AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime to rest the RF, try a new leadoff hitter?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seems like plenty of activity on the ‘ol blog today (for a Saturday, that is), so your C.E. thought, why not crank out a new one for the denizens? Especially since we’ve got a day game tomorrow and it’ll be a pain getting one done before that first pitch.
So here goes, while I enjoy this pulled pork BBQ sandwich (with slaw and a slice of tomato; guess that’s how they do it here in the Steel City. Gotta say, it’s good).
Speaking of sandwiches, per our discussion this morning, I just found out there’s a Primanti Brothers right here in PNC Ballpark. Actually two of them, though the one on the rich folks’ level is supposedly much better because they make the sandwiches to order, just like in the outstanding restaurant itself.
That’ll be lunch tomorrow. But it will be difficult for it to unseat the all-time best ballpark sandwich though. Where’s that? Glad you asked. None other than Shea Stadium, where Mama’s of Corona has a stand. The best sandwich, bar none. Actually, the best concession food I eat at any ballpark.
But let’s get to the blog itself. The meat of the blog, rather than the sandwich.
Kelly Johnson … time to drop him in the order.
You all know I really like Kelly, think the world of his potential as a hitter, etc. Great guy. Fine interview. That said, this isn’t working, him at the leadoff spot.
Or I should say, when he’s in a groove, yes, it works. But he’s too streaky a hitter to hold down that spot atop the order, if you ask me (or even if you don’t ask, for that matter).
Folks, Kelly is 9-for-38 with five doubles in his past 10 games, and six of the hits and all the doubles came in those back-to-back games against Cincy May 3-4. In the other eight of his last 10 games, he’s 3-for-28 with no extra-base hits, one run, two RBI and eight strikeouts, including three strikeouts Friday.
Last season Bobby dropped him down in the order when Kelly was hitting far better in the leadoff spot than he is now. Time to do it again.
As I’ve said before, I think Escobar and Kotsay at the top of the order works best with this personnel. Or when Blanco is in the lineup, he could lead off.
Kelly’s not in the NL’s top 10 in leadoff on-base percentage at .325. Actually, he’s 25 points behind No. 10 Cristian Guzman (and 115 points behind Rafael Furcal, but that’s another story).
Last season Kelly had a .372 leadoff OBP, most of that foundation established in his strong first half.
He’s struggled more often than not since the end of August, with 4-5 game stretches of hot hitting mixed in. Since Aug. 28, Kelly has hit .231 (45-for-195) with nine doubles, five homers, 20 RBI, 23 walks, 43 strikeouts and a .311 OBP and .354 slugging percentage.
While we’re p’ing off people…. Remind me, why is Jeff Francoeur playing every single game, night after night after night. Why? Bobby Cox has always been exemplary at knowing when to rest guys, knowing how to give them a day off here, a day off before an off-day there (to give them two days off while missing only one game), that kind of thing.
And then there’s Francoeur, who plays every day and virtually every inning, regardless of whether he’s surging, skidding, aching or limping. Every day.
He has the longest active playing streak in the majors. So what? His streak is, what, one-eighth as long as Cal’s? He will almost certainly never play as many as one-fourth as many games as Ripken did, unless Francoeur avoids all serious injury and continues to play for Bobby for a long time.
He’s got a cannon arm and throws out guys and prevents others from running. But that’s not enough to counter that he looks sluggish at the plate and could simply use a day to refresh.
So why not just take the decision out of the kid’s hands now, take some pressure off him, and sit him a day? For the love of…. Anyway, why not just move Kotsay over to right field for a day, play Blanco in center, and be done with this streak, before it gets even longer and the pressure to keep playing him grows even more.
Francoeur had two homers and seven RBI at Washington on April 12. Since then? He’s hit .244 (22-for-90) with 10 doubles, no homers, 11 RBI, a .307 OBP and a .356 slugging percentage in 23 games.
On the road in that span, he’s hit .244 (9-for-40) with a .256 OBP in 10 games. That coincides, by the way, with the Braves’ 2-8 record in that 10-game road span.
It certainly isn’t all his fault. Not even close. But it’s played a part.
God bless him for wanting to play every day, for never complaining about aches and pains and such. But enough.
And another thing: Slow-starting Tex got going, but now he’s struggling again. In his past eight games, 6-for-28 (.214) with one double, two RBI. In his past 16 games, a .262 average with no homers in 61 at-bats.
He’s drawing plenty of walks, got a high OBP throughout that period. But hey, let’s not kid ourselves. Braves (and Chipper) could really use a little power surge from the cleanup hitter.
OK, gotta get down to the clubhouse now. Talk to you later.
“BOOTS OF SPANISH LEATHER” by Bob Dylan
Oh, I’m sailin’ away my own true love,
I’m sailin’ away in the morning.
Is there something I can send you from across the sea,
From the place that I’ll be landing?
No, there’s nothin’ you can send me, my own true love,
There’s nothin’ I wish to be ownin’.
Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled,
From across that lonesome ocean.
Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine
Made of silver or of golden,
Either from the mountains of Madrid
Or from the coast of Barcelona.
Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night
And the diamonds from the deepest ocean,
I’d forsake them all for your sweet kiss,
For that’s all I’m wishin’ to be ownin’.
That I might be gone a long time
And it’s only that I’m askin’,
Is there something I can send you to remember me by,
To make your time more easy passin’.
Oh, how can, how can you ask me again,
It only brings me sorrow.
The same thing I would want today,
I would want again tomorrow.
I got a letter on a lonesome day,
It was from her ship a-sailin’,
Saying I don’t know when I’ll be comin’ back again,
It depends on how I’m a-feelin’.
Well, if you, my love, must think that-a-way,
I’m sure your mind is roamin’.
I’m sure your thoughts are not with me,
But with the country to where you’re goin’.
So take heed, take heed of the western wind,
Take heed of the stormy weather.
And yes, there’s something you can send back to me,
Spanish boots of Spanish leather.
Comments
By David-ATL14
May 10, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Agree on all fronts DOB!
Kelly needs to drop to the #7 spot and Frenchy is overdue for a game or two away.
By UGA75
May 10, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Most ball clubs have a couple of players that can carry a team when they are in a hot streak. Chipper has done all that is humanly possible, McCann has done it occassionally. But other than Frenchy 2 great games hitting, and Kotsay’s couple of games Chipper looks like he’s on a island. Someone has to step up, or the Braves will be lost before July 4 and looking to sell rather than buy.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 10, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
12th?
Excellent blog, DOB. Could have read my mind (or vice versa).
The past two years I’ve been almost a much a KJ booster as Shaun, but he just isn’t getting the job done at the top of the order.
I like Blanco-Yunel vs. righties and reverse the two vs. lefties — or Yunel-Kotsay vs. southpaws.
Or — dare we suggest it — a platoon? Yunel-Infante vs. lefties?
Oh the humanity.
By Bobby's Cox
May 10, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
David Friggin’ O’Brien
Excellent Blog.
Lets see if the denizens rip you a new one liked they’ve ripped me for saying pretty much the same thing since week 2 about KJ.
Folks, Kelly is 9-for-38 with five doubles in his past 10 games, and six of the hits and all the doubles came in those back-to-back games against Cincy May 3-4
Shaun’s gonna be p** cause he doesn’t think that when all the numbers come in few games it’s bad.
By brent a.
May 10, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
No secret. We need a guy who can get on base and wreak havoc at the top of the order. We also need Bobby to let that guy loose once he gets on base.
I know these guys don’t come cheap, but, they can be worth their weight in gold if you can get one.
By rupert
May 10, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
totally agree on kelly and frenchy,
not that it has anything to do with hitting leadoff, but if kelly gets that bunt down last night the braves win the game probably, little plays like that cost you a one run game…
By BravesFanInRockies
May 10, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
12th?
Excellent blog, DOB. Could have read my mind (or vice versa).
The past two years I’ve been almost a much a KJ booster as Shaun, but he just isn’t getting the job done at the top of the order.
I like Blanco-Yunel vs. righties and reverse the two vs. lefties — or Yunel-Kotsay vs. southpaws.
Or — dare we suggest it — a platoon? Yunel-Infante vs. lefties?
Oh the humanity.
By jimmac
May 10, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I mentioned this earlier, but I’ll repeat for the new blog - great column by Tom Boswell at washingtonpost.com on Madddux, Glavine and Smoltz.
By macdwolfpack
May 10, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, I love Bobby Cox, but I am beginning to think like an old player that maybe he needs to recognize his end time has come. When a team performs this bad on the road and in 1 run losses then you have to start looking at leadership,especially when their situational hitting is abysmal as the Braves is. Atlanta must be leading the universe in double plays hit into. Might just be (as much as all of us hate to say it) for Bobby to either step down or start transferring some of the decision making to younger assistants. Of course I have to say I’m not really sold either on what Pendelton has done, so I’m not sure I’d transer anything to him. He has to bear a lot of the responsibilities for the Braves erratic hitting and run production over the last couple of years. 10 runs tonight, then 1-2 runs for 3-4 games against inferior talent,usually caused by terrible situation hitting. Maybe that is caused by fatigue,but with so much of it you have to start holding somebody in management accountable at some point for this inconsistancy.
Yes, I do agree with you on Johnson, I have never ever thought he was a leadoff hitter and I still don’t. I also think Franceour’s performance is down from last year as well and agree some rest might be due. If Franceour was hitting like Chipper I’d have him in every game, but he’s hitting more like THorman than Chipper.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 10, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the double post. Stupid DSL hiccup.
Check out DOB’s story on the home page about Chuck “One Pair” James.
A question: Are professional athletes not allowed to frequent shopping malls while they’re on the road?
By RichmondBrave
May 10, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
My batting order tonight Escobar Kotsay Chipper McCan TEX Blanco(Rf) KJ Diaz But we all know BC will not make changes like that this early in the year when it could make a difference. We need something to light a fire on the road. All the missed opportunities and DP’s are going to keep us in 4th or even 5th place. We have no situational hitting. Where is the bunt with 1st and 2nd with not outs like Pitt did last night. We just swing away and hit into ANOTHER DP.
PLEASE change something!!!
By Bobby's Cox
May 10, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
[Tex} is drawing plenty of walks, got a high OBP throughout that period. But hey, let’s not kid ourselves. Braves (and Chipper) could really use a little power surge from the cleanup hitter. DOB
Shaun would argue that the walks are just as good as a hit, and a good OBP is excellent! Wrong. Not to undermine walks, but what you do with a pitch is more beneficial to your team than taking a 4 or 5 pitch walk. If teammates can see how you approach the pitcher it will help them adapt a similar approach for success. Tis why it was no joke that the offense exploded in prados starts in the leadoff spot….IMO.
DOB maybe in your next interview with Bobby you can ask him or give him hints about benching Frenchy & moving down KJ: “Have you thought about giving Frenchy a day off?” Followed by, “Don’t you think that would help him in the long run?” Or, “Have you considered moving KJ down in the order?” Followed by, “He’s hit good in the 7 spot before, do you think that would take pressure off him and he could duplicate his success there?”
Not to knock on the job you’re doing DOB, you do an excellent job for us.
By Yars
May 10, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
I think it’s obvious that Yunel can hit anywhere in the lineup. He’s the perfect candidate to hit leadoff if Bobby does decide to move KJ to the #7 or #8 hole, which he really needs to do starting tonight. Whatever happens, I just hope Bobby doesn’t start a platoon at 2B. We don’t need that. KJ’s overall numbers aren’t that bad. Move him down in the order & let’s see how he does. now playing: supermassive black hole by Muse.
By N8
May 10, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Nice blog DOB.
Precise and to the point, on all remarks.
Maybe Chase should be requesting that YOU be the next manager, rather than Gant.
All joking aside, you and I both know that Bobby will make those moves eventually, but he’ll do it when HE feels it is time to do it (maybe too late in the game), rather than when you or I (or even Gant in the booth), suggest.
Oh well. Sometimes feels good, to know you were one step ahead of a HOF manager at one point, huh?
By MLT
May 10, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I agree. Jeff could use a day off every now and again. Yes, Cox, usually knows when to rest a guy but there have been exceptions. Andruw Jones comes to mind. Could it be that a contributing factor in Andruw’s dramatic decline over the last year or so was the fact he played day after day, year after year?
By Earl
May 10, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
You sound pretty angry today, DOB. I agree with you though, with the way he’s walking I think I’d switch Escobar with Johnson and start giving Francoeur a day off somewhere, or at least take him out early in a blowout.
Do you think if there’s another injury Charlie Morton will get the next chance? He’s getting on a roll at Richmond.
By Patrick
May 10, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Not only is Francoeur struggling but I honestly think he is 0 for the season with a runner at third and less than 2 out. Can you check on that?
By Bowie
May 10, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, While in the Clubhouse (Stay out of the food) why don’t you ask Bobby about moving Kelly out of lead-off and giving Frenchy a rest. Watch out for Bill Acree he can sometimes show his anger. You’ve got it DOB. Can’t get anything past you. Go Braves!
By Bobby's Cox
May 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
DOB sounds like a braves fan, even though he says he’s a paycheck fan.
By Supes
May 10, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I know…the Braves have lacked the prototypical leadoff hitter since Raffy left for the Dodgers.
Should have been addressed then, it wasn’t and it hasn’t been since. It’s been leadoff by committee which is a little league way to go about it.
Step up Braves, make a trade for a true lead off guy, or promote Josh Anderson from AAA. From everything I’ve seen/read about the guy, he’s got the wheels and hitting game for that spot.
Either way, Braves solution isn’t on the current 25 man roster!
By mr baseball
May 10, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
There are basically only 2 options if KJ is dropped out of the leadoff spot:
1) Yunel and Kotsay 1-2; KJ and the LF 7-8. Probably the best bet, but bunches the lefties and switch hitters, making it easier for opposing managers to utiiize their lefty relievers. Both guys are also much more likely to ground into DPs than KJ.
2) Blanco & Yunel 1-2; KJ & Kotsay 7-8 in whatever order. Lots of folks like Blanco at the top because of his speed, but he can’t drive in runs and the jury is still out on whether he can hit Major League pitching. Why you would put your weakest hitter at the top of the lineup is beyond me. But those who mistakenly think that speed is a bigger deal in baseball than it really is believe guys like Pierre, Otis Nixon & Blanco were born to bat leadoff.
Chance the manager abhors tinkering with his lineup. He’ll make adjustments depending if a righty or lefty is pitching and will shift guys a little if one of his main bats is sitting out and is being replaced by Corky, Prado, whoever.
But he will not under any circumstances move guys around in the order from day to day based on who’s hot, who’s not or who has a history of failure/success against the opposing pitcher.
He left Bret Boone in the 2 hole for an entire season; would have left Andruw at cleanup all last year if the team didn’t trade for Tex; and kept Willie Harris in the leadoff spot weeks after he quit hitting altogether.
Until KJ starts to approach the Mendoza line — or Kotsay gets up to around .333 or so — the lineup ain’t gonna change any time soon. Unless, of course, Cox has a senior moment and forgets that KJ is his leadoff hitter.
By Bobby's Cox
May 10, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Not even Joe Torre is that patient with AJ.
Not sure if you guys said this in the last blog but supposedly the dodgers are sending him to doctors & eye specialists to see if there’s anything wrong with him.
See you all later…going to disneland.
By AMG
May 10, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Do the Pirates have a lefty going tonight?
Might be a good chance to rest Kelly, but will probably need to keep Jeff in there until the Braves see a righty.
By Jake Mabe
May 10, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB: Is Joe Simpson still recovering from his illness? He wasn’t in the TV booth last night…
By McFann
May 10, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog, Chief.
Gotta agree with you on Francoeur…
By Savannah Guy
May 10, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, maybe in your next interview with Bobby you can ask him or give him hints about benching Frenchy & moving down KJ: “Have you thought about giving Frenchy a day off?”
Bobby’s Cox: It would be less disruptive and annoying for O’Brien to, instead of trying to manipulate Cox, just take one for the team. First he could visit a local doctor’s office lobby, find a pretty lady with the flu, give her a big fat kiss, swap spit for a while then go straight to the Braves clubhouse and give Frenchy a big fat, well… maybe just sneeze on Frenchy. Less dangerous and not nearly as cringe worthy.
Four problems solved with a kiss and a sneeze. Streak over, Jeff rests, pressures off and Braves benefit. That and David could meet a very nice lady in the doc’s office. Of course this clandestine flu bug transfer mission will require that Carroll Rogers take over the blog a few days while DOB is convalescing at home with chicken noodle soup.
AJC Headline: “O’Brien gives one-catches one-gives one and takes one for the team. Will return soon.”
By dogmeat
May 10, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
AJ was used as ph last couple games. 160 ba 1 hr. 4 rbi.
By Savannah Guy
May 10, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Has Joe Simpson been around Frenchy? Hmmm…
By TexasBrave
May 10, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
My batting order tonight Escobar, Diaz, Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, Kotsay, McCann, and Johnson. Reasoning is that Diaz usually rakes vs lefties and batting McCann because it just takes too many more hits to drive him in. How many times have we seen this year that he doesn’t score on a double from first or a single from second. Another reason to bat him seventh would be so he could clean-up with all the hitters getting on base in front of him. Kelly 8th because with his patience he could draw walks in front of the pitcher who could bunt him over and score on a single from the lead off guy.
So why not just take the decision out of the kid’s hands now, take some pressure off him, and sit him a day; before it gets even longer and the pressure to keep playing him grows even more. DOB
An excellent point. The longer the streak gets the more difficult it will be to sit him out of a game. Wait until the next game vs a right handed pitcher and give him a game or even two off. Perhaps let Infante or Norton get some playing time in right.
By eric the elder
May 10, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Maybe rest Francoeur, but not tonight. Yesterday, he hit two rockets to right field, which MIGHT be an indication that he is trying something different. If he falls back into old habits, then yes, rest him.
KJ’s inability to get a bunt down last night, which probably resulted in our losing the game, might have been the final straw for Bobby. Or at least it should be.
Before I buy into Yunel leading off, maybe someone can help me out with stats. It seems to me that his sweet areas are right and right center. When he pulls, he seems to be rolling over on the ball and hitting weak grounders. Just a feeling I have, and no data.
At least against righties, I lean more toward trying Blanco at lead off.
By Cooper
May 10, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Excellent blog DOB. You nailed two key problems that need to be addressed (among many).
Please feel free to offer the idea or pose the question to BC. “How long are you going to stick with this dance card Bobby b/c it is not working.”
Better yet ask Wren. You will achieve hero status if you do. :)
P.S. Any chance the Braves inquire about the A’s Harden. I have a feeling he is going to come back solid but being a slight question mark (health wise) the As may be willing to let him go.
The guy can be (has been) great and is only 26. I know he also has some injury issues but nothing that looks like a show stopper.
Hudson Glavine JJ Harden JOJO/Bennett/James/Morton dance card until Hampton (barf) can pitch again.
By john
May 10, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
So- dave, is it off limits to suggest to bobby, or simply ask him if he has thought about giving francoeur a day off?
By Goodoleboy58
May 10, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
It’ll be interesting to see if the eye doctor comes back with anything… I’ve been wondering that myself since last year… I wish him well
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s lineup: 1. Omar Infante (2B); 2. Escobar; 3. Chipper; 4. Tex; 5. Francoeur; 6. McCann; 7. Diaz; 8. Kotsay; 9. Chuck….
Not only is Francoeur struggling but I honestly think he is 0 for the season with a runner at third and less than 2 out. Can you check on that?Patrick
Yes, I can. Francoeur is 5-for-26 (.192) with runners in scoring position and less than two outs.
He’s 6-for-16 with RISP and two outs.
By Random
May 10, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
DOB: “Slow-starting Tex got going, but now he’s struggling again.” (.256/.349/.414)
A Modest Proposal
Until Mark Charles Texeira “cowboys” up and gets his BA up to .280 or his SLG up to .500, he shall be known here as “Tesh”, a nickname not only more phonically correct, but also with more current applicability (he’s still got those good hands at first) than “Tex”.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Not only is Francoeur struggling but I honestly think he is 0 for the season with a runner at third and less than 2 out. Can you check on that?Patrick
According to baseball-reference.com, Frenchy is 3-for-13 (.231) in said situation. He also has 2 walks (one of which was intentional), 2 strikeouts, 2 sac flies, and one GIDP.
On yesterday’s blog, I posted some stats on how Francoeur has been doing since his 7-rbi game. I’ll post them again so that they’re here:
By dogmeat
May 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Bobby”s Cox- Eye Dr. said he was OK. That was on Thursday. Why is everyone a scaredy-cat to ask Cox a question? Chop Chick’s not!
By Mike
May 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Great blog DOB…This is my first first post Agree with you on all parts…and I have some ideas about our wonderful team and some things to share… We need to give Blanco a chance to play everyday and bat leadoff. I think they should try this b/c he is a great hitter and has speed. We are losing these 1 run games b/c we cant play small ball. We need to get back to playing scrappy pesky small ball, AND THEN killin them with the long ball. We need to remeber to walk, steal, bunt, etc… My line up would be as follows… Blanco LF/CF Escobar SS Hoss 3rd Tex 1st Bmac C Frenchy RF (after a few days off) KJ 2nd Kotsay/Diaz CF/LF (occassional platoon) As far as pitching…We need Wren to find us a dependable #3/4 guy that could help anchor the rotation for some years. I know that will be very hard, and it will cost. I dont want to mortgage the future, but we have alot of peices that are good that we will not need in the future and we should use them to get what we do need. With Mike “not that we realied on him anyways” Hampton, Tommy and Smoltzie all probably gone next year, we will have serious need for an experienced dependable #3/4 guy in our rotation… and we could use him now. Sooooo…Get that guy and then you’ve got… Huddy Tommy JJ (insert new guys name here) Jo Jo/Chucky Bullpen will be stout with or w/o Soriano when Smoltzie and Gonzo are back…What do you think?
By chase
May 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
N8
You start off the day taking shots at me while I’m not here to defend myself? What’s that about man? LOL!
I don’t want GANT to be th emanager but I bet if he was he’d already made some of those moves DOB suggested and at least he ain’t afraid to attack COX’s decisions on the air and say what MOST of us are thinking….
I think it is definitley time to shake things up (at least on the road)
Try really shaking the lineup up for a game…
Like they talk about some old manager broke a streak by tossing names in a hat and drawing for batting order…
I don’t think I’d go that extreme but what about…
Kotsay
Blanco
TEX
Chipper
Escobar (high contact and walk guy
McCann
Frenchy/Diaz
Infante/KJ
Is that lineup TOO far out there?
Maybe that’s what they need on the road to break this up..
Whaddya think? Any other ideas?
By Patrick
May 10, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB,
And those number are terrible. They are terrible from his numbers in that situation last year and for a guy that will not sign a long-term extension because he wants a peak year before he’ll sign so he gets maximum $$$
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Now playing on the stadium PA during BP: Springsteen and the Sessions Band’s “Pay Me My Money Down.”
Yesterday they played some Zevon during BP.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Oh, and as expected, Carlyle was DL’d to make room for Chuck (retro DL to yesterday).
Smoltz hopes to throw here in Pittsburgh, talked to him before game. Tomorrow is two weeks without throwing for him. He actually hadn’t even picked up a ball until today, when he’s out shagging fly balls in the OF during BP as we speak.
But he’s throwing them in underhanded, per orders. They’ll test him again tomorrow, resistence stuff, etc, and see if he’s ready to do light throwing.
By albanian braves fan
May 10, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
boots of albanian leather just as good. much cheaper also.
By Chop Chop
May 10, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
DOB mentioned Zevon. I couldn’t find this on YouTube anywhere, but you should be able to play it.
“Bill Lee” by Warren Zevon
By InCognito
May 10, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Bobby is going to start that platoon at 2nd again isn’t he…
By rupert
May 10, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, is this the start of a platoon, of course bobby wont admit it, but… not that in this case, like with diaz, it wouldnt be the right thing to do, on the contrary, might give kj some extra motivation or something
By Chris
May 10, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
I agree with everything you said!
By yunel is the man
May 10, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Chase I have always thought that lineup would be good if you could leave it like that. ON the other when diaz plays he wouldnt make a good 2 hitter (free swinger)
By chase
May 10, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else seen the BUSTER OLNEY article about the MUTS potentially releasing DELGADO?!
Wow how he has fallen…I might have to laugh at the MUTS if that happens…
The article talks about them trying to get XAVIER NADY back to play first..HAHAHA…he may not even want to go back there
By chase
May 10, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
JAQUES JONES was released by the TIGERS…
Anybody interested?
It is crazy that you got guys out there like EDMONDS, JONES, Frank THOMAS, and even BONDS who can’t find work..(I know Thomas caught on with the A’s but he was cut)
By yunel is the man
May 10, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Hey all yall KJ lovers!!!!!!! Do yall remember back in march when I said there would be a platoon by june and I got laughed at for three days. Well lets see looks like I am 20 days ahead of myself. thank god Bobby woke up or Wren may have shown Bobby who had the bigger brass balls.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
They just played Waylon (Dukes theme) before introducing the Braves. Ain’t nothing wrong with that, now….
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
If a barbecue is properly hacked, stacked, and slathered-down, you inevitably end up wearing part of it. If your shirt doesn’t look like you’ve been in a paintball battle when it’s time to leave, a refund is in order…
By Metropolitan Man
May 10, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
CHASE:
I’m curious, where is the link to that article on Delgado? I dont see it on ESPN. Thanks, appreciate it.
By Lew
May 10, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Well-The Mets must really have lost confidence in DelGado (justified, but…). They would have to pay him for the rest of this year AND a $4 mil buyout for next year, too. Wonder who they would get to play first for this year?
By McFann
May 10, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
AVGs of tonight’s lineup:
.333
.320
.413
.256
.263
.317
.290
.297
All except for spots 4 & 5, we got some really good averages goin’ out there. (But Infante’s only had one start, so it’s hard to judge him.)
Teixeira cann start heating up any time now and it wouldn’t hurt my feelings.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
O’Brien, sorry about that last post. I hope Chuck can give us five or six quality innings today, I’m just frustrated with watching the same problem contributing to the Braves woes in one run games.
As for Francoeur, His game streak is debatable. Cal Ripkin Jr. was questioned many times because he played through injuries and slumps, Frenchy is opening himself up for the same kind second guessing.
Took the kids to see Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr. was quit good in his portrayal of the character, although I’ve hardly read any of the comic books and am no authority on the subject. Stan Lee got his cameo, AGAIN. Somehow, I smell a sequal coming to a theater near you.
I can’t wait for the fourth installment of the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie series on May 22nd. Harrison Ford is my favorite actor of all time ! The first time I saw him on the big screen was when my Dad took me to see the Star Wars premiere in 1977. Funny as it may sound, I didn’t get to see American Graffiti until many years later on VHS.
Anyway , it’s almost game time. Maybe the different lineup will produce better results.
By Amber
May 10, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
*By Savannah Guy *
First he could visit a local doctor’s office lobby, find a pretty lady with the flu, give her a big fat kiss, swap spit for a while then go straight to the Braves clubhouse and give Frenchy a big fat, well… maybe just sneeze on Frenchy.
I’ll volunteer to step in and save DOB from kissing Frenchy… But that means I’d have to kiss DOB too… Got a pic of yourself I could see? LOL!
On a less joking note, I’d add one more thing to Frenchy’s problems - he’s stated several times that he was unhappy with his power numbers last year and is trying to increase them this year. Here’s a suggestion - DON’T. He had a fantastic year last year and I’d hate to see his overall offense suffer because he wants a few more appearances on “Touch ‘Em All.”
Chicks may dig the longball, but true baseball chicks dig a great OBP more!
By albanian braves fan
May 10, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
is time for catching fevers of baseball again.
watching if braves “straightened out”. last night not so straight.
problem for tonight is “chuckie james”. is pitching baseballs in very straight to batters. leaving from batter even more straight. so maybe not wanting “chuckie james” being straightened out. be crookedening, “chuckie james”!
By Risingstar
May 10, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Reading some stats from offensive:
2008 National League Ranks AVG R OBP SLG OPS .285 171 .353 .441 .794
1st 8th 4th 3rd 3rd
not bad, but look now at the pitching:
ERA BAA OPS SV QS 3.48 .234 .669 5 17 2nd 2nd 2nd 14th 2nd
pitching has been awesome, and if you consider all the inyuries on this team and the class of the pitchers that are or has been on the disable list, to rank 2nd on almost every category it’s amaizing, Cox and Mcdowell should be doing something good with the rotation, don’t even the same pitchers
the reason for the braves to be where they are is the lineup, the wrong placement of the pieces
1.- Kelly is not a lead off man, Cox have in Blanco a natural choice, Yunuel did pretty well last year in that spot and it’s doing very well this season, you have Kotsay too to start the game a position where he has been in the past, Infante could be another option.
2.- Tex is not producing in the 4th spot, why not try to change something there, move Tex to the 5th and bring Frenchy to 4th, this way Frenchy should have more protection and can see better pitches per turn.
3.- Penddleton should tie Frenchy’s bat with some chain to stop that first pitch swing until he have the first strike on the count.
So with a line up of:
1 Blanco 2 Escobar 3 Chipper 4 Frenchy 5 Tex 6 McCann 7 Kelly 8 Kotsay 9 ………
the line up looks more balanced, whit this moves you could expect two things:
1- to stay in the same place we are now, or
2- to wake up all those sleepers named Frenchy, Tex and Kelly and start rolling again
By Eleth
May 10, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
“Take him out back and shoot him?” What the heck. I’m aware that you are being sarcastic, but honestly, it’s hard to go from that to saying that you think he’s a great guy in just a couple of sentences. And it’s one night. braves.com has an article up exclaiming the praises of Johnson. Give this platoon Kelly stuff a rest. He has the night off. Go complain about Teixeira.
By eric the elder
May 10, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Escobar is a natural right side hitter. That’s why he’s batting second in the lineup. So why in the name of heaven to we have him bunting?!!
By TJ
May 10, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Why are we playing for 1 run in the top of the 1st?
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
See, all it took was to note no homers in 16 games for Teixeira, and boom! Next at-bat, home run.
By P-Town Brave
May 10, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Stupid move by Cox (AGAIN) to have our 2nd best hitter bunting over a runner…
BUT, did Tex get some DOB Blog karma there or what?!
By William
May 10, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
I like Blanco better as a lead off guy than Kelly. As far as Frenchy goes, he just doesn’t look comfortable at the plate. I think he is thinking to much. I don’t know how a day off can fix that other than clearing his mind and relaxing. I say let him play and he will figure things out. If memory serves me correctly, in 06’ he got of to a horrid start 3 for 33 or something like that. Then he got hot and had a good year. He’s 24 not 40.
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
great blog DOB, my thoughts exactly.
welcome back tex. that was a bomb.
By Pete H.
May 10, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Hmm, Tex appears to be getting well. I hope this is the start of a torrid streak for him. We need it.
By BravesFanChris23
May 10, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Well, the top of the 1st was an interesting sequence, but I’ll be happy with the end result. Tex nailed it.
By Ryan
May 10, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Any fellow denizens having trouble with their mlb.tv feed? Can’t watch the game but can get the gameday audio so it’s not all bad.
By Risingstar
May 10, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Eric the elder, to be a wining team you have to go to the basics, every 1st or 2nd bat even 3rd should be abble to bunt, thats baseball basics, if you do the small things you are going to be abble to produce more, why should we wait for a double or a hommer to bring in some runs, that’s basics are something the braves lack off, Cox is never thinking on advansing the runner to the next base he is always waiting for the big splash, if Boby starts sending more runners to steal bases or hit n run plays you have the players always in the game, and put some pressure on the rival
you should play to produce not wait to produce
By uga-brave
May 10, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
anyone that ever gets to the burgh and the pirates are home, pnc might be the best setting in baseball.
By TJ
May 10, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I really wonder if Yunel’s bunt was called by Bobby, or just the batter’s decision, bunting for a hit. Just made no sense.
No harm done, of course, with the 2 run blast by Tex.
Chipper’s down to .409… time to get hot again.
By Tomas
May 10, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, I totally agree with what you wrote. And I really think this slump from Tex is just a product of bad luck, he hits the ball hard every single time. He just hit a homer from the right side, its just a matter of time before the hits and homers start dropping for him.
By Yars
May 10, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
If KJ isn’t starting at 2B tomorrow, then we have to assume there is a platoon at 2B. Bucs throwing another lefty tomorrow, & another Monday.
By chase
May 10, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Metro Man
go to MLBTRADERUMORS.COM they have a an article on it as well as a link to the origianl BUSTER OLNEY article..
By james
May 10, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
dob, a couple of days ago u said that frank wren told u that cole rohrbaugh would pitch this week. seeing as its almost sunday, has there been some setback?
By eric the elder
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Risingstar, I’m sorry but your post is incomprehensible. If, as you say, Bobby never tries to advance the runner, then why did he have Yunel bunting??
My point was that Yunel hits to the right side with the best of them. Doing that could advance the runner or possibly score the run.
I appreciated your homily on the “basics,” and I’m sure I have much to learn from you.
By chase
May 10, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Tough luck for YUNEL and the Braves…GANT and BOOG are right..that is the kind of flucky crap that is happening constantly on the road!
By McFann
May 10, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Great job, Chief!
By albanian braves fan
May 10, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
obrien is mentioning “the meat of the blog”. risingstar is mentioning “produce”.
is sounding like supermarket! only dairy products is missing.
By Singindablues
May 10, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
If Francoeur is really set on a consecutive games played streak then that is very disappointing. That has to be one of the most selfish stats in baseball. Because that means he will try to play in some games when he really has no business being in the lineup and becomes a liability instead of contributer. I admire players who tough it out thru nagging injuries to play but at some point it’s up to the manager to sit a player for the good of the team. And last time I checked the success of the team far outweighed individual stats.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
James, Frank’s not on the trip and minor league pitchers in extended spring training do not come up in conversations with folks here with the major league team. Sorry, but I don’t have time to check on a matter that’s not of concern to the major league team right now.
By the goche
May 10, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Wow, how on earth do you miss that call, then it immediately costs us a run. That wasn’t even close! Just a terrible call.
Tough luck for Mac too.
By chase
May 10, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
WOW…replay of last night…an UMP BLOWS a call and it costs the Braves…
Sure the HR would’ve still been there BUT it would still have been a tie game….
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Eleth, you OK? I’m gonna actually go back and change the wording, since your sensibilities have been jolted by my sarcasm regarding Kelly.
By McFann
May 10, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
That guy was SO OUT at first base!!! That ump shoulda been watching the glove, not the bag!
I’m watching under protest. The game it tied 2-2.
By N8
May 10, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Guys, I might have to quit watching this team. I literally think I’m bad luck.
JUST walked in the door, and the FIRST pitch I saw, was the 2-run HR from Bay.
Unreal.
By chase
May 10, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Here we are..DOWN BY ONE-RUN on the road AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By albanian braves fan
May 10, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
is “chucking”. typically.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Just great ! The 1st base ump completely blows the call at first base on the pick off throw and the very next pitch goes out for a two run bomb.
Not to mention the bad luck of having our lead off hitter erased twice already after getting on base leading off the the first and third innings.
By Jeff321
May 10, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
WOW! I’m watching the Pirates feed on MLB.. And even their announcers said Tex tagged Michaels’ out.
Oh yeah, KJ needs to be moved down the order and Frenchy looks lost at the plate. But, then again, isn’t Bobby Cox still the manager? So, I expect more of the same.
By eric the elder
May 10, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Going back to last night, that’s 3 consecutive attempted bunts that have failed.
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
This is pretty much the end of Tex’s spring training. He should be ready to light it up about now.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
O my GOD ! they did it again ! Kotsay is erased after another ineffective bunt. Thats the third time the Braves lead off hitter has reached base and been erased. Then the Pirates turn two and end the inning.
Unbelievable !
By northbeach Scott
May 10, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Chuck and duck. Thanks ump.
By Braveheart
May 10, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
is sounding like supermarket! only dairy products is missing.
Lots of milfs in supermarkets. Milfs have lots of milk in their melons. We need more MILFs.
By keylargo
May 10, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
DOB
I know this is unlikely, but that’s part of the blog. I know the Marlins payroll is about $23M and that the new stadium is years away for them. The question is what would it take in addition to Escobar to get Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins. I don’t think the average Braves fan realizes that Ramirez will be another A Rod type player. He’s 25, 6’3” 210, hit .330 with 29 homers last year. The Marlins are talking to him about 6 years @ $70M. That’s affordable.
By eric the elder
May 10, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Okay, folks, it’s time for my annual lecture: We cannot go back in time and change something and then assume that everything following that event would remain the same.
We are saying that the ump’s blown call cost us a run because, if he had gotten it right, Bay’s homer would have been a solo shot.
But if the runner had been called out, as he should have been, there is no reason to believe that Bay still hits the homer. With an out and no one on base, the pitch sequence is probably different, Chuckie is less distracted, etc.
We hear this faulty reasoning all the time - - even from announcers.
By Original Jon
May 10, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
After Omar grounded into that double play, I was sure that Atlanta lead the league in that stat. But surprisingly enough, we dont, but we are tied for 4th. And Mark Kotsay leads the team with 7 GIDP.
By AMG
May 10, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
I’m going to start putting a dollar in my piggy bank everytime the Braves hit into a double play … I should have a full bank by the end of the year.
By TJ
May 10, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Not much future in whining about blown calls (which that was, without a doubt).
Braves vaunted offense has put up 4 runs in 15 innings against the worst pitching staff in the NL.
Score some runs, and these things aren’t such a big deal.
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
For the fourth time, the lead off man gets on base and again, he gets erased here in the sixth inning.
UN-FREAKING BELIEVABLE !
The Braves have a two run bomb and so do the Pirates.
The difference on the scoreboard is that double steal in the Pirates second inning which led to the sacrifice fly for the third Pittsburgh run.
By couldawouldashoulda
May 10, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Let me begin by saying I absolutely love the blue jerseys. When I saw them on opening night I knew I had to have the hat. With that being said I think they may have cursed us on the road.
Soooo….
DOB, is there any way of knowing our record while wearing the alternate blues? I’m pretty sure Jair won a game wearing them, so I know we haven’t lost every time when in blue.
Also, has Smoltz continued to play golf with the hurt shoulder? I’m not someone who thinks playing golf is bad for players. If anything I think it helps them, especially pitchers. I was just curious.
By Shamus Thacker
May 10, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Did any of you notice Matt Ryan’s left hand in the passing photo on AJC SPORTS homepage? Looks kinda like my sister’s left hand when she throws cow chips…
By Don
May 10, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Cox has lost it, He needs to go. His current ability to motivate and coach is about equal to Woodson’s. Unfortunately, he will stay as the organization and other Cox backers will cry the “he needs to go out on his own terms” motto.
By The Goche
May 10, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
The freeze they did of that missed call at first is just perfect, because it’s one thing to see just how obviously out he was, but it’s a completely different to see just how great a view the umpire had.
He was right on top of the play when he missed it.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Braves had leadoff hits in the first, third, fifth and sixth innings, and a leadoff walk in the fourth … and NONE OF THOSE RUNNERS SCORED.
By David O'Brien
May 10, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Wow, intentional walk THERE? I don’t understand that move.
By northbeach Scott
May 10, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
chuck and duck, looks like a batting practice pitcher. Sheeesh, if I may borrow from McFann. At least now it will not be a 1 run loss.
By Original Jon
May 10, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Seriously, who needs pitching depth like this?
By Coach ( Braves In 2008 to the playoffs)
May 10, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
There you go. Chuck James, six innings, five runs and BOBBY BLEEPING COX puts his seventh best starter on the mound and lets him get lit up like a damn Christmas tree !
By McFann
May 10, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Aw, fine! 4-2! C’mon, guys, let’s score some runs!!
Sheesh.
By AMG
May 10, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Chuck James would even be around if he were right handed.
By Bi-Polar
May 10, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
This team is bi-polar.
Frenchy ain’t Cal Ripken yet he’s telling Bobby when he’s playing which is every day. Sorry folks, Frenchy is a decent player, and not anything more. He’s not a star ex