AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves: Two chances to win road game today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is everyone situated in their cubicles with the “boss button” ready to conceal what you’re really doing online? Good. Bosses, are you ready? Good. Folks at home, relaxing and drinking coffee (or having lunch), are you ready?
Then let’s play two, folks. Nothing like a doubleheader on getaway day, with the temperature in the upper 40s and a steel-gray sky over the Steel City skyline.
There’s a chance of showers most of the day, but probably not enough to stop play (he says, crossing fingers hopefully while glancing to make sure that, yes, that flight tonight is at 8:45 p.m. to Philly, and it’s the last one out. Yikes. And I’m already checked out of my hotel, my bags here with me in the pressbox.)
Just posted the lineup over at yesterday’s blog, but I’ll give it to you again here. For the 12:35 p.m. opener, 1. Infante (yes, at 2B instead of Kelly for the third straight time against a lefty); 2. Escobar; 3. Chipper; 4. Teixeira; 5. Francoeur; 6. Diaz; 7. Miller; 8. Blanco; 9. Jurrjens.
Asked Kelly about sharing duties lately with Infante, and he said, hey, he wants to play every, but that was all he was going to say. He’s not going to cause any problems or complain; not that kind of guy.
Bobby Cox is trying to get Infante playing time since he came off the DL last week. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts playing him some in center against lefties.
Kelly’s hit for a higher average against lefties (.286, 12-for-42) than against righties (.239, 17-for-71), but has nine of his 11 extra-base hits against righties, including all four of his homers.
Kotsay has hit .366 (26-for-71) with nine extra-base hits and a robust 1.022 OPS against righties, and .200 (10-for-50) with one extra-base hit and an .479 OPS against lefties.
Anyway, it’ll be interesting to keep an eye on.
Friday starter: We don’t know who the Braves will start Friday against Oakland, and they don’t decide until after they see how the pitching goes today.
I asked Bobby if he’d bring back one of today’s two starters, Jair Jurrjens or Tim Hudson, on short rest Friday and he said that was definitely a possibility. If Hudson comes out after, say, five or six efficient innings today, I think that’ll make him a likely candidate.
Jeff Bennett is the other obvious choice, provided Bobby doesn’t use him after today.
Last week a Braves official indicated to me that they want Charlie Morton to keep making strides at Class AAA Richmond before they considering bringing him up. If you look at his career, Charlie has really had less than a half-season of consistent success at any level in six-plus years in the minors (and that period of success is what he’s in now, which began last August).
He’s too valuable a kid to rush to the majors unless it’s an emergency. Of course, Friday could be an emergency, if the Braves have to use Bennett and everyone else this week, and if Hudson and Jurrjens throw a lot of pitches today.
When I asked Cox this morning about the possibility of Charlie pitching Friday, he said, “He’s thrown great. Not saying we would or wouldn’t, [just saying] he’s pitched good enough.”
Given that Jurrjens has never thrown 145 innings in any season, and had some shoulder problems late last season as his innings mounted, I’d guess Braves will be reluctant to bring him back on short rest. But that’s just a guess.
Coupon good for bullets: So I went to the Penguins-Flyers NHL playoff game last night, bought a $140 ticket from a scalper for $100 20 minutes before the puck dropped. And it was an awesome experience. Great atmosphere at the Igloo.
And I’m sitting next to the guy who’d sold the ticket I used to the scalper, after this guy’s buddy broke his leg and collarbone while riding ATVs with this dude the day before.
Anyway, this blue-collar Pittsburgh dude I’m sitting next to was a good guy, talked the entire game (when he wasn’t yelling “Philly you suck,” or “Hatcher you suck,” etc). Told me how he used to attend concerts at this old arena in the 1970s - Foghat, The Who, on and on. But his favorite moment was at Ted Nugent show, back when they’d still open the roof of the Igloo (now formally known as Mellon Arena) for some concerts.
“The Nuge was swinging on a vine, pointing at the roof as it opened,” this guy tells me, and he’s just smiling and laughing and reliving what clearly was a great night in his Glory Days (this guy’s Glory Days, and the Motor City Madman’s, too).
Anyway, all that was my setup to tell you what happened when the Penguins scored their third goal, which triggers the P.A. announcement of a promotion that gives ticket-holders a $10 discount on a $50 purchase at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
“Good deal,” the guy tells me. “I can get some bullets. Bullets are gettin’ damn expensive these days.”
Yes, he was being entirely serious.
OK, let’s get going. First, a quick tune. One of my favorites, and heard it last night at the hockey game.
”ROCKIN’ IN THE FREE WORLD” by Neil Young
There’s colors on the street
Red, white and blue
People shufflin’ their feet
People sleepin’ in their shoes
But there’s a warnin’ sign on the road ahead
There’s a lot of people sayin’ we’d be better off dead
Don’t feel like Satan, but I am to them
So I try to forget it, any way I can.
Keep on rockin’ in the free world,
Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
Keep on rockin’ in the free world,
Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Near a garbage can
Now she puts the kid away, and she’s gone to get a hit
She hates her life, and what she’s done to it
There’s one more kid that will never go to school
Never get to fall in love, never get to be cool.
Keep on rockin’ in the free world,
Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
Keep on rockin’ in the free world,
Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
We got a thousand points of light
For the homeless man
We got a kinder, gentler,
Machine gun hand
We got department stores and toilet paper
Got styrofoam boxes for the ozone layer
Got a man of the people, says keep hope alive
Got fuel to burn, got roads to drive.
Keep on rockin’ in the free world,
Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
Keep on rockin’ in the free world,
Keep on rockin’ in the free world.
Services »
Comments
By Serge
May 12, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I sincerely hope Bobby isnt going to platoon Kelly and Omar now this season. Kelly is far too good to be wasted in a platoon.
By DAP
May 12, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
on the torre, andruw convo….
the la times article quoted torre saying that he didnt think andruw was overweight, and ive never heard him say andruw was fat.
andruw has said that torre and bobby were very similar managers, and i definetly see that too. they seem to have very similar personalities, with torre being a little more mild-mannered.
By flange1
May 12, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
DOB,
That was a perfect lead in for “Gimme Back my Bullets”…..
By TennesseePaul
May 12, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog DOB.
GO BRAVES!!
By Lee in S. GA
May 12, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Great Neil Young song.
Go Braves; we need a sweep today.
By ReRon-NJ
May 12, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Please, oh please, give Frenchy a break in one of these games today…
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
It’s 47 degrees here. Let’s play two, indeed…
Forgot to mention, that guy with the long hair in the UPS commercials really annoys me. The guy with the sweater and the marker he uses to draw pictures of UPS trucks or planes. Annoying.
By DAP
May 12, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
DOB your hockey game friend seems like a cool guy. and it makes sense hes a nugent fan too…since hes concerned with the price of bullets! :-)
chipper seems to be cooling off, no? this would be a great time for tex to carry the team for a little bit.
By Dutchie
May 12, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Actually, it is dinnertime up here in NL. But I catch the drift. Nice song as well, allthough not in the ‘favorites’ in my world. Hope KJ sticks around. Infante is playing well, but I actually think KJ wasn’t doing too bad either.
Hopefully Jair will pitch another beauty today. Nice to start out with a DP.
Go Braves, let’s get these 2!
btw, McFann, I agree Chubby should be back in stead of Corky. Even if it’s just to see him hurling over the bags! :)
By Johnny G
May 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Kind of had the same deal at the RICHMOND BRAVES games. If they win, you can bring in the ticket for the same gig. Sad thing is, the game I went to cost me 2 canned good items. I sat in the first row (still no one comes to these games).
Used the coupon yesterday, got some new golf shoes and (golf) balls.
By Dutchie
May 12, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
And nearly forgot….. What’s the American fascination with guns and bullets about?? Is it just about feeling like a ‘man’….?? :)
By Fred From CT
May 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I seen that Glavine and Smoltz were at the hockey game last night. Glavine did a interview on versus during the game and smoltz was signing autographs for a kid with cancer. DOB did you see any of the other players at the game last night?
By geauxbraves2000
May 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
This team must lead the world in GIDP.
By Fred From CT
May 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I seen that Glavine and Smoltz were at the hockey game last night. Glavine did a interview on versus during the game and smoltz was signing autographs for a kid with cancer. DOB did you see any of the other players at the game last night?
By Randy S
May 12, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Had a good idea for a new stat: the percentage of throws in the dirt that a first baseman digs out. Obviously this stat would have its flaws (like any stat), but I think over the course of a season it could provide a decent gauge of (a facet of) a first baseman’s defensive performance. Does anyone know if this stat already exists?
By Dutchie
May 12, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
The similarity between my old teams catcher (Rene) and Corky is just earie….. He used to smoke a biiiiig cigar through his mask….idea for Corky????
Anyway, I unfortunately have to go to a game now. Hope it will be a great outing.
Go Braves!!!
grrrrr….linedrive dp…..
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Doing my scouting box for the Phillies series, marveling at Ryan Howard’s numbers against lefties: 9-for-61 (.148) with three homers, two walks, 29 strikeouts, .175 OBP, .344 slugging.
(Against righties he’s hit .190 with four homers, 20 walks, 25 strikeouts in 75 at-bats, .347 OBP.)
By bravesfan
May 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, I saw this on the Braves Minor League game-day thread, is this what you are hearing?:
Interesting note from the announcer(Fish).
He said that the R-Braves pitching plans would be up in the air until both Richmond and Atlanta complete their respective Doubleheaders today.
No surprise there, but he said that both Morton and Bueno are under consideration for possible callups to Atlanta be it short term or possibly more.
Don’t forget another Doubleheader next week(May 20th) against the Mets.
Seems to be almost a virtual lock that at least one of the Morton,Bueno duo will get look, possibly both, depending on factors in the Atlanta starting staff.
By Fred From CT
May 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
sorry about the double post my fault
By Champ
May 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Amen DOB! I hate that guy, and commercial.
By McFann
May 12, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
DOB—
I can’t stand that guy either! Ugh…
Har har, Dutchie.
By ncgary
May 12, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
hi dob obviously you censored the lyrics to dr. chris busbys country boy, but did you go to www.llrc.com and download it? for a scientist he has alot of musical talent
By eric the elder
May 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Hudson got to choose his catcher for the second game: Quirky or Huey.
Choosing McCann proves that Mama Hudson didn’t raise a dummy.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Another Phillies note: Closer Brad Lidge has converted all nine save opportunities and not allowed an earned run in 17 innings this season. He has a .136 opponents’ average with six walks and 18 strikeouts, and in his past 10 games he’s recorded 12 strikeouts with no walks in 10 innings.
By the way, Phils are off today while Braves are playing these two.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Im sorry…..but that was not GIDP.
By Braveheart
May 12, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
ive never heard him say andruw was fat.
Quotes from Torre about Andruw:
“I think he could have been in better shape in spring, but this is my first spring with him so I don’t have a measuring stick,” Torre said.
“I’m not saying he isn’t overweight, but I don’t think that it’s the problem. But it certainly doesn’t help when you are making a case for yourself.”
“If the weight is going to be an issue, it’s going to be July or August before it becomes a problem. It’s more the theory about carrying those sandbags on your back. The longer you carry them, the more effect, but I think this is too early to make that determination.”
Going into his own history, Torre said, “You’re talking to a kid who was 240 pounds when he was 16. I played at 228 and then went down to 208, but I hit .300 at 230 pounds.”
Torre basically said I was a fat boy who had to lose weight to reach my potential, Andruw is overweight and it’s only gonna get worse for him the longer he carries that weight.
That’s about as direct as you should be able to get out of a good manager.
Only an idiot like Steinbrenner would come out and directly call him a fat toad like Steinbrenner did to Hideki Irabu at one time.
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
The list of things that could go wrong with a catcher smoking a cigar is long - and all BAD.
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
This 4-13 record is on Bobby. He is a HOF manager but not the last year or two. He is too soft and too set in his ways. He is not agressive enough on the bases. He just doesn’t play each game to win like you do in the playoffs. We are the LOWEST in the league in steals.
Cox waits for the 3 run homer and when your offense is struggling, ESPECIALLY with all the DP we hit into, you have to get aggressive. For all of Bobby’s strengths and they are many….this is where he has always been weak.
Bobby Cox is also responsible for high gas prices.
By Randy S
May 12, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Chipper is using a wood-colored bat from the right side today instead of his normal black bat. Is he going with his heavier left-handed bat today?
By ManOfTeal
May 12, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Oh look the Marlins are finally making the headlines….All they had to do was have the best record in all of baseball….I see how it is.
Hey Braves, don’t get a crick in your necks too bad from looking up at the Marlins….Ha.
Go Marlins!!!!
By Cecil34
May 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
47 degrees = more arm and injury woes…..
When is this country going to warm up?
Where is all this dad-blasted global warming?
Baseball…meant to be played in warm weather!
Will the Gods co-operate?
By Salt Lake Brave
May 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, with baseball players being superstitus will the braves stop using there Alt Away Jersey? With all the things that have happened to the team while using them.
By TennesseePaul
May 12, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
I’m just glad to see a Marlins fan. It’s like spotting Sasquatch.
By CW
May 12, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Thanks as always for the blog David. Why isn’t Campillo being considered for spot starter duty? I thought he said he’d rather start in Mexican league than pitch out of the bullpen in the bigs. Now that he’s here he has pitched well and seems to have the temperment of a starter.
By DAP
May 12, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
dutchie What’s the American fascination with guns and bullets about??
i think it has alot to do with our history. the attitude that we are in charge of our government, and that the government isnt in charge of us, and the desire to be self sufficient, to feed ourselves, defend ourselves, ect.
you probably weretn really looking for an answer, but there you go! :-)
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Regarding Kelly Johnson, do you folks really think the Braves are going to give up on him after 30 games? Yes, maybe drop him in the order or rest him but show him the door?
I don’t think they will, but my point was that I don’t even want them to platoon the guy. Drop him in the order? Fine, but as I said, I am against a strict platoon. And I am not saying that is what the situation is, just merely saying that is not the route that we should follow.
DOB
I work in advertising and that UPS commercial is some of the worst traditional advertising ever created. I want to throw my remote at the television whenever he is on it.
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I vaguely remember a lot of folks saying Brad Lidge was going to be awful for the Phillies, a disaster in that park, etc.
By BT
May 12, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Tex??
UPS guy is a Met’s Fan.
By geauxbraves2000
May 12, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Infante 0-2, Escobar 0-2, CJ 2-2, Tex 0-2. Why does any team pitch to CJ right now?
Come on offense, WAKE UP! [get some Diet Pepsi Max if you have to :)]
Geaux Braves!!
By sri
May 12, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Norton replaces Tex.. is Tex hurt? Can somebody please tell Frenchy to take some pitches..
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Randy, Chipper has always used two different bats, one lefty and one righty. They are different weights and woods, from what I remember last time I asked him about it, a year ago I believe.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Big shocker: Tex out with back spasms. Leaving two Braves who haven’t had back spasms this season (just kidding, but it is remarkable how many of them have had the ailment).
By Plate Appearance
May 12, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
TEX TROUBLES
When the Braves traded for Tex, I know JS indicated he thought the Braves stood a chance of signing him.
But how realistic an assessment is this with Boras as his agent?
Also the Braves had to know that Tex (and primarily Boras) would indeed not just want, but demand a $20 million plus price tag.
And Wren has already alluded to not wanting to be “top-heavy” in salary toward any one player.
Face it: TEX IS HISTORY! HE’S AS GOOD AS GONE!
So if Tex is already gone realistically, as far as salary constraints and Boras constraints are concerned, why not trade him?
Granted, he may heat up, much like he did at the end of last season. But unless the Braves truly are in the playoff hunt toward the trade deadline, I think the best move would be to trade him.
Aren’t both the Marlins and A’s proving that you can win without overly priced players on the payroll?
Is anyone really worth 20 million plus? I don’t think so, unless a club has money to burn — like the Yankees.
*Trade Tex by the deadline! *
I’m truly tired of players who want a “break the bank” salary — and then hire greedy and self serving Scott Boras to get it.
It only spells trouble — Tex troubles!
By OrlandoFan
May 12, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Watching on gametracker… Why is Norton in for Tex?
By DAP
May 12, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
hm….looks like tex is injured. it seems like a few of our guys (chipper, johnson, pena, now tex) have caught the back-bug from kotsay.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
That’s Chipper, Kelly J., Brayan Pena and Tex who’ve all had back spasms in the past couple weeks or so.
Noticeably absent from the list: Kotsay.
Go figure.
By Sid
May 12, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
DOB- What happened to Tex?
By Peter Mariano
May 12, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Anyone know why Tex is out…and DOB besides Jose Reyes the UPS guy is the most annoying person on the face of the earth!
By DAP
May 12, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
aaaaaaand chipper is 3-3.
By Randy S
May 12, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
DOB Yeah, Chipper’s LH bat is an ounce heavier. Apparently it’s the same bat he’s used his whole professional career. I believe Clarence Jones got him using a lighter bat right-handed (though I could be wrong on this origin). But Chipper’s LH bat is usually wood-colored and his RH bat is usually black so he can tell them apart. Today, a wood-colored bat RH.
By TURTSNAP
May 12, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Yep DOB, I was about to say, what is the deal with the frigging back spasms!!! Geez.
I agree with your article the other day about Frenchy. Need to sit him.
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Think we could get Knowshown Moreno to play on the Braves until September? How much fun would that be? Maybe he could give some life to this dead bunch. Just no spark at all - NOTHING. Bring back Marcus Giles - anything to get some sign of enthusiasm.
By Braveheart
May 12, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
score some freaking runs!!!
By Bailey
May 12, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Chipper wont get another pitch to hit for the rest of the day. No Tex behind him, now.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
May 12, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Is Francoeur our new Andruw? How many runners on base has he left stranded in 2008?
By geauxbraves2000
May 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
This offense couldn’t get a clutch hit right now if you set the ball up on a tee.
Eventually things have to turn around, don’t they?
Geaux Braves!!
By Cody
May 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Another game against another lefty that we are making look like Cy Freaking Young. Francouer just screwed another scoring opportunity for us. This kid better be watching game two from the bench. Hell but Blanco in right and Kotsay in center for game two. Looks like another one run loss for the Bravos. This is really irritating the Braves have screwed the poooch several times today with men in scoring postions. Were are those clutch two out hits. DDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNN
By bigchiefrg
May 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
COME ON!!!!!
5 inns, 5 hits, 3 errs on pitt, 3BBs, 0 RUNS
I realize the sports line on ESPN game day can be misleading but this hitting on the road problem has to end. Can someone, anyone get us a hit?
Is it as bad as it looks so far… Is JJJ dealing as well as the #s look so far? That kid is for real.
By scott boras
May 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
i saw the frenchy interview. does MLB really fine players for using pink bat after the period?
By Cody
May 12, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
JJJ is flirting with disaster…
By BravesRule
May 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Oh well, here we go. Strand two. Walk the leadoff hitter and Diaz runs in a circle to get to a pop fly and misses it. This team just can’t get it together, and now a hit batsman. How many they gonna get? Game over again?
By scott boras
May 12, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
boy we need to score for jj. he could of been 6-2 right now
By Cody
May 12, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
JJJ GOING TO WALK THE DAMN PITCHER
By Bailey
May 12, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
If a run scores here, the game might as well be over.
By Cody
May 12, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
wow this kid throws three strait out of the zone to the pirates piture then knocks the next three right down the pipe. Impressive.
By 1957 Braves Fan
May 12, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Get Jair some runs.
By Greg in TN
May 12, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Bullets are gettin’ damn expensive these days
Another Holy Cornelia moment for the blog. Thanks Notorious one. Sounds like the Igloo was rockin’ last night. I really enjoy watching hockey, love the action at the puck and away and have a lot of respect for the skating skill involved.
Go Braves!
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Cant this team play in a way so I can stay positive more than a week?
Of course……..some will say……its only may, you have to be patient. I wonder I those same guys will later say, its only august, they will soon play as they can.
By Cody
May 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
WELL WE’RE DOWN 3-0 NOW AND WE COULDN’T TRADE TEX FOR RUNS NOW LOOKS LIKE WE WILL START GAME 2 AT .500 AGAIN. THIS ROAD s-h-i-t IS PERSSSSING ME OFF.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Just FYI: Braves have come back from a three-run deficit to win just once all season, in Tuesday’s 5-4 win against San Diego.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
……and just like that, the Braves are back to .500.
Frustrating. Very frustrating.
14-4 at home, 4-14 on the road.
11 difficult home games coming up…..
By DAP
May 12, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
this sux
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
GAME
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
So should Jurrjens go on Springer or Maury to talk about his lack of support? Yes, giving up three runs to the anemic Pirates was bad and it was a lot of his own doing, but for crying out loud, they keep letting Zach Duke off the hook. Must still have that $1 bet with his brother Mortimer. BTW, loved your suggestion for the song, flange. Nice touch.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
May 12, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
That’s it. I’m not wasting my afternoon listening to them get swept by the Pirates. Wake me up in 2010 when we maybe can play .500 on the road.
By wolfman
May 12, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
This team is lifeless !!!!………….what a joke to watch this crap on the road !!.Where was Escobar on that pop-up to help the citcus rout Diaz took to get to that ball. What a joke of a team !!!!
By Cody
May 12, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
our offense takes a huge hit when McCann isn’t playing. It is so painful to watch Corkey screw-up our line up. We should sweep today but our lack of hitting lefties and road woes just freakin continues.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 12, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
I’m afraid that while all of our guys might seem good independent of each other, they simply are not a good mix as a team. Not sure if that is enough to warrant a trade but I wold hope that Wren has some buttons ready to push.
By Original Jon
May 12, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Damn, another game Jurrjens is pitching well in and yet, we cant get the clutch two out hit to get him any runs. Pitiful.
By ernesto
May 12, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
if you’re going to walk the lead off hitter, let a mile high fly drop, then plunk a guy hitting .189 in the gizzard, the baseball gods are going to make you pay.
By TJ
May 12, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe Bobby is pulling JJ after 5 innings, to let Ruben Gotay bat with 2 out.
JJ has thrown 69 pitches. Geez, let the guy work into a game.
By Cody
May 12, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
BOBBY IS A FREAKING IDIOT WE ARE PLAYING TWO TODAY AND HE IS GOING TO START WIPPING THE BULLPENS ARSES NOW. WTF
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Well, Jurrjens is out of game. Only 69 pitches, so he could come back on short rest if that’s what they wanted to do Friday.
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
One of the coolest things about the Burgh (and there are many, including the Allegheny Incline and the Fort Washington Tunnel and the restaurant that serves the french fries in the sandwich) is going to the library at the University of Pittsburgh and standing at home plate of Forbes Field. The left home plate in place and built everything else around it. They left up the portion of the wall where Mazeroski’s HR went out to beat the Yankees. Cool stuff.
With two out, and a second game looming, I don’t know about having Gotay pinch hit in this spot. You need innings, unless Jurrjens is getting gassed. At 69 pitches, he ought to be good for at least two more innings. It’s not like Infante or Escobar are getting good hacks at Duke today, are they?
By eric the elder
May 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
5 innings, 69 pitches, and done.
Time to install IV bottles in the pen.
By Bailey
May 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I hope Escobar gets a chance here. He probably wont.
By Bailey
May 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I hope Escobar gets a chance here. He probably wont.
By Bailey
May 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I hope Escobar gets a chance here. He probably wont. Nevermind
By Bailey
May 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I hope Escobar gets a chance here. He probably wont. Nevermind…
By N8
May 12, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Ugly.
What you failed to mention in your “headline” to the blog, is that the Braves ALSO have 2 chances to lose road games today as well.
If they get swept today by the Pirates, somebody’s head needs to roll.
Bobby or TP. This offense is pathetic. No accountability on this team anywhere. Just a lot of jibber-jabber about how it’s “early”.
I don’t expect anybody to actually get canned. That would mean that ownership/Wren is expecting this team to succeed.
So, I’ll settle for Chipper “re-arranging” the visitors club-house at PNC.
If I’m Chipper right now, I’m asking for a trade. What more can the guy do?
By bravesfan
May 12, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, why is Jurrjens out after 5 innings with only 69 pitches?
By Cody
May 12, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Look everybody we just stranded runners again. Someone needs to tell the Braves teh object of the game is to get the runners home. they must feel like runners stranded are gonna count for something. This is F*ing stupied. Infante is making Johnson look like pete Rose is this game. Clutch hits fellas. DOB the braves have the wrong line-up in to make this game interesting.
By TJ
May 12, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
StingerSplash, the anemic Pirates average more runs per game than the Braves. But yeah, a lack of support claim by Jair would definitely be in order.
By JJJ
May 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Looking like JJJ will pitch on Friday at the TED after 69 pitches. Now let’s score some freaking runs!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, here’s a thought —
Perhaps the Braves should start wearing their home whites in road games. Or the Sunday reds. Or something. Anything to change this bad mojo …
By TennesseePaul
May 12, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Short outing for Jair. Perhaps in preparation for Friday? Or maybe to punish him for the bases clearing double… Or maybe it’s just too damn cold out there to care.
Chipper is lighting back up. Good to see.
By Cody
May 12, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
If Bobby doesn’t want to ruin teh Bullpen I would suggest he uses bennett for the rest of the game unless this contest goes extras. By the way the offense keeps leaving ducks on the pond I don’t see that as a problem.
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Cant this team play in a way so I can stay positive more than a week?
Of course……..some will say……its only may, you have to be patient. I wonder I those same guys will later say, its only august, they will soon play as they can.
I’m not overly optimistic but I’m not ready to jump off a bridge, either (although some think if you aren’t ready to jump off a bring you must be unrealistically optimistic).
Overlord, four or five games out and behind three teams is a whole lot different in May than in August. Please don’t oversimplify things.
By TennesseePaul
May 12, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Just FYI: Braves have come back from a three-run deficit to win just once all season, in Tuesday’s 5-4 win against San Diego
Yes. And that was a home game. These road trips… any chance Bud will just allow the team to play the rest of the schedule at Turner Field?
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Stinger, that’s Primanti Bros. Just ate my second sandwich in as many days from there, from the one here at the ballpark.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
you can already see braves players faces, they deep down know they have already lost this game and they still have to keep playing.
Its not funny. When braves are down after the 5th, you can almost certainly say they will lose. If Braves are leading by 2 runs or less after the 7th, nothing is written just yet.
Go figure.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 12, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Braves got the wrong memo today…It is ‘pink bat’ optional day, not pink skirt mandatory day. Damn.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
We are now in cruise control mode, road to our 3 straight. Boring!!!!!!
Same old story, Chipper 3 for 3……. rest of the team napping.
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
TJ,
Don’t go throwing facts into an argument. Their runs per game average aside, the Pirates are starting four players hitting .234 or worse in the Game 1 lineup and only two hitting above .280. There’s my anemic. But your point is well taken. And now Bennett has gotten himself into a fine mess. Splendid.
By Cody
May 12, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I am officially becoming a Rays fan if the Braves get swept today.
By Cody
May 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
I am officially becoming a Rays fan if the Braves get swept today. IF we don’t score this innning were through
By Mark T.
May 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Pretty soon, they are going to pitch around Chipper. Too many swing happy hackers on this team. When I suggested we trade Diaz in the offseason, DOB was going on and on about how the trades I spoke of didn’t make sense because they were giving Diaz the opportunity to be the every day left fielder because he just rakes and blah, blah, blah…he is raking -DIRT!!! We are about to lose another game to the Pirates and we’ve lost the season series to them as well…unbelieveable
By Chop Chop
May 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels of Love,
I think you hit the nail squarely on the head with your 2:01 post. I’ve actually felt that way about this Braves team the last two or three seasons. They just don’t seem to have the right mix of talent. How else to explain the sorry road record this year? Whenever I think about teams playing poorly on the road, I think of the old hockey adage about the road being where teams actually become a team. If a truly talented team can’t win on the road, that means they’re not playing for each other the way they should. I don’t know how a manager or a GM can change that, but Wren and Bobby are going to have to figure it out soon.
By Eric from MO
May 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
WOW! You all complain about JJJ is about to give away the game then you complain when he is pulled. There is no winning with you all. You all talk about how its a waste of your time to watch the Braves because they are a joke. Well stop watching. Geeze! This is another reason why ATLANTA FANS are the worse in the country.
By McFann
May 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Uh…that 5-4 win was on Thursday. Don’t wanna sound like an imp, just sayin’…
By Richie
May 12, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Lets see…the top 2 guys are 0 for 7, and the hitters 4-6 are 1 for 8, with a BB….We are really getting it done today guys….woooo!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I think Bennett threw more pitches in that hitless inning of relief than Greg Maddux threw in his 350th career win the other night. Ouch….
Bixler came to the plate with Crazy Train playing.
Which reminded me of last night (getting a lot of mileage out of the guy seated next to me last night). When Crazy Train came on before the third period, the guy gets all excited and says:
“Crazy Train, man! I saw Ozzie sing it here, with Randy Rhoads before he died!” (here the guy, this balding dude with a Penguins jersey and slurred speech — did I mention he’d spent the afternoon at a strip club? well, he had. Tradition, he said — here he does some air guitar, apparently in tribute to the late, great Randy Rhoads.
By Dave
May 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Does the second game start at 4 even if this first game is over quickly?
By DAP
May 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
how about greg norton? he has been awesome since getting here.
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Primanti Bros. … ah, yes. Mmmmm. With Rolling Rock on tap. Damn. Gettin’ hungry all over again. Glad you enjoyed the Pens-Flyers game. Don’t know how much hockey you have had the chance to cover in your career, but the word is, and I can attest, that hockey players are great to deal with. Nothing - nothing - like an NHL game live and in person.
By bigchiefrg
May 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
So, I’ll settle for Chipper “re-arranging” the visitors club-house at PNC. N8
I just spewed red bull from my nose
By kdbanks
May 12, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Two things:
I’m told the d’bag in the UPS commercials is actually the advertising guy who came up with the idea.
Also, John Donovan over at SI.com said this today:
“Ever notice how the mysterious “flu-like” symptoms that ballplayers so often come down with are often the same as “hangover” symptoms?”
DOB, is that a fairly accurate implication?
By 1957 Braves Fan
May 12, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Can’t score then can’t win.
By Turfman
May 12, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
seriously how many more people are we going to strand on base? that is 12 for the game so far. this is extremely frustrating. i am wasteing my time listening when i should be working.
By Renegator
May 12, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
DOB
When is the first tractor pull scheduled for Turner Field???
By N8
May 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Just another CLASSIC case of the Braves getting base runners (6 hits - so far), and plenty of walks as well (5 I think?), yet NOTHING to show for it in the way of runs.
But at the end of the day, they’ll end up with around 10 hits, which will allow all the homers to say….
“Yeah, but we’re leading the league in HITTING….our offense isn’t the problem”
It’s about timing of those hits, and so far this year, our timing SUCKS.
Period.
2 on again, after 2 outs.
Hard to win games, when your (ahem!) “rallies” start with 2 outs every inning.
Keep piling up the meaningless stats guys. You’ve got the optimists fooled.
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Diaz, the lefty killer, is 0 for 3 against lefties today. Oops, make that 0 for 4. The Braves have left 12 and six in scoring position on base today. What’s the opposite of clutch, I mean, besides A-Rod?
By PrincetonBrave
May 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Going for a LOB record today folks.
Yeah, DOB, UPS guy comment had me laughing. My wife wants to knife that guy.
By Eric from MO
May 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
OH NO!!! Cody may become a Rays fan! What will the Braves do no!!!
By DAP
May 12, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
this is really depressing me. thats 13 men left on base, and no runs. not one.
By N8
May 12, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
What’s with this commercial I keep hearing about Kip Winger’s auto something or other?
By Cherokee
May 12, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Everything has started after 2 were already out all game. What? They have left 12 or so stranded? Oh well, there’s always the second game. This team looks as disorganized as I’ve ever seen them since the bad old days.
By propp
May 12, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
So I have a math riddle for everyone. Explain the equation. 5 walks + 6 hits + 4 errors (thru 7 innings) = 0 runs. How in the (insert explicit here) do you have no runs with 15 (another explicit) baserunners in seven innnings???
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Can I already say braves suck??? or everybody will jump on me???
By N8
May 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
DOB
Did your “balding” hockey buddy, had the “skullet”? Other wise known as a balding guy, that “hangs on” to his notion of hair, and still attempts to fashion a mullet.
If you all have Power Point, enjoy the following link and PP presentation.
History of the Mullet
By eric the elder
May 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
In the entire history of baseball, no team has ever won without scoring at least run.
As hard as the Braves are trying, that’s a record that will never be broken.
By Risingstar
May 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Afternoon’s line up should be 1 Blanco, 2 Infante, 3 Escobar, 4 Jones, 5 McAnn, 6 Francour, 7 Norton, 8 Kotsay, 9 Hudson
Let’s try some latino game at the begining of the line up, let’s enjoy the game brvaes have nothing to lose trying that
By Renegator
May 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Wow.
This team is flat out awful on the road. It is actually embarrassing at this point. This looks like a 4 games sweep at the hands of the Pirates. I’m scared to think of what the Phillies are going to do to us. Gonna be an ugly week…
By Original Jon
May 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
We have got to get another back up catcher up here that can hit and play serviceable defense. Corky just aint cutting it. Batting .067 with that strikeout just now, meanwhile, Gregor Blanco has gone 2-2 with 2 walks and is batting 8TH!!! WFT!!!???
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Here’s a big surprise: Rockies sent Redman to minors (if it weren’t for that guaranteed contract, I’m sure they’d have released him).
By propp
May 12, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
lets get blanco and chipper hitting back to back. maybe that will get us to score.
By Renegator
May 12, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN:
Corky Miller = waste of a roster spot.
By PrincetonBrave
May 12, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Sometimes the defense just wont cooperate when you try for that DP Kelly.
By 22oz
May 12, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to hear the rosy picture Cox paints after this one.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
This team is getting what it deserves for keeping cox up there. How can bennett not be in the starting rotation. He has a better ERA than glavine with more inning pitched. He has half the ERA James has, approaching double the innings pitched.
Cox keeps treating James as if he has earned. Stupid mentality. Chuck has not earned anything but a kick on his butt.
I would let Norton play a few games and let TEX watch from enywhere he wants……his home if he pleases.
Matt looks like AJ, totally lost.
What is wrong with this guys.
3 outs away from being 1-5 against the team with the second worst ERA in the majors. Just behind the Tigers, which we all know, are not worse than the pirates.
By propp
May 12, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Corky is the defensive backup….couldn’t tell with the passed ball earlier
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Well, if the Braves manage to score 2 in the top of the 9th and lose another one run game, they will be 18-18 with a plus 40 run differential.
It must be all that regular season luck that we had in the nineties coming back to haunt us…..
….but didn’t we go 12-13 in post-season series since 1991? So we couldn’t of had that much good luck.
Sigh.
Double Sigh.
By N8
May 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Yeah. We wouldn’t still want LaRoche, would we.
How’s Tex’s back doing?
Unreal.
By Risingstar
May 12, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
and here goes the game, LaRoche just killed the braves, wait they were dead since their trip to pitsburgh
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
KJ…… your BA keeps…..”free, free falling………”.
I wonder…….what is Acosta closing??? Please, dont answer me.
By Monday Morning Quarterback
May 12, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
LaRoche ahs been Royce Ring’s b!tch each time he’s faced him this season. Any reason Ring couldn’t have been brought in to face him?
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
LaRoche just introduced the Braves to the fork. Fork, meet Braves. Braves, meet fork.
By pavard
May 12, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Face it. This Braves team doesn’t know how to win. You can’t win the Division by taking two steps forward and two steps back. We’ll be under .500 again by the end of the day.
By N8
May 12, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Lemke just had a GREAT point on radio.
He commented that, while on the surface, the ground ball that moved the runner over to 3rd, seems meaningless now that LaRoce hit the HR. But that in reality, having a runner on 3B, possibly caused Acosta to NOT snap off his breaking ball as much, in fear of a wild pitch or passed ball.
Little things win games.
We’re not doing the little things.
By radoncbravesfan
May 12, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
pass the rolaids This has been a long season already.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Im pretty sure now that the game is out of hand, braves will start hitting and theyll score 3 runs and some of you will say……..freakin acosta, he cost us the game……. offense sucs, that all, not acosta.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Nope, Adam Laroche spoiled that.
Eh, plus 36 ain’t bad for a team that is .500.
Think Phillies or Mets fans want to hear that arguement?
By 22oz
May 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
My wife is going to the Women’s Clinic at Turner Field this weekend. I guess she’ll learn how to ground into a double play and strikeout.
By snes
May 12, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Braves: Two chances to lose road games today
By chase
May 12, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Time for another “CLOSED DOOR MEETING” from Bobby Cox…..
It got things turned around in FLA earlier this year…..
If the Braves had a half-way decent record on the road they’d be comfortably ahead in the Division….
I’ll be eteranlly optimistic and say IF the braves were only gonna win ONE of the DH Games…I think it is better to be the 2nd one!
That will at least let you leave town on a WIN and carry that through to Philly….
By Del
May 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
At this rate we will be totally out of it by the break, if not sooner !!!
By Cecil34
May 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I still say this is a pivotal series - so far the Braves are failing the exam. And I hate that.
I shudder to think about what kind of effort they are going to put forth against above .500 ballclubs and divisional leaders…
DOB
What is the Braves won-loss record in games where the temperatures are below 50 degrees at gametime?
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I knew it….now they will score…..but fall short……CLASSIC!!!!!
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Face it. This Braves team doesn’t know how to win.
That’s it! They need to go back to school and take How to Win 101.
By Bravesfan79
May 12, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Im so glad we have a “defensive specialist” that manages to play average defense once a week while coming up in crucial pinchit situations time after time.
Wierd…. i actually said this exact same thing a month ago!!
Its looks like Corky stole whatever chris woodcrap had on Bobby Cox from last year.
FRANK WREN: PLEASE make a roster move and get corky OFF this team! Its clear Bobby is just 2 stubborn to make a change before the wheels fall off the season.
Didnt the GM learn from last years mistakes that if u give Cox CRAP to work with….hes gonna use that CRAP time after time after time!
By chase
May 12, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Can we say that If the Braves win game 2….THEY’LL BE 7-3 IN THEIR LAST 10……
GOTTA STAY POSITIVE!!!!!!!!!
By Jim
May 12, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
That was the most pathetic display of baseball that I have ever seen. What do we plan on doing with the Phillies? We can’t beat one of the worst teams in baseball. It will take a no hitter to avoid a sweep. 4-14, laughable!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Something is not right with this team. This kind of play is really unacceptable. What is the problem?
By carl
May 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Boy, I would’ve preferred to have Javy coming off the bench hitting .180 than to waste a roster spot on Miller :(
By Renegator
May 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
This team sucks
By N8
May 12, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
chase
“If the Braves had a half-way decent record on the road they’d be comfortably ahead in the Division….”
If “ifs” and “buts” were berries and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!
If I wasn’t so negative, I’d be positive.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
So what’s the deal, 20 minutes and then we are back on?
I’ll bet good money that we score 10 in the first 4 innings and then it starts to pour……
By Ray
May 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Joe Simpson was trying to be as polite as possible when he mildly admonished the Braves earlier saying that the reason they lose one run games is that they “aren’t doing the little things” and added that good teams do. The sad thing is that those words are probably more acrimonious than anything due out of Bobby’s mouth.
The Braves should be excoriated for this road trip. Frenchy should sit his butt down. Blanco should lead off. And perhaps it would do them well to go watch a high school game and learn a little something about the fundamentals—like bunting.
These bizarre streaks and head scratching oddities are enough to drive fans batty: Can’t win at home last year; can’t win away this year; only hitting with 2 outs last year; can’t hit with 2 outs this year…
What peculiarity will the media drudge up next? They haven’t beaten an opposing pitcher who is a Sagittarius this year?
(DOB, please don’t check on that; I’m afraid it might be true)
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Trade time
Gotta get something for Tex.
How about Tex/Diaz for Giambi/M. Cabrera?
By Braves LOSE. Braves LOSE The Atlanta Braves Have Given You A Losing Streak. LISTEN TO THIS CROWD
May 12, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Sadly,
Didnt we lose to the Pirates around this time last year, and sigh we all know what happened the rest of the year. :(
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
I officially welcome all of you to the time machine……come on all in……..lets travel to the ´80s.
Lineup for game 2:
LF Brett Butler
SS Rafael Ramirez
RF Claudell Washington
CF Dale Murphy
3B Bob Horner
1B Chris Chambliss
C Bruce Benedict
2B Glenn Hubbard
P Pascual Perez
Braves should thank god theres something called faith, if not Im not sure how many fans would still be watching this pathetic team.
By Richie
May 12, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Well another series lost….and again Diaz is a glorified pinch hitter. He shpuldve been benched and kept in the same role he was in the past 2 saeasons. Wish we would’ve moved him when he had more value in the Winter Meetings. And we still need a lead off hitter and someone to protect Chipper and get Tex going…It’s not McCann or Francoeur right know, may be in a couple of years. In order to get a leadoff hitter and an rbi guy, we have 2 open spots - either left field or centerfield or 2nd base. That would require us to move Kotsay or Kelly
By N8
May 12, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
shaun
“That’s it! They need to go back to school and take How to Win 101.”
That’s the first thing you’ve said in months, that I can completely agree with.
Welcome aboard. Congratulations on seeing the light.
By Cecil34
May 12, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Robert
I’ll tell you what is wrong - they treat spring training as a vacation, where they don’t work on the fundamentals, don’t play enough innings, don’t get fired up and follow the lackadaisical attitude of their manager toward adversity.
By ManOfTeal
May 12, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Poor Braves, oh well better off next year…..
Go Marlins!!!!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 12, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I want to ask a serious question. If Cox were the manager of almost any other team in baseball and for three plus straight years his teams were way underachieving would he still have his job?
I’m really trying to stay loyal to Cox but crap like this is making it awfully difficult.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), theorically it cant be possible that all players at the same time suk (except chipper, hudson and jair, and 2 or 3 more). So what the explanation when 2/3 of your team plays like puxxy. The answer has 3 letters in it and the last one is an X.
By SNIPER-69
May 12, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
How about this one N8, If my aunt had balls she’d be my uncle. I’m sure many here are in disbelief over losing three straight to the Pirates…..I’m not.
By Chip Diller
May 12, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Remain calm. All is well!
By Robin
May 12, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Uhhh … Never thought I’d really say it but … We’re terrible!! …right now. 16 LOB. Grrrrr!
By Donewith
May 12, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Blow it up Frank Your team is old and it stinks!!!
By BamaBravesFan
May 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Man Of Teal
Don’t worry…your team will come back down to earth and float in their mediocrity.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Lineup changes for second game: Kelly leading off, McCann cleaning up, Norton fifth and Kotsay seventh.
Tex’s back tightened up while he was covering first on the 4-3 groundout to end the third inning….
SMOLTZ made 45 throws from 60 feet and said he felt fine. Will throw from 90 feet on Wednesday.
By geauxbraves2000
May 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Overlord Horner has been scratched do to an abrasion he rec’d while shaving :) (low blow, sorry, Horner was quite a player)
That is a nice lineup.
Geaux Braves!!
By J.D.
May 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
do you guys not realize that everyone on a team plays a role- corky’s is to play sold defense, what a backup catcher is supposed to do…mccanns our backstop that can hit his offense and corky’s defense balance out
By BravesRule
May 12, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
If the Braves had a half-way decent record on the road they’d be comfortably ahead in the DivisionChase
yeah, well if my aunt had b@lls she’d be my uncle. on second thought, she has more b@alls than about half the guys on this team
By scott boras
May 12, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
ManOfTeal *Poor Braves, oh well better off next year…..
Go Marlins!!!!
*
ill promise u marlins will be 3rd or 4th once season done!!!nats were 1st at allstar and came last few years ago!!!!
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Simple reason Braves lost this game: one extra-base hit. Pirates had three.
No one mentions that. You all are too busy talking about how they aren’t doing little things and they don’t know how to win, blah, blah, BS.
The problem is they didn’t do the big things, namely hit for extra-bases, enough.
But a lot of you want the Braves to steal and/or bunt every time they get a runner on first.
It’s a way to downplay the on-base and power game, and to cheer for the style of play that costs teams big innings.
By Jeff
May 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
It is truly amazing that we have lost 2 in a roll to PITTS…and we start our “B” team to start the double. What is Bobby’s plan? I have been a fan for 50 years and Bobby has a problem figuring things out.So what “ONE” championship in how many years with all the talent.I know it is early but……
By Greg
May 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Wow! We really suck. And the suckiness of our team is even starting to weigh on Chipper and JJ.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Pirates get 5 hits, score 5 runs.
Braves get 8 hits, 6 walks, reach on 4 pirate E´s and score ZERO.
Is that a championship team???
Get real people!!!, we just follow braves cause we love them, not because we think they are going anywhere. We are hooked to them, but they suk, at least on the field, where it all counts.
What is the difference if we win this last game???, it means scum. I would mean exactly the same. They will be in the same 4th place in the standings. Cox will be the manager. And Philly will kick our but.
Then, they will wake up at home and think things are coming around…..just to wake up again 10 days after and find out that we are at .500 ……AGAIN!!!!!!!!!
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
There are more positives on this team than a lot of people hear think. McCann is having a great offensive year. Chipper and Escobar are as well and Jair Jurrjens looks like a potential front of the rotation starter. A lot of good things.
Frenchy went a quiet 2 for 5 today.
By J.D.
May 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
18 wheels of love i really hope you are kidding…check some stats i wouldnt trade chino cadahia for jason giambi right now
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Something is not right with this team. This kind of play is really unacceptable. What is the problem?Robert(CIB)
Uh, care to be even slightly more specific?
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Lemke just had a GREAT point on radio.
He commented that, while on the surface, the ground ball that moved the runner over to 3rd, seems meaningless now that LaRoce hit the HR. But that in reality, having a runner on 3B, possibly caused Acosta to NOT snap off his breaking ball as much, in fear of a wild pitch or passed ball. N8
Easy N8. Don’t start leaning towards small ball conversations or these denizens might start questioning your manhood.
Like our beloved ball club, they’re still stuck in the thick of the roid era and want to see balls fly out of the park. Only then will we see the team on Sportscenter.
Maybe Lemke can go to the clubhouse in between games and explain how pitch sequences differ in certain situations. Then maybe our hitters will have a clue that the purpose of the game is to score more runs than your opponent and to get runners to touch the plate any way you can.
By This is rediculious cousin larry
May 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Okay Overlord,
Do you think we need Dr. Sam beckett and Al from Quantum Leap to go back and time and right once, once went wrong with this team?
By Dadgum
May 12, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Say it ain’t so….we get 8 hits and Pittsburgh has 4 errors and we can’t score a run??? Will somebody, anybody, please look that up and see if it has EVER been done in recent baseball annals.
I’m betting that no team since 1950 has ever won a game by shutout committing 4 errors and allowing 8 hits. I’m on a search mission…will get back to you on that one.
Rock on….
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 12, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Can you say U-N-D-E-R-A-C-H-I-E-V-I-N-G, on a massive scale.
I guess we can assume Jurrjens is pitching friday, Cox pulled him after five innings and 70 pitches.
By SNIPER-69
May 12, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Robert(Larry isn’t the best), Maybe the team ISN’T underachieving. Maybe you’ve over estimated their potential.
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
N8, yeah, just let me know when and where they offer that class. That’s probably the reason I’m not in the majors. I just forgot to take that How To Win 101 class. Or was it Team Chemistry 101? Or Scrappiness 101?
Everyone knows pro athletes are smarter, get along with other better and are scrappier than the general population. It’s not that they are stronger, faster and quicker. They are morally and intellectually superior…(sarcasm alert).
By nelson
May 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
lmao braves lost again vs pirates
3 in a row !! 221 ave … on road… amazing team this braves 2008
u know folks long season coming up . if liberty media dont fired cox , a long season will coming.
wake up liberty media !!!
By Quack Quack
May 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
for three plus straight years his teams were way underachieving would he still have his job?RobertCITB)
maybe they aren’t underachieving, maybe they are just mediocre. Sample size is getting big enough (400+ games) to begin to feel pretty secure about. Home fans always think their team is better than it really is, even the Royals fans over the years. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck for 2 and a half years….
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
More specific. Well, Frenchy is just up there hacking away. He needs to sit, as you said DOB, but of course he has a manager who allows the inmates to run the assylum. With the exception of Chipper and Escobar nobody seems to be able to drive in runs when they count. Nobody with the exception of Escobar knows how to lay down a bunt. The bullpen can’t get outs when they are most important. Corky Miller flat out sucks and nobody in their right mind can think his “great” defense offsets his impotent bat! And, the team lacks a sense of urgency or even an attitude that pretends to care about losing.
By GT80
May 12, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Not watching the game but checked on line…did I just read we left 21 runners on base? Holy Crap!
By cityofdecatur
May 12, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
actually i think horner went on the dl from a shaving accident. !
By Cecil34
May 12, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
DOB
Don’t worry I answered Robert(CIB)’s question for you.
By Corky for president!
May 12, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
http://sbeen.com/id60.html
The Corky from Life Goes On has nothing on our Corky.
By Richie
May 12, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
GAME 2….Let’s GO!!!!!
By Cherokee
May 12, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Would have traded one of Chipper’s hits in the first game for a single there in the first inning. Sigh
By darren
May 12, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
i’ll tell you what the problem is we as a whole have overvalued the talent on this team. The braves have this attitude we’ll get them tomarrow. that worked when we had enough talent to run off 20-25 games.
Frenchy,diaz,johnson very much overrated by me and everyone else.
By McFann
May 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Hmm….205…
This elevator just went down a floor.
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
This team doesn’t suck. They’re just misguided.
Cox and Pendleton have no way of getting through to the hitters, that is, if they’re even trying to do so.
Either way, this team is pressing, and you have to point your finger to the manager and hitting coach.
As much as i want to dog on McDowell, the pitching’s been pretty good.
Corky should not be in a major league uniform if he cannot hit ML pitching.
By ManOfTeal
May 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
@scott boras
Yes but the Nats never had the best record in baseball before the All Star break…..The Marlins currently do….
Go Marlins!!!!
By BravesRule
May 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I feel the second career win coming for the Buc;s pitcher. I’m outta here for awhile they are driving me crazy.
By Our Bravos
May 12, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
I’ve just come to the conclusion this isn’t a good team. Frankly, they haven’t been very good team the past 2 years and it is really no different this year.
While injuries have definetly hurt, the past few editions of “Our Braves” have not had the “magic” they had during their run.
Maybe it is time for a new manager, I do not know.
By N8
May 12, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Efrim
“There are more positives on this team than a lot of people hear think. McCann is having a great offensive year. Chipper and Escobar are as well and Jair Jurrjens looks like a potential front of the rotation starter. A lot of good things.”
By my calculations, that’s 4 guys on a 25 man roster.
Not enough.
ROFLMAO!!
Too funny. Let’s take a “run-down” over the idiot check-list:
KJ in the lead-off spot? CHECK
Francoeur NOT given a game off? CHECK
Tex in the lineup and tearing it up because he “always” starts slow, but heats up as the season goes along? CHECK….ooops. I guess that one’s not true. Sorry.
No Name pitcher with an astronomical ERA mows through our lineup in the first inning with 2 K’s? CHECK.
I’m afraid this game was already decided when Bobby turned in the lineup card.
By Chop Chop
May 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Robert (CIB),
Corky Miller is the least of the Braves’ problems. The guy has less than 20 plate appearances this season.
The Braves just aren’t any good at all on the road. Coming into today’s game, they were hitting .248 (.316 at home) on the road. Their ERA was 4.24, which isn’t that bad, but when you compare it to their 2.93 ERA at home, it’s not very good. The Braves are slugging like David Eckstein (.398) on the road. They are getting on base at a Francoeur-like .314 clip on the road. If you play like that on the road, 4-14 isn’t much of a surprise.
By N8
May 12, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
nelson
“u know folks long season coming up . if liberty media dont fired cox , a long season will coming.”
If English isn’t your first language, I apologize for mocking you.
If it is…..it shouldn’t be.
By Braveone
May 12, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
14-4 at home & 4-14 on the road! That has to be a MLB record for the biggest difference between home & road records!
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I am officially becoming a Rays fan if the Braves get swept today.
Have fun Cody. Don’t let the door hit your fair weathered A$$ on the way out.
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
nelson no way COX will get fired, I wish he would, but that would be like assassinating the president.
By DAP
May 12, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
what happend on norton’s error? im just watching game day, so i dont know what happend.
i cant believe this.
By TN Jeff
May 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Pirates one - Braves lose
By Jeff
May 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Maybe Bobby needs to quit setting records being thrown out of games and coaching his players. All his players love him …cuz he doesn’t DEMAND production. I just want to keep everybody “HAPPY”!!!.PLAYERS COACH!!
By Shaun
May 12, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
I want to ask a serious question. If Cox were the manager of almost any other team in baseball and for three plus straight years his teams were way underachieving would he still have his job?
Maybe not. You never know. I doubt any team that won 14 division titles in a 15 year span would let their manager go. I imagine most teams, given a similar situation, would let that manager decide when he wants to hang it up.
By Gary
May 12, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Overlord, I think Pascal got lost on the way to the game, got lost on the connector or something. LOL!
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Poor DOB must hate this blog when we lose.
Where’s CR when we need her. Although i think that 8-2 record is a result of heading the blog when our team is at home.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
The more alarming stat, other than the fact that we are 4-14 on the road, is that we have a .396 slugging percentage vs. left handers. That is good for 12th in the NL.
By Renegator
May 12, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
That 1 run the Pirates got in the first will probably be enough to win against this sorry Braves team.
By GT80
May 12, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
It’s the blue jerseys. They suck. Go back to the old grey.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
If the Braves can find a way to win this game and snap their seven-game road skid, I’d think they might want to consider burning those blue jerseys (they wore them in the first game; wearing the regular road togs in this game)
By ManOfTeal
May 12, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
The Braves are not underachieving. In order to underachieve you have to have talent. This is not your year.
Go Marlins!!!!
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
shaun
nice to have you back. I was looking for you this weekend. Heard you were on lockdown.
Anyways, nice to have you back defending our team, even though it’s with comments like:
No one mentions that. You all are too busy talking about how they aren’t doing little things and they don’t know how to win, blah, blah, BS.
The problem is they didn’t do the big things, namely hit for extra-bases, enough
Wait a sec…didn’t you say something like we are 1st in runs scored, 2nd in slugging…blah, blah, blah, BS?
By Supes
May 12, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
I knew I should have checked “get swept” option before the weekend when the AJC had their poll for how many games will the Braves win against the lowly pirates!
Speaking of “what ifs”…if they lose all 4 against the Pirates…what does that make them 1-7 agains them? Nice…Against the seemingly mediocre Pirates and Nats the Braves can’t seem to buy a win. Oh the baseball gods are cruel…time to sacrifice some chickens, “un-curse” those bats with RISP!
WAKE UP BRAVES. You are about to get swept by Pittsburgh and it’s not 1993 (last time they were good record wise)
Going 0-7 on this roadtrip is looking more more like a realistic goal. Considering how the Phillies are resting up today and Braves will be tired as hell going into Tuesday with a worn out bullpen to boot, and no Tex. Yeah, what a great time to be a Braves fan with the team tanking on the road!
Plus you know you’ve reached a “low” when Marlins fan shows up and talks Trash? I mean Mets, Phils fan, you kind of expect it…now the Marlins are laughing at the Braves too!
By MBPelican
May 12, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
maybe we should have one home lineup and a different away lineup, just to mix it up a little since obviously what we are doing isn’t working right now…yes DOB i know eventually we will shake out of it, but RIGHT now it’s not working and being 1-5 against the Pirates reminds me alot of being 1-6 against the Reds last year. if that was turned around and we were 6-1 against the Reds like we should have been we would have been within a game or 2 of making the playoffs. I love Bobby, i love how he handles the team, but 4-14 is more then just bad luck.
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Hey shaun, your boy KJ is 0-2 with 2 K’s heading the lineup.
Meanwhile, traditional small ball leadoff hitter blanco hitting 8th is 1-1 with a stolen base and a run scored. If he did that twice hitting in the 1 slot it’d be 2-1 right now. Blanco is 3-3 with 2 walks today.
KJ’s at .250 now. When does Prado come back?
By Gary
May 12, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Have the Braves even won a game with the blue Jersey’s??
By BravesFanInRockies
May 12, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB —
About burning the blue jerseys: That might be a decent symbolic gesture.
Besides, if the team never wears the road blues again, the collectibles market will go into hysterics. Imagine how much those versions the fans have bought will bring on ebay!
By Dawg'88
May 12, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Dave,
This is just a bad team…period! It has holes…Francouer is just not going to be the superstar everyone thought. Tex is not this great hitter that would justify $20 million a year as his agent will command.
Kelly Johnson is not a good everyday player either. Centerfield is a position that we’re just trying to get by with. Kotsay has done a serviceable job but he doesn’t deepen the lineup. There have been numerous bad “at bats”. Players swing at ridiculous pitches and at wrong times in the count or based on the situation.
Sorry…as much as I like TP…we need a new hitting coach who demands and commands discipline at the plate. Sure the guys like TP too but the hitting coach isn’t there to like him. He should command respect and demand results. Bobby has done a great job but this team needs new blood. Sometimes it is time for a change to shake things up.
The team’s performance is dreadful except for the starting pitching w/o Chuck James that is. The 6 game winning streak…it came against the two worst teams in the NL recently. Nuff said.
Sad season ahead really if changes aren’t made. Sad ending for Smoltz’s career and for Chipper too. Going out with a whimper and no bangs. Individually they have been great otherwise…a sad ending indeed!
Dave don’t you think at least some changes are warranted?
By Ed Glennon
May 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
In the last five years or so can anyone think of one hitter who Terry Pendleton has helped?
Kelly is going to change his number to 51 so Bobby will think he is Ichiro. Tex has two more homers than Ichiro. With Blanco hitting 8th we have a chance of having the best 8th place hitter in baseball. Chuck James will produce 10 more homers than Tex by the All-Star Break.
By Blaster
May 12, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Wren, grow a pair! This team is floundering because of lack of leadership, not lack of talent. Do the right thing and send the H-O-F manager back to the farm in Acworth.
By Gary
May 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Man of Teal……beat the Mets, D-Backs, and Phillies this month and still manage to hold onto to first place in that same process then you can come on this board and constantly bash the Braves as having no talent. The Braves have enough talent to sweep the Dodgers while your great Marlins got just the opposite, a sweep at the hands of the Dodgers. We were also good enough to sweep the Padres and not just take two out of three.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson is not a good everyday player either.
?!?!?!?!?!
By Evan
May 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Man of Teal,
Why are you on this blog, go to a miami newspaper website and circle jerk with all your Marlins buddys. And do us a favor stop eating the cheetos step away from the computer for more than the amount of time it takes for the next web page to load, and go take a shower and change out of the 2 week old whitey tighties, Thanks. P.S. Make sure you go see the Doctor for the Carpal Tunnel syndrome you’ve more than likely developed while logging 18 hour days on the computer for the past few years
By tim
May 12, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THIS BUT MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR BC TO STEP DOWN. THIS TEAM HAS TO MUCH TALENT TO CONTINUE FLOUNDERING. THE LINEUP GETS JUGGLED WAY TO MUCH. AS A MATTER OF FACT MAYBE WE SHOULD SHAKE UP THE COACHING STAFF RATHER THAN THE LINEUP
By BamaBravesFan
May 12, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
KJ needs to be batting 7th or 8th. I’m tired of watching him strikeout in the leadoff spot. Too frustrating. You know when you pitcher gets up with two outs and you are thankful b/c he won’t lead off the next inning? That’s the way I feel about KJ right now…
By Greg
May 12, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
DOB:
I will bring the match to burn those hideous blue marketing ploys. We won 14 division titles in the White and Gray with the tomahawk. Why screw with success? Can we burn the red ones, too?
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 12, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
For f* sake ! Did you see Doug Mientkiewicz flub that ground ball off the bat of Greg Norton?
HEEEEYYYYYYYY ! big leaguer, get in front of the damn ball ! You just cost your team a run.
Blanco leading off, no Joe Simpson ! that would make to much damn sense. Leave KJ right where he is, even if he does have almost as many strike outs as hits.
By MAV
May 12, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
why would we want Prado back, the guy is too stupid to realize you don’t slide into first base.
By Bravesfan79
May 12, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
By J.D. May 12, 2008 3:29 PM do you guys not realize that everyone on a team plays a role- corky’s is to play sold defense, what a backup catcher is supposed to do…mccanns our backstop that can hit his offense and corky’s defense balance out
Wow that has gotta be the DUMBEST point made on this blog since someone defended Cox at the start of last year saying “Escobar needs more time in the minors to develop, Chris Woodcrap will provide veteran leadership” when i blasted the Braves for choosing a career .200 hitter over a .450 spring training hitting Escobar
Sadly the season was lost when Chipper got hurt and we went from 10 games over, back to .500 because woodcrap and orr got start after start. Now you replace all those starts in the first half of the year (not to mention pichhit chances) made by Wdoocrap, with Escobar…and we NEVER fall back to .500 !!!!
Thats what lost last year for us, NOT pitching! I know others think differently, just like some are actually dumb enough to think Corky somehow is helping this team.
I mean common….HES NOT EVEN THAT GREAT ON DEFENSE!
Regardless of todays game, were still at .500 We could be 7 under like the Tigers. WE still have a chance! I for one will never root for Tampa Gay. Go Braves!!
By TennesseePaul
May 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
The more I see KJ’s futility right now the more I revert back to my pre-season expectations of putting him 7th in the order..
Maybe he is on the same “curve” as Chase Utley. But Chase isn’t batting lead off.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Does Philly have any pitchers like Van Benschoten? You know, terrible ones?
By Gary
May 12, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Something tells me that Blanco needs to bat lead-off ahead of Escobar or Kotsay needs to bat second behind Escobar. Guys need to be on base when Chipper has three hits.
By ncscoots
May 12, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Fact is, Kelly is only the prime example of the Braves’ home-road dichotomy. At home, excellent; the road, putrid. Check the splits.
But I’m more inclined to think he’s likely to raise his road numbers than shed his home numbers, despite the calls for his head in this forum. If you want to trash the guy for being lousy on the road, you gotta pick out a few more of the usual suspects to throw in THAT bag.
Whether he should be hitting leadoff still, that’s another question altogether.
By we need more joneseseses
May 12, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
MAV….maybe we want Prado back because he’s a better hitter than KJ? at least he was sliding. A guy that slides into 1st is usually one that is a hard nosed player, regardless if it’s a smart move or not.
i have never seen ANY emotion out of KJ. While he’s in Pittsburg, KJ should go eat a sandwich under a tree with LaRoche. Then they can take turns swinging and missing at the flies….or just watch them land on the meat of the strike zone which is their sandwich.
By ManOfTeal
May 12, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
@Gary
If you are measureing success by how many teams you can sweep then lets explore that shall we…..The Nationals, one of the worst teams in the majors this season, have not once beaten the Marlins at home this season. The Braves not only lost the first game of the season to the Nats they got swept by them only a few weeks later.
The Marlins have the best record in baseball and it is because they bring it when they need to bring it which is more than I can say for your pathetic Braves.
I’ve lived in Atlanta all my life(30 years) and I greatly enjoyed watching the Marlins wax Atlanta’s rear end all over the floor in 1997, 2003, and this year. The years where we beat Atlanta in the season series are the seasons where the we have won the World Series. So I am liking what I have seen so far this year.
Besides that, Atlanta is nothing but home to a bunch of fair weather fans anyway so you deserve to have a team that is horrible.
I know I appreciate my team very much this year. But unlike most Atlanta Braves fans I also support the Marlins when they play horribly.
Go Marlins!!!!
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
The blue tops would be a great fundraiser auction item — all of them. We haven’t worn blue pants at Georgia Southern in a while - I tend to think it was the seven fumbles and not the pants that cost us the 1998 national championship. But it doesn’t take but one loss to spoil a new uni.
By nelson
May 12, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
By N8
May 12, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
nelson
“u know folks long season coming up . if liberty media dont fired cox , a long season will coming.”
If English isn’t your first language, I apologize for mocking you.
If it is…..it shouldn’t be.
KISS MY A* !!
By BamaBravesFan
May 12, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Mac!!!!
By Original Jon
May 12, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Yep, those Blue Unis need to be banned. No doubt about it.
By GT80
May 12, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
See what I mean…grey unis, Braves up 7-1. Burn the blue jerseys now!
By McFann
May 12, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
.225!!! BIG homer by McCann!! Nice comfy lead here!
First three-run homer of the year for Mac.
By Gary
May 12, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Now thats how you score runs on the road guys. Way to work the count there Escobar. Chipper and BMac clutch as usual. Imagine what our big guys can do with runners on base.
By Renegator
May 12, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
This must be the game where the offense scores 15 runs so that all the homers can say “I don’t see the problem, the Braves are 3rd in the NL in runs”
Argh. Most frustrating team - ever!
By FSUBravesfan10
May 12, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I love the Braves, always have, always will…..
What I don’t love is the fact that we can go 3 games with little clutch hitting from anyone not named Jones or Escobar, than follow that up with a game where seemingly everyone hits. Injuries to pitchers aside, this team is as frustrating as any due to the fact they are so talented yet, when the game is on the line no one stands up.
By Reid in EAV
May 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Hi offense! Nice of you to join us for a *#&%ing game!
We’re sure you’ll probably opt for a flight back to Atlanta rather than Philly, so we’ll see you again in a few games. Apparently it’s really hard to pry you away from home.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Maybe they burned the blue jerseys between games …
Something sure is different. (Of course the awful Buc pitching helps.)
By Kev
May 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
There you go McFann!!!!!
By chase
May 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Efrim and BravesRule
Why be JERKS about EVERYTHING I say?
By saying that I was trying to point to HOW DRASTICALLY BAD they have been on the road compared to at home!
..FRENCHY is swinging at the first pitch TOO MUCH that can kill rallies and at best it ofetn puts you in a hole in the count….
By Original Jon
May 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB Do you by any chance know the number of losses and how many injuries the Braves have had while wearing the blue Jerseys?? That would be an interesting stat to find out.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
You think Heap’s auditioning to be our cleanup hitter?
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Gary they were doing drug tests anti-doping test at the door.
R we ready for the blowout after 3 straight lousy games?
By BamaBravesFan
May 12, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
A part of me thinks that Tex needs to be dropped a spot in the lineup until he starts hitting. However, he does provide the “presence” that Chipper has credited for his year so far. Who knows? Seeing Mac hit a 3 run bomb makes me want to put him there….
By sri
May 12, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Is Bobby going to let Resop pitch today with a 4 run lead or is he going to burn another bullpen arm (just to make sure we get the win)?.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Chase
This is like the 5th time you have mistaken me for someone else.
Please man, read the posts. I am not making fun of anyone here.
Are you posting under like 5 different names or something?
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 12, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
After watching the Braves lose three out of four to the Pirates, the Phillies must be licking their chops.
By Gary
May 12, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Wow Teal, I didn’t know that 10-9 record head to head in 2003 is what constitutes a whacking but glad you could clear that up; this years 3-2 record too. Plus don’t even bring up 97, you know just like the rest of the NL that you were handed that series thanks to Eric Gregg. Love how a Marlins fan calls Atlanta fans fair weather. 10k fans a night is great……if you were a triple A team. Anyway like I said, beat teams that actually are good and then come back and talk to me. I will wait on you.
By Greg
May 12, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
BLUE UNIs HAVE TO GO NOW! Think about it: First game of the year, we lose to the Nats on a walk-off HR. Tom Glavine hurt wearing stupid blue uni. John Smoltz lost forever as a starter wearing stupid blue uni. This despite the fact he three 7 innings in his previous outing. BLUE UNIs MUST BE BURNED! Oh, and make Blanco the lead-off man. Dude has speed and can work the count. KJ bats eighth unless Miller is in the lineup.
By El bravo (EbX)
May 12, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
World series here we come!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Anyone else see Francoeur kinda limping after scoring on Kotsay’s second double there? Gotta wonder how well that ankle’s doing…
Anyone else notice Hudson throwing sidearm to Jason Bay for a few pitches in the bottom of the 6th there?
By KevinM.
May 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
I have an announcement — PLEASE BURN THOSE HIDEAOUS BLUE JERSEYS AND STICK TO THE GREY UNIS !!
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Jerseys are jerseys. They should have no effect on how a group of professionals perform. This team should be able to perform and win in pink or Buccanneer Orange if they had to.
If this team really is affected by the color of the jersey, they need to check their psyche…
maybe they should do that anyway.
By McFann
May 12, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Perhaps the next time we face a righty we should put McCann at cleanup again…
He’s only 1-4 today, but his overall AVG is .307.
By Chop Chop
May 12, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
The Braves are about to have a one-game winning streak. All is right with the world, denizens. I am sooooooooooooooooo sick of your negativity. Can’t you (like the nearly 300 fans in attendance at PNC Park) see that this Braves team is great?
Jesus H. Christ, get on the bandwagon! The Braves will have one consecutive win on the road.
This win is enough to float a battleship around, Ronnie Van Zant. Much like road wins, bullets are getting damn expensive these days…and the road has been swiping bullets out of the Braves’ battleship for too long. With this win, the Braves are finally taking a stand and saying one thing:
Gimme back my bullets.
By Reid in EAV
May 12, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Man of Teal —sooo, you’re that one guy in Dolphins stadium when they’re in last place in September? Good to know!
(I try to learn something every day. Today I learned: Marlins have fan(s)! Wow!)
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 12, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Here you go O’Brien.
Thursdays game features Chuck Homerun James pitching in the Phillies bandbox home stadium(Citizens Bank Park) against a lineup that leads the major leagues in home runs.
That my friend, is the ultimate recipe for D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R.
You know it, I know it and Cox doesn’t.
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
LOB is such a useless stat. In the 1st game we lost 5-0 and left 15 runners on base.
in the 2nd game we’ve left 16 runners on base through 7 innings, yet are winning 8-1.
It still boggles me that LOB is used so much. If you’re getting hits, you’re always going to have runners LOB, unless you hit a home run.
It’s way more telling to use avg with RISP, or at least runners stranded on 2nd or 3rd with < 2 out. Call that stat RS23LT2O.
By bruce
May 12, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
should wear blue at home at least once to remove the hex.
By REALITY
May 12, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
can someone alert the manofteal that the marlins have accomplished their record with the 2nd softest schedule in the league.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach (5:19) —
We’re just playing possum for the Phils. We’ve got them right where we want them!
By bruce
May 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop… try another expletive… the one use offends. Use His name in praise, you will get praise… in vain, not good. thanks, Bruce
By Robin
May 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Does Philly have any pitchers like Van Benschoten? You know, terrible ones? :) :) Hope so! Rightys too! Leftys are giving us fits! :(
By TJ
May 12, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, not sure where you’re getting your numbers, but Braves have only left 7 on in Game 2 (thru 8 innings).
I don’t think runners LOB is generally a very important number - usually it just means you’re getting a lot of people on base.
By Peter Mariano
May 12, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
I saw that Chipper got pinch hit for…does anyone know if this was just to get rest or is he hurt cause I live in pa and the game is blacked out on directv…and Im going to the game tomorow so Im just hoping he didnt tweak anything…thanks
By bravesfan
May 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
DOB, who has your votes for NL All-Stars?
By Peter Mariano
May 12, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Anyone know if chipper got pinch hit for just for rest or he got hurt…cause I cant see the game since I live in pa and the pirates black out on directv…
By N8
May 12, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Renegator
Well said at 5:03. Against a really “terrible one”, as DOB said to.
At least we didn’t get swept. LOL!
By ColoradoBravesFan
May 12, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Hello all, I’m follow on the computer and just want to see if I got this straight. Braves are winning big. Hudson 97 pitches in 7 innings. Hudson leads off the 8th inning for the Braves and lines out. Then Johson doubles, but then Infante pinch hits for Chipper….?Is Chipper hurt? Next Hudson doesn’t pitch the bottom of the 8th, to save the pen. He’s pulled for a reliever. But the reliever is Boyer who leads(or close) the league in apperances? Not for Resop who hasn’t done much work(is he hurt)
The only thing I can figure is Bobby Cox wanted Hudson to go 8, let him hit. But then 2nd guessed himself, and pulled Hudson…? But not for Boyer save him, use Resop and Ring.
GO BRAVOS….
By 22oz
May 12, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Boyer’s pitching with an 8-1 lead, and 3 games against the Phils ahead? Brilliant! I’m taking June 6th for his first trip to the DL.
By StingerSplash
May 12, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
This is more like it. Great day by Kotsay (he’s got two on the pond as he comes up). Frenchy’s had a much better Game 2. Better job by the 1-2 guys in the lineup, too. Oh, and Huddy simply stuck it up their … um, tailpipe.
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
The streak is over. Let the pigeons loose!
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 12, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
I know exactly what the problem is.
I know how to fix it.
I’m not gonna tell anybody what the answer is.
Why, you ask?
Because nobody will listen to me.
If I spit the answer out, every single idiot in America is going to argue with me.
By bruce
May 12, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Dave, Back in the day when Maddox got so many double plays, I believe it was often said that he was a great pitcher who pitched to spots so well, that the defense set up accordingly to make the DPs happen. In your view, how much of our current DP problems on offense be attributed to pitching to our tendencies and defense placement versus just “bad luck” as some have asserted.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 12, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
22oz,
I’m with you. Let Resop pitch in a 7-run game. Let him pitch the final two innings. If it gets close and you have to turn to Boyer, then we’ve been right about Resop’s (lack of) ability all along.
By bravesfan
May 12, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
DOB, if you get a chance ask Bobby if Jurrjens will be starting Friday.
By scott boras
May 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
WARNING: BEWARE OF RALLY SYNDROME
By scott boras
May 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
WARNING: BEWARE OF RALLY SYNDROME
By scott boras
May 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
WARNING: BEWARE OF RALLY SYNDROME
By rupert
May 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
about the blue jerseys, the record on the road is pretty pathetic, blue or grey, the guys obviously like them or they wouldn’t keep choosing them (it’s the pitchers choice) bottom line is jerseys have nothing to do with play, and its nice that the braves finally have a new look on the road, they need to advance runners, play solid defense, and have some clutch hitting on the road, not blame they sucky play on jerseys (if you couldn’t tell i like them)
By Overlord
May 12, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Why didnt resop pitch the 9th?
By Lou Vales
May 12, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Wow!!!! A split and one game salvaged against the Bucs. One out of 4 against Clemente,Virdon, Skinner, Groat, Hoak,Maz, Law, Friend and Face ain’t too bad!! What?? They are not??? Well, who just beat us 3 out of 4!!!Who????
By Lou Vales
May 12, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Wow!!!! A split and one game salvaged against the Bucs. One out of 4 against Clemente,Virdon, Skinner, Groat, Hoak,Maz, Law, Friend and Face ain’t too bad!! What?? They are not??? Well, who just beat us 3 out of 4!!!Who????
By Lou Vales
May 12, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Dear Tennessee Fan, No Marlins fans and that makes it all the more beautiful. No payroll, no fans, no stadium, basically no owner and more World Championships in last 11 years than the Milwauwee/Atlanta Braves have won in last 50!! In fact they have also won more in last 11 years than the Cubs, Astros, Indians, Brewers, Rays, Nationals, Rangers and Giants have won COMBINED in the last 50!!!! And they talk about HISTORY!! Who’s got the history?? World Seriesw Triumphs—Now That’s History!!
By Lou Vales
May 12, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
By the way, Jurrgens had an injury scare last year, and since he is all of 22, I’m sure Bobby is already in enough of a panic mode to trot him out there again on Friday. Wait till you see what he will do to Smoltz—with John’s acceptance—let’s just hope he can pick up his grandkids in 20 years.
By Chop Chop
May 12, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Coach has the answer again and won’t tell us.
Oh, joy!
By Bobby's Cox
May 12, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
TJ
Got those LOB stats from Yahoo. Couldn’t watch the games today but followed the boxscore via yahoo! Guess yahoo got their numbers wrong as someone else said GameDay had the braves leaving 21 on base in Game 1.
By TJ
May 12, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
FYI, HERE is a much more balanced report on Andruw than the Simers hatchet job …
By TJ
May 12, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s, I think that must be the totals by individual players (in other words, maybe KJ gets on, and Escobar, CJ and Tex fail to drive him home, they’re counting that as 3 LOB - one for each player - but in fact, for statistical purposes, it’s just one). I realized soon as I “corrected” you that that was probably what you were seeing… sorry.
By macdwolfpack
May 12, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, who is the worst pitcher in the majors,Redman or Van Benschoten? Tough choice huh?
By Braveheart
May 12, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Hudson is stepping up like an ace with Smoltz out. He never gave any excuses for his poor performance in those two games he lost velocity. He has excelled.
Jurrjens is looking real good. Just hope Bobby doesn’t run him into the ground and destroy him before August. He looks like a real keeper. A a real pitcher. In and out, in and out, 92, 82, 92, 92, 82, down, down, down, down. Throws strikes. Is efficient. Seems to strike out alot of batters for a “contact” pitcher. Dude looks great.
By Efrim
May 12, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Well, we got one. 1-3 on the Penn road trip so far. Honestly, lets just try and take one in Philly before heading back home. 20-20 through 40 games isn’t that bad.
The homestand worries me though. Some really good offenses that work counts to be in their favor. I’ll take 6-5 on that homestand. It’s the toughest stretch of the year at home….without a doubt. I would be very happy with 6-5. 26-25 through 51 games…..the Marlins will cool off by then, right?
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Macdwolfpack, clearly it’s Van B., at least from a statistical perspective. He makes Kyle Davies’ numbers look like those of Johan Santana by comparison.
By Braveheart
May 12, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Double Dutch loss today. The Dutch boys Jurrjens and Van Benschoten took the Ls. Obviously, Jair was far better than the other fella. The Pirates need to change that guy’s name to Van Benschittin’.
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Here is an article on AJ from another writer from the LA Times. Not as critical as Simers but still looks bad.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-bbcol11-2008may11,0,6482432.story
By 234234
May 12, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Overload: I am with you… what has happened to Resop? If he is not wanted then send him out and bring someone else up who can pitch. I really don’t think he is that bad at all… he needs to pitch to get some confidence and then see how he does…
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, that 7:41 post made me smile as I sit here at the airport, laptop in lap, cheddar cheese crisp stains on my fingers, swiggin’ my last bit of Red Bull and waiting to board this flight….
Keylargo, who is Simers and what article of his are you referring to?
By macdwolfpack
May 12, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you as befuddles as I am wondering why this Braves team is so underperforming offensively and in particular on the road against the weakest competition? Is it too early to start being concerned about a pattern that has gone on now for about two years?
By Tomas
May 12, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Those blue jersey’s are awful. I prefer the red one’s or the normal one’s 100 times.
By ncscoots
May 12, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
2-8 in the road blues, 2-6 in the other road jerseys. It ain’t the clothes, Rose.
I know many of the KJ bashers still think it’s April, but the guy has hit .300 so far this month. He deserves the rest of the road trip to prove out or not in the leadoff spot. If he’s still struggling at the 40-game mark, I’d agree that it’s time to move him down.
But, if he rips in Philly, leave him up top. I’ve been very impressed with Blanco, but you have to figure the book on him will be out sooner than later. Rookies are going to play like rookies over the course of a year, and hitting .330 all year ain’t that.
By Reid in EAV
May 12, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Lou Vales, excellent illustration of the point. With expanded playoffs, WS victories are about as random as they’ve ever been. Now even the vaunted Yankees can’t buy championships like they used to be able to, and that a dipsh!t, bush league, fan-less franchise like Florida has that many titles only emphasizes the point.
Me, I’m a total purist. Screw the “playoffs.” Take the two best teams from each league an put ‘em in the series — what does a “NLDS/ALDS, NLCS/ALCS” layer prove that 162 FREAKING GAMES don’t?
Yes, of course, that would mean a lot of teams would basically be out of the running by the All-Star break. So let’s be clear — expanded playoffs are about putting butts in seats, not about putting the two best teams in the series.
By N8
May 12, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
scoots
“I’ve been very impressed with Blanco, but you have to figure the book on him will be out sooner than later. Rookies are going to play like rookies over the course of a year, and hitting .330 all year ain’t that.”
You mean like Yunel hitting .326 last year? LOL!
Blanco was a .289 hitter over 2 years (06-07) at Richmond.
I couldn’t find splits for 2007 for him. But in 2006, he was 60-188 (.319) against RHP, and 19 for 78 (.243) against LHP.
So, it’s VERY reasonable to think that if Bobby ran a straight platoon with Blanco in LF (with Diaz), that Blanco COULD keep that pace up.
He just has to be put in a position to succeed. Something that Bobby NORMALLY does very well.
So far this year in the Big Leagues, he’s 15 for 46 (.326) against RHP and 2 for 9 (.222) against LHP.
In other words, it appears as though Cox knows what he’s doing with Blanco.
Having said that, if I’m Bobby, I don’t even remotely think about starting Diaz against a RHP anytime soon. If for nothing else, the defense.
But if he so feels inclined, he could use Blanco to give Kotsay and Francoeur (Yeah right) an occasional day off.
Ironically, KJ has faired BETTER against LHP this year, so far. So for those wanting a platoon with KJ/Infante should look a bit deeper.
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
Simers is TJ Simers of the LA Times. He has written two Very Critical articles on AJ. Calling him Tubbo, etc. Here is the link to the second one. The other was about 7 to 10 days ago also in the Times.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers11-2008may11,0,532491.column
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
DOB
This artilcle is the first by Simers about AJ.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers13apr13,0,5783200.column
By Tomas
May 12, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
God I feel bad for Andruw. That TJ Simers is a son of %&%&. If he is released this season, I think the dodgers are unbelievely, judgemental, and stupid they would lose all that money. They wont do it.
By Dadgum
May 12, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
OK…still checking….still trying to find out if Braves set some kind of record in that first game. You know…getting eight hits while the other team committed four errors and still not score. I am checking numerous stat sites. Gotta believe it is a first.
By keylargo
May 12, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Dadgum
Don’t forget about the walks. Duke had 5 and Burnett 1.
By 22oz
May 12, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
keylargo, you don’t pick up on sarcasm too well do you?
By GermanBravesFan
May 12, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
That article in the LA Times by Simers is brutal. On one hand, I can sympathize with Andruw by keeping his answers to a minimum - especially in the light of Simers’ previous article in April. Why would anybody still want to talk to the guy?
On the other hand, criticism of Andruw is justified. The guy signed a two-year contract worth $36 million and the LEAST he can do is report for Spring Training (and the season, for that matter) in good shape.
It is sad to see him let himself go like that. Does he really not care? One could make that point by reading the answers to Simers’ questions in both articles. It’s a shame that the best center fielder of his time has lost his drive…
By Choppinmama
May 12, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DirectTV and MLB. You give me the 12:30 game on SS, but even though it’s listed on the schedule, SOMEONE decides the evening game should be blacked out. I deserve to see a road win - they have been SO RARE lately.
22 oz.: I’m headed to town for Baseball 101 on Saturday too. If your wife hasn’t been before, she’s in for a treat. Not too many people can say they’ve pitched in the Braves bullpen, did some hitting in the indoor batting cages (nicely A/C’d, I might add), and took some grounders and fly balls from some of the guys in the outfield. Oh yeah!
Haven’t missed one since July ‘99 when we pitched to Rocker. At least this year in May, instead of July, the temp will be under 95 degrees.
By Cecil34
May 12, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
A 1 and 3 series to start the road trip against an under .500 team.
My Lord….
My mind runs wild with horror at what awaits us in Philly….
More cold temps, more back spasms, and more substandard and uninspired play…
I pray that I am wrong.
Good night all….
By David O'Brien
May 12, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Hello from Philly. Just checked into my hotel room, completing the 14-hour day that began with a 9 a.m. walk from my Pittsburgh hotel to PNC Park.
It’s wet and raw here, too. About 48 degrees.
KeyLargo, I was kidding. And Simers has been on Andruw since spring training, about 4-5 columns.
Later
By Gary
May 12, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Notice the Marlin fan(yeah the only one) Teal is not on tonight after his great Marlins lost to the lowly Reds(more lowly than the Pirates)yes the same Reds that our beloved Braves swept recently. Guess those Marlins don’t take care of business as much as ole Teal thinks they can. Anyway glad the Reds and Braves helped shut this loon up for the night. Another great night as the Mets lost as well. Braves don’t lose any ground after all. GO BRAVES!!
By chase
May 12, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard any good and LEGIT trade rumors lately?
toss out some of your not too far-fetched trade possibilities for the Braves….
SIMERS’ attacks on AJ are PERSONAL NOT PROFESSIONAL and that is the problem I have with him…..
Look at the bright side..The Braves are 7-3 in their last 10 :-) gotta stay positive!
By chase
May 12, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Maybe the BRAVES are just doing their best HAWKS impression as a measure of ATL support and solidarity! LOL
Gotta get 2 outta the next 3 on the road in Philly
By Choppinmama
May 12, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
DOB: In your honor, tomorrow’s song of the blog should be Travelin’ Man by good ol’ Ricky Nelson.
By chase
May 12, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Something tells me “TEALMAN” won’t be on ANY blog running his pie hole 2 months from now…….
By Promises to agree with "Coach"
May 12, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Please, do tell!!!
What’s the latest with Tex?
Who will be going on Friday night?
Inquiring minds want to know all three items above.
By Incognito
May 12, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Frequent reader, seldom poster.
I would like to see Morton get a shot. Also, either pitch Resop in mop up roles, or release him. What else does Stockman have to prove in Richmond. Give him a shot and let’s see if he has what it takes.
As for Hanson, he is probably no worse than some of the pitchers the lower echilon teams run out there (as far as experience goes). You only call him up if he succeeds at Mississippi, and you are desperate.
By mr baseball
May 13, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
The Braves are great at home. They stink on the road. And there isn’t anyone on this blog — not DOB, not N8, not Shaun, not Braveheart (and those are the people who actually might have a clue) and certainly not Coach — who has the slightest idea why.
ncscoots at least knows what ain’t the problem — the blue road unis. A rare voice of reason today.
A lot of the disgruntled comments posted during the opening game loss and in the previous few days reveal the Chicken Little (or was it Henny Penny) mindset that permeates this blog. The Braves stink for a game or two (or three) and a lot of folks on here think it’s the end of the world and respond with some truly idiotic comments.
People who think Bobby Cox is the greatest manager ever all of a sudden decide he has to go because the Braves’ hitters repeatedly fail to drive in runs. Others who don’t have the slightest clue how to put together a functional batting order are dead certain that a proven player be demoted/benched/banished, while someone who may or may not be a major league player should take over one of the key roles on the team.
Braves win 6 in a row and a World Series title is coming back to Atlanta. Braves lose 3 in a row and the season is over. Get a grip people.
The only thing I can figure is that too many of the folks on here confuse baseball with football. Football teams play once a week and every game matters a lot. 10 games in the major leagues equal 1 game in the NFL. In NFL terms, the Braves are 2-2, which is pretty much the case for every team in the majors.
The problem is not Cox, as much as I hate to admit it. It’s not the absence of Leo. It’s not the injuries to the pitching staff. It’s not even Chuck James, although Coach in his infinite wisdom probably thinks it is.
The problem is that too many of the key hitters are sputtering, and too many scoring opportunities are being wasted. That’s not exactly a startling insight, but it’s a lot closer to reality than some of the nonsense that’s been spouted on here.
Francouer, Tex, KJ, Diaz and BMac all could be having better seasons. All of them (maybe not Diaz) are very likely to step it up in the near future, and when that happens, a lot of the 3-2 and 4-3 losses will become wins as often as not. Assuming the pitching continues at its current, which is a big assumption.
The Braves have survived the run of pitching injuries and are still only a few games out of first. The Marlins won’t win at their current pace forever, and the Mets & Phillies have a lot of the same concerns as the Braves.
It’s possible this team could finish 4th. It could just as easily win the division. At this point, none of us have any idea, but if the Braves take at least 2 of 3 from the Phillies, I’m guessing lots of folks here will be back on the bandwagon by the weekend.
And if they lose 2 or get swept, NL East basement, here we come. Hudson & Jurrjens are both likely to pitch this weekend. And even with Chucky facing the mighty Phillies and opposing Hamels, it’s a weekend to look forward to.
A sweep won’t mean the Braves are World Series bound and a sweep by the Phillies won’t eliminate Atlanta from playoff contention, although you won’t know it by the reaction here.
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
True story: Just on the elevator coming back from a late dinner, and it’s just me and a pilot for … UPS. I’m not kidding. Full pilot’s uniform on.
Friendly guy, asks “How ya doing?”
“Good,” I say. “You?”
“Good,” he says.
And there’s silence and looking straight ahead for about 15 seconds as the floors tick by.
But I can’t resist.
“That guy on your commercials,” I say. “The one with the long hair and the sweater? He’s annoying.”
And before I could even finish that last sentence, the pilot smiled.
“Tell me about it,” he says, nodding in agreement.
The elevator stops at his floor. “Take it easy,” he says, and exits.
By uga-brave
May 13, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
diaz is playing his way onto the bench, fulltime.
he has one extra basehit on the road all season and hard to do .396 .ops.
hard to win on the road with numbers like that from a left fielder.
braves have gotta start getting some power out of their corner outfielders.
By Incognito
May 13, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Did Hanson go tonight for Mississippi? He hadn’t pitched since the 5th in MB.
By Incognito
May 13, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Mr Beezball, you hit the nail on the head. Too many frontrunners on here, as near as I can tell.
We have the pieces, let’s just hope they fit the puzzle.
By Incognito
May 13, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Those power corner guys are a dime a dozen. Let’s go get us a few of them….
By Chop Chop
May 13, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
DOB,
That damn hippie UPS sweater guy can’t even draw a truck trailer whose wheels touch the road he has drawn. That annoys me more than anything he says. I’d like to put a UPS barcode on that dude’s head and scan it with some brass knucks.
By Incognito
May 13, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
The only teams with a better record in the past 10 games than the Braves are the Astros and the Rangers.
By N8
May 13, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball
“Braves win 6 in a row and a World Series title is coming back to Atlanta.”
Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!!!
Don’t you DARE lump me in with that crowd. LOL!
DOB
That’s frickin’ hilarious about the elevator and the UPS guy. I actually laughed outloud (LOUD), pretty much woke my wife up as she was just about asleep.
Had to give her the “low-down” on why it’s so funny.
She didn’t think so.
By P-Town Brave
May 13, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
About Morton
The key is that he is scheduled to start tonight…If he doesn’t start or comes out after say 40-50 pitches or only goes about 2-3 innings, I say its a safe bet that he gets called up to pitch Friday…and why not? I think it would be great for the ballclub…
And from a competition standpoint…just think if the kid pitched good…
Competition is great :)
By Moby Grape
May 13, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
I see that the hot new rant is now sitting Frenchy. Kelly not batting lead-off is so yesterday. I imagine the new one would be about as effective as the last one hasn’t been.BTW where are all those wins when Johnson hasn’t led off? Armchair analysts, ya gotta luv ‘em.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 3:52 AM | Link to this
I’m not gonna tell anybody what the answer is.
Why, you ask?
Because nobody will listen to me.
If I spit the answer out, every single idiot in America is going to argue with meCoach
nah coach, it’s the idiots who agree with you
By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)
May 13, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this
mr.baseball likes talking in circles and offering his opinion without actually addressing the real problem at hand that has plagued this team since 2006.
Why do the Braves have their current record of 182 wins and 179 losses since the beginning of the 2006 season?
Therein lies the rub. Why?
By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)
May 13, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this
See what I mean. The windbags are out in full force. Of all the blogs I contribute to, this one is by far the most argumentative.
If only people were as discriminating with their elected politicians and officials, then this country would be so much smarter.
To many Chiefs, not enough Indians.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 5:47 AM | Link to this
I see that the hot new rant is now sitting Frenchy. Kelly not batting lead-off is so yesterday.Moby
There are still some fools talking about KJ striking out too much to bat lead-off. But look, he has 119 ABs with 23 Ks, but the current board lead-off darlin’ Blanco has 62 ABs and 15 Ks.Oh My, that’s a higher rate than Kelly’s if I remember my grade school math. What a buncha dunces. Like there was just one or two things that are going to fix this team. It’s all about WHEN not How Many, and this can be the most when-less team around for spells. I’m sure that is all Booby’s fault too, along with global warming and high gas prices.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 13, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this
Yo duck, you are aware that Kelly Johnson has two career stats which are horrific.
1st batter of the game: .206 BA .276 OBP
Leading off an inning: .244 BA .322 OBP
By ncscoots
May 13, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this
Coach, if you use the FBOTG stat, you also have to mention his .268/.362/.441 stats when batting 1st. Somehow, I think the other three AB during the game might be a leetle more important than the game-opener, no?
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
Yo duck, you are aware that Kelly Johnson has two career stats which are horrific.
1st batter of the game: .206 BA .276 OBP
Leading off an inning: .244 BA .322 OBCoach
Yo Coachy, you are aware that neither one is from a sample size large enough to matter much of a damm, right.
By BT
May 13, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
UPS Jerk-
This particular nonperformer—the floppy-haired fellow standing at the whiteboard—is named Andy Azula, and he’s actually the creative director on the campaign. Azula conceived of these ads as a refreshing change from typical shipping spots, which show trucks and package handlers and businesspeople meeting deadlines. To give UPS a sense of what he planned, he filmed sample spots with himself as the whiteboard guy and with co-workers from his ad agency behind the camera. He never imagined he’d appear in the final versions, but when UPS tested various other actors (and kept Azula in the mix), focus groups consistently picked him as their favorite. Azula’s guess is that while the other actors had more charisma and energy, his low-key, unpolished delivery made him seem less like an annoying pitchman. As an art director who’d made countless storyboards, he also had a knack for fast, fun sketching. (Though a professional illustrator was employed on the set to speed things up by redrawing the whiteboard between takes. “He had to repress his skills to imitate my style,” says Azula.)
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 13, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Yo duck, the word is spelled D-A-M-N. learn to cuss correctly, OK.
But, you’re right, KJ isn’t worth a D-A-M-N.
By Jeff R
May 13, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Okay, let’s bring up Charlie Morton and watch another “Not for Prime Time” pitcher get cuffed around.
The problem the last two seasons has been with the pitching staff. The position players are generally a talented group.
Jurrjens and Hudson are proving to be a nice core for the starting staff. The relief staff is, as we all know, spotty.
Wren has his work cut out for him. I realize management has had to work within challenging limits at times, but I’m not very impressed with how its built the pitching staff.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Yo duck, the word is spelled D-A-M-N.Coach
Surely you can do better than that, though coachy pooh. I know how to spell it dummy. I wasn’t sure if the blog would accept it or except it. Little misguided pun there.:-)
By Salty
May 13, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Too many Chiefs, not enough Indians. Didn’t expect that from Coach.
Jeff R Who ya gonna pitch? In truth, the pitching’s been pretty damn (just to prove I can spell! :-) ) good this year. If anything, the offense has put the burden on the staff…PHing the starter in the 5th/6th inning cause nothing’s happening against the ‘no name’ Cy Youngs faced every night. Yanking Jair yesterday…sheesh…wanted to pull my (remaining) hair out…but the message was clear…BC has no faith in the O in crunch time, which now starts after the 4th! LOL!
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
The problem the last two seasons has been with the pitching staff. JeffR
Ain’t it kinda hard to find fault with the best staff in the NL? 1st in ERA 1st in BAA 1st in OPS against 2nd in WHIP. That’s a really cold appraisal, Jeff.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Braves are only team in majors that have not K´ed 200 times.
So if Braves are putting the ball in play, they will eventually score more runs.
They are 3rd in OBP and 1st in BA. How can they be only 8th in runs scored?
If our #3 hitter is hitting .406, how cant we score more runs? you can add to that equation that our #2 with .319.
If MLB kept record of “robbed of a base hit”, TEX would be liading that stat in the majors by far.
How about leading the NL in ERA by .20 points and tied for 2nd in the majors.
All those number Id say would put you in the playoffs automatically if they continue all season long.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Yanking Jair yesterday…sheesh…wanted to pull my (remaining) hair out…Salty
That didn’t bother me at all Salty, in fact I was happy to see it. Jair has got to be on a leash this year. Three straight years he didn’t get above 145 IP and got a sore arm from that level last season. Inning count, pitch count, whatever, Bobby is more than welcome to pull him out after 6 with a three run lead . With all the injury problems it is gonna be dang(sp) hard to keep his work load withi a safe limit as it is. Kudos to Booby in that game IMO.
By Savannah Guy
May 13, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
BT: Good post on the UPS television spots. I like the spots and the performance of Andy Azula in them. Andy is creative director for The Martin Agency, one of the top creative shops in the country.
Unlike squeezing the Charmin (RIP), the UPS ads are intelligent, calm, delivery service specific and get the key points across in a unique, non-hype, regular guy manner. No ‘we are the world’ or special effects. Azula is a natural in his relaxed delivery (pun intended).
What’s not to like and what could possibly be annoying about the spots? The spots may not dazzle the national ad awards and they probably won’t draw standing ovations from Cannes… and they’re not as memorable (or nearly as funny) as the old Federal Express TV spots, but they do the job and get the message across in a simple, memorable and low budget, no frills way.
The ad copy is written in the language of the intended customer and directed toward the key business/shipper target, which is the whole point of advertising. If I have any problem with the campaign it would not be the concept, the talent or the execution, it would be the media selection.
UPS is an Atlanta corporation and a big supporter of the Braves for quite a few years, which is great. For that reason, I suspect they also buy airtime during Braves games, even though the audience is not really their target. Too much out of target reach and frequency and voila… beat writers and some of his blogging baseball fans (and UPS pilots in elevators) are either annoyed, just don’t get it or could care less because they don’t ship packages regularly.
The fact that our blog host Mr. O’Brien is annoyed by the dude in the spots is a bit curious though, since, from one photo I’ve seen of him, they kind of resemble each other a bit. David has short hair and Andy has longish hair, so maybe it’s the hair? Perhaps UPS once lost his package filled with Whitesnake CD’s, who knows? (insert wink here).
Obviously, sometimes we each have our own non-specific reasons for not liking a particular actor, musician or baseball player. Then again, as with blanket non-specific statements from bloggers saying the Braves are doomed (in which they get rapped), perhaps DOB could be a bit more specific as to why he is annoyed at the spots. Inquiring minds and all…
In all fairness to UPS, it’s hard to track down and deliver to a guy that, when not traveling lives on a motorcycle or a hotel room or a press box and hops around the country on Delta, covering baseball games. What… we expect UPS to know the Braves schedule? I guess that’s possible, but could UPS possibly know a Delta schedule? No way.
That’s why UPS owns their own planes. Could this actually be our hosts deep-seated annoyance of Delta?
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Time to put the guy with .425 OBP leading off (Blanco). He has 62 AB, worth at try whether Cox likes it or not.
By Will
May 13, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Glad the Bravos could steal 1 out of 4 from the unstoppable Pirates.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 13, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Overlord:
One of the things that’s working against the Braves is the GIDP. They’re 3rd in the NL with 36, behind the Cardinals (41) and Dodgers (39). Most other teams have below 30 at this point.
In the AL, the Braves would be towards the middle of the pack. The Blue Jays lead the way with an astonishing 51 double-plays, followed by the Red Sox (43), Angels (40), Twins and Tigers (38 apiece).
By N8
May 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
You guys contending that KJ’s fiirst batter of the game average of .206, means nothing, need to wake up a bit.
What that means is that by the time Yunel (or Renteria last year), comes to bat, we ALREADY have one out 8 games out of 10. Which means, sustained first inning rallies, which means more often than not, we’re coming from behind, which means the batters are on their heels early and the pitchers are walking on egg-shells as to not give up any more runs.
As for Blanco’s strikeout rate? Who cares?
I’ve only seen 1 or 2 posters suggest that Blanco be the lead-off hitter.
The other 99.9 percent (myself included), are pining for Escobar to leadoff.
My guess is that Coach’s “secret” is that since the beginning of the 2006 season, we haven’t had a TRUE lead-off hitter.
2006: Marcus “oh crap I can’t do HGH anymore” Giles.
2007: Kelly Johnson.
2008: Kelly Johnson.
But it’s just a guess. I’m sure he’ll respond to me saying I’m not even close.
Keep in mind, before you think I completely agree with him, that I don’t think KJ is worthless, just not the best choice to bat lead-off.
I think the guy could knock in anywhere from 15-25 HR and 80-100 RBI, batting lower in the order. He is JUST AS CAPABLE as putting up Frenchy type numbers if put in the right spot in the order.
All though a small sample size, keep in mind that Yunel is 17 of 34 (that’s a .500 average to you and me Russ), when he is the FBOTG, and he has a .344 BA in 171 AB’s in those 35 games as the lead-off hitter.
As opposed to KJ’s 20 hits in 98 games (.204), which is only 3 more GD hits in 63 more games than Yunel has as the FBOTG.
In those 98 games at lead-off, KJ’s over all average is .270, with an OBP of .363. Not really ideal is it?
What is KJ’s carerr numbers when NOT leading off, you ask?
158 for 496 (.319) with an OBP of EXACTLY .400.
It appears as though, Bobby needs to actually READ the “book” that he goes by.
For the record, while the 35 games for Yunel in the lead-off spot ARE a “small sample size”, the numbers for KJ, are NOT.
So, in reality, Yunel, over time, may not be the “guy” for that role either. But CLEARLY (to anybody with an open mind), KJ is not the answer either.
By Will
May 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Also, there is nothing more enjoyable to me then starting my day reading BS quotes about “taking momentum” from a doubleheader split and losing 3 out of 4 into philly tonight. With Hudson and Jair going yesterday Braves will be lucky to win one game there and i predict a sweep
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Overlord, true the Braves are eighth in runs scored at 181 but the fourth ranked team (Florida) has scored 188. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are tied for fifth with 185. So essentially the Braves are bunched in with a group of teams that are behind the Cubs (223), Arizona (208) and Houston (192).
But we shouldn’t expect a lot of the aforementioned teams to stay that high in the runs scored rankings. Pittsburgh ranks 12th in OPS, which doesn’t bode well for their chances to stay near the top. Houston is ninth. Only the Cubs and D-Backs rank higher than the Braves in OPS.
I agree, if the Braves can keep up their pace, they should be in the playoffs.
You said, “All those numbers I’d say would put you in the playoffs automatically if they continue all season long.” Does this mean you’ve been converted to a basic Pythagorean principal—runs scored and allowed are more indicative of future performance than actual won-loss record? Sure sounds like it.
By Cecil34
May 13, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Good Morning all…
Having done some simple ciphering, (please check the math) here is the tale of the tape…
The Braves stand currently at 19-18, which is 37 games played.
There are 125 games to go.
I figure the division winner will have won 95 games by the time it is over. It is as good a guess as any.
For the Braves to be the division winner, they need to go 76-49 in that span (27 games over .500) or a .610 clip.
Obviously this team has played so far around a .500 clip.
I understand the wild card is out there somewhere - perhaps the Bravos won’t have to play at such lofty levels to qualify for it.
What these numbers mean to me is that unless the Braves do an about face in their productivity on the field and very soon, the odds get worse and the playoff prospects evaporate.
The real question is, can these hitters do it and produce, when for 37 games (or more specifically the 19 games on the road) they have fallen short?
Can the pitching by committee that Cox favors hold up for 125 more games?
We will know what we have by June 1.
By DAP
May 13, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
will predicting the braves sweep the phils, hunh? pretty bold.
the phillies have been as bad as us against lefties this year, and we are throwing three in a row against them. also, the first two guys they are pitching, kendrick and meyers are both righties, and both VERY beatable. the braves arguably have a better offense than the phils, and the pitching matchups are pretty even. id say its 60/40 that we win this series, but the offense has to get kendrick and meyers early.
By N8
May 13, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
In my last post I said:
“Which means, sustained first inning rallies…”
Obviously, it should have said MINIMAL sustained first inning rallies.
By KC
May 13, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
These next 2 weeks sre going to be hard…
3 in Phili
3 vs. Oakland (the top team in the AL right now
3 vs. the Mets
By Andy Azula
May 13, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Savannah Guy. Here’s to you:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VUQZ8_fu7Qs&feature=related
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
You said, “All those numbers I’d say would put you in the playoffs automatically if they continue all season long.” Does this mean you’ve been converted to a basic Pythagorean principal—runs scored and allowed are more indicative of future performance than actual won-loss record? Sure sounds like it.Shaun
Pythagoras suks. According to that old Greek dude we should be 23-14. In other words he is already 4 games off in less than a quarter of a season. He11, Miss Cleo woulda dun much better than that.
By Jeff R
May 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack, Maybe I missed something, but management bet on two 40-plus pitchers (Smoltz and Glavine) to produce, what, 30 victories between them? Is that going to happen? Did management not game the downsides to relying on two old guys for two-thirds of the team’s starts? Soriano had a bum arm before coming to the Braves. Moylan was a surprise. But what gives with all the arm injuries to the pitchers? Poor mechanics? Poor conditioning? Dumb luck? Seems there’s an invetigative report here for DOB or Carroll.
Offense…It’s early May, barely a month into the season. Hitters are notorious slow starters. As I said, the team at the positions is solid. They didn’t have the pitching last year to carry them through, and they seem not have it this year to do so. Therein lies the weakness.
By KC
May 13, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
I accidentally sent my last post prematurely…
THESE NEXT 2 WEEKS ARE GOING TO BE HARD…
3 in Phili
3 vs. Oakland (the top team in the AL right now
3 vs. the Mets
4 vs. Arizona
The tough part about facing so many good teams consecutively, is that any lack of depth in the rotation could be exposed. And right now, the back end of our rotation isn’t exactly rock solid.
And the matchups aren’t falling our way.
We’re going to see both Myers and Hamels in this Phillies series (though Myers hasn’t been sharp… let’s hope that continues).
We’re going to see both Santana and O.Perez (the 2 guys we least want to see on their staff) in the Mets series.
And we’ll face both Haren and Webb when Arizona comes to town.
So the Braves certainly have their work cut out for them. Frankly, if they can play .500 ball over the next 14 games… we should all be happy with that.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe, I suspect that a lot of high scoring teams are going to ground into a decent amount of double plays because those teams usually have more baserunners. Six of the top ten teams in GIDP are above average in runs scored.
Look at those AL teams you mentioned. Four of those teams are really good to great offensive clubs. And the other—Toronto—actually has posted a solid OBP.
GIDP certainly aren’t a good thing but it’s also worth mentioning that good and even great offensive clubs often hit into their share of double plays because of the amount of times those clubs get on base.
By Efrim
May 13, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
KC
Stretch it over 14 games.
3 @ Philly
3 vs. Oakland
4 vs. New York
4 vs. Arizona
7-7 would be excellent.
By BT
May 13, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy,
Very good points on UPS. DOB may be hot with you today.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack, right, only a quarter of the season. Let’s see how accurate it is through 162 games. And four games is not that far off.
I suppose you disagree with Overlord who says if the Braves keep up their pace of ranking high in runs, on-base, slugging and ERA throughout the season then they’ll contend for a playoff spot. Because if you deny Pythagoras, this is what you are denying.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Just common sense Shaun. I dont think there is a team at least in the NL that can shut down the braves if they get to the playoffs (well maybe the pirates).
I read something about Maddux coming back to atlanta now that the padres are struggling. Is this only a rumor? or a real possibility?
By chase
May 13, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
CECIL
I’m not gonna attack you for your opinion (like many do to me) BUT I don’t think it is going to take 95 wins to get this Division…..
At the pace the EAST teams are on, 88-90 wins might get it done….
Remember that as horrible as the Braves have been on the road…the METS and Phillies haven’t been ANY better…
The Braves are 1 gm behind Phillies and 1/2 behind the Mets
And as improbably hot as the FISH have been the Braves are only 3 gm behnd them (AND THEY WON’T LAST)
The Braves have stayed afloat and done a good job considering
SMOLTZ, GLAVINE, HAMPTON, SORIANO, and MOYLAN have or are been on the DL
Not to mention JoJo and Carlyle’s minor injuries in their last game
In addition, You’ve had Chipper miss 3 games (2 in New York) Yunel miss 2 games (in New York) PRADO and PENYA have been DL’d, TEX misses a DH with back issues…..
NOBODY else in the DIVISION has had to deal with that amount of crucial injuries…..
So the Braves are keeping pace with alot of their Bullets out of the gun and some others banged up….They could take off when they get all their weapons back and firing
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
As for Blanco’s strikeout rate? Who cares?
I’ve only seen 1 or 2 posters suggest that Blanco be the lead-off hitter. N8
Really? I’ve seen at least half a dozen or so over the last ten days including another this morning advocating Blanco. In fact I’ve read more about it being him that Yunel. Of course you’re long winded diatribes about Yunel being the dude make it seem like everybody wants it to be him.
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck on and on and on and on..it must be… Neight the pinhead…oops I mean pintail. Sorry..
By ncscoots
May 13, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Just to quickly revisit the FBOTG stats and put them in perspective…
I’m sure most of the small-ball, speed-loving aficianados here would say that Reyes, Rollins, and Furcal fit their concept of leadoff hitters, yes? Well, each has an OBP under .330 as FBOTG; not exactly stellar.
I don’t post this to make an argument for Kelly staying at leadoff, but rather to show that some of the arguments for NOT keeping him at leadoff are specious, at best. There are sound arguments for either action, IMO, but some of the reasons put forth here (in both cases) just aren’t relevant.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Cecil34, I don’t know about the division winner winning 95 games this year. Look at where the Mets and Phillies (and Braves) are right now and it’s easy to see the odds are against any team winning 95 games.
I’d say 86-88 wins will win the division, maybe low 90s if someone got hot. Keep in mind 89 wins won the NL East last season.
By DAP
May 13, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
i dont think it will take 95 wins to win this division. i think we are looking at an NL east that beats up on itself and the winner comes out with 90 games. 90-72. if we get that, i think we win the division.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
**Efrim, KC” 7-7 this far in the season would not be excelent. Id say it would put us in more trouble. They need to go 9-5, at least.
By chase
May 13, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
EFRIM
first let me apoligize for accidentally lumping you with my attackers yesterday….
Now…
I would agree that 7-7 would be great over that stretch EXCEPT
Those 4 games vs the MUTS (and almost all the others) are at home where the Braves have been great and they always own the MUTS Taking 3 of 4 is not a stretch there
Alot depends on this Phillies series…
If the Braves take 2 of 3 I see no reason why they can’t at least take 2 from the A’s, and then if you at least split with the MUTS and DBACKS
That would give you and 8-6 record over that stretch ANYTHING ABOVE THAT WOULD BE GRAVY!
If you take
By KC
May 13, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
By the way, the Braves NEED to win tonight and tomorrow if they hope to win this series…
Cuz it’s Chuck James against Cole Hamels in the series finale.
By McFann
May 13, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Francouer, Tex, KJ, Diaz and BMac all could be having better seasons. Mr. Baseball
Dude, McCann is batting .305 with a .371 OBP, and has 7 homers, 20 RBI, 11 doubles, and one triple. His AVG with RISP is steadily on the rise (up to .225!), and he’s made NO ERRORS YET. Perhaps you were only talking about throwing out base-runners there. But as far as batting, what do you want—Chipperlike numbers from your catcher?
That is too funny about the elevator, Chief! I almost lost it!
Yeah, that guy is very annoying—and then there’s that dude in the “ShipMax” commercial. Oh! He’s really weird!
By chase
May 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
One thing BOBBY COX is RIGHT about…
We don’t need to keep looking at 10-15 game stretches and saying “We need to win “this” many or “that” many games….
Just Concentrate on WINNING EACH SERIES…if you win series or at least SPLIT (4 gamers) then everything will take care of itself!!!!
By tkg
May 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Funny story on the UPS pilot … Like that.
Off topic for a second: Can anyone tell me about Center Stage Theatre in Atlanta? What’s it like for a concert? Is there good seating and where should I try to get seats for a concert to get a good view?
By KC
May 13, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Overlord: There is ebb and flow in every schedule. When you play the very best teams in baseball, you hope to play at least .500, and then beat up on the other teams.
9-5 against the Phillies, A’s, Mets, and D-Backs… while not impossible, is not very practical to hope for at this point. Especially since the bullpen still be short-handed through most or all of this stretch (Smoltz and Gonzalez are due back toward the end of the month).
I don’t know much about the A’s rotation, but against the Phillies, Mets, and D-backs… we’ll be facing the 2 starters from each of those teams that we least want to face.
This is one of those stretches from hell. Obviously, we would all be thrilled with 9-5. But I think we’d have to be pleased with 7-7, considering the injuries and the level of competition we’ll be up against over the next couple weeks.
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
from Cecil: There are 125 games to go.
I figure the division winner will have won 95 games by the time it is over. It is as good a guess as any.
For the Braves to be the division winner, they need to go 76-49 in that span (27 games over .500) or a .610 clip.
Obviously this team has played so far around a .500 clip
Reaction from Me: Every year. Without fail. In every town, regarding every team that’s started out at anything less than its hoped-for pace. We get this type of projection.
And come July, if/when the Braves and/or Mets and/or Phillies (all with virtually the same record today) are in first place, or two games out, or whatever, this meaningless extrapolation from May becomes, well, meaningless. Without fail. Mark it down now.
By your logic, Cecil, any team playing roughly .500 ball (all three preseason division favorites) now should probably scrap it and aim for next year, then? Yeah, that’s reasonable.
That’s silly.
You say 95 wins is as good a guess as any on what it’ll take to win the division?
No, it’s not as good a guess as any.
No team in the NL won more than 90 games last season. So guessing that it’d take 95 games to win the division this season, well, that’s more than likely a bit high.
Philly won the division with 89 wins in 2007.
In 2006, New York (97 wins) was the only NL team with more than 88 wins.
In 2005, 90 wins won the division and 89 won the wild card.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
I suppose you disagree with Overlord who says if the Braves keep up their pace of ranking high in runs, on-base, slugging and ERA throughout the season then they’ll contend for a playoff spot. Because if you deny Pythagoras, this is what you are denying.Shaun
nope not denying it. saying that i don’t know and neither do you or Pythagoras.
It’s about when, not how many. gee the last few years with the Braves should have taught you that. and of course the Snakes last season too.
There is nothing sacred about Puthagoras. It’s just another tool to give an estimate that often is fairly close, but not often enough to put any money on dude.
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck quoting stats for every single aspect of baseball and completely ignoring the idiosyncrasies of players and teams…it must be Shaun
By geauxbraves2000
May 13, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
THESE NEXT 2 WEEKS ARE GOING TO BE HARD
The bigger they are, the harder they fall!
A new day, a new attitude, 7-7? No way, let’s shoot for a minimum 10-4, they can do it!
Geaux Braves!!
By Efrim
May 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Overlord
We are currently 19-18, the next 14 games is without question, our toughest stretch to date. With that said, 7-7 would be spectacular. I could care less what our home record is, those three teams coming in are very good…..and I don’t have high hopes for this Philly series. 1-2 against the Phils and 6-5 on that homestand, right?
By chase
May 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I DON’T think the MADDUX to the BRAVES thing is just a passing rumor
Mark Bowman has written about it on Braves.Com
He said when asking Wren/and JS about it they kept telling him “You never know…anything can happen”
But they never denied they were interested or that they would try
Take out one bad start vs. the DBACKS and MADDUX has a 2.30 era in 9 starts…I think we could use that kind of consistency right now!
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
ncscoots, good point. It’s kind of silly to suggest the reason a player shouldn’t hit leadoff is because of what he’s done leading off a game.
Look at what Chipper has done this season leading off an inning—.250/.375/.400. Of course no one has brought that up.
Situational stats are sometimes useful but often times it’s pretty pointless to dig that deep. For instance looking at how a hitter does against certain types of pitchers can be very helpful but often times overall stats tell us a lot more about ability than situational stats.
By Cecil34
May 13, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Chase & Shaun
Yeah, y’all are probably right - as is stands now, with the division beating up on each other like they do, 95 is probably too high.
But even 88 or 90 requires the Braves to step it up a few notches from what they are currently doing.
Chase, I hear you about all the issues we have had so far. I think there is no question that we are probably fortunate to be 19-18 at this point.
My concern is this: it is going to require a certain amount of perfection and a “bucking of the current trend” to play at a better level. In other words, a major turnaround.
Our aged pitchers must produce, injured ones come back and produce, relievers produce, hitters shake off their doldrums and produce, and all consistently (at least 2 out of every three attempts) and with no more issues.
I just know that this is a tall order to ask for the next 125 games. It would be like defying laws of physics to think that the baseball team can be nearly perfect for the next 4 months.
Agreed, it COULD happen, but definately based upon the track record so far, not likely.
Of course I want it to happen. I just hope that the Braves can elevate their performance and consistency to make it happen.
And the manager must co-operate to grease the wheels to make it more likely to happen.
Cox needs a re-supply of Crisco….
By DAP
May 13, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
i was just thinking again about what a huge blow the braves have taken with smoltz injured. think what our record would look like if he was feeling ok and in the rotation. we might be in the lead.
after losing john smoltz, this team battling and staying in it is pretty amazing, if you ask me. and even when smoltz returns to the bullpen, it will kill me to think about what this team could do with him starting every five days.
i wondered for a long time, but i guess he IS human after all.
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Man, is that UPS commercial annoying…
It appears the Braves are catching a couple of Phillies hitters at a good time, as opposed to the first month of the season:
Pat Burrell is 4-for-24 with no homers and 11 strikeouts in his past eight games, after hitting .330 with nine homers and 21 strikeouts in his first 30….
Chase Utley is 4-for-28 with no homers and two RBIs in his past eight games, after hitting .369 with 13 homers and 26 RBIs in his first 31.
By KC
May 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Chase: I think there is a very good chance that Maddux could wind up in a Braves uniform again this year… for 3 reasons:
1 - The Braves want him (or another quality starter to help anchor the bottom of the rotation). Maddux is a perfect fit for the Braves right now.
2 - The Padres don’t need him. They’re dead last in the NL right now, and there’s no way they’re going to overcome a 9.5 game deficit to win the west, or crawl over a dozen teams for the Wild Card.
3 - Maddux has a no-trade clause. This means that if the Padres want to trade him, Greg gets to decide where he will be traded to, if at all. And you would have to think the Braves would be close to or at the top of his list.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
There is nothing sacred about Puthagoras. It’s just another tool to give an estimate that often is fairly close, but not often enough to put any money on dude.
Who said anything about “sacred”? All I’m saying is it’s a lot closer to a team’s true baseball abilities than actual record. You can bring up exceptions all you want but there usually aren’t more than a few teams a year that deviate drastically from what their runs scored/allowed indicate.
And when teams do deviate from their Pythagorean record, it shows up in the stats (their record in close games). Show me a team that outperforms or under-performs their Pythagorean record yet doesn’t play extremely great or extremely aweful in close games, then I’ll ignore stats. Otherwise, I’d advise you pay attention to stats.
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
tkg, there aren’t any truly bad seats at Center Stage. Relatively small place, steep grade on seating, makes it an intimate setting for a show. I like that place.
By Cecil34
May 13, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
DOB
Agreed that the division winner number may be inflated but here is the deal with the projection:
Not every team playing at .500 is the same. Some have more dire issues that are forcing the .500 play.
Are the Mets, Braves and Phillies issues the same? No. Are ours more dire than the other two?
Time will tell.
A team with issues will recieve a certain amount of grace if it’s division opponents are suffering too. This also masks the seriousness of the afflictions.
But the team must elevate it’s performance before management gets to the point to make the decision to “scrap”.
That is, in my small mind, the nebulous point we all search for and draw conclusions to attempt to “nail” down.
I took a shot at that - of course knowing that it is just that….a shot.
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
By the way, it’s beautiful today in Philly. Not a cloud in the sky, and supposed to reach 72 degrees. Probably low 60s at game time.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
The next couple of weeks might not be that hard despite the difficult schedule. The Braves tend to play to the level of their competition. It is very frustrating they are like this. They get pumped playing the Mets or Phillies but then get their doors blown off by scrubs like the Pirates.
The home/road splits are very alarming to say the least. The fact is this team has received really good pitching despite all the injuries. That is not likely to continue and the Braves are living on borrowed time. This offense needs to step up and start producing consistently like it is supposed to do.
One “potential” hopeful thing for this team is the return of some great players (Gonzo, Smoltz, Hampton, and Soriano). Also, it is still possible Schafer, Morton, Lillibridge can play key roles for this team in August and September.
I’ve been as critical and negative as anybody but if the Braves can keep their heads above water and the NL East lead in sight this team does have a shot. Oh, and Cox realizes his “there’s always tomorrow” attitude isn’t working.
By Tom in NYC
May 13, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
So is there any word on when we can expect Teixeira back?
By tkg
May 13, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Glad to see you say that about Center Stage, DOB. I’ve been to the Tabernacle before for a show, but not Center Stage. Appreciate the info …
By McFann
May 13, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
I don’t think 7-7 would be very satisfactory over the next 14 games. The worst that would be acceptable is 8-6. I think they cann do a lot better (They’ll be at home for 11 of those, remember). I say they need to take two out of three in Philly, and go at least 8-3 on the home stand.
I would love to see Maddux back with the Braves!
By DAP
May 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Cecil34 at 19-18 the braves are on pace to win about 83 games. they would be 83-79. while they obviously need to play a little better to get to 90 wins, i dont think this is “major turnaround” nor does it “require perfection” to accomplish.
so what does the team need to do to get the 7 game turn around? id say that if the bullpen doesnt get burned out, and the starting pitching stays around where it is now, the braves need 2 things, and it has to do with offense. we need to be better at situational hitting…moving runners, ect. and we need to hit lefties better.
some of the main culprits against lefties is chipper, who has one homer and one double against lefthanders this year, and mark teixeria, who has 2 homers and one double against lefties. those are two guys in the middle that we need to be driving guys in. if they start hitting lefties a little bit, we should improve there.
and its gets said alot, but there are times when “small ball” is needed, and the braves usually dont do well. we havent done well at scratching out tuff runs this season. (for instance, friday night was a game we really should have won)
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
KC + Efrim, I dont believe in schedule toughness or weakness anymore. Braves are 3-2 against mets (am I right?), 3-0 against LA, 0-3 rockies, 2-6 pirates, losing record against fish and nats…. Nothing makes sense.
They are due for all the napping they have been doing so far. I fully expect 9-5 or else.
Expecting 7-7 is “Coxish”, that why this team does not takes off…
DBacks??? Muts took care, why cant we?
KC you dont know much about A´s pitching? How about they have the best ERA in the majors?
Phillies and mets have a really bad batting AVG. A´s are even worse. All below .255 BA. Thats 30 points below us.
Norton and Infante make us a better club, much better. Smoltz might be here by next week, maybe even soriano. Things could get interesting. Braves just have to show some heat.
Bad thing is that it is cold in Pennsylvania and Braves are not performing well in cold weather.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Agreed, it COULD happen, but definately based upon the track record so far, not likely.
Smoltz to the ‘pen may hurt but it may help. They may finally start to turn it around in one-run games as they are going to have a great pitcher going in high-leverage situations. Other than those one-run games, the track record has been very good so far.
Nearly all their pitchers who have started games have been solid so far. The offense should be one of the best in the league.
We’ll see what happens, but based on the track record so far, there is actually a lot to be optimistic about.
By ernesto
May 13, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
DOB - any word on whether or not Tex will play tonight?
By ncscoots
May 13, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Oh, and [if] Cox realizes his “there’s always tomorrow” attitude isn’t working.
Actually, it’s that same attitude that got the team through a brutal April, into a 7-3 (so far) May.
Only bloggers think there’s no tomorrow, my friend. :-) The best ally of a good team performing poorly is the calendar’s turning page.
There’s always tomorrow, unless it’s game 162.
By chase
May 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
CECIL
88-74 or 90-72 would NOT require a “MAJOR” turnaround
Now I gotta get you for your stats and statements..
You said “our hitters have to shake off their duldrums and produce”
The Braves are #2 in MLB in Batting Average and #6 in the NL in runs scored
You also said: “our aged pitchers must produce consitently”
The Braves Pitching staff is #2 in all of baseball in ERA….and #1 in the NL in fewest runs given up…
Sounds like all those things you say they need to do..They are already doing…..
It is just a matter of time until it all clicks together…..No way you can keep producing numbers like that and not get results…
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Tom in NYC do you mean physically or production???
Id say physically he will be back very soon. Production…….well, that could change real quick, and I think it will next home stand.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack, Maybe I missed something, but management bet on two 40-plus pitchers (Smoltz and Glavine) to produce, what, 30 victories between themJeffR
Yeah I’d say that you missed something. I’d say that you missed the fact that the current pitching staff is the best in the NL at this time no matter what was planned or what fell through. And good guys are coming back in Smoltz and Gonzo and eventually Sori. Appreciate what we have so far, right now the pitching has definitely not been the problem. Maybe it will become so but no way can we say that is all that likely.
By Lew
May 13, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Interesting. Very interesting. As usual.
I wondered how long it would be before someone counseled going for the wild card, but certainly didn’t expect it to be after 37 games. Shouldn’t be so surprised though considering where we are. Nothing really changes, does it?
Two old pitchers accounting for two thirds of a five man rotations’ starts? DOB blog math?
Enquiring minds gave up asking long ago. Not worth the effort. Ask Coach. He’ll tell you. He’s the only one who knows. Right? Like I said. Nothing really changes. Does it?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 13, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I like the idea of getting Maddux back as long as it doesn’t take a king’s ransom to do so. Question will be what do the Padres want for Maddux? Kelly Johnson would seem to be the ideal player but is that too much to give up? Would Towers take a chance on Schaefer? Again, is that too much to give up?
By Braveheart
May 13, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Runs+ RBIs - Hrs per 162 games as leadoff hitters for their careers:
Jimmy Rollins - 178
Alfonso Soriano - 176
KJ - 174
Rickey Henderson - 172
Jose Reyes - 170
Rafael Furcal - 167
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Day to day, Tom. He just did it yesterday. Said he hoped to play today, but didn’t know if it’d be possible. Until he gets to the park this afternoon, gets some treatment and sees how it feels, there won’t be an update.
Also, it’ll be at least late this afternoon before we have an announcement on Friday’s starting pitcher.
By KC
May 13, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Overlord: I know their pitching has been damn good. I was just saying that I haven’t paid attention to who their best starters are, or which of them we’re likely to see over the weekend.
But against the Phils, Mets, and D-Backs… we’re facing the 2 toughest starters each of those teams could throw against us.
And unfortunately, Tim Hudson will likely miss the Phillies and D-Backs series’
By N8
May 13, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack
F off!
How’s that A-hole?
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Shaun I think Smoltz in the pen is great for the team. Make no mistake, it will be a boost for the team, youll see what I mean. I like him there much better than in the rotation.
By Cecil34
May 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
The great thing about baseball is three weeks from now things could be totally different…after all, today is just one reference point in the season.
Shaun, I actually think John to the pen is going to be a great positive for the team, and will make us stronger in the long run.
It does leave a void in the rotation that wouldn’t be so worrisome if Hampton was ok, or if we went out and got someone, somewhere…
I think I get to comparing the last few Braves teams to some of those juggernauts in years past that would win 100+ games and storm the opposition.
I love the domination; to pay back the Reds and Dodgers and the like who whipped up on us so much in the 70’s without mercy.
I know that this year’s edition is not that kind of team, so I need to adjust accordingly.
I have been getting this uncomfortable feeling in the last couple of years that the management has let their hand slip off of the throttle a little bit.
It only takes a little inattention to let other teams get their foot in the divisional door….
By Efrim
May 13, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Robert(CITB)
I wouldn’t give the Padres much for Maddux. Kelly Johnson and Jordan Schafer should be off limits to every team unless the return is a frontline starter who is on the sunny side of 30 years old.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Braveheart please dont tell me you are trying to say KJ is a great leadoff hitter…..HE AINT, dont care about any stats.
By chase
May 13, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Robert CIB
If the Braves bring back MADDUX they aren’t going to give up any big name players like KJ or Schaefer for a pitcher in his last year from a team that is sell mode
It is more likely it will be a couple “B” level prospects or less
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, what does runs + RBI - HR tell us besides that those players were on good teams and/or were hitting in front of and behind good hitters?
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Smoltz in the pen will make that aspect of the team strong, and will give stability to an unstable pen. It will give it a “FACE or PERSONALITY”. Cox will no be able to leave the closing role exclusively to Smoltz and 7th inning to Ohman, boyer and acosta…..let the otherspitch the 6th.
The rotation has been stable and solid enough without smoltz. Plus Cox wouldnt be needing Bennett in the bullpen that much, so he could start bennett. We do need carlyle or james in the pen.
By KC
May 13, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Robert(CIP):
That’s the beauty of Maddux’s no-trade clause. The Braves won’t have to bid as high (in terms of the talent they’d give up in return) if the Padres have little or no choice.
Obviously, if the Padres wouldn’t get anything of value in return, they probably wouldn’t trade him. But if the Braves can make it worth their while, they’ve got a great shot to land him.
A couple years ago, Atlanta got Bob Wickman for virtually nothing, which turned out to be a huge lift for the Braves that year.
It later came out that the only reason the Braves got him for nothing, was the fact that Wickman had a 10-5 veto power over any trade… and shot down a couple other deals Cleveland tried to make before sending him to Atlanta.
Wickman wanted to play for Bobby Cox and the Braves. So it was either - send him to Atlanta for whatever they could get… or get nothing for him.
A similar scenario could come into play here with Maddux. It will take more than what we gave up for Wickman… but the Braves have good odds of getting him at a reasonable asking price.
By ncscoots
May 13, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Perez has been an every-other-outing pitcher this year, and he had a good one last time out. So, he’s probably due for one of his 6 ER games. Myers has had a lot of trouble with location, has given up 12 (!) HR and nearly 60 hits in 8 starts, and appears to be a little dazed and confused. So, I think those two matchups may not be as unfavorable as they might appear.
A good start and no blisters from Jo-Jo, and Braves have a chance to win a series on the road. Holy Cornelia. That might be enough momentum to put a whuppin’ on the Muts.
By Lew
May 13, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Agreeing with Chase is an unlikely event, but I guess anything’s possible, right?
RCIB-KJ or Shafer for a 42 year old Maddux who is a couple months from retirement and needed four starts to get his 350th? Dude, I would sincerely love to pick up on some of what you’ve been smoking. Sounds good. The trade? Not so much.
By john
May 13, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Kinda funny that we can’t argue about the Marlins getting a pushover playing the Rays in interleague this year.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 13, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Chase and Efrim, I agree. The problem is some other team may be willing to give the Padres a major league ready player or a top prospect. If I were the Braves I would offer Blanco or Anderson and some “B” prospect for Maddux and call it a day. If the Pads accepted it, great! If they don’t, move on.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Overlord and Cecil34, I don’t know. Smoltz in the ‘pen is probably worse than a healthy Smoltz starting. But Smoltz in the ‘pen is better than no Smoltz.
Overlord, I’d say Johnson is an adequate leadoff hitter. He has a .356 career on-base percentage. Oh, yeah. You don’t care about any stats. Well, he gets on base pretty often (there, no stats in that sentence).
By BamaBravesFan
May 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
DOB
What do you think about Maddux coming back to ATL near the trade deadline?
GO BRAVES!!!
By KC
May 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
nscoots: I’m with ya man. Things could certainly go our way in a number of these matchups.
Myers hasn’t been sharp, and he’ll be opposed by Glavine. While he’s no longer an ace, Glavine is still capable of pitching like one on any given day.
It would be big to get a good performance from Reyes tonight, and take game-1 of this series. Because, again, the game-3 odds (James vs. Hamels) certainly favor them.
As for O.Perez… yes, he’s very erratic. But unfortunately, he’s been far more predictable against the Braves.
By BT
May 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Old fashioned way of thinking but I like it: Let’s win today!
Norton has been a great pickup and Infante has been a shot in the arm. Blanco has come out of nowhere to be argued about as our lead off man. Who was talking about them in early March?
By ncscoots
May 13, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Ooops. Just realized I forgot about the series with the A’s, re that last post.
By Jim
May 13, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
It would be much scarier if the next 14 games were against the Pirates, Nats, Rockies, and Royals. The Braves seem to play up to and down to the level of their competition.
By Lew
May 13, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Overlord-You don’t care what the stats say? Careful Dude, Shaun will excommunicate you from the Pythagorean Church or make you pay penance somehow. Maybe make you have your confession heard by Billy Beane or some other worthy Bishop Of Baseball. Maybe they’ll suspend you for steroid use without any proof.
Actually, I’ve always liked Braveheart’s run production stat. It is one of the fairer and more revealing stats there is because it takes HR’s out of the equation, making it a good comparison for singles AND power hitters alike (and No Shaun, Oh High Priest-I don’t want to and won’t argue it with you).
Quite honestly, I’m somewhat surprised that KJ ranks there with the others, but maybe it tells us something worthwhile that many refuse to see-KJ DOES produce-if not in a typical manner.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 13, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Lew, I was simply throwing out names. I didn’t say I would make the deal. I was wondering if that is what the Padres were asking. I’m not smoking anything but from the way you love to jump on people here I would say its possible you are!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 13, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Here’s another rumor to stir up the pot: Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Reds are shopping Junior Griffey and that Jr. might not require the club that obtains him to pay his $16.5 million option for 2009. (In other words, if he could play for a contender — or the Mariners — he might renegotiate his option year or sign an extension for less money.)
What think ye, denizens? Jr. for LF? What would the Braves have to give up? Would he make the Braves even more vulnerable against lefty pitching?
By Drummerdad
May 13, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I hate to see the Braves in this kind of state. The “Glory Years” are over. This is a mediocre team that’s headed for its 3rd consecutive 3rd or 4th place finish. They’re uninspired and seem lost. Don’t make much of the home record. They just swept 2 bad teams at home. Before that they swept the Dodgers at home while they (the Dodgers) were playing sub 500 ball. After the Phillies finish kicking our team around this week, the Braves will come home to face 3 good teams. By the end of that home stand I think they could be as much as 8 to 10 games below 500. Joey Devine has got to be having mixed emotions. On one hand he’s telling Atlanta “thanks for trading me” and on the other hand he saying “can’t wait to see you again. He’s pitched almost as many innings as Manny Acosta yet has an ERA under 1.
Corporate ownership stinks. Hanging on to the glory years is a mistake. This is a mediocre team. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m right.
By N8
May 13, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
john
“Kinda funny that we can’t argue about the Marlins getting a pushover playing the Rays in interleague this year.”
Good point. But considering the lowly Pirates just handed the Braves their asses, I’m not sure that even if the Rays were still a push-over, it would have done us any good in the past to face them.
Unless of course, the series was at Turner Field and the Rays didn’t have any LH starters going that series. LOL!
By BT
May 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Blanco or Anderson and a prospect for Maddox. Man I hope not, would be giving way too much.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Shaun, the magic word “healthy”, you just won a trip on a cruise to Jamaica.
I dont really care about his career numbers, KJ has not been helping this team leading off, a month and a half.
By Braveheart
May 13, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I know what your point is. I’m just trying a different way to show that KJ ain’t as bad a leadoff hitter as people like to argue. He’s frequently put down as compared to the hitters I listed because of speed and blah, blah, blah, whatever. Just using R + RBI - HR as a more simplistic way of showing that the actual runs he contributes is comparable and even better than some of those leadoff hitters. If even that approach gets rejected, there is little hope for the more advanced sabermetric methods to illustrate the point to the closed minded.
By MGL
May 13, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
What makes some of you think that Maddux would even want to come back to Atlanta? His last year was 2003 and he has been to Chi, LA, and now SD. He never was a native son, and he lives out west.
Not saying it cannot happen, but I think some of you are rather presumtuous about it. An assumption that all players would want to play for the Braves just doesn’t seem correct to me.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Lew I “heard” you. Sorry for the sacrilege Shaun…..STATS RULE!!!!!
BT any trade equation that includes Blanco would be a mistake as big as the one Tigers made dealing Jair to us.
By The Crab
May 13, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Unless Maddox can hit with runners in scoring position and avoid hitting into double plays, I don’t think he is the answer to this team current road problems.
Maybe the Braves knew what they were doing when they did not sign Frenchy to a long term contract as McCann. His dollar value seems to be dropping this season. K.J. and a long term contract ……….. Definitely not going to happen.
By Tom in NYC
May 13, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
KC, when you said we gave up nothing for Wickman, it was actually Max Ramirez who is currently MASHING in the Rangers AA system. He didn’t mean much to us at the time since we already have a surplus of catchers, including Salty, ahead of him.
By Braveheart
May 13, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Oliver Perez is a bit of a fraud. He does have a 3.76 ERA over the last 2 years. Very good.
However, he has also allowed 25 unearned runs over the last 2 years. Part of that can be blamed on bad defense. But part of it is also that Perez unravels when the sh!t hits the fan.
Perez’s actual runs allowed per 9 innings over the last 2 years when you factor in unearned runs is 4.79.
By comparison, Chuck James has a 4.59 ERA over the last 2 seasons. Chuck’s actual runs given up per 9 innings when you factor in unearned runs over the last two seasons is 4.64
Chuck James actually gives up less runs per 9 innings than Oliver Perez despite having an ERA that is 83 points higher than Perez.
And don’t blame it all on poor defense. The Mets D seems to do well enough for their other pitchers. Perez is just a headcase and suffers ugly meltdowns when the going gets tough.
If anything, the Mets D is not hurting him. The Mets D is making Perez look alot better than he really is by prettying up his ERA.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Braveheart if he aint bad how come it seems everytime (specially to begin a game) he comes to bat, he makes an out?
By Tom in NYC
May 13, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
sorry, my last post should have read *had a surplus of catchers, obviously Salty is gone now with Max on the Rangers.
By DAP
May 13, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
overlord I like him there much better than in the rotation.
your crazy if you really think that. if john’s health would allow it, hed be infinitly more valuable in the rotation.
By KC
May 13, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Drummerdad: “I hate to see the Braves in this kind of state. The “Glory Years” are over. This is a mediocre team that’s headed for its 3rd consecutive 3rd or 4th place finish. They’re uninspired and seem lost.”
Drummerdad, we’re not even a 1/4 of the way through the season.
The Braves have lost their closer, their set-up man, their co-ace, and their 4th starter.
Despite all of that, they are above .500, and they’ve been very competitive in most of their losses. Also, Smoltz, Gonzalez, and hopefully Soriano, are due back in the next few weeks, which could very well form the best bullpen in baseball.
By the way, the Braves are leading the league in ERA, are 1st in team batting average, and tied for 5th in runs scored per game.
If that holds reasonably true, you can expect more of these close games to start going the Braves way.
As for the future… Hudson has plenty of good years ahead of him, and Jurrjens is a young stud. We’ve got a number of good young arms in the bullpen, and good young arms coming up through the system.
We also have a nucleolus of young position players that can help us for years to come (Escobar, Frenchy, McCann, and others)
There is a good mix of veterans and young talent on this team, and ownership that is not using purse stings to choke the team, as the previous owner did.
This is a very tough division. Could the Braves finish 3rd? Sure they could. But they’re likely to be in the post-season picture well into September at the very least… and could very well play well into October if a few things go their way.
If by the “glory years”, you mean the heyday of Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz… then fine. They’re past their glory years.
But if you’re suggesting this is an old washed up team with no immediate future, I’m afraid I don’t know where you’re coming from.
By N8
May 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
BT
“Blanco has come out of nowhere to be argued about as our lead off man.”
Obviously, I’ve made my case for Yunel being the leadoff hitter - yeah, I get that he can knock in RBI’s as good as, if not better than he can score them and ignite the offense - but if Alphonso Soriano can be a teams lead-off hitter, Yunel is not “too good” for the role, IMO.
But getting back to Blanco. MANY of us were talking about him, dating as far back as last summer, when he was having a fine year at Richmond.
But DOB stated many times that the Braves had/have no interest in giving the an everyday job to a guy with as little power as he has shown in the minors. Even though his OBP has always been good overall, and EXCELLENT against RHP.
So while, using him in the lead-off discussion might be a recent “discovery”, having him on the roster and playing regularly, is NOT a new concept on this blog. At least not to the guys that track what our minor league guys are doing, or have done.
By Lew
May 13, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
RCIB-Count on it!!!! It maintains a modicum of sanity in an insane world.
However, I wasn’t jumping on you-just the idea of getting Maddux. It ain’t the smartest move and not too sure why you bothered to bring it up. That being said. You’re a good Dude-never doubt it. I don’t.
By KC
May 13, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Tom in NYC:
Thanks for point that out. I will stipulate…
We gave up what we considered to be next to nothing at the time. You never know how things are going to turn out. Sometimes players that are throw-ins in certain deals wind up out-performing the principal pieces.
You just never know. But at the time, it didn’t seem like we were giving up much, and we never could have made that deal if not for the fact that Wickman had veto power and wanted to come to Atlanta.
By Braveheart
May 13, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
if he aint bad how come it seems everytime (specially to begin a game) he comes to bat, he makes an out?
But yet he manages to be very comparable in Runs + RBIs - HRs as all of these other hitters you are in love with. That’s hard to do if he really makes an out every time he comes to bat like you say KJ does.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 13, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Shaun, you’re right — higher OBP would, logically, translate to more GIDP. In some cases, that formula does hold up: the Red Sox have the highest OBP in the AL, and they’ve hit into a lot of DPs. Toronto is 5th in OBP in the AL, 1st in DPs. Those three NL teams I mentioned — Braves, Cardinals, and Dodgers — are 3rd, 2nd, and 4th, respectively, in OBP, yet 10th, 12th and 11th (the bottom three) in DPs. So there are teams that do ground into a lot of DPs because they have a lot of runners on base.
But then there are teams that have strong OBPs but not so many DPs. The Cubs are first in the NL in OBP, yet they have only 24 DPs, which is the 4th-best total in the NL. Arizona is 5th in OBP but are tied with the Brewers for the fewest DPs in the league.
The Padres, who rank last in OBP, have the in the NL with 28 DPs. The Giants are 14th in OBP, but 4th in DPs with 35. So, having a higher OBP doesn’t necessarily translate to more DPs.
By N8
May 13, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
For those concerned, Jim Rome is ripping on Andruw as well.
He just stated that somebody should inform him that RF is also in play, that there’s NOT a tarp over it.
As much as I’ve ragged on Andruw in the past (and I’ve been at the forefront of it), it’s almost sad. The guy is just getting KILLED out there.
I’ve also stated that I’m GLAD the Braves didn’t re-sign him (imagine our offense with HIM instead of Kotsay or Blanco - right now…..YIKES), but do you think that MAYBE just a little bit, he is wishing that he would have side-stepped Boras once again, and taken a significant home-town “discount”???
My guess, is he’d probably play for the league minimum, if it would be in Atlanta, right about now.
By cricket
May 13, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
The answer is 47.
Man, is that UPS commercial annoying…
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 13, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
DOB — I picked up your rec on Husker Du last week, and I’ve been listening to “Warehouse: Songs and Stories” a lot the past few days. Great cd — I’ve been playing it over and over. I plan on getting “Zen Arcade” later this afternoon as well.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
DAP, as I told Shaun…..magic word healthy, and he aint so.
By Braveheart
May 13, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
After being the first batter in the game, KJ has a .289 AVG, .388 OBP, .473 SLG for the rest of the game as a leadoff hitter in his career.
But who cares? According to some of you, the first inning is all that matters …… unless the hysteria of the moment surrounds failure to execute in the last three innings.
The fact that he has been great as a leadoff hitter in 397 plate appearances should be totally ignored because he has been bad in 107 plate appearances in his career leading off the game.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 13, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
N8, I heard Rome as well and you know he is right.
I can guarantee that at this moment Andruw wishes he had never listened to Boras. You know that if Andruw would’ve settled for about $15 to $15.5 a year for a three year contract he would be a Brave now. Fact is nobody in Atlanta whether it was Bowman, Bradley, Moore, Bisher, or DOB would’ve ripped Andruw ever like he is getting ripped in LA now. I bet he is miserable.
Well, as the saying goes, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side”.
The Dodgers wouldn’t even be able to trade him unless they ate at least $6 to $8 mil of the contract for each of the two years. I’m guessing any team would want them to eat about $10 mil a year and still not offer very much in return.
It is sad. Really sad.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
All I’m saying is it’s a lot closer to a team’s true baseball abilities than actual recordShaun
but the actual record is all that counts Shaun. Pythagoras ain’t gonna win the division, the actual record will win the division. It’s just mental masturbation to think otherwise. Stats can be fun but essentially they are meaningless when it’s all decided. Who cares if it shows up in the stats? It’s W vs L in the real world, and that old Greek Geek is wrong enough of the time to be mostly meaningless. Just a crutch for those who can’t function without a sense of structure in their lives.
By TennesseePaul
May 13, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
So let’s see if I can get this straight… We have a weak hitting center fielder type with speed that after 25 games has hit the following from the bottom of the order:
AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS
.397/.468/.544/1.012
The argument is to move him up in the order. He’s on fire… And what if the guy then puts up this:
.239/.319/.355/.674
Wait a minute. That’s 2007. Replace the 25 game results with the following:
.323/.425/.387/.812
Blanco has been good in his role. We might as well leave him where he is. He comes across as a potential Willie Harris type. Perhaps it’s just me… But the comparison seemed reasonable after looking at each player’s minor league track record.
Harris .283/.365/.415/.780
Blanco .273/.372/.377/.749
By Salty
May 13, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Braveheart I like your runs+rbis-HRs stat. Tells me one of two things: Kelly’s in pretty good company, or the company ain’t as good as we all thought! LOL!
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
..No way you can keep producing numbers like that and not get results…Chase
Yes way. the did it last year too. They had one of the best differentials around but ended up third in their division. Don’t say no way, when the way has already been shown to be possible.
By Braveheart
May 13, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Birds of a feather flock together: T.J. Simers will be interviewed about Andruw on the 2 Live Stews this afternoon.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack
F off!
How’s that A-hole?N8
Now that is a concise post. Probably the first one I have ever read from you. Keep up the good work. Our blog will refresh so much quicker without all that verbage that you seem compelled to bombard us with.
By N8
May 13, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
Rome is STILL going off on him. Granted, he is in L.A. (Rome, that is), but he’s now ripping him for saying that “the fans don’t know, because they haven’t played”.
Rome’s opinion, is that at least NOW, he is owning up to his being embarrassed and disappointed in his play, but also states, that saying that the fans “don’t know” because they haven’t played the game, is NOT gonna get the fans off his back.
Stating that the fans don’t need to have played the game to know how BAD he is doing, right now. Claiming that Andruw is “picking up his pay-check wearing a ski-mask”.
As for your comment about teams that MIGHT be interested in him, requiring the Dodgers to pick up 8 or 10 million (per year) of that contract?
We’re what, almost 2 months into season one of that deal, or 1/6 of the entire contract? Meaning that there is about 30 million left in that contract? Can you believe that Andruw has “earned” almost 6 million dollars so far this year? Actually, about 4.5 million (half way through May), but still. Unreal.
I’m gonna go out on a limb, and say that if they were to trade him RIGHT NOW, they’d need to kick in about 20 million.
Which leaves the Dodgers in a tough spot. Pay him TO LEAVE, or take a chance that he turns it around.
Yikes, to say the least.
By David O'Brien
May 13, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Daybed, a FINE choice on first purchase of a Husker Du record. The two you mentioned are, to me, their best two CDs, both tremendous, start to finish.
By McFann
May 13, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves knew what they were doing when they did not sign Frenchy to a long term contract as McCann. The Crab
Yeah……
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack dont try to mention last year team and this year team in the same sentence. It just doesnt sound good.
By Cecil34
May 13, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Isn’t it reassuring that Andruw is the Dodger’s problem and not ours anymore!
Management definately saw that handwriting on the wall.
It is a shame to see a career come to that kind of ignominious end.
By N8
May 13, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack
“Now that is a concise post. Probably the first one I have ever read from you. Keep up the good work. Our blog will refresh so much quicker without all that verbage that you seem compelled to bombard us with.”
A) You actually are the first person, I’ve dropped the F-Bomb on, here on the blog. Congrats.
B) I’ll certainly give you more of them, as long as you keep spewing nonsense.
C) You should try Mozilla Firefox. Even with my epic posts, and when the blog hits a huge number of posts, mine refreshes just fine. Unless your Commodore 64 can’t keep up.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Any reports on JoJos blister?. Did it totally healed? Or are they rushing him?
By ncscoots
May 13, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Braveheart if he aint bad how come it seems everytime (specially to begin a game) he comes to bat, he makes an out?
Braveheart is a solid citizen and even more righteous denizen, but he should know that facts have no place to live, within the dogma that is a fan’s hardened perception. Huh-uh. Not gonna happen. Keep those pesky facts to yourself, my friend.
BTW, this year the Braves have led after the first inning nearly twice as often as they have trailed. The argument that KJ’s performance as FBOTG this year puts the Braves in an early hole just won’t hold water, either.
Darn those pesky facts. Darn them. They should be immediately cast in a UPS commercial.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Some Poll aroung baseball sites….
Who is Boston’s best-ever in left field?
A. MANNY RAMIREZ
B. CARL YASTRZEMSKI
C. JIM RICE
D. TED WILLIAMS (not Joe Dimaggio, if you know what I mean)
By TennesseePaul
May 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves knew what they were doing when they did not sign Frenchy to a long term contract as McCann.
maybe I’m mistaken but I think it was Francoeur who turned down the Braves offer. He’s turned down every offer so far, even his annual salary. He’s banking on a big paycheck when his time comes but if he continues to play league average offense the check won’t be as big as he was expecting.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
TEX through may 12th:
2008 5 HR .261 BA 21 RBI
2007
By chase
May 13, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack
The BRAVES’ pitching stats weren’t as good last year…How about 20th in MLB in runs given up and 13th in ERA compared to #6 and #2 in those departments this year…..
That s the difference…they are gonna score runs (they did last year)
But even with the injuries..The pitching (especially starting pitching) has been far better and much more consistant
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
So, having a higher OBP doesn’t necessarily translate to more DPs.
Daybed Wagmoe, exactly my point. The fact that the Braves have grounded into a lot of double plays doesn’t mean their offense is a bad one.
Quack Quack, again, wins and losses show up in the stats. If a team seems to deviate from their runs scored and allowed, it even shows up in the stats (namely in its record in close games). Pretty amazing how that works.
So, again, I’ll choose to ignore the stats when you can show me that a teams record doesn’t match the stats.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
A) You actually are the first person, I’ve dropped the F-Bomb on, here on the blog. Congrats.
B) I’ll certainly give you more of them, as long as you keep spewing nonsense.
C) You should try Mozilla Firefox. Even with my epic posts, and when the blog hits a huge number of posts, mine refreshes just fine. Unless your Commodore 64 can’t keep up.N8
Thanx but I already use Mozilla on an Intel quad-core extreme with 4 GB of memory and you still clog it up my friend. And nothing that I stated was nonsense.Mighta been somewhat exaggerated but not all that much, and the baseball is sound.
By OrlandoFan
May 13, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Overlord… Teddy Ballgame in LF was in a league by himself. He was perhaps the greatest pure hitter of all time. Did it all. Not a great defender, but you don’t have to be great to play LF in Fenway. Yaz would be next for his longterm production and the fact that he was a good defender. Rice was a decent defender, but Manny is a more productive hitter. However, I would not rate such a headcase above the other 3. I’m no Sox fan, but I can’t imagine it’s much debate.
By MGL
May 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Thanx but I already use Mozilla on an Intel quad-core extreme with 4 GB of memory - Quack Quack
WOW!!! I’m impressed, a techno-quack.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
The BRAVES’ pitching stats weren’t as good last year…How about 20th in MLB in runs given up and 13th in ERA compared to #6 and #2 in those departments this year….Chase
Yes they are somewhat better so far this year, but The Braves were third in the league in ERA last season Chase. They are first so far this year but there is not all that much relative difference.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Overlord and Orlando Fan, Yes, Ted Williams is the clear choice. Not even close. He’s an upper-echelon Hall of Famer with Ruth, Wagner, Mays, Mantle, etc.
By Gary
May 13, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting that some of you analyze how well the Braves will do the rest of the season after only 37 games. Most of you suggest that the N.L. East winner will have to reach 95 wins. Well since only 3 N.L. teams since 2005 have reached more than 90 wins, I find this argument hard to believe. 90-95 wins will win the East I believe and possibly 87-89 wins can take the Wild Card. The Braves at the current pace can reach this plateau. But will the 2008 Braves reach this level or could they possibly play better? Recent history suggests that they can play better even with their current record. Look at the 2002, 2004, and 2005 Atlanta Braves and their record after 37 games:
2002: the Braves were 19-18 (their current record in 2008)
2004: The Braves were 17-20
2005: The Braves were 23-14
Now look at how the Braves finished during those years (All N.L. East Championships)
2002: 101-59-1 2004: 96-66 2005: 90-72
My point is that in all three of these seasons the Braves faced injury issues. The 2005 team was able to persevere through those injuries thanks to all of the rookies who played way above expectations. The 2002 and 2004 teams had injuries to key hitters (Sheffield and Chipper) that hurt offensive production. The 2002 and 2004 teams got better when they got healthy and surged in June and July. Those teams went on to win 95 or more games and cruise to a division crown. The 2005 team had a better start and only won 90 games, enough to win the division by 2 games.
My point is that the 2008 Braves are somewhere between the teams of 02, 04, and 05 and are not like the teams of the last two seasons. The rotation is better than the last two years and the bullpen is deeper. I say 90-95 wins is nowhere out of the question. The Braves have the ability to reel off enough wins to make this happen. Just because the team is hurt and struggling now at 19-18 doesn’t mean they can’t play good baseball when healthy. I say lets see what this team does over the long haul when everyone is healthy and playing to their abilities. The pitching is very good right now to be in the top of the National League and the offense is near the top as well. The Braves have the talent to win and once they are healthy look for them to roll.
BTW….another stark comparison between these teams are the lead off hitters. Rafael Furcal was the lead off man for the Braves during the three seasons I mention. In all three of those years he got off to a bad start and wasn’t getting on base. The Braves struggled because of that. Once he got on base and created run opportunities for the 2,3,4 hitters, the Braves took off. If Johnson can get on a roll, which he is due for one, then watch out. The rest of you just need to calm down and enjoy the season. The next 14 games will NOT make or break this team. Don’t worry about sweeping or winning 10 of 14. Just win every series and then the rest will take care of itself.
By Quack Quack
May 13, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
So, again, I’ll choose to ignore the stats when you can show me that a teams record doesn’t match the stats.Shaun
didn’t tell you to ignore all stats, jus questioned the reliability of Pythagoras. Why don’t you tell me how its done with every team over say the last 3 years? Lets see how exact that old Greek geek is. Since a game or two one way or another can mean winning or losing a title, it needs to be damn exact to predict how well all will turn out. We can start out with Arizona last season. I know it was wrong by at least 10 games, maybe more.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 13, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe, exactly my point. The fact that the Braves have grounded into a lot of double plays doesn’t mean their offense is a bad one.Shaun
You’re right that it doesn’t mean that their offense is bad, and I never said that it does. I originally said, “One of the things that’s working against the Braves is the GIDP.” That statement was in response to Overlord’s 8:28am post in which he questioned how the Braves could be 8th in runs scored while being 3rd in OBP. I was offering one possible reason that the Braves haven’t scored more runs.
Another reason: the Braves are only hitting .273 with men on-base, and .293 with bases empty.
By N8
May 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack
“Thanx but I already use Mozilla on an Intel quad-core extreme with 4 GB of memory and you still clog it up my friend.”
Wow. I bet you can get your porn SUPER FAST, huh?
But it’s funny. For a guy with such an elaborate computer, it’s ironic, that whether I’ve posted or not, on my “not quite as good as yours” computer, the blog loads at about the same speed, once the first 50 or so posts are posted.
By Shaun
May 13, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack, I honestly don’t know specifically how accurate it is. Probably at least 85-90 percent of teams are going to play within a few games of their Pythagorean record. And teams that under- or over-perform usually don’t do it again. Let’s see Arizona over-perform their Pythagorean record by as much as they did last season. It’s not going to happen.
Nothing is going to be 100 percent accurate every time. Does that mean that we should call it “unreliable”? I don’t think so. Pythagorean record is a very useful tool. I suppose if a hurricane seems to be heading your direction, you wouldn’t move because weather forecasts are “unreliable.”
By N8
May 13, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Listening to Buck and Kincade.
They just spewed off a fact that they got from Elias.
Two years running, the Braves are the ONLY team in baseball with a winning record against winning teams, and a losing record against teams with a losing record.
Talk about playing to your competition.
By Drummerdad
May 13, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
KC, Thanks for the reply. The stats you site are impressive and there are some signs of encouragement. But this team still plays lackluster ball. Note that they have been handled by Pittsburgh and Washington so far this season. I don’t know how familiar you are with mid 80’s Braves teams, but this team is somewhere between those folks and the “Glory Years”.
By “Glory Years” I was referring to the tendency to memorialize that kind of run and for fans like us to keep thinking that we have to get back to that. Dodger fans lived in it for a good while after the Garvey, Cey, Russell, Baker days.
Like I said earlier, they’re getting ready to 4 good teams in a row and it will tell us a lot about how things will develop the rest of the way. And if I am wrong I will have a smile on my face and great joy in my heart that you were right. But…
By AdirondackDave
May 13, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Many people who saw him and other greats consider Ted Williams the best hitter of all time. Plug in numbers for his 5 lost years to WW2 and Korea and you will know why.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Cox is so dumb, eventhough braves scored 3 in the 1st now the KJ is not leading off, youll soon see KJ back on top. Go figure.
By Overlord
May 13, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
And Brian McPopup makes the final out of the inning. Braves leave them loaded. No runs, 1 hits, 2 walks, blah, blah, blah……