him in to face a lefty, then get him out.
By the way, that was first blown save this season for Pirates, albeit in only their ninth opp.
By chase
May 9, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Lew
you just keep sounding foolish by saying that I am ingnorant for something someone else said….
can someone please tell me how I can be ignorant for repeating what was said by someone else?
you can get mad and say that THEY are ignorant…but your VILE VENOM is mis-directed…why aren’t you saying how stupid THEY are for saying it? I DID NOT SAY IT…I DID NOT COME UP WITH IT…I DID NOT SAY I AGREED WITH IT….
Why can’t you admit that you attacked me by mistake b/c you didn’t read my post fully and you thought I was just pulling it out of my @zz…and now you are not man enough to admit that you just didn’t read it correctly and that your true problem should be with ESPN not me?
If I said OBAMA’s preacher said America is bad…are you going to attack me or him? i’m simply stating what he said…NOT what i said…
If I tell you what I read in another newspaper column and you don’t agree, are you going to yell at me? Shouldn’t you yell at the person responisble?
Haven’t you ever heard of not shooting the messenger?
Thanks for the support TJ
By Del Young
May 9, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Corky in, Mac out ??????? What gives ??????
By geauxbraves2000
May 9, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Boyer is getting squeezed.
By keylargo
May 9, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
The Pirates have a very good set of annoucers on TV. Steve Blass is the color man. I remember him pitching for the Bucs.
By Pete H.
May 9, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Frankie sucks. Only has our two RBIs.
All you Frenchy haters are sooooo right.
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t wish one on a Mets’ fan.
Depends on the fan….maybe snipper…nah, not even him.
By Chopdawg
May 9, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Boyer threw Nady four or five strikes
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
now bobby cox use many pitchers in rest of game
everyone on blog get ready - chance is coming soon. to pitch baseballs!
By chase
May 9, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Did you guys hear GANT say he had a talk with TEX about his hitting and what he needed to do to change things?
I’m telling you, GANT will be part of this coaching staff soon…maybe even be considered for Bobbby’s replacement…
he is positioning himself for it anyway
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
If Ring is going to lower his era it will be one third of an inning at a time. As long as he gets the man he faces and strands the runners he inherits is ok.
By Shamus Thacker
May 9, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Nice to see Francoeur go the opposite field.
Terry musta had a gun on’im from the dugout.
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
blog is mentioning “obama”. then is ok to mention “hillary”? no?
hillary is saying her supporters are white men who working hard and white peoples who did never graduate from college.
is braves!! hillary is saying her supporters are braves baseball team! unbelievable.
By AMG
May 9, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
That’s our Tyler Yates!!!
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Another good at bat by Norton Turned out I was wrong for suggesting BC pinch hit for Frenchy but in this case I am happy to be wrong.
By radoncbravesfan
May 9, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
kelly got robbed
By chase
May 9, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
That pitch to KJ was a FOOT outside..game changing BAD CALL
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Goooo KJ gooooo!!!!!!! go sit down!!!!!
Come on yunel…..show thatkid how its done!!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Two on and none out and they fail to score the would-be go-ahead run. Only thing Escobar couldn’t do there, and he did it. GIDP.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
nice job kelly, you could not bunt last year either. another 0 for from our leadoff hitter.
By geauxbraves2000
May 9, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Can’t play small ball can’t win big games. Terrible, terrible effort after two on and none out. (Granted the strike zone grew considerably on KJ).
Geaux Braves!!
By chase
May 9, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Again the Braves get a bad call and it turns the inning…
If KJ walks then even a DP would’ve scored one run!
Horrible…potential game deciding call!
By JC from UT
May 9, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Why is it so hard for major league hitters to get a bunt dow. If KJ geta the bunt down Yunel’s ground ball maybe gets the run home. It would at least get Chipper up to the plate.
By MEB
May 9, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
AAAARRRRGGGGGG!!!
By Steve C.
May 9, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Chase,
what are you smoking??? Please share. Gant has as much of a chance of replacing Bobby as does Brain Jordan. Umm…not gonna happen. Yeah, a guy with zero coaching experience will take over as manager. Now, if you actually want to sound remotely educated and suggest Terry Pendleton, well then you may be on to something…
By AGTFan
May 9, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
DOB have they called up and asked you to go to the bullpen and warm up yet?
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Escobar and Chipper are cooling off and nobody has really stepped up yet to pick up any slack.
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
I find it strange that Chase and Lew, two of the most optimistic Braves fans, are fighting with each other. If KC joins in on the action, the apocalypse is upon us.
Stallone week next week on Peachtree. Can’t wait.
By McFann
May 9, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Del Young—
They pinch-ran for McCann in the eighth, after his third hit of the night.
Oh crud…this winning cannot end now!! No!
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
chase,
i gotta agree with lew, you aint the brightest light in the kitchen.
gant could be bobby’s replacement? what. better tell him to first quit hanging out at the spring street ballet.
By Random
May 9, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Hey, BOOG — the count is NOT “filled up” — never has been, never will be.
The count is “full” (or not).
Save your pathetic attempts at beeing original for your choices of beverage, or something else that nobody cares about but you.
Spare us, please.
(Can I get an “Amen” on that, denizens?)
By Moby Grape
May 9, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
No clutch hitting for frenchy this year, he used to have the most two-out rbi’s.Tomas
thats a stat that often varies from year to year with most hitters and in general the larger the sample size the closer it usually gets to a player’s normal stats
By Epinephrine
May 9, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
ARGHHH
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Why are Albanians the super in every apartment building in NYC?
And why do Albanians always wear sandals, black socks, shorts and v-neck white tees?
Questions I always had while growing up in New York.
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
They should have scored in the top of the ninth. Pitt is going to win this game. Same old, same old.
By Shamus Thacker
May 9, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
What the Hell could Gant tell Tex about hitting? To pull everything as much as possible, and more than possible if possible? Gant woulda had 2,000 homers if the left field upper-deck stands were fair; they ain’t. What did he end up with? 200?
By Shamus Thacker
May 9, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Mosta these umps are either on Bubby The Grinch’s payroll, or they’re liquored-up.
By LuisGuillermo
May 9, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Losing again by 1 run is sad…
By McFann
May 9, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Crud.
By Pete H.
May 9, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
well, that sucked.
By Brad
May 9, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Fu xxxxxxxxxx ing kelly johson lost it for us again. shxxxxxt get rid of him u no fielding mf errrrrrrrrrrr
By Matt
May 9, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
@#$%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH THIS TEAM WHEN THEY PLAY ON THE ROAD?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! And another one run loss.
By Shamus Thacker
May 9, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
One thing about Gant, he’d already done his liftin’ n’ stretchin’ BEFORE spring training!
By BravesRule
May 9, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
I’m telling you, GANT will be part of this coaching staff soon…maybe even be considered for Bobbby’s replacementChase
boy are you dumb. There is no chance in he11 of Gant ever being the manager and next to no chance of him ever being part of the coaching staff. He runs his mouth too much. The Braves aren’t going to hire him and take a chance on him mouthing off to the media. Will not happen.
And there goes the game. Sanchez 3 Braves 2. Crappy play on the road again.
By monty
May 9, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Falure to do the little things they teach you in Little League, like how to bunt. Although Kelly did get rooked on that called 3rd strike. Chipper never gets that call. Back on the road again and to losing. How many Glavine starts have we wasted?
By Jared
May 9, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox strikes again. KJ has sucked all year. Why not bunt? Bennett should never be pitching in close and late situations. He is an avg long relief guy. Typical Braves baseball
By mr baseball
May 9, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Chase: please let it go. You incorrectly stated what the ESPN guys said, making any points you were trying to make invalid. Howard is not a free agent after this year, and the ESPN analysts did not say that he was. He ia arbitration eligible, and his asking price is going to escalate the next few years before he reaches free agency.
I assume you’re thinking the Braves could go after Howard as a free agent. He isn’t and they can’t. To get Howard would require at least as large a contract as Tex is demanding PLUS a boatload of players/prospects.
The ESPN guys were speculating about a marquee player, which they are apparently encouraged to do, even when the speculation is meaningless. You took it seriously, which when it comes to a sizeable percentage of what ESPN “experts” pontificate about, is a mistake.
Other than maybe the Yankees, there isn’t a team in baseball that have the money and players to get Howard, and the chances of that are much closer to none than slim.
Let it rest.
Another sparkling 1-run loss. Braves lose with their supposed long reliever on the mound in a tie game in the bottom of the 9th. Moat of what Cox did in the late innings made little sense, but he didn’t necessarily lose the game. Too many DPs in the wrong situations and a poor bunting effort by KJ.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
keylargo your 929pm post is right on.
Told you guys…… Cox will let KJ leadoff all year long…….. only if he goes below the mendoza line he will change him…. and im not sure he would.
Come on bobby…..we all like KJ, but he is hurting us leading off.
I hope we see more of Infante. Platoon time at 2B has arrived. Open your eyes Cox.
By woodie
May 9, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks Kelly Johnson! You may want to learn how to bunt. It’s something even Little League players know how do.
By Brave1
May 9, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Chase
To suggest Ron Gant might replace Bobby Cox tells me all I will ever need to know about you. You said one time you wanted to be a public servant. I suggest you concentrate on an appointed position. You will NEVER win any election - EVER!
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Just hope Gant doesn’t give Tex any motorcycle riding lessons.
By JC from UT
May 9, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
KJ to Chisox for Javier Vazquez
By Brad
May 9, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Fu xxxxxxxxxx ing kelly johson lost it for us again. shxxxxxt get rid of him u no fielding mf errrrrrrrrrrr
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
I was bright enough to graduate from UGA with a Master’s Degree in Political Science…
Steve C
I don’t really think GANT is going to be COX’s replacement but I have no doubt he is positioning himself to get on the staff in some way..
As for Managerial experience…niether NED YOST, Jimy Williams, or Freddy Gonzales had been previous mangers before taking their jobs…
You can’t get experience without being hired the first time..and I would rather have a first time coach/manager from the old-school Braves who is fresh and aggressive rather than a TIRED OLD RE-TREAD
I’d take TP as Manager, GANT as bench coach or hitting instructor let Smoltz, Glavine or Maddux be pitching coach when they retire if interested
Don’t get too down about this game everyone…the Braves kinda got jobbed all night by that ump and it was very obvious in the last two innings based on the descrepntcy in strike calls…
Come right back tommorrow and start a new streak!
By Kev
May 9, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
ITs okay just another 1-run loss…but to change my mind from this game they have to win next 3 ballgames…..THIS loss falls squarely on the shoulders of the offense for not getting the job done…lack of situational hitting(i.e Kelly Johnson)…and the Umps helped the Pirates a little bit too…but its totally the offense’s fault…
By Original Jon
May 9, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Any way we can bribe Bud to let us play the rest of the year at home? These road games are killing us. Maybe we could hang Turner Field signs or memorabilia in the visitors dugouts of the road teams, that way our team thinks its at home. I dont know. How in the world can a team be so dominant at home but suck so bad on the road? Are they intimidated by the home fans of the other team? I just dont get it.
By albanian braves fan
May 9, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
blogger braverheart ask: “why albanians the super in every apartment building in NYC?”
yes albanians very much the super or as say in new york the “superb”. much the superior to macedonians. no?
By Shamus Thacker
May 9, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
In the late eighties we’da been counting these one run losses as almost wins.
“Lets see, we’ve had 5-wins, 6-almost-wins, and 24-losses,” is how the conversation usually went.
By Shamus Thacker
May 9, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Welp, I’m gonna take a cue from the umps and get blitzed.
Can’t win em all…
Aloha
By BravesFanChris23
May 9, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Let the overreacting begin.
They did some wrong things tonight for sure, but they also did some right things that worked out. I believe the game changer was that ball called strike 3 on Kelly. I agree, he should have been able to get the bunt down, but he at least drew it to a 3-2 count and that mistake call right there is what changed the momentum for Braves right there in my opinion. Escobar grounding out wasn’t good, but had the call been right, it would’ve given Braves the lead at least or it would’ve had Chipper up.
Its another one run loss, its a bit disappointing for sure, but it doesn’t at all warrant overreaction. There’s still three games left, if they win 2 out the next 3 or win them all then tonight’s loss becomes moot.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Gant as hitting instructor???
happy fools days……freeze, its june 9th, what are you talking about? Is that a joke???
By TJ
May 9, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
2 runs against a righty with a 5-plus era, and a team with the worst ERA in the NL? Yeah, this loss stinks. This “road” thing has to stop soon.
By BravesRules
May 9, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
To suggest Ron Gant might replace Bobby Cox tells me all I will ever need to know about youBrave1
yeah the guy is an embarrassment to the board. He says the stupidest things imaginable and then thinks he can win any argument if he just keeps repeating it until everybody else gets tired of responding, thus proving to himself that he is right. I pity any client who ever has to depend on him.
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker
You dont have to be a hall of fame hitter to be a hitting instuctor
Don Baylor was a career .260 hitter with 338 HRs and he was a great hitting coach…
he had less career HRs and a worse career BA than GANT
Gant had a .265 career BA and 346 career HRs
While we are on the subject..TP was a .270 career hitter who wasn’t in GANT’s or Bylor’s realm in terms of HRs and he only finished with around 100 more hits than GANT 1847 to 1751
So lets not attack GANT’s hitting abilities or caoching abilities too much
By Cody
May 9, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
The Braves will go 2-5 on this road trip and will return home at .500 again. This was teh game the Braves had to win. They will probably get swept by the Pirates now. You want proof, well we will face lefties the rest of the series. You got to love these pieces of crap. Set you up feeling like they found their stroke, then they remined you that they really suck. I have an idea. Next year don’t schedule the Pirates. We can’t beat them. My gosh tex needs to wake his @$$ up. if they lose tomorrow I will not watch another road game on TV. I bet everyone a dollar that the road trip will be 2-5 now. %&%#^&&(^^&$^%$%^$&^%$&#&$#&%. I just want to scream right now. We mine as well just not even show up to the road games. I say the Braves just stay at home and save the team money on jet fuel. This team needs to start F* winning on the road.
By Super Delegate
May 9, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
I would like to nominate the ignorant and self important gentlemen, Chase for official MIB Blog Douchebag for the first 6 weeks of the season. His posts are the only ones more annoying than the bottomfeeder Mets bloggers.
Could I have a second? Lew, Brave1, Mr Baseball, Shamus Thacher, Bueller
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
I can recall lots of people here saying KJ has lots of pop in his bat. Checking on that the only regular on the team with a lower SLG is TEX, and we know that TEX can pass him this series easily.
By Steve C.
May 9, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Chase,
I didn’t say managerial experience, I said coaching experience, as in Gant has zero. TP is the batting coach, coach being the operative word. Ned Yost, Jimy Williams, and Fredi Gonzalez, all coaches prior to being managers, thank you for making my point even clearer…
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
mr baseball
You need to go up and read where I re-posted my original post on the subject…
I didn’t incorrectly restate anything…If you look at what I said you’ll notice that I was confused when they implied he’d be a free agent b/c I didn’t theink he was going to be a FA
See you said “you assume” i thought the Braves would go after him b/c he is a free agent…BUT that is NOT what I said..I said that the ESPN guys were talking TRADES for Howard…
Maybe you should read the post before commenting..you know what they say about people who ASSume things
By keylargo
May 9, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Chase
Let me give you some advice. Go to bed. At least stop typing. You are having one horrible day with reality. You can READ but don’t try to communicate!! Tomorrow is another day and you can go downhill from there.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
May 9, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Yes, yes… Ron Gant would be a wonderful hitting coach…… FOR ME TO POOP ON!
By monty
May 9, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
This was our 10th almost win. And that in just the 1st 30 days or so of the season. Hope we aren’t saying we almost won the pennant come October.
By N8
May 9, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Apparently a WONDERFUL showing by the Braves tonight.
I’ll refrain from my negativity…..until I’m done watching the game on DVR, that is.
Hmmm. Another one run loss on the road? Must be bad luck, right Shaun?
By my calculations, there are 65 Road Games left. That’s an awful lot of bad luck that lies ahead.
Maybe I’ll just DVR the home games. Then in “my world” the Braves will be the best team in baseball.
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Yeah, yeah. It’s easy to bash KJ. It’s easy to bash Frenchy. But this team is really getting killed right now because Andruw Jones is still batting cleanup for the Braves. The Braves would not be 1-10 in one run games if Tex had been hitting. Time to freaking wake up Tex. March 31st was a long time ago.
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
BravesRules
I have not said anything to you or Braves1…
I did nothing wrong..I re-posted my original post…
What if you heard something on ESPN and posted it and was attacked mercilously for something/info you were just passing along…
Now for any of you who are taking shots at my character..I got no problem emailing you my address and we can settle it that way…I don’t need to hide behind a keyboard…I am 6 foot 3 245 pounds…I’ll be happy to email anyone who attacks my character and give them my home address….
you can disagree and argue with what I say but going after a man’s character that you don’t know while sitting safely behind your keyboard is disrespectful and pure Chickens**t
By Jackie
May 9, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
But this team is really getting killed right now because Andruw Jones is still batting cleanup for the Braves.
Great Scott… it’s the Borass Syndrome.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
What about Terry Foster or John Rocker for pitching coach?
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Do you people actually think you have to be a hall of fame player to be a good coach or manager?
What kind of player was COX? You don’t think GANT could at least do as well as CADAHIA as bench coach?
How many professional football games did Vince Lombardi play? How about Don Shula?
Haven’t you ever heard the saying “those who can’t do, teach”
By Obama
May 9, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
I thought Hillary was a complete b*tch, but chase tops her as a complete Douchebag. I second the nomination. All those in favor, say Ay. Surely there are no opposed.
I will agree to serve as Hillary’s VP if chase will stop his immature whinning.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Maybe I could email my curriculum vitae to www.braves.com and apply for hitting coach.
By Jackie
May 9, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Chase, quit chasing your own tail. It’s just baseball talk. Lighten up. Nothing is personal. Move on dude. Just because you agree with espn all the time is not a big problem. Not that big. It’s big but not huge.
By keylargo
May 9, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
I agree with you on Tex’s productivity in April. It is well documented how terrible he is in April. Just one question to Tex. Why the he11 don’t you change your approach? If you don’t hit in April, start you conditioning program a month earlier. We don’t deserve to pay you $13M this year for a May through Oct season. We are paying for the YEAR - April included!!
Tell us Tex, what did you do different this year to prepare for the season? Did it help you avoid this p** poor April? Are we to expect to get this next year if we can afford to pay you $22M?
Just a few simply wonderings of a guy who has to work year round and be productive all year, even in April.
By TennesseePaul
May 9, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A Westchester woman who had her laptop stolen was able to connect to the computer, photograph two suspects and file the photos to police.
White Plains Police say they used the photos to arrest 23-year-old Edmon Shahikian of Katonah and 20-year-old Ian Frias of the Bronx Wednesday night. Police say they recovered most of the $5,000 worth of electronics stolen from the woman’s White Plains apartment back on April 27.
Police say the woman got a call from a friend asking if she was online.
The victim said no and was told by the friend that her computer showed her as being on the Internet.
At that point the victim signed onto another computer and used the “Back to My Mac” program to determine that her stolen MacIntosh laptop was on the Web.
She then used the stolen computer’s camera to photograph Shahikian.
—Associated Press
By Rick M
May 9, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
I’m sure I am repeating everything any intelligent fan has said in the last hour about the Braves LATEST 1 run loss. Am I surprised they are 1-10? Absolutely not. Bobby Cox is a great manager and the Braves run a class act program but Bobby has proven ever since 1991 that he is not the on field general that will ever prepare hhis team to win the tough battles. I want to say at one point we lost maybe 8 straight 1 run playoff games? He had Furcal but was always afraid to run him. Today, instead of being aggressive with his lightning fast base runner he, has brings up his BEST pinch hitter to GIVE himseld up. Hey Bobby, if you’re going to bunt, might as well put in a great bunter, maybe even a pitcher who bunts all the time. Then why bunt on a 2-0 pitch. Luckily he walks. Then you have a middle infielder/lead off hitter who does not come to to being able to sacrifice - lame (this one is not on Bobby) A shame that Escobar swings at the first pitch and hits in to a inning ending DP with Chipper on deck. I’m not going to get on escobar too much as I think he’s one of the smarter players and he hit the ball on the screws but bad luck. We should have not been in that position. If you want to win you need to put the pressure on the other teams ala the Anaheim Angels. It’s OK to get thrown out sometimes.
By chase
May 9, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Hey “Obama”
not only are you such a coward that you want give me your email so that I can give you my address to meet face to face BUT
you are too much of a COWARD to even use your real screen name when attacking someone
By Jackie
May 9, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Obama, you jest ain’t wright. Ay ain’t aye. eh?
By Paddy McGillicutty
May 9, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
This whole bullpen thing is getting tiresome! Teams are going to stack their lineups lefty right lefty on us all year long and we’ll have the Mississippi Braves or even the Myrtle Beach bullpen up here by the end of July because we’re out of arms. It’s ridiculous! I’m at the point to where I’d be okay with ANOTHER 1-run loss if it meant an LHP giving up a hit to a right-handed batter or vice versa. At least then we’ll have Boyer, Ohman, Acosta around for the stretch run and not have them all hit 50 GP by July 1. It’s still excruciating even though I know what’s going to happen if they go into a 9th inning tied.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
chase,
i graduated from georgia too, though most of my time was spent at brooks and caldwell hall.
dude ,gant is never going to be on the coaching staff. he loves shoe shows too much.
what years were you in a-town.
By TennesseePaul
May 9, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Haven’t you ever heard the saying “those who can’t do, teach”
No. But I have heard “those who can’t teach, teach P.E.”
By chase
May 9, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Jackie
That is just the point! I DON’T AGREE WITH ESPN…that’s what I’ve been saying…someone just skimmed over my post, thought they knew what I was saying, and started attacking me…
That is the point…I am getting attacked for something I didn’t say and every johnny come lately comes in and doesn’t read the original post, they then see others posts and decide to pile on without even really knowing why!
By Paddy McGillicutty
May 9, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
What made it even worse is that they brought in that jabroni Grabow instead of Capps. At least I could’ve “stolen” a win for my fantasy team!
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Braveheart I agree with you on TEX, maybe some 3 or 4 HR from him could have meant 3 or 4 more wins… Meaning we would be in 1st.
But dont try to defend KJ, he is doing even worse than TEX, and I see it harder for him to get going than TEX. Tex got going a few days ago and almost reached the .290 mark in a few days of hot hitting.
On the other hand I have seen TEX move runners over more often than KJ, and its supposed to be the other way around. And one last thing….. KJ seems to be right in the middle of every key situation of every game we lose. Bad luck? who knows, but he has failed more often than any other brave, thats for sure.
By Little Richard
May 9, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Chase
MMMMMMMMMMM send me that address and I’ll make you live up to your name Chasie Pooh. I always catch my man!! 8) Lil R.
By Braveheart
May 9, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Chase, know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em. Today just ain’t your day, bro. Get back at it tomorrow.
By chase
May 9, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Uga Brave
Spent nearly 6 years as a personl trainer then went to A-town and..
I graduated with a BA in 2006
I finished my Master’s in December of last year….
what about you?
I was a 23 year old married freshman! LOL
By N8
May 9, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
I love Ron Gant. Always did, always will.
Thought he got a little whiny, when JS dumped him after the motorcycle accident. He brought that mess upon himself, IMO.
I also remember him making some “golden boys” comments about the organization and bringing some race into the conversation. Not sure THAT will get him a coaching job in Atlanta.
All that being said, is Ron Gant, the SAME Ron Gant that pulled about 2 or 3 balls with HR distance about 50 feet foul on a nightly basis, the same Ron Gant that had about as many base-hits to RF as McCann does SB’s, seriously think he has any hitting advice to give to Tex?
For starters, Tex NEVER hits early in the year. What’s the big deal? He’ll eventually figure it out. He always does, right?
Granted, Gant is more qualified than I am to tell Tex how to hit. But that doesn’t mean he should do it.
Something just hit me today with the Braves playing LaRoche and the Pirates.
Had we NOT made the LaRoche trade, we really wouldn’t be that much worse off.
1) Thorman didn’t do any better than LaRoche would have done early last year.
2) Lillibridge hasn’t done anything for us, and maybe never will.
3) Gonzo has pitched all of one month in a Braves uniform
4) LaRoche is ALSO a 2nd half hitter, who heats up later in the year (just like Tex). Add to that his defense is better than Tex’s, from what I’ve seen since the trade.
5) Without trading LaRoche, we would be saving a TON of money. LaRoche is making 5 million, while Tex is making 12.5 million. Add to that Gonzo is making 2.3 million. That’s 9 more million (or another starting pitcher), than LaRoche is making.
6) We would STILL have Salty, Andrus and Matt Harrison in the organization.
In other words. We would be NO WORSE OFF right now, in hindsight, had we NOT traded LaRoche, which ultimately means we wouldn’t have had to trade for Tex.
Funny world, huh?
Is LaRoche a free agent at season’s end, or does he still have another year of arbitration? Does anybody know? I tried looking it up, but couldn’t come across anything that made sense.
LaRoche would make a LOT of sense to bring back. Not sure I want him that bad, but at least the guy can pick it over there, and he’s NOT gonna cost us 20-25 million to sign.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
KJ has as much Ks as TEX, that cant be good out of our leadoff hitter. Leadoff hitter, by definition, should put the ball in play in order to put pressure on the defense.
Only 3 position players have a lower OBP than KJ, Lillibridge, Francoeur, Diaz. We cant really count Lillibridge, can we? That leaves Jeff, who currently is on a really bad slump. How can that be??? IS Vovvie Kock really trying to lead the Braves to a win? Come on old man, learn to let it go. Look how Torre shuffles his players depending on their performances, and im not talking AJ here.
And guess what? No regular has less hits than KJ. And the only platoon player with less hits than him is blanco, but he has half KJs ABs.
Go figure.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
chase,
i have seen screen doors during hurricanes have better days then you.
the braves have absolutely no power from their corner outfielders. ryan church has more dingers then our corner guys.
i know gwinnett county might revolt, but the braves need to be real careful about a long term commitment to our current rightfielder.
the way he dives across the plate and drops his hands does not spell power.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 9, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
CharlieAlphaBravo (10:34)
ROFLMAO
What a bummer of a game. That is all.
By David O'Brien
May 9, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
CharlieAlphaBravo, pulling out the very clever Triumph the Insult Comic Dog reference. Love it.
By nelson
May 9, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
another lost vs pirates . incredible .. welcome to the reality
to bench : johnson & francoeur & diaz
up : norton & blanco & infante
wake up cox
By Johnny Comelately
May 9, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Chase, I can’t believe you actually agree with ESPN all the time. Sheesh.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 9, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
I’ll attempt to draw a numerical correlation between stolen bases and one run games.
2004 Braves: 27-17 in one run games with Furcal leading off and stealing 29 bases. His OBP .344
2005 Braves: 23-20 in one run games with Furcal leading off and stealing 46 bases. His OBP .348
2006 Braves: 19-33 in one run games with Giles leading off and stealing 10 bases. His OBP .341
2007 Braves: 18-25 in one run games with KJ leading off and stealing 9 bases. His OBP .375
2008 Braves: 1-10 in one run games with KJ leading off and 4 stolen bases so far. His OBP .328
Somebody please tell me it’s just my imagination. That all these numbers are just some horrible coincidence. And while baseball is a game of numbers that ultimately add up, these stats don’t mean anything.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
What about Ron Gants discipline???
By nelson
May 9, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
another lost by braves vs pirates , welcome to the reality incredible
to bench ; johnson , francoeur & diaz
to play : infante, norton & blanco
wake up cox
By Lou Vales
May 9, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Dear David, Isn’t is disgusting the way the Marlins are trying to “buy” this thing?? I want them to make no aquisitions the rest of the year and play with “Barry Zito money” and see how many teams they can have a better record than.
By the way, if you are ever around a computer around 9:20 AM go to WCCP FM(The Clemson flagship station out of Greenville) and listen to my call in diatribes against the Disgruntled Would Be Union Rep. out of Billerica and the diminutive left hander out of Florida who has taken the disabled list to an art form. I keep telling the hosts from 9;00-12:00 and from 1-3:00 to try to get you on the air so you can describe the “Warrior” aspects of life “Trying to throw off a mound”—-Unbelievable!!!
Let me know if you are ever going to be on—it is an affiliate—by posting on here. There is some hilarious stuff going over these airwaves. The guy from 1:00 to 3:00 would really like to talk to you. He makes me look like a quiet Mother Teresa.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
chase,
good for you. takes a lot of stones to go back to school at a older age.
undergrad in 90, MBA in 93.
on top of that my friend, it was and is a lot harder to get in georgia now, then 1985.
my degrees get better every year.
i would not of got in georgia now with their requirements. though i heard the s.a.t. is toned down a bit.
By N8
May 9, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
“Somebody please tell me it’s just my imagination. That all these numbers are just some horrible coincidence. And while baseball is a game of numbers that ultimately add up, these stats don’t mean anything.”
Coach, I’ll tell you WHATEVER you want to hear. Just PLEASE stop ignoring me. :-)
On a serious note. You’re dead on….AGAIN.
Too bad, that one of the few people that agree with most of what you’ve been saying, is me, huh? Oh well.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
nelson I have to agree, this is the 1st time I say something that is not to support Jeff, he needs to sit down. There is no way he will get to Ripken and he needs to take a sit and feel what its like to be benched. We have Blanco and Norton as options to sit him, I would do so.
By JimD
May 9, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
For anyone interested, the list below is the 2009 1B Free Agent Class according to [Cot’s Baseball Contracts] (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2002/02/2008-09-free-agents.html)
Rich Aurilia SF
Ben Broussard TEX
Carlos Delgado * NYM
Nomar Garciaparra LAD
Jason Giambi * NYY
Wes Helms PHI
Kevin Millar BAL
Richie Sexson SEA
Mark Teixeira ATL
Frank Thomas OAK
Jim Thome CWS
Daryle Ward CHC
Not very awe-inspiring other than TEX is it? Further proof why he is going to absolutely break the bank.
By Overlord
May 9, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
*Last year it was the reds (1-6). *
This year is the pirates (1-3).
By Lou Vales
May 9, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Dear David, Do you also think someone could simulate a computer program to calculate the odds of a team having 3!!!!!!!!! Soon To Be Hall of Fame pitchers for a significant period of time over a near 20 year era and still manage to win one less!!!!!!! World Series than an organization with no fans, no stadium, virtually no ownership, bi-annual salary purges and no tradition. Wow!!!
ALSO—This One Woebegone Franchise has won more World Championships in the last 11 years than 4!!!!!! Atlanta pro franchises have won since 1966—I know there was no hockey team for awhile. That record of ineptitude makes the Cubs look like the Yankees. Oh, That’s right, The Marlins have won as many World Series as the Cubs, White Sox and Braves have won COMBINED since 1958—That Would Be 2. a little perspective for those Eastern Division Banner worshipers.
By JimD
May 9, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
I might add too, to that 1B list, that two have a club option, both the NY boys.
Delgado gets $16M if the club renews or $4M if they take the buyout.
Giambi gets $22M if the club renews or $5M if they choose the buyout.
I look to see both on the market, Giambi may even retire.
By uga-brave
May 9, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
time to sack kelly as leadoff man.
strikes out to much, cant bunt, and he kind of looks indifferent at times.
anyone remember last year when he missed a sign against detriot and bobby sat his whiney arse down.
bobby needs a bad cop on the bench.
all his bench coaches are minor league guys.
players dont respect those guys.
our main bench coach is a oompa lommpa that esacped from willy wonkas chocolate factory. sorry chino, you look like a oompa loompa.
we miss pat corrales, yost, an jimy williams.
blame liberty media on that one.
just like AOL cut the scouting budget by 2/3, we now cant afford to pay pat corralles anymore. so this is what you get a oompa looompa, brian snitker, and a couple of guys that are happy to have per diem.
80% of these one run losses fall on the offense.
once again the magic # for the braves is 5 or more runs.
By Jim
May 10, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Well, Diaz is already on the bench.
Up with Norton? What are you talking about? This guy is a 35-36 never was/will be. Might as well put Ed Norton out there.
What’s this non-baseball stuff? Reunion.com?
By braves fan 10
May 10, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
Coach, interesting info in your 11.18 post.
What would be more interesting would be to see how many times that leadoff man scored in situations where he would not have scored otherwise. In other words, if the leadoff gets on, steals a base and then scores on a triple or homerun then the steal is essentially negated. Likewise, if the leadoff gets on and that is followed by a big inning that would have scored him any way, the steal is negated. I know it’s probably hard to quantify this as you’d have to go through the game logs one by one (just guessing). I also realize that pitchers make pitch selections differently based on whether or not a runner is on base or not. Still, I think that this information would be more telling than the stats that you posted above.
It would be interesting to match this information up to the regular season W/L (especially the one run wins) each year to truly see the effect of the leadoff man stealing a base.
By the way, would you please kiss and make up with N8? He’s desperate for your attention! :-0
By Overlord
May 10, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
uga-brave good post….. sure we do need better bench coach and to sit KJ more.
By JimD
May 10, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Someone was asking earlier about when Adam LaRoche would be FA eligible. Not until after the 09 season.
By Overlord
May 10, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Jim….. Id sit Jeff for Blanco for a game, and why not, ID also sit Jeff for Norton. I never mentioned platoon or something like that. I know your post was not shooting this way, but im answering.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
golden boy left five guys on base again.
this is not a rant about his character. i think he is a great guy.
this is a rant about his skill set. he has a aluminum bat approach.
the braves rushed him before he was ready. if you are gonna have a .725 .ops you better be able to steal bases. 2000 plate apperances and it aint getting better.
braveheart said TEX has gotta pick it up and he is right. however he has the track record, whereas our golden boy does not.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
overlord,
i agree let little jeffy sit for a game and get p** off. what harm could it do.
francoeur would be wise to shut up for a while. i think all the press he gets in the local media is starting to backfire.
you can only watch the jeff francoeur story on FSN so many times.
the blog railed on andruw last year, but if francoeur hits 26 dingers this year i would be shocked.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
N8, I’m just tired of arguing with people.
I mean, does anybody feel comfortable with Chuck James starting tonights game over Jeff Bennett. I don’t.
Two things are becoming self-evident.
This is a playoff caliber baseball team.
Our venerable and highly respected Hall of Fame manager is FU&#ING IT UP !
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Remember when Edgar made a career-high 30 errors during his only season in Boston? Lot of people said the infield in Boston had a lot to do with it.
Well, look at Julio Lugo now. Tonight he made his major league-leading 11th error for the Red Sox…
UGA-Brave: What does “rushing him” have to do with Francoeur’s current situation? Absolutely nothing. The kid hit .300 with 14 homers and 45 RBIs in 70 games after the was brought to the majors in 2005.
So please, do explain to me how he would’ve been better served staying in the minors all that season, instead of hitting .300 with 14 homers and 45 homers in 70 games in the majors.
Nonsense. His development (or lack of, in your view) since he got to the majors has nothing to do with how soon he got here. If he’d struggled in that first half-season in the majors, like a Joey Devine or any other youngster who wasn’t ready, then you’d have a point.
But you can’t make a statement like that about a kid who hit .300 with 14 homers and 45 RBIs in his first half-season in the majors. What, he was rushed too quickly, so then he did what he did with smoke and mirrors?
Or would you have had him do that, then go back to the minors the next season?
This thing you have about Francoeur is so transparent, and your continued protestations to the contrary only underscore how you really feel about him.
By Jim
May 10, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Very interesting point about the aluminum bat approach. It doesn’t seem as though Francouer is improving(kinda like Ryan Zimmerman in Wash and unlike Nick Markakis in Bal).
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Golden Boy at least has stats right now within range of where you would reasonably expect his numbers to be. Tex on the other hand is just killing this team. A ton is expected out of him. He has been woefully inadequate with the bat thus far. Look at that RISP performance.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
And as personal and off-target as so much of what you say about Francoeur seems — I mean, what’s with “Little Jeffy” and why are you the only person who refers to a 6-4, 240-pound player as “Little Jeffy”? — I do completely agree about resting him.
There’s no reason he starting every game for the sake of his streak. Not just playing every game, he’s started every game during his streak.
He is never going to play one-fourth as many games in a row as Cal did, so what’s the point?
For the same reason that Bobby gives everyone else a day off, often pairing it with an off day on the schedule to, in effect, give the player two days off, he needs to follow his own modus operandi with Francoeur.
The kid needs to sit a game or two, not even get in late in the game to keep the streak alive. Again, the streak isn’t even one-eighth as long as Cal’s was. No one will ever even sniff that. So there’s no point.
He’s got the longest streak in the majors now. If Cleveland can sit Sizemore (who had the longest streak until he was rested a couple weeks ago), then the Braves can and should do the same with Francoeur, who’s played hurt too frequently.
He’s not helping anyone by playing every day when he’s slumping and/or hurting. Yes, he made another brilliant throw tonight to prevent a run, but he’s not been himself at the plate in too many games lately. Rest him.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
once again this game does not fall on cox.
he made the right moves, but the talent did not deliver.
mind boggling how we cannot beat the nats and the bucs.
we are in the soft spot of our schedule and we cannot win on the road.
please put esco at leadoff, and kotsay in the two hole. or flip them. kj k’ed 3 times tonight.
leading off he is hitting .190 and on the road he is hitting .213. enough said.
By Tomas
May 10, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
Another one run lose, 1-10. It was a tough game, Ian Snell is there ace but still the offense didn’t take advantage of some of the great opportunities they had. The inability to bunt cost escobar to groundout into a double play. If they do the little things they would have won this game.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
DOB,
i expect more out of a replacements fan.
he came up when none of the scouts had a book on him.
since then, the scouts have somewhat carved him up. he has not adjusted and he might or might not.
i know he is always willing to give a interview, gosh we have been subjected to that, but he is the X factor in this lineup.
if this team is gonna win on the road he has gotta be better.
you dont think wren counted on him being a 30-35 hr guy this year?
heck if my memory serves me right, after javy hit the homerun in his first at bat you basically assured us he would be the backup catcher?
my point is, your right fielder has got to be a major run producer.
guys like holliday, fielder, howard, braun, have taken bigger steps in less plate appearances.
By prattvillenolzfan
May 10, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Hey Uga
I made the same comment earlier in the season about Jeff…
If you remember, McCann signed an extension last year, and there were several comments/posts about why/when the Braves were going to do one on Franceour. If the Braves are going to tie up Franceour to a long term deal, then he needs to improve his hitting.
We won 6 in a row last week in spite of Franceour. There was a graphic on tonight’s game where he was hitting below 200 for the month of May…How many times has he come up with the bases loaded in the past week but failed to produce. He did give us both RBI’s tonight, but he is beginning to remind us of AJ…..
I know I may get my A55 ripped from everyone about what I’m going to say, and I’m NOT advocating this, only suggesting that the Braves could make this happen…..
Jeff is not a free-agent yet, nor does he have any trade veto powers…IF he continues to struggle at the outside pitch,as well as not producing in crucial situations, don’t be surprised to see the Braves pull a shocking trade (A-LA Justice) and get a front-line starter….
McCann seems to try to continually improve (except his throwing) in all aspects of his game, Jeff seems to get by just on the talent he has….
By 1957 Braves Fan
May 10, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Had to miss watching the game after the Braves tied the score as my water pipe broke causing a small flood in my front yard. Looks like I missed another frustrating 2 men on and no outs situation. Pirates and Nationals sure play us tough.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND EFFORT, this blog is meaningful because of your passion.
i love pnc ballpark. i bet you are staying in the hotel with the big horsehoe in the middle of it overlooking the clemente bridge.
my wife, just got married two weeks ago in punta cana, dominican republic is from the burgh.
pac bell, pnc, and camden are my favorite new parks. all are near water and all are in walk around areas.
my diatribe about francoeur has never been personal, but for a guy that gets so much press, he does not measure up to seasons by drew, sheffield, justice, and jordan (first tour)
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
heck if my memory serves me right, after javy hit the homerun in his first at bat you basically assured us he would be the backup catcher?uga-brave
do you have talking points written down or something? if not, maybe you need to. Focus, man, focus. This is not even remotely relevant to your “point,” as it were, that I was disputing. And that point was your statement that Francoeur was rushed to the majors too soon.
Which has nothing, zero, to do with his development over the past two years.
I was not arguing that he doesn’t have shortcomings in his game, etc. Not arguing that at all. Unlike you, I don’t just take a scattershot approach and then reshape the argument and my point as it goes forward.
This sentence: “Since then, the scouts have somewhat carved him up. he has not adjusted and he might or might not.”
Huh?
Anyway, has nothing to do with being brought up too quickly. Just doesn’t. Sorry, man. Can’t just agree with your neverending criticisms of Francoeur. Much of it, yes. But you go way too far.
And if he hit .300 and drove in 110 runs this year, Braves couldn’t care less whether he hits 25 homers or 35. Only you care about that kind of thing.
Oh, and please, leave the Replacements out of this silly debate. Don’t sully them with this.
Don’t know how I even took the bait on another of your Francoeur jags. I won’t again.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
dave,
calm down. i like francoeur, i really do.
in this city with all the sidebars concerning athletes, he is one of the good guys.
my fustrations, only apply to the fact i dont think he is progressing.
t.p. said on CSS last year that jeff is a GREAT talent but he thinks he can climb mount everest with a spool of thread and a needle.
no need to be harsh my man we are still friends? but then again i dont know you.
get up tommorrow and go to pammaniis or whatever that place is called and have a great sandwhich.
By BA
May 10, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Are people actually suggesting Ron Gant as a hitting coach?! The same Ron Gant that coined the word “rememberable” on the tues. night broadcast? The only thing Gant could teach anybody is how to go into a two month slump. Maybe Jerome Jurenovich as bench coach? Too dumb. Speaking of dumb, n8 suggesting that LaRoche is comparable to Tex is almost as dumb as when he said we should bat Tex sixth. And even HE knows how dumb it would be to hire Gant as a hitting coach. UGA, comparing someone to Sheffield is impossible, the man was a freak of nature. And I’ll take the average Francoeur year anyday over the J.D. Drew year. Drew never won a gold glove.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
DOB,
if jeff hits .300 with 110 rbi, we will be in the playoffs, and i will gladly buy you and your significant other dinner at the horseradish grille.
sorry i got your dander up. i might be too critical at times, it’s
just n8 and braves dave rubbing off on me.
By Stephen
May 10, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Are there some Braves players who go out after a night game in an away city? Or do most go back to the hotel and sleep?
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
ba,
but when drew was here we made the playoffs. it was probably his best major league season.
the one year jd was here, he was our best hitter.
riddle me this? do you think our current outfield is up to snuff?
kotsay has been better then advertised. our corner guys have been lacking.
By BA
May 10, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this
It was certainly his(Drew) best season and probably the ONLY season he ever realized his potential. “little Jeffy” is on pace to hit twenty and drive in a hundred. Kotsay’s on pace to drive in around seventy and maybe hit 20 dingers. Between Diaz/Blanco/Anderson?/Infante? left field is going to hit about .280 and drive in at least fifty or sixty runs. I’m good with the outfield overall. We made the playoffs that year because we still had enough pitching. Drew was a solid cleanup hitter, but I’d have to say Hoss was the best hitter that year. Like most every year.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
ba,
chipper hit .248 that year, drew hit , . 305 31 93 rbi. he was very good. hoss had his one off year.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
ba,
if frenchy ever hits .305 with 31 dingers, i will shut up.
By BA
May 10, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this
I stand corrected. It’s hard to remember more than three days ago at my age. Now that MLB is cleaning up the dope, I don’t think you’ll see as many thirty homer guys. He might hit .305, with twenty homers. He might hit 31 hr, but he’d probably bat .240. I think the .290 is more valuable than ten more homers. We have plenty of power anyway. But these are just the ill-informed opinions of a pitching/stolen base guy. I’m way out of style.
By N8
May 10, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this
BA
Good morning my friend. Say hi to Murdoch and the gang for me. :-)
“Speaking of dumb, n8 suggesting that LaRoche is comparable to Tex is almost as dumb as when he said we should bat Tex sixth.”
Since the deadline last year, LaRoches’ and Tex’s stats are as follows:
Tex:
87 Games, 99 for 338 (.292), with 21 HR and 75 RBI
LaRoche:
84 Games, 88 for 312 (.282), with 10 HR and 41 RBI
I guess you’re right. There is no comparison. Oh wait. There is that little thing called MONEY!!!
12.5 million vs. 5 million
No where in my post before, did I say they actually compare to each other. THEY DON’T.
What I was saying, is that we didn’t win a DAMN THING last year WITH Tex, and he sure ain’t helping out the cause so far this year.
So, we could have had the same exact results LAST YEAR, had we NOT traded LaRoche (Gonzalez gave us about 1/4 of a season and Brent didn’t give us NOTHING), so I’m gonna venture a guess and say that last year, we DON’T make the playoffs with LaRoche. JUST LIKE WE DIDN’T with Tex.
So far this year? Again NO CONTRIBUTION (yet) from Gonzo. Lillibridge was severely over-matched in his brief stint, and Tex has been a disappointment in my book.
All winter long, people (myself and even DOB included), kept saying that one BIG difference in this year from last is that we would have a FULL year of Tex in the lineup.
I’ll assume that everybody thought that meant a full year of him contributing NOT just wearing the uniform.
Because, at this pace, if he doesn’t heat up soon, are we REALLY getting that much more of him, than we got last year?
Add to that, we couldn’t make the playoffs last year once Tex stepped in and TORE IT UP for two months. So why is everybody so giddy over what we’ll do “once he heats up” this year, with how the season has gone so far? Didn’t do much for the RESULTS (wins and losses), once he arrived last year, did it? And last year’s team had BOTH Smoltz and Hudson pitching well, along with Soriano closing games from mid-season.
Not sure where you saw I said Tex and LaRoche were equal. Just our results with either of them. Oops. That’s even wrong. We made the playoffs one year, with LaRoche at 1B.
As for Tex batting 6th? While I’ll agree that there might not be a better option (maybe McCann?). But how is leaving Tex in the clean-up spot any worse than leaving Andruw there for so long last year?
Tex, in 33 games so far, has gone 33 for 130 (.254) with 4 HR and 19 RBI.
Do you realize that after 33 games last year, Andruw was 37 for 160 (.231) with 7 HR and 30 RBI?
You don’t think that 3 more HR and 11 more RBI from Tex in these first 33 games means AT LEAST 2 or 3 more wins?
THAT is how much Tex is killing us right now. His stats make Andruw’s at the same time from last year look appealing.
YIKES!
So one can’t even give that much credit to Tex for Chipper’s hot start. Andruw was providing MORE “protection” last year. Chipper is just that locked in.
That clear it up for you?
By N8
May 10, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this
BA
“He might hit 31 hr, but he’d probably bat .240. I think the .290 is more valuable than ten more homers. We have plenty of power anyway.”
Totally agree with that. Too many people obsessed with the HR totals.
Of course, maybe that comes from fans that realize how much HR’s play into the success of a Bobby Cox managed team? If so, I understand that school of thought.
Hell, for right now, I’d settle for a better average with RISP.
2006 with RISP: 55 for 182 (.320) with 7 HR and 72 RBI. (114 for 479 - .237 in other AB’s with 22 HR)
2007 with RISP: 62 for 172 (.341) with 6 HR and 89 RBI. (126 for 460 - .274 in all other AB’s with 13 HR)
2008 with RISP: 10 for 38 (.263) with 1 HR and 17 RBI (26 for 99 - .262 in all other AB’s with 2 HR) At least he’s “consistent” this year. LOL!
He just needs to focus a bith more, like the past two years and like DOB and others have said…..take a damn day off.
Many say that Francoeur is the key to the lineup. Nope. The 12.5 million dollar 1B in his walk year is.
He’s the clean-up hitter. He’s the guy the other’s look to to carry some of the load.
When Tex starts hitting, the rest of the lineup will follow. If that doesn’t happen SOON, the Braves are in trouble, IMO.
By BA
May 10, 2008 4:28 AM | Link to this
Clear this up: Comparing this team to last years team makes no sense, we have that much more pitching. Yeah, with the injuries. Tex will be fine. Really, I promise. And he’s playing gold glove defense. ‘Lil Bridge got to bat something like .07 times. Let’s withhold judgement of his future for five more minutes. A month from now, with Gonzalez and Soriano and the return of the bearded icon to his own personal hell (you’ll love him when he’s angry) we’ll have the best damn bullpen in the league. I’ll take that, along with Tex hitting about .280 with ten homers by then over LaRoche anyday. Dude is going to drive in about a hundred runs this year, book it and lock it. You’re SO panicky in May! But I liked the good morning part.
By BA
May 10, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
Frenchy will get there. And he WON’T take a day off, either. That kid sits next to SMOLTZ! He’s got too much guts to sit. Like Glavine pitching injured in ‘92. Was he hurting his team? It wasn’t a pretty stretch. Speaking of good DOB ideas, I’m with batting Kotsay as high as two, and PLEASE lead off that flashy fundemental Cuban. I NEED those bunts leading off. If they would give this kid a little more freedom (with bunts,steals) he could do a better “Reyes” than that clown Reyes!
By N8
May 10, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this
BA
Just as soon as I say good morning, I’m about to say good-night. Not sure why the hell I’m still up.
I may be “panicky” in May. I’m not sure I’d use the word panic, but to each his own.
As for the “best damn bullpen in the league”?
Totally agree with you, if those three guys were/are even 80 percent healthy each.
Just the same as you say for me to wait and see what Tex does, I warn the same of you, with two 3 guys nursing injuries on the DL to their throwing arms/shoulders.
There is just as good of a chance that we get as many “painful” innings to watch from these guys, while they are throwing in pain, as we do dominant innings when they feel good.
Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely LOVE the idea of those three holding down the pen. That’s a nasty threesome, if I ever heard of one (sorry for the visual).
Call me Debbie Downer if you insist, but I’ll believe those three are anchoring the “best bullpen in the league, when they are all 3 on the active roster at the same time.
If you’re counting on those three to be healthy, why not throw Hampton in the mix of optimism as well? LOL!
I’m sure if you wait long enough, Nick Esasky will have a few key AB’s sometime soon, too.
L8r.
By BA
May 10, 2008 4:59 AM | Link to this
And here’s what’s really important: he’s better than Delgado! What a rapid fall from grace. Today on the radio Charlie Stiener called Carlos Beltran “softer than Bambi”. I think Tex is like me and he keeps reading your posts and he starts to believe it and he squeezes the bat too hard and he ….it’s a long year. You clearly were traumatized by Andruw’s plunge to modern day Dave Kingman at BEST (weren’t we all?). I bet you Tex gets right in Philly. That place is so small, those midgets on TLC could jack dingers out of it.
By BA
May 10, 2008 5:22 AM | Link to this
God bless Hampton, but his heartbreaking string of setbacks stands in sharp contrast to Gonzalez’ faster than expected comeback. Don’t make me wake ‘ole DOB to pull the stimulated game stats! I think Soriano is some big conspiracy thing so he’ll be throwing those fireballs in August (hopefully in the EIGHTH inning). And after twenty years of blood sweat and tears, I think Smoltz is a safe bet. Until the arm falls off.
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
Quote by n8: If you’re counting on those three to be healthy, why not throw Hampton in the mix of optimism as well? LOL!
Don’t even joke about that! Throwing Hammy into a mix of optimism could result in serious, if not fatal, injury! Y’all just ain’t got no heart…. He can’t help that he’s an injury-prone, deadbeat, good-for-nuthin, p_y!
By BT
May 10, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
DOB, great comments on Frency. Pretty candid comments for someone who has to be with the team daily. Does Bobby even think about this stupid mini-streak that Frency has going. How do you think Jeff would handle sitting for a day or two. Is maturity high enough for him to realize this is best of the team as well as for him? What is KJ’s mindset, is he the type to get down on himself.
By Paddy
May 10, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Help Ya’ll….Yesterday I saw a cat fight on TV w/ Barbara Walters & Star Jones trading jabs at each other. Who in the h..l is Star Jones? Never saw her face before or heard her name before. Is she famous? She looked like a head nurse at a nervous hospital to me. Sorry this is not sports, just had to know. thanks
By ncgary
May 10, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
well as the old geezers still say, maybe the braves need to put a silver dollar in the milkjug at the clubhouse, help get that sour taste out of their mouths and kill whatever infected them yesterday
By Efrim
May 10, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Rough loss last night. 4-12 on the road is unacceptable. I’m sure the Braves know that. Three straight lefties to finish out this series before we head to Philly. Then an awfully tough 11 game home stand before we go back on the road.
By Joe Fan
May 10, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Uga-Brave if the Sandwhich place you are referring to is the place that puts french fries and vinager based slaw on their sandwhichs that would be Permanti Brothers. MAn I wish I could eat there today.
By Joe Fan
May 10, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Uga-Brave if the Sandwhich place you are referring to is the place that puts french fries and vinager based slaw on their sandwhichs that would be Permanti Brothers. MAn I wish I could eat there today.
By Shaun
May 10, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Hmmm. Another one run loss on the road? Must be bad luck, right Shaun?
Luck was a significant factor but not the only factor.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
The place is Primanti Brothers., and what’s weird is that I seriously had already planned to have lunch there today. Weird you brought it up. There’s another one on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, at Sunrise and A1A. Open all night. Frequented it many times….
Lance Berkman is absurd right now: 18-for-24 in his past six games, with six consecutive multi-hit games….
By AGTFan
May 10, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Don’t believe that for a minute. But we wouldn’t really want you to shut up, just tone down.
By Shaun
May 10, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Just looking at the posts and came across this one:
Burrell is underappreciated because he can be a butcher in the field (though not much worse than Diaz). As a hitter, however, he rocks. He is like Manny without the goofiness
I certainly agree that Burrell is under-appreciated, but he’s no Manny. Like DOB said, Manny is a Hall of Famer.
Manny has finished in the top ten in OPS-plus 12 times. He’s finished in the top four seven times, all since 1999. He’s in the top four this season. Burrell has never finished in the top ten.
Burrell is a solid player—he’s only had one below average season at the plate, he gets on base and hits for power and is underrated because of his batting average and strikeouts—but he’s no Manny.
By Overlord
May 10, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
uga-brave I dont understand why some managers just do that. Its not like if jeff was a superstar slumping. He is just a kind and there is no sense to play him every day if he is not contributing. Im talking a game here and a game there, not a platoon or anything like that.
Another example is Jose Reyes, Randolph just wont sit him down, of course that might be different since speed never slumps, once he walks, thats like hitting a double.
But Cox has a history on having some strange bonds to an idea and not been able to let it go. Here are some examples I can recall:
AJ as cleanup.
Redman as 5th starter.
Wickman as closer.
Orr as a backup IF
Jeff as if he was Cal Ripken.
KJ leading off.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Help Ya’ll….Yesterday I saw a cat fight on TV w/ Barbara Walters & Star Jones trading jabs at each other. Who in the h..l is Star Jones?Paddy
Paddy, welcome back to the U.S. Hope your years abroad were all you’d hoped for.
By BravesRule
May 10, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Somebody please tell me it’s just my imagination. That all these numbers are just some horrible coincidence. And while baseball is a game of numbers that ultimately add up, these stats don’t mean anything.Coach
you’re still ful of crap cooch. Get us some fantasy numbers again why dontcha old man? You’re still making your speed argument with on base percentages which everybody knows translates well to wins. Get a life dude, you’re a60-70s dork in a modern world.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
GSU-Paul: Sorry, but I had missed the first few comments on this blog until now. That’s great news about GSU-Lee. He’s a good dude, and seems very passionate about pursuing the life of ink-stained wretchedness (God bless him … that, or a moment of silence).
Anyway, congrats GSU-Lee. Now get out there in the real world and get bitter!
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Yars, regarding your very early question: No, didn’t play Creep, and I don’t think they’re playing it at all on this tour. Think they’re sick of it after all these years. Didn’t play much at all off the first couple albums.
But I repeat, it was a terrific show….
Oh, and by the way, Prince played Creep at the Coachella festival in April. That must’ve been incredible.
By BravesRule
May 10, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Too bad, that one of the few people that agree with most of what you’ve been saying, is me, huh? Oh well.N8
man it’s really getting pathetic, you’re constant begging and azz-kissing to get coach’s attention Nate. Give it up man, you can be O.K. without his approval. man up and quit the wimpiness. You got a man-crush on ol’ cooch, or what. Disturbing to say the least.
By brent a.
May 10, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
A couple of things:
1)Even though that game sums up everything I’ve been critical of with this team for the entire decade, I refuse to switch back into critical mode so quickly.
2) Just because Ron Gant sits and criticizes this team on a daily basis, does not make him qualified to coach, or manage this team.
By BravesRule
May 10, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
May 9, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
For anyone interested, the list below is the 2009 1B Free Agent Class according to [Cot’s Baseball Contracts] (http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2002/02/2008-09-free-agents.html)
Rich Aurilia SFJimD
why bother? They almost never go the free agent route for anyone maningful. Trades, baby trades.
By BravesRule
May 10, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
N8, I’m just tired of arguing with people.
I mean, does anybody feel comfortable with Chuck James starting tonights game over Jeff Bennett. I don’t.Coach
O.K.! there ya go N8. Coach is ready to kiss and make up. y’all can end this lover’s quarrel and put a tear in the eye of each and every poster on the board. Go for it dude, you know you want to. Don’t ignore him now that you finally have his attention again. No lover’s games.
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Can we calm down with the Ron Gant bashing? That guy was a good and important player during the rise of the Braves. There’s no reason to criticize him the way people are.
Chase made a ludicrous and baseless remark that Gant would be the next manager of the Braves. There’s no way anyone should be making statements like that about a guy who hasn’t worked as a coach yet.
But, to me, it’s just as ludicrous for people to come on here and say that he couldn’t be a good coach. How the hell would any of us know? We can’t.
It’s as stupid to say he couldn’t be a good coach as it is for Chase to say Gant will be the next manager. No, wait, as stupid as alot of you sound about the Gant for Coach thing, the Gant for manager thing by Chase is much more absurd.
I’d say the best evidence that Gant can’t/won’t be a good coach or manager is that he isn’t one. Shows he lacks the desire to be one or MLB teams lack the desire to make him one.
But let’s stop attacking Gant because of the way he speaks or the way he played. Last time I checked, Bobby Cox ain’t exactly a wordsmith and wasn’t exactly the perfect player in his day either.
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
does anybody feel comfortable with Chuck James starting tonights game over Jeff Bennett.
Yep, I actually do. Will go with Chuck James anyday, everyday over Jeff Bennett. I kind of like the pitchers like Chuck James that make my team have a 90 win pace when they start ballgames.
By Moby Grape
May 10, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Lance Berkman is absurd right now: 18-for-24 in his past six games, with six consecutive multi-hit games….DOB
yeah as was said back during the great switch-hitter debates, the next great SWer along with Chips perhaps heading to the HOF
By nolie
May 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
I see that the Fish are working on signing Hanley to a 6 year 70 mil contract. Quite a talent. If he ever learns to play D and he stays healthy he might be an all time great
By Randy S
May 10, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Yars, DOB Radiohead played Creep a few times on their last tour. They encored with it at a handful of their shows in England. That is nuts that Prince played it at Coachella. Actually, the last time Radiohead played Creep in the US was at Coachella 4 years ago. The last time I heard it played was at Bonnaroo 2 years ago, performed by Beck, who was playing right before Radiohead. He said something like “Well, I don’t think they’ll be playing this one…” And by the way, if you ever get a chance to see a double bill of Beck and then Radiohead…GO.
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
DOB, you gave serious reasons for frenchy to take a break, and i agree with you. With bobby, he would have already given anyone a break but he never gives frenchy one. Does he really think he can come close to carl??? frenchy as we know missed large time in minors..so yes give the man a break!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
My old paper, the Sun-Sentinel, reporting that Hanley Ramirez is close to a six-year, $70 mill deal with the Marlins.
By GlavineSTILLaTrader!
May 10, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Glavine’s comment after the game… “you have to laugh at it”…. easy to say when the TRADER has so many millions in the bank… the game is no big deal anymore is it GLAV.??.. GO EARN A REAL LIVING!
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
dob could this be the very beginning of marlins franchise to continue building? finally got stadium deal now franchise player signed at new record. looks like Marlins are going up in few years.
By nolie
May 10, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Latest Baseball America Prospect Watch on Charlie Morton
Team: Triple-A Richmond (International) Age: 24 Why he’s here: 0-0, 0.63, 14 1/3 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 9 SO The Scoop: Triple-A players have to do a little extra to be recognized in Helium Watch. After all, to make it that far up the chain, a player must have at least one plus tool or one repeatable skill. But every once in awhile a player evades detection, like Twins righty Nick Blackburn did until last season. Blackburn, as you’ll remember, got in shape, ditched his knee brace and then set the International League abuzz when he rattled off 44 consecutive scoreless innings for Rochester in 2007. While 24-year-old Richmond righthander Charlie Morton (Braves) hasn’t dominated to that extent, he does rank fourth in the league in ERA (1.76), emerging as a viable rotation option for the big league Braves. (He’s already on the 40-man roster.) A third-round pick in 2002 from a Connecticut high school, Morton hasn’t ranked in our Prospect Handbook since 2005. But after shuttling between starting and relief roles throughout his career, Morton has settled into the Richmond rotation this season, using his low-90s fastball and murderous curveball combo (he’s also got a change and a slider) to go 0-0, 0.63 in 14 1/3 innings last week, while striking out nine, walking two and allowing six hits. Through 41 innings on the year, he’s issued just 13 walks and has yet to allow a home run.
By Cody
May 10, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Well went to bed last night after venting on the blog last night and woke up still red @$$. I am anout tired of watching Kelly F——-ing Johnson kill this team at the top of the order. Bobby Kax needs to move him to the 7th hole or think about sending him packing and letting Infante play second and bat 2nd behind Escobar. There are many people in this blog who love KJ and his upside, but lets face it Bobby is hurting him by not moving him down in the order. Kelly is a pull hitter and needs to stop trying to go to the left side. If he will just pull the ball he would hit 30 homers but the kid is just to stuborn. If we lose tonight I think this road trip will officially go to hell and we will be coming home 2-5 and back at .500. I am a die hard braves fan but they need to figure this road $hit out before i lose my mind. It is frustrasting as hell.
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
kelly needs to bat lower..enough said booby cox!!!! just read cody’s comments..
By Efrim
May 10, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
My old paper, the Sun-Sentinel, reporting that Hanley Ramirez is close to a six-year, $70 mill deal with the Marlins.
Good. I’d rather him in a Marlin uniform than a Red Sox or Yankee uniform. Even if we do have to face him for 6 more seasons.
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Efrim Good. I’d rather him in a Marlin uniform than a Red Sox or Yankee uniform. Even if we do have to face him for 6 more seasons.
???????????????????????
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
ideal lineup:
g.blanco y.escobar c.jones m.tiexeira b.mccann j.francouer k.johnson m.kotsay m.hampton
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
McCann is quietly hitting like he did in 2006.
By McFann
May 10, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Might as well put Ed Norton out there. Jim
I cann see it now: The ball is hit to him, and he shouts, “Hello, ball!”
DOB—
Excellent post at 12:49! No one will ever mach Cal’s record, and IMO shouldn’t try. That’s his record. Let him have it.
By THB
May 10, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
DOB - I know you said Rohrbough will be leaving his extended spring training, but do you know when he will be making his first start? I’ve heard he’s starting at Rome but also heard it may be Myrtle Beach?
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
GlavineSTILLatrader: You took his words completely out of context. Not surprising. Some are obviously looking for tidbits here and there to support their view.
He was asked something along the lines of, do you just look at the lack of run support and shake your head or laugh at it to keep from going crazy?
And he said, you have to laugh at it. All you can do. Then he quickly added that it’s frustrating because he wants to be part of the winning that’s been going on, but that he’s pleased with how he’s throwing the ball, at least, and he knows it’ll come around and he’ll eventually get runs, etc.
He’s gone out of his way and not once been critical of team or bemoaned his plight, etc. Couldn’t have handled the situation with more class than he has every start.
Sorry if that disappoints you. But you obviously got a charge out of distorting his words to fit your own view anyway, so no big deal.
By nolie
May 10, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
My old paper, the Sun-Sentinel, reporting that Hanley Ramirez is close to a six-year, $70 mill deal with the Marlins.DOB
Sorry, already beat you with that post, ;-)
By Moby Grape
May 10, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Randolph and Yost are both catching an awful lot of heat. I guess Bobby ain’t the only terrible manager in the NL, huh?
By Rick K
May 10, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Was at the game last night. It was a disappointing finish, but I don’t understand the doom and gloom. The way I saw things, only Escobar had a completely awful night at the plate.
Francoeur was taking more of what was given to him, working the ball the other way. Crushed the ball to right center his 1st AB, but Nady made a nice play. I do agree, however, that some rest would do Jeff and the team some good.
Saw several at’em balls from Braves hitters like Francoeur, Kotsay, and Teixeira. To me, it seemed like one of those nights where the hits fell more for the Pirates than for the Braves. It happens.
I was sitting behind home and KJ was flat jobbed on that called 3rd strike. Add his other two walks to that and his night was somewhat productive. I would, however, like to see KJ go the other way more, especially off of lefties. McCann really does own Snell, just crushed the ball off of him.
My only real gripe is the handling of the bullpen. Too many pitchers are being used for too short of time. Ring is the only pitcher that should be used as a specialist for the time being.
It was also the first time I ever saw Glavine pitch in person and it was worth the price of admission alone.
By jimmac
May 10, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Great column by Tom Boswell in today’s Washington Post discussing Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz, in which he says that Clemens’ issues lead him to the conclusion that “the greatest right-handed pitcher since Walter Johnson is no longer the tainted Clemens but the mesmerizing Maddux.”
By nolie
May 10, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
My only real gripe is the handling of the bullpen. Too many pitchers are being used for too short of time. Ring is the only pitcher that should be used as a specialist for the time beingRickK
yeah a lot of denizens are upset about that. I don’t mind it much. Like Wren was kinda saying the other night, if you use them one inning or less you can bring them right back. If you run them longer you often can’t. Some studies suggest that it’s the pitches in a game situation that are more fatiguing than those thrown warming up. We do have several guys in AAA yet who could come up for a time and give some guys some rest. I still feel fairly good about this team and I am definitely not a pollyanna.
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Ain’t the word traitor?
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Weren’t those words put into Tommy’s mouth? I don’t think he literally chuckled as the Braves blew chances to score. It would pretty much take an idiot to believe that…
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 10, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
There should be a limit on the length of these posts. And if there is one it needs to be smaller. GEEZZZ
By keylargo
May 10, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
McFann
I need a favor from you. Will you tell your favorite player he “looks like he is wearing his big brother’s pajamas” for me? He looks terrible in those oversized, baggy, droopy, 6 inches too long pants he wears. I guess I’m old school, but I miss the sanitary sox and stirrup look.
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
the word traitor just needs to stop ..glavine joined braves and has pitched good/decent all but one game. give the man a break
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
I really don’t understand some of the heat Randolph and Yost get.
It seems to me that Minaya sabotaged Randolph and the Mets last season with some of his coaching hirings and firings that he did last July. Reyes hasn’t been right since. And Minaya left that team last year with some fatal flaws. Is it Randolph’s fault that Minaya signed a superstar centerfielder who left his bat on his shoulder in Game 7 of the NLCS? If you look at the Mets offense this year, Minaya did a rather pathetic job of providing Randolph the needed offensive weaponry.
As for Yost, it’s a miracle that his team is doing as well as they are. Is Yost supposed to make Prince, Hall, Hardy, Braun and Weeks hit? How exactly? They’re all young players. Inconsistency is what you should reasonably expect out of young players. Yost is at the mercy of youth with his offense. How exactly is it Yost’s fault that management has handed him a pitching staff that has only one quality pitcher? Somehow Yost has found a way to keep them around .500. Pretty damn good to me.
Too many blame the manager when the fault lies more with ownership and the GM. People might not like Cox but what really separates Cox from the other managers is that Cox himself might be the best talent evaluator in the game and he has always had a relationship with JS and Wren where they don’t feel threatened by Bobby. They all seem to work together as a team and don’t scapegoat each other.
Minaya on the other hand seems hellbent on scapegoating Willie in order to save his own hide. Pathetic. The fault lies more with Omar than Willie.
By Cody
May 10, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
I like Glavine and was really sad and angry when he shafted us for the Mets. But….I am really starting to believe that Carma has caught up with him. On nights he pitches our offense couldn’t hit sand if they fell off a camel. In that he will never win again at this rate. I mean come on the guy had an 7-run lead in the Reds game and couldn’t pitch to five. he may be the first pitcher in a while to go 0-20 with a 3.40 ERA. I know that is unlikely but I mean look at the last 5 games he has pitched. He just can’t catch a break and you may not like this statement but what comes around goes around and old Glavine is getting his cheerios p** on right now. For the sake of the team I hope this changes real soon becuase we need him to win 12-15 games. “CHARMA” ain’t it a B-I-T-C-H.
By BravesRule
May 10, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
There should be a limit on the length of these posts. And if there is one it needs to be smaller. GEEZZZCaptC
maybe we can hire a button-man to break 9 of N8s fingers? Just leave him his off-hand index finger. That might help.
By Savannah Guy
May 10, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
He’s gone out of his way and not once been critical of team or bemoaned his plight, etc. Couldn’t have handled the situation with more class than he has every start.
David, glad you added that quote to clear things up for the wet behind the ears folks. Not sure why anyone would have a problem with Glavine, but like him or not, he’s a consummate professional and even at 42 is one of the best pitchers in the game. Every pitcher gets a bad luck string of no run support at times. Just guessing, but I’d imagine Smoltz has seen more of that than other Braves pitchers over the last 15 years. It’d be interesting to see that stat.
My impression has always been that If Tommy has a beef a player or with the team, we’ll never hear about it and even behind closed doors he’d be instructional, not critical. With a few runs here and there he’d have 4 or 5 wins right now, but he knows the deal. He’s been around the block a few times. Those grass stains on his knees ain’t from falling off the turnip truck.
I’ve always liked Glavine, respected his talent, his approach and his class. We’re damn fortunate he’s back in Atlanta. Now, if Maddux would join Tom, John and Bobby I’d be overjoyed.
By Lew
May 10, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Cody-Just why is it that you think Kelly Johnson will hit in the seventh spot when he isn’t hitting in the lead off role? Will they give him better pitches to hit if he bats lower? Will he perhaps have better protection behind him with a number 8 hitter and the pitcher than he has with Yunel and Chipper behind him? Will he have more patience and less inclination to swing at bad pitches? Please tell me because I fail to see the rationale (knee jerk reaction is NOT rationale).
UGABrave-Dude, no one wants you to shut up-just talk about the fabulous season our Dawgs are going to have this year. When they win the National Title in January, there will be no doubt because they have one b!tch of a schedule this year- Not much dead weight in their opponents rank. I look forward to seeing Caleb King in the backfield along with Knowshon Moreno. We may have two future Heisman Trophy winners in our backfield this season.
Nathan-Dude, got to agree with you-Tex needs to start strapping on the leotard and pulling this team for a while. It’s now the middle of May and its time to quit talking about slow starts. 1/5 of the season is gone. Lets see some of that power we saw last year. Way too many runners are being left on base. We need some hitting with the bases loaded and less than two outs. It has been lacking throughout the team.
We have to at least win half of our one run games if we’re going anywhere. Had we done that, our record would now be 23-11 and we’d be in first place with a record similar to the DBacks. IF.
By scott boras
May 10, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
braves need to sign mark tiexeira as soon as possible. aim high
By Greg in TN
May 10, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Just throwing a couple zinc Lincolns in on the current state of affairs after last night’s (all together now) one run loss.
Caught the last few innings of the game, but it does appear as if Glavine and Snell were both dealing. Bennett found a lot of the plate in the ninth to his and the team’s detriment.
Don’t know how consistent HP umpire Greg Gibson was with his strike zone or how much leeway he was giving the outside corner of the plate to lefties earlier in the game, however strike three to KJ looked well off the plate to me. The pitch before, which KJ bunted foul was also well off the plate and high and he just about stepped out of the batter’s box trying to get to it. Grabow did his job, certainly didn’t give KJ a ball to bunt cleanly and ended up getting a gift call.
Gorzelanny on the hill tonight for the Bucs and while he’s looked very ordinary in his first five appearances (including giving up 6 hits and 3 runs against the Braves on April 2nd at the Ted) he pitched very effectively for five innings against the mets in Flushing (one hit, no earned runs).
Frenchy has gotten more than his share of grief from the denizens as of late, and much of the frustration and criticism is fair, however he did have a great eighth inning at bat against Tyler Yates. He will learn to adjust his approach at the plate, or he will continue to flounder at times. I think he’ll learn.
By Yars
May 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why some bands don’t like to play their biggest hits. I think it was Blur that stopped playing, ‘Country House’ once it became a huge hit for them. That would be like DOB’s favorite band, Whitesnake, not playing, ‘Here I Go Again.’ Only kidding DOB. We all know your favorite band is Warrant, I mean, the Clash. :)
By Savannah Guy
May 10, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
I like Glavine and was really sad and angry when he shafted us for the Mets. But….I am really starting to believe that Carma has caught up with him.
Cody, you are misinformed, just started watching the Braves a few years ago or maybe you believe everything you read here on the blog. That could cause instant karma to get you… gonna look you right in the face. Could cause bad ‘carma’ too I suppose.
Check it out. There was no “shafting” by anyone. That was a myth promoted by overzealous and uninformed ‘fans’. If you want to see bad Karma in action, take a stroll over to the Mets website and look up 2007.
Karma… right.
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Glav did what made him happy when he left [for whatever reason]. How can you criticise somebody for doing that? Ain’t that exactly what YOU’d have done!? He also came back when he realized this is where he wanted to be all along. Ever heard the old saying, “set a bird free; if it returns [OK, I can’t remember how it goes, but Ill ad lib] you know it loves you, if not, you’ll never know the difference if it’s Hammy? Well, I have, and it makes a whole lotta sense! Specially when you’re fulla C.R. and Coke… For the third of you who are nit-wits, that’s Crown Royal and Coca-Cola. The other two-thirds of you can kiss our azzez….
Aloha from the the Cedartown isles…
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t think we should resign Tex.
Well, I do think we should resign him actually. Then ship his happy azz to Toronto.
By Tomas
May 10, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Hope Bobby reads the comments on this block and give frenchy a much needed rest. And if Frenchy is an inteligent athlete he will understand the decision, and will understand that being healthy is more important than playing everyday. And will give the start to recently aquired greg norton.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Nolie, I don’t know where that prospect watch got it’s information because it’s wrong. Charlie Morton Throws his fastball between 96-98 m.p.h.
The big right hander can bring it. Morton is in his seventh minor league season, he doesn’t need anymore seasoning in the minors.
I can’t wait to see Chuck James get lit up like a Christmas tree tonight so I can second guess the hell out of the decision to not let Bennett or Morton pitch instead.
By albanian braves fan
May 10, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
is saying gregor maddux has surpassed roger clemens.
but soon scandal: will turn out gregor maddux use caffeine to enhance performance. is very true. drinking coffee prior to throwing baseballs.
By THB
May 10, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Looked up Javier Vasquez’s contract..
He’s getting 11.5 million each year through 2010, a little expensive for the Braves.
I honestly don’t know how Reyes and James will hold up the back end of the rotation. If James didn’t have a partially torn rotator cuff, I’d be confident in them, because I think Reyes will do okay as a 5th guy, but not much better than a 4th guy. If they don’t do well, we have a couple of options. Either call up Morton (Which they don’t want to do, just too early) or make a trade for a mid rotation starter. I’m not crazy about Millwood at all (Near 5 ERA) and Maddux is a little iffy with me too, but he would probably do the trick.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Well, you’ll be able to keep second-guessing the decision not to bring up Morton, from what I’m told. Because he’s not coming up anytime soon. At least that was the word when I asked a Braves official last week.
Morton didn’t even begin to realize his potential until the end of last season, so all those other years in the minors really aren’t overly important. Honestly, if you look at his stats he’s had under a half-season of genuine success at ANY level of the minors. He struggled more often than not for six solid seasons at every level of the low minors.
They are not going to bring him up this soon after he’s finally started to learn how to pitch and use his vast talent. I can’t see it. And that’s an example of why the Braves are regarded for knowing how to develop talent and run a minor league system.
They make some mistakes, sure. But not nearly as many as most teams who rush players to the majors because they have to (i.e., payroll constraints) or because they just don’t get it.
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I think KJ might benefit from hitting seventh because I think he is one of those players that might benefit from less protection. KJ has very good plate patience but it sometimes borders on indecisiveness. I think hitting in front of Yunel, Chipper, Tex, and McCann is causing KJ to be eaten up. Sometimes, he is getting jobbed by umps on borderline calls but KJ is not being aggressive enough and is not getting the benefit of the doubt at times from umps the way Chipper and Tex do. Hitting seventh without protection may cause pitchers to be less aggressive. It would also provide McCann and Frenchy more protection than is being provided by Diaz. I would bat Kotsay leadoff. I think Kots would eat up pitchers who get too aggressive with him.
By THB
May 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Braveheart-I tend to agree with you. Kotsay would probably fair well at leadoff, and KJ might have more success with less pressure on him. I remember him hitting well last year in the bottom of the order, surprising hitters with a lot of extra base hits.
By Savannah Guy
May 10, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, dittos all that in your 1:59. Kelly’s patience is not always a virtue, especially with two strikes. His “indecisiveness” is apparent and sometimes bordering on freezing up or zoning out. Not ‘ranking’ on him, but KJ just isn’t cut out to be a leadoff guy any more than he is cut out to be a natural second baseman. For now, batting in the 6th through 8th spots would suit him and the Braves just fine.
By brent a.
May 10, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Wren indicated earlier this week that Morton may be part of the rotation before the end of the season.
His comments made me feel like you could expect to see him before the year is out, but there certainly was no definitive plan to bring him up by “x” date. Additionally, just from looking at what we have, if we could get healthy, then he probably won’t be needed.
He was at the botom of the list of possibilities, but a possibility nonetheless.
Wren mentioned 11 names of players who in spring training, were viewed as possibilities for the rotation this season:
Smoltz Hampton Glavine Jurrjens Carlyle Hudson James Reyes Campillo Bennett Morton
Obviously not in that order, but Morton was definitely #11.
By McFann
May 10, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
keylargo—
Actually, if he were wearing his big brother’s pants, they’d be too small…
Why don’t you do what I do: Watch the players’ upper-half.
But I have noticed that some players wear their pants longer (because the announcers get on it, and then they zoom the camera in on their feet). Don’t know how or why that got started.
Wish I could talk to him though, but not about his outfit.
8 )
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
One thing I have been very impressed by with Yunel is that he has shown alot more patience this year than last without letting it detrimentally affect him. His pitches per plate appearance has gone from 3.54 to 3.82 thus far. Even more importantly, he seems to be able to adjust from at bat to at bat and even pitch to pitch to determine the level of aggressiveness needed. Late in games, he seems to be alot more patient trying to get himself on base.
By TexasBrave
May 10, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I know this has been mentioned before, but since it looks like Blanco is going to get more playing time now why not have him bat lead off versus right handed pitchers? Then versus lefties have Escobar lead off and bat Diaz second since he seems to rake vs left handed pitchers.
Lets see if Blanco can handle it. Can he do worse than KJ right now? If he does, then I am with Braveheart, let Kotsay lead off.
By rupert
May 10, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
in the words of former giant great jim fassel “this team is going to the playoffs”
and in the words of former indians great lou brown (in reference to the last play last night) “get in front of the damn ball (bennet), don’t give me this o lay b******”
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP (SURPRISE)
By TPM
May 10, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Memo to all those people complaining that Tom Glavine can not get a break ( Steve West 680 AM included) - He has started 6 games and pitched 29 innings. That equates less than 5 innings a start. You need to pitch 5 innings to get a win. Bobby left him in way too long last weekend to help him back his way into a win and still only got 4 2/3 innings out of him.
He pitched well last night but the other starter pitched better. That’s baseball. Take your blinders off and stop making excuses for him.
By Evangelio Gonzalez
May 10, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
I am tired of seeing our Braves loose by one run. Good teams find the way to win those games. the Braves think they are a great team, but the truth of the matter is that they are not. They do not how to manufacture runs, they get men in bases all the time and we can never get a hit or a fly ball to score. Texeira is not doing what we expect him to do. Now the opposite pitchers are walking Chipper to pitch to Tex, and it works, that has become a problem because they are taking the bat out of Chipper’s hand. Bobby is overworking our pen to the maximum, by the end of the year all of them are going to be in worn out.