Braves

By Bravesfan

May 13, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

DOB, you should have gotten the I-pod Touch, it’s the best ever. I am on mine now. Internet, music, photos, video’s, etc..Good blog as always man!

By bigchiefrg

May 13, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

first?

By Bravesfan

May 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, you should have gotten the I-pod Touch, it’s the best ever. I am on mine now. Internet, music, photos, video’s, etc..Good blog as always man!

By tilman

May 13, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

please let howard rebound soon. i love the braves but he’s killing my fantasy team.

By hk

May 13, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

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

… projected year-end values …

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

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 13, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

I’m literally first.

By TURTSNAP

May 13, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

One does wonder if Andruw’s slump has anything to do with de-juicing. I hope not, but one does wonder.

By bigchiefrg

May 13, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

You have to believe that Cole Hamels is just sitting there licking his lips for Thursday’s matchup.

By mo

May 13, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

He has a .321 OBP and .423 slugging percentage (.754 OPS) in that 235-game stretch.

Funny, aren’t those Frenchy’s career numbers?

By Gary

May 13, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB on the new blog. Glad someone who knows the Braves can put up meaningful stats on the pitching. However I feel that fellow bloggers are going to find something wrong with it and the Braves record after 37 games. As for the record, I would like to re-post something that I just put on the last blog within the last 30 minutes. So here goes:

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

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 ernesto

May 13, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

tilman - I don’t know you, but I wish bad things for your fantasy team.

For the next 3 days anyway.

By cityofdecatur

May 13, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

thank god for the win or your song would have been Going Down the Road Feelin’ Bad (still may be) the Dead hot Tuna and a few others. something with this team as it is Right Now isn’t right. Can’t quantify it but….. it just ain’t right.

By James

May 13, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

TURTSNAP, I wonder the same thing about Andruw. But, then I look at his swing (more like wild, indiscriminate flailing), and I realize that even if he were Hulk Hogan (in his prime of course), the dude would still have issues.

By i cant take it anymore

May 13, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

if the blue jerseys are bad luck, what about the gray ones? i think we have just one more win in those. maybe we should play in “skins”. hey TURTSNAP-the only juicing aj did was on the double stacks from wendys. and from the looks of it, that aint changed.

By Ron H

May 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

TURTSNAP de-juicing what? a hamburger with extra fries? he’s just a little too heavy. if he drops 40 pounds, he’ll be a hitting machine again…

good luck

By ManOfTeal

May 13, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I hope the Phillies are able to stop the chop. I know the Marlins are more than capable of stopping it.

The fish own the NL baby!!!!

Go Marlins!!!!

By john

May 13, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

DOB - Tom Waits Tour Dates:

ATE - CITY - VENUE - ON-SALE TIME

6/17 Phoenix, AZ — Orpheum — NOON Pacific 6/18 Phoenix, AZ — Orpheum — NOON Pacific 6/20 El Paso, TX — Plaza Theatre — 1pm Mountain 6/22 Houston, TX — Jones Hall — 10am Central 6/23 Dallas, TX — Palladium — 11am Central 6/25 Tulsa, OK — Brady Theatre — Noon Central 6/26 St. Louis, MO — Fox Theatre — 10amCentral 6/28 Columbus, OH — Ohio Theatre — 10am Eastern 6/29 Knoxville, TN — Civic Auditorium — 9am Eastern 7/1 Jacksonville, FL — Times Union Center — 10am Eastern 7/2 Mobile, AL — Saenger Theatre — 10am Central 7/3 Birmingham, AL — Alabama Theatre — 11am Central 7/5 Atlanta, GA — Fox Theatre — 10am Eastern

By Cecil34

May 13, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Gary

I totally agree with you that the one thing the Braves must do is start winning 2 out of 3 and 3 out of 4 in a series.

If they do that, then that will mean this team is playing division winning baseball.

Then, what they have done in the first 37 games is moot, essentially.

They need to start that process in Philly - I am sure you would agree.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well: We’ve got a sensible lineup, folks.

Here it is, just up from the clubhouse:

1. Escobar, 2. Kotsay, 3. Chipper, 4. McCann, 5. Norton, 6. Francoeur, 7. Kelly, 8. Blanco, 9. Reyes.

By Savannah Guy

May 13, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Darn those pesky facts. Darn them. They should be immediately cast in a UPS commercial.

Scoots, that was funny… just tucked right in there like that especially. Yes, facts can be pesky. However, if certain baseball blog ‘facts’ were cast in a UPS ad, they would cease to be merely pesky and become more like longhaired, annoying little elevator facts.

Anyway, that’s just my wild guess.

By ernesto

May 13, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

So DOB - what up with Tex?

Back spasms go away right? Or was it the sign of some larger problem? Or are they just being careful?

By Cecil34

May 13, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

The Escobar for lead-off faction must be feeling good about now….

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

He has a .321 OBP and .423 slugging percentage (.754 OPS) in that 235-game stretch.

Funny, aren’t those Frenchy’s career numbers?Mo

That’s actually an interesting observation, Mo.

Andruw has hit .217 in his past 237 games, with 39 homers, 129 RBI, 118 walks and 207 strikeouts in 835 at-bats. He has a .321 OBP and .423 slugging percentage (.754 OPS) in that stretch.

Francoeur’s career stats: 431 games, 1,700 at-bats, .279 average, 65 homers, 275 RBI, 337 strikeouts, .319 OBP, .461 slugging (.780 OPS).

So they are comparable, just a lot higher average from Francoeur, and 26 points higher OPS.

Oh, and there’s this: WITH RUNNERS in SCORING POSITION, for their careers: Francoeur has hit .324 (150-for-463), while Andruw has hit .251 (470-for-1,875).

By the way, Francoeur still ranks third in the majors in two-out RBI since the beginning of the 2006 season.

By BMoney

May 13, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

How long is Tex out for? Will he be able off the bench or no?

By N8

May 13, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

“1. Escobar, 2. Kotsay, 3. Chipper, 4. McCann, 5. Norton, 6. Francoeur, 7. Kelly, 8. Blanco, 9. Reyes.”

Sensible? What the hell is Bobby thinking?

Just kidding. That’s more like it.

About damn time.

I’ll bring this with me from the last blog.

Buck and Kincade had a “stat” (or fact, whatever you prefer), that the got from Elias, stating that the Braves are the only team in baseball last year and this year, that have a winning record against winning teams, and losing record against losing teams.

Not sure why, but that just fascinates me.

There is no number (but go ahead and prove me wrong Shaun), and or reason to explain this.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Here’s one Bowman just computed going back to when Andruw’s average started falling off in 2005.

Since July 26, 2005, Andruw’s .235 average is the lowest in the majors (min. 1,500 at-bats), worse than Richie Sexson (.237) and Pedro Feliz (.242).

By BMoney

May 13, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

By the way, don’t know the numbers on KJ in the 7 hole, but this could wake him up a bit. Just a feeling.

By bravedawg

May 13, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

ManofTeal; Are you lost there is no Marlins blog so I guess you had to go somewhere. Just kidding. The marlins are getting it done, pretty impressive since they have so many young guys. I think they will be tough all year long. But I still have faith that my bravos will definately make a run. So the marlins better enjoy it while it lasts.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

May 13, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

love that line-up. when will they start selling greg norton jerzees? it will be my only chance to get a braves jersey with norton on the back, and not have to get one custom made (which i will never do.)

DOB - nice selection of tom t. hall. that’s twice in the last couple of weeks. i’m still trying to get an interview with him … granted, that would mean time to actually work on the site again.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 13, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

That is a great lineup. Question is will Cox keep it that way? It gives the lineup balance at the top of the order and bottom of the order. Also, Kelly may give Frenchy a little protection.

Anyone notice Frenchy with 5 for 10 during yesterday’s doubleheader? That being said he still needs a rest.

By Gary

May 13, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Cecil, I agree with you my friend. That was the intent of my post, that the first 37 games can be moot if the Braves get healthy and start playing the baseball that the talent dictates they are capable of.

ManofTeal, glad you can join us today. How does that whacking(your standards btw.)at the hands of the Reds feel?? Man those Marlins are showing that they are the class of the N.L. losing to the 2nd worst team in the league. I bet all three Marlins fans were throwing their hats at the end of that one. Anyway don’t consider that 3-2 record against the Braves as a sign that the Marlins own them. Still plenty of head to head to go my friend.

DOB, interesting lineup there. Especially with Norton hitting in the 5 hole. I like it!

By ncscoots

May 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Anyway, that’s just my wild guess.

Not so wild, mah brutha, more like pinpoint prognostication, LOL. Gotta go back through the blogs one of these days and write a coffee table book of all the “predictions” and “facts” to come through the forum. Maybe after I retire, and if I have AB-SO-LUTE-ly nothing better to do. :-)

By brent a.

May 13, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Gary

Good post above. But, your mention of Furcal is very telling.

I think we realize Kelly can be a lot better; but, can he consistently be that dynamic table-setter Furcal was, especially in 2002?

I don’t see how it is physically possible.

After the ‘05 off-season, we lost Furcal, and we lost Leo Mazzone.

I could be wrong (I will never be able to prove that I am right), but I really think one, or both of those losses hurt us badly, as neither seems to have been replaced adequately.

By Chad

May 13, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

What’s the word on Teix’s back, DOB?

By mo

May 13, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

DOB

You forgot to add in Frenchy’s walks for his career numbers.

Also, the sample size you used for Andruw’s numbers with RISP is much larger than Frenchy’s, four times more at bats than Frenchy in those situations. Frenchy’s numbers won’t fall to what Andruw’s are, but I hope you see my point there. I understand what you are saying though, but they are still comparable.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

YES! McCann at cleanup again!! (Kinda ironic, though, seein’ as how he’s the sloppiest guy on the team.)

Hope when Tex comes back, his numbers improve!

By geauxbraves2000

May 13, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Braves are the only team in baseball last year and this year, that have a winning record against winning teams, and losing record against losing teams That just shows what I’ve read here, they only play up to their competition.

Braves get their brooms out for Thursday?

Geaux Braves!!

By N8

May 13, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

DOB & Mo

While Francoeur and Andruw might be more comparable (on both the good and bad), than some would prefer to admit.

The BIGGEST difference is the following numbers.

14.7 Million and 460,000.

As in dollars.

While some on here will NEVER admit, that Francoeur might have already peaked. Others may not admit that he is a damn fine player.

But I know one thing. If given the choice for statistically the same player, I’ll take the guy that costs 13.7 million less every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

By geauxbraves2000

May 13, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I remember Skip, I think, saying “As Furcal goes, so do the Braves.” Quite interesting IMO, that since Furcal left, the Braves have two third place finishes.

Geaux Braves!!

By Gary

May 13, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Brent, good questions. I agree the loss of Furcal has hurt the top of the lineup and the reason why the offense is inconsistent. I think Kelly can be close to what Furcal was offensively, but he needs to build consistency. If he isn’t the answer, the Braves need to give either Escobar or Blanco a try and see if they can produce. Either way we need the 1 and 2 hitters to get on base consistently and let Chipper and Tex do the damage. Escobar is already there, we just need Kelly or someone to pick us up in the lead off spot.

As for Leo, I don’t think his loss has hurt the Braves as much. There was a little drop off in the stats in 2006, but picked up again last year and we see more improvement this year. Of course that could be attributed to the fact that the rotation is much different, but who knows. We will never know if Leo would have been able to get more out of Sosa in 2006 or Chuck James in 2007 much like he did veterans and retreads in the past.

By GeorgetownKid

May 13, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Folks aren’t talking much about Andruw, but, as I am killing time, I’d like to opine on the subject, if I may.

I think that Andruw’s failure to take care of himself in the offseason caught up with him last year, and the effects are simply magnified this year.

Andruw Jones never really had to work at being great. He was so phenominally athletic that he could simply “show up and play” when he was in his early 20s. While his effort on the field was never questioned, I don’t believe he felt any real urgency to train in the offseason because he could hit over .300 with 30 SB and 25 HR without doing so.

As a result, he steadily gained weight throughout his 20s and became obsessed with being a “power hitter.” His weight gain reduced his speed and his batting average suffered both from the weight gain and from his desire to be a power hitter.

But yet again, even though he was overweight and developed huge holes in his swing, his natural talent allowed him to hit over .250 with 40-50 HR.

However, when the clock chimed 30, things stopped being so easy, and his lack of conditioning and preparation caught up with him. While he is only 31, he has been playing since he was 19, and the beating his body has taken is augmented by his excess weight.

So it doesn’t suprise me that his swing is noticibly slower, as his body is far older than his 31 years.

Were he to return to his more natural weight of 205-210 lbs, and were he to retrain himself to become a contact/line-drive hitter, he might re-establish himself as a solid (but not great) hitter. He might also extend his career as a top-notch defensive outfielder.

But his days as an elite hitter with 40 HR potential are over. The main question, therefore, is whether or not he has the will, the discipline, or the desire to retrain himself to become a different type of hitter. If his past is any indication, this is unlikely. He still views himself as an All-Star calibre cleanup hitter and Gold Glove calibre CF.

Someone needs to tell him that he is neither any more.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

RCIB-How much of a rest do you think Francoeur needs? Like you said, he went 5-10 yesterday and had a day off on Sunday.

By ManOfTeal

May 13, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

@Gary

Whatever pal at least the Marlins can beat the Pirates, which your Braves can’t seem to do very well at all.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Come to think of it, on this whole business about Francoeur taking time off. In the two weeks since April 28, Francoeur has had four days off-two a week-just the same as all us other humans get. The kid is 23 years old. Why exactly, does he need more time off? Has he asked for time off? Is he seriously injured? Does his manager feel he needs time off? I wish I had half his strength and energy.

BTW-RCIB- This is not directed at you. There has been lots of outcry on the subject NOT from you.

By KyleH

May 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I think the lineups a good idea. Kelly needs to heat up and moving back could do it. when he heats up the braves can move him back to the 1 hole. we need good stuff from jojo tonight. hopefully the blister doesnt bother him and he can keep the ball down and get ahead. he has the stuff to succeed and i think mcdowell is getting that through to him. all he needs is a few good starts to get his confidence up to the way it was in AAA. any predictions on jojos line tonight?

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 13, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Lew, he needs a day off every now and then. Yes, he did get Sunday off but will now play every game until the next scheduled day off. Perhaps, a couple of days off wouldn’t hurt him. This “Cal Ripken” chase is admirable but stupid.

Has he not looked sluggish to you lately, Lew?

By chase

May 13, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Great…Now B&K are saying TP said TEX could hardly walk today and is likely to be out at least until the series against the A’s….

Injuries seem contagious…a guy who has been DL’s like once ever and Glavine who had never been DL’d both get injured??

In the words of VINCE LOMBARDI WHAT THE HELL’S GOING ON AROUND HERE!?!?!?

By Bobby's Cox

May 13, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

In all due respect, you’re one of my favorite bloggers on here, but the KJ argument i’m gonna have to disagree with you on KJ, and again agree with Overlord.

R+RBI-HR is one of my favorite stats. But you can’t use KJ’s career #’s. Last year was pretty much his first year in the bigs, and this year as been a total 180 of last year. If you took KJ’s last 2 months of last year and add them to this year, I’d almost bet the number is terrible, and probably towards the bottom of leadoff hitters.

Also, the leadoff hitter’s job isn’t to drive in runs, so the R+RBI-HR stat doesn’t tell the whole story.

Anyway, these are the second basemen that have a higher R+RBI-HR than KJ (30) thus far this year:

Utely: 46 Uggla: 45 Kinsler: 45 DeRosa: 41 Phillips: 33 Theriot: 35 Pedroia: 40 Roberts: 30 Ellis: 30 J. Lopez: 36 Weeks: 38 Hudson: 31 R. Cedeno: 31 Iwamura: 32 Sanchez: 32

These are all guys who played 2nd base this year, some who don’t play everyday, much less hit leadoff. As you can see, KJ is in the middle of the pack, and that’s with guys like Polance (29-hurt/slumping) right behind him.

Here’s where KJ ranks in terms of leadoff hitters:

NL Furcal: 45 Sanchez: 32 Reyes: 33 Schumaker: 38 Weeks: 38 Pence: 37 Reed Johnson: 31 C. Young: 41

AL Damon: 39 Rios: 32 Sizemore: 37 Roberts: 30 C. Gomez: 32 Ellsbury: 39 Matthews Jr: 37 Iwamura: 32 Ichiro: 35 K. Suzuki: 31 Kinsler: 45

That’s 19 leadoff men this year that have have a better R+RBI-HR stat than KJ.

Pretty bad for a team that ranks #2 in the league in offense. No wonder the other guys in the lineup are pressing. If a speedy leadoff hitter gets on, the hitters that follow see better pitches.

By bruce

May 13, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Hey just checked the Philly MLB site and read this article about Philly Manager Charlie Manuel whining about facing braves lefties… check it out, title of article is Phillies come home to face tough lefties

By Jeff

May 13, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

I saw the Drive-by Truckers in Greenville last night, awesome!

By chase

May 13, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

GeorgeTownKid

You said: AJ is NOT a GG caliber CF anymore.

Didn’t he just win like his 10th straight GG last year?

On a different note…anyone interested in the semi-annual COULD GRIFFEY come to the BRAVES idea…

I wouldn’t be surprised to see MADDUX back

And as crazy as it may sound about GRIFFEY…we could use some POWER in a corner outfeild spot

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 13, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

In general I agree with you, Lew, but Francoeur is hurting. His ankles have bothered him lately according to DOB. He seems to be a bit fatigued. Remember last year he had some nagging injuries as well.

By chop chick's cameltoe

May 13, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Can you ninnys PLEASE stop calling for the Frenchy day off?

By chase

May 13, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Gotta agree with LEW (he agreed with me earlier..Wow this is getting crazy)

How many days does FRENCHY need off?

He doesn’t need to miss a game just to have a day off…

By N8

May 13, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Lew

“RCIB-How much of a rest do you think Francoeur needs? Like you said, he went 5-10 yesterday and had a day off on Sunday.”

Obviously guys are paid to play (some more than others). Add to that, that Francoeur is a young guy.

I’m not sure how much I’d give him off. Maybe two games paired with an off day, to total 3 days off?

I compare it to not getting a lot of sleep. If your sleep is cut short on any given night, you may still be “productive” the next day. But over the course of time, if you have regular droughts of sleep, you will eventually wear down.

Giving Francoeur a rest for a couple of days rest, might not pay off TOMORROW (or the day following the rest). But giving him REGULAR rest, should benefit him both physically and mentally in August and September.

Of course, if he were tearing it up, this conversation wouldn’t exist. But the same could be said, if he were tearing it up.

The kid plays and plays HARD everyday. He needs rest from time to time.

Look what playing every inning of every game did for Andruw, as his career has worn on.

By jbutler

May 13, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

McFann You really do make me laugh/smile- your adoration/knowledge for all things McCann are fun to follow. You don’t let cynicism creep in…which seems to happen more often/not on this ‘ol blog…

By ncscoots

May 13, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

If a speedy leadoff hitter gets on, the hitters that follow see better pitches.

Myth. If that were true, then every 2-hole hitter in the universe would have a better BA, or, at the least, OBP, in runner-first situations with the speedy leadoff hitter on. At least one study that I remember showed that not to be the case. Sorry.

By DirtyDawg

May 13, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Jim Rome just torched Andruw for all the weight he’s gained…that the 240 he reported at this year, combined with last year’s performance, indicates a ‘career in decline’. Clearly the man needs to get serious about conditioning. I realize it’s baseball and stamina’s not as much of an issue, but it does mean top performance.

It may not be our problem anymore but you know you want him to do well - other than against us, that is.

By Bobby's Cox

May 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Adding to my last post Braveheart, to put things in perspective a little.

Last year Escobar hit .458 in the first inning with a .480 OBP. In 34 games LEADING OFF THE GAME for the Braves, Escobar hit a whopping .515 with a .529 OBP and scored 13 times.

Last year (his better year), in 76 games leading off the game, KJ hit .221 with a .303 OBP and scored ONLY 14 runs

Escobar scored just as much leading off the game than KJ did in less than half the games.

Last year in the first inning, KJ hit.200 with a .293 OBP.

This year is worse. KJ is hitting .111 in the 1st inning with a .172 OBP and a .148 slugging, no joke. As the 1st batter of the game for the braves it’s worse, no joke. He’s hitting .111/.143/.148.

Tell me KJ hitting leadoff isn’t working, PLEASE!

By Lew

May 13, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

RCIB-Dude, all good players play at less than full strength-ask them or anyone around the team. He does not have a debilitating injury. He isn’t limping when he runs, so apparently the ankle issue is not really an issue.

As for fatigue-Like I said, he’s 23 years old. At his age I was staying up for three or four days at a time studying for exams and writing Theses and the like as well as taking care of an infant who was having seizures. So were most I knew in Grad school (maybe not the seizures, but taking care of younguns). We survived.

He’ll survive. He plays a game that takes about three hours to play, a good bit of which he is standing still in right field. Tell someone who works on an oil rig or runs a farm that he needs time off and see what kind of a response you get. I’m sure rolling of eyes will be the least of their reaction.

As for the Ripken chase-Dude let’s get serious here. He isn’t chasing Ripken. He’s over ten years away from even coming close to a chase for Cal’s record. Any comments he made about not letting Ripken off so easy was a joke. Aren’t all of you aware of that? It was a comment made in levity and nothing else.

To quote McFann-SHEESH. Come on now. I know you’re not all naive enough to think he was being serious OR that he will fall apart like a rag doll if he doesn’t have more time off.

By RomeBrave

May 13, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Sensible lineup but I would love to see Blanco’s speed at the top of the lineup and Escobar’s power in the two hole.

On Andrew, weight and conditioning may be contributing but his problem is from the neck up. His approach to hitting (pull it as far as you can) has not worked and will not get better until he decides to adjust. Pitchers know what he is about and they will get him out until he changes.

Injuries - what is up with all these pulls and strains this year. I think you have to look at spring prep in camp and see if changes need to be made.

By BamaBrave

May 13, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Ted Nugent!!!! LOL!! Nice, DOB…excellent. Seriously…no sarcasm. Underrated album, IMO.

Norton must feel like Alice in Wonderland these days. From baseball oblivion to the 5th spot for the Bravos.

By Bobby's Cox

May 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Wow, in the midst of my research, cox pulls a great lineup card today.

impressive.

By flange1

May 13, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I am not so sure if would be good for Frenchy to give him a day off. True he had a good double header, but he has not looked particularly good at the plate lately.

Maybe just moving him to 7th in the order will help.

Georgetown Kid,

Your analysis of AJ is spot on in my book. I would compare him to Raul Mondesi, but he has more talent than Raul. To me, he has to have the desire to make the changes in his lifestyle that can lead him back to being an elite player.

He is not an elite player now no matter what Chase will tell you.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Why are the Braves 19-18 you ask. I think it might have something to do with their record of 7-9 facing south paws so far.

Worse yet, the braves were 32-38 in 2007 against lefty’s.

2006 was where the Braves struggles started. Not coincidently, they were 18-23 facing left handers.

From 2000 to 2005, the Braves never had a losing record against south paws, I checked. In fact, they were 133-80 in that span of six seasons. Did I mention that Rafael Furcal was the Braves lead off hitter in that same time period.

Is there some correlation between the Braves struggles of 06-07-08 against left handed pitching and the near total disappearance of the running game.

Furcal’s averages from 2000 to 2005: .283 BA, 154 hits, 92 runs, 10 HR’s, 48 RBI, 31 stolen bases, 53 walks, 79 strike outs, .348 OBP and he switch hits.

Since the end of the 2005 season when Furcal left, the Braves are 57-70 against lefty’s and 182-179 overall. Is it all just coincidence or does it have something to do with the Braves inability to offset the dominance of left handed pitching with the running game.

I’m betting mr.baseball thinks it’s just some weird alignment of the stars.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

One final comment on the Francoeur situation. How many times over the course of the past three years have people on this blog remarked how they hoped Chipper would play 150 games? What is so wrong expecting Frenchy, who is 13 years younger than Chipper, to play twelve more games in a season?

By Bobby's Cox

May 13, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Sorry Scoots, i disagree.

If you have a legitimate stolen base threat, it puts pressure on the middle infielders, the catcher, and pithcer, who tends to throw more fastballs. Not to mention it opens up a huge hole on the right side as the 2nd baseman shifts for a DP, and the 1st baseman holds the runner on.

You and your buddy Shaun will be loving the new lineup.

Funny how you choose 1 line out of all the stats i threw at you.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Teixeira was in the training room, didn’t get to talk to him before they kicked us out for their usual pre-series meeting when they face a team the first time or first time in a long while.

Bobby said he thinks Tex needs another day. I’ll try to get Tex after the meeting….

Soriano’s supposed to throw again in the bullpen today. Could possibly be his last test. Possibly. Then at least one rehab game, I’d think….

While some on here will NEVER admit, that Francoeur might have already peaked.N8

True. On the other hand, he might not be even close to his peak. He’s 24, after all. So chill.

By Kev

May 13, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any news on Soriano???

By Serge

May 13, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Wow what a stupid lineup. Kelly in the doghouse again i guess. He doesnt deserve this lack of respect from Bobbby.

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Thank God for iTunes so I can listen to Kings of Leon at work. I was reading another message board about the Simers’ pieces on Andruw and most of the posters were unhappy with Simers, calling him the south end of a northbound mule. Hey, Simers ain’t the one eating an $18M a year contract - literally - and driving up ticket prices as a result. I’m still an Andruw fan, but boy, does he look like a bloated shadow of his former self right now.

By Philliesuk

May 13, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

People who comment with ‘first’ on a blog are complete losers.

Like the line-up, but wouldn’t have minded seeing Blanco in the lead-off spot with Yunel hitting #2. Regardless, it’s better than yesterday. The only thing that sucks is Tex being out of it.

DOB You’re so right about the pitching. I can’t believe so many people on here have been complaining about our pitching. They have been outstanding so far, ESPECIALLY given the injuries.

Now let’s go beat up on the Phillies so that the loser citizens of Philadelphia can cry tonight.

By MGL

May 13, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Mutts released Sosa and Figueroa today.

By PutMeInCoach

May 13, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

I love how the Braves pick up Norton a week ago in a player to be named later trade…and he is hitting 5th in our lineup.

If Tex is gonna be out all series, Norton really needs to contribute.

By BamaBravesFan

May 13, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Tex isn’t too seriously injured. However, if Mac is hitting well in the 4 spot, I say we move Tex to the 5 hole until he heats up. What would our luck be ( not saying it will happen ) if that we end up having 2 superstars absolutely flop in their contract years?

By Bobby's Cox

May 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

by the way scoots, reading Coaches post above, Furcal averaged 31 steals a year from 2000-2005. How many steals have we averaged from our leadoff man since furcal left?

How have our cleanup hitters fared since furcal left? Whether he’s on base or not at the time doesn’t mean he didn’t rattle the pitcher earlier and didn’t make him work harder.

Ah, the little things.

By chase

May 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

flange1

not gonna get into the AJ thing BUT how can you argue he is not an elite fielder when the FACT is that he WON the GG last

By Steve from OH

May 13, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Simers was correct in his assessment of AJ but out of line to make such a personal attack against him.

By Ted

May 13, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

DOB—I’m curious about something. I know that if a player is out of options, they have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors. Assuming that they do clear waivers, if that player is called back up from the minors, do they have to clear waivers again before being sent back down? Just something that has been tickling the back of my brain for a while now.

By chase

May 13, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

serge

please fon’t say something as stupid as KJ doesn’t deserve the disrespect COX is showing him…

that is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever read on here

You act like KJ is a 5 time all-star and MVP or something…..

COX has been loyal to KJ to a fault!

He needs to be hitting 7-8 until he learns to work the count again, stop popping out and striking out so much, and learns to do the little things LIKE BUNT!

By Lew

May 13, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox-The stats put up by our cleanup hitters since Furcal left would likely be skewed more because of Andruw’s poor performance than because Furcal was gone. There were plenty of runners on base for Andruw last season- Had nothing whatsoever to do with Furcal’s absence-rather the absence of production from AJ.

As for your cleanup hitter theory-how about Tex’s run production last year after coming over from Texas? Did he struggle because Furcal was in LA? Don’t think so.

By monty

May 13, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Georgetown KId

Andrew is all discombomulated right now, he may not hit another homerun this year, but his problem is not a lack of power. If and when he gets straightened out, he will hit homeruns in droves.Mark my words! Is it any coincidence that his only HR this year is against his old club? and he hit that ball over the lower section of seats about 430 ft. Andrew is out of sync, kind of like I get in my golf game sometimes and it seems like I don’t have a clue but then it “clicks’ and the next thing you know I’m bombing drives 300 yds down the middle of the fairway,it’s just one of those things.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Chase-If you base your conclusion on the fact that AJ won the Gold Glove last year, I guess by the same criterion, you would consider David Wright an elite fielder because he won a Gold Glove too.

However, there were at least four others in the NL (including Chipper with half the errors or better Fielding % than Wright put up. I would not consider him an elite fielder DESPITE the fact he won a Gold Glove-which is a popularity contest-NOT a mark of how great a fielder one is.

By etownbrave

May 13, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

FYI folks: ESPNNews reporting that Muts just DFA’d Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa.

By ColoradoBravesFan

May 13, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Coach, I’m guessing 06-07 seasons had more to do with the multiple apperances of Redman, JO-JO Reyes, Reitsma, Carlyle, Davies, Cromier, Lerew, Ho Ram, Devine, Schiell, Franklin(did I miss any) and the big drop in production of A Jones, than the disapperance of the the running game.

GO Braves…

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the struggles against lefties since 2005 have nothing whatsoever to do with Chipper, McCann, KJ, Thorman, Laroche being far better against righties than against lefties over the last 3 years. Nothing whatsoever.

It was all that little devil Furcal - who wasn’t exactly stealing bases with reckless abandon while here. Only stole more than thirty twice - his rookie year and his contract year.

The Braves, as a team, scored more runs in 2006 and 2007 without Furcal than they did in any year they had Furcal except for 2003

The 115 runs scored by the leadoff slot in 2007 were more runs than was scored by a Braves’ leadoff hitter in all but two of Furcal’s years here. In 2004, leadoff man scored 117 runs. In 2003, it was 130. For all this praise of Furcal, he rarely scored more runs than a leadoff combo of Willie, Yunel, and KJ - 2/3rds of which many here feel are horrible leadoff hitters

By JUsto

May 13, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

My prediction for the series. Im a braves fan but I dont see the braves winning this series with the guys they have going. I really hope I am wrong but I say the braves lose today win it tommorrow and drop the final. But I hope the braves spank that a* though.

By chase

May 13, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

LEW

my arguement to that would be…Has WRIGHT won 10 GGs in a row?

How many errors has AJ made this year?

Wright?

Let’s not all forget that no matter how bad he struggled at the plate…we could always count on him in th field

By Original Jon

May 13, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

I have a comment on Andruw Jones. Maybe the reason he was able to hit 25 homers last year was because of Bobby’s insisting on him playing every single day. In LA, Joe Torre doesnt put up with it, if AJ is playing badly, Torre benches him and uses him in blowout games as a pinch hitter. Wonder what his stats would have been his last year in Atlanta if Bobby would have used the same logic as Torre is right now.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Braveheart, you didn’t check the splits for 06-07-08.

The Braves have hit 307 HR’s with 1245 RBI when facing right handers.

Lefty’s look like this: 128 HR’s, 586 RBI.

The Braves score, just not against left handers.

The running game or the lack thereof isn’t the only reason this is happening, but it is part of the problem.

By Bobby's Cox

May 13, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

How many times did the braves make the playoffs since furcal left?

If i remember correctly, this braves team is terrible in leverage situations. The runs scored are more of a product of blowout wins than playoff style baseball.

By the way Braveheart. Did you read my 2 posts above totally putting your R+RBI-HR stat to shame regarding KJ?

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Soriano felt very good in bullpen, best he’s felt since DL’d. He’ll see how he feels tomorrow when he plays catch, and if all’s well he’ll face hitters (Braves hitters) Friday or Saturday. Then Cox might want him to make a minor league appearance as a final test before activating him. Or might not need that.

I think we’ll probably see Soriano on the active roster next week sometime.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

I just talked to Tex in the training room (or at the door; I can’t go in training room). He popped off the table and came over, told me he feels a lot better today and that he hopes to play tomorrow. Said if he improves this much again he should be able to.

First time he’s had back spasms, said he thought the hard field in Pittsburgh contributed to it.

He plans to watch the game from the clubhouse, probably in training room, rather than sit on hard bench. Wants to do all he can to relax the muscles completely and get over this thing.

He was walking gingerly yesterday when they left Pittsburgh. Today, no sign of that at all.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

N8, you think Francoeur might have peaked at the age of 24.

Dude, put the crack pipe down. I’ll admit, the comment is funnier than hell, I just hope your not serious.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Chase-Actually, I’m not so sure that Andruw hadn’t lost a step in the field last year. Yes, he still made some quite excellent, even spectacular catches, but balls he used to get to either dropped in front of him or went past him to the wall-many more than usual.

Also, look at the articles written about him in LA by the more responsible and professional journalists and you will see they think he’s a shadow of his former self, as well. He’s still pretty decent, but not what he used to be a few years ago.

Anyway, my point was that using the Gold Glove as your criterion for greatness is a flawed way to go. It is, was and likely always will be a very subjective award. It’s much more a popularity contest than a true indication of how great a fielder a player is.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

oh, and how could i have forgotten this:

JURRJENS will start Friday on three days’ rest, after throwing five innings (69 pitches) in first game Monday.

By TennesseePaul

May 13, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

DOB: Well, well, well: We’ve got a sensible lineup, folks

Ahh… if only Teixeira were in there as well. I’d like to see what this line up could do for a given length of time.

Scoots: While I’d generally agree that the numbers don’t particularly back the proposed speedy man theory, the numbers are based on a “whole” which quite possibily includes a two hitter such as Ray Durham. Sort of the ol’ addage, garbage in garbage out. I’d have to see the study first. I read some on the productive outs but the definitions were highly restrictive.

By jbutler

May 13, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Saw a great article about a local Pittsburgh teen who has cancer- he was at the Pens game and got to meet the usual Pennsylvania sports heroes…Mario Lemieux/Ben Roethlisberger- and there was John Smoltz! Just cool to see them give a little time to something like that. Its a nice balance to all the dirt being tossed around with athletes these days.

RCIB - Truly- JF isn’t going to need a gurney to cross home plate or trying to pass Cal Ripken. A little common sense- maybe he could stand to pace a little better- but truly; he is a professional athlete..looking a little more honed than ‘ol AJ in LA. Give these men some credit. Our Broncos QB here in Denver just found out he’s got diabetes and lost a zillion pounds during this last season- and still managed to have an excellent QB rating. A little perspective.

By Clown Scientist Panda Man Pretend Monster Toucher Hello What Is Porridge, Exactly?

May 13, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Great news on Soriano.

What about Peńa? I can’t believe that Corky will stay in the Majors for much longer, though Cox does seem to have an affinity to affable, ancient, portly, club house yucksters who can’t hit. =/

We all have our vices, though.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks, jbutler! Glad to know I make you smile. I appreciate your comments.

Lew—

I know that you like birds, so I thought I’d tell you that we had a chickadee nest, and the babies left the other day. One of them has an all white head! He looks kinda funny, but it’s the first albino bird we’ve ever had.

By mr baseball

May 13, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

After advocating that Kelly remain at the top of the batting order, hitting Yunel & Kotsay 1-2 seems reasonable. On the other hand, what is Norton doing hitting in front of Frenchy & KJ? Does anybody on here really think he’s better offensively than the 2 guys hitting right behind him.

As far as Blanco goes, he is useless hitting in the 8 hole. He gets on base a lot, but that doesn’t accomplish much hitting in front of the pitcher, especially considering how pitifully the Braves have bunted so far. An upgrade in LF would be nice, but not holding my breath.

Coach, since you know it all, please explain these inconvenient truths regarding the Braves & their leadoff hitters.

1) The only World Series championship team in Atlanta was perhaps the slowest Braves’ team overall since ‘91, and had a leadoff hitter who didn’t steal many bases that season and did not have an especially high OBP.

2) During Furcal’s stint with the Braves, the team made the playoffs every year and lost in the first round of the playoffs every year except one. That happened to be the season Furcal was injured and missed the playoffs.

Furcal was a decent leadoff hitter. But shouldn’t his absence have impacted the Braves against both righties & lefties?

A team’s won-lost record against righties/lefties doesn’t tell you much. The stat that matters is how a team hits against righties/lefties. Does beating Brett Myers 2-1 outweigh losing 8-6 to Jamie Moyer from an offensive standpoint? Don’t think so.

With 3 straight lefty starters, the Braves are set up pretty well against the Phillies, IF they can handle Burrell. Will be interesting to see how Cox utilizes Ohman & Ring in the series. They could be the keys in close games.

By Roger

May 13, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

On the “close and late” numbers, it’s worth noting that the MLB average is only .245. The Braves only allow their opponents a .224 avg in the same circumstances. The problem is the slugging percentage. The Braves are 46 points below the league average there, and 23 points below what they allow other teams. The differences in OBP are insignificant (2 pts vs opponents).

By the way, ESPN also shows the Braves as having a .239 avg in close and late situations, but says it’s 11th in the NL, not dead last.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Want to hear something funny? The Mets jut DFA’d Jorge Sosa and ate his two million dollar contract.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

McFann-A white headed, Black Capped Chickadee is interesting. Never saw one myself. Never saw that on a Carolina Chickadee, either. We just had some House Wrens build a nest in our carport.

Is it all white or just the head? I’m not sure it would be considered true albino unless it is all white with red eyes.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

GONZO update: Mike Gonzalez threw two perfect innings with three strikeouts in extended spring training today. Threw 25 pitches, said he felt fine.

He’s tentatively scheduled to throw two innings again Friday down there. I’m guessing that’ll be his last appearance down there, if they don’t decide before then to go ahead and send him out on rehab.

He’s getting close.

By mr baseball

May 13, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Braveheart:

I don’t have the inclination to look up numbers to dispute Coach’s nonsense. Logic and history are my weapons of choice. Glad to see someone with a grasp of numbers that really matter taking on our pre-eminent blowhard.

Citing the differences in HR & RBI when hitting against righties & lefties once again displays Coach’s innate ability to cite misleading stats when trying to make a specious point.

I suppose I should feel honored that he directs some of his more dubious observations towards me. Shooting them down doesn’t require a whole lot of thought, but it’s helpful when someone provides irrefutable numbers to assist in the process.

By flange1

May 13, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Chase,

I don’t want to get into the Andruw thing with you either, but Lew basically told you what I think at 6:17.

Please don’t start another ridiculous rant on AJ, it was pitiful the first time and the second and the third.

Andruw has to make a decision if he wants to be an elite player anymore.

He isn’t now.

That is a shame.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Roger, actually Stats Inc has them at .239 in close and late, but it’s 11th, not 16th, in NL. My bad.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Well we better do good with this make shift lineup we have tonight against KK (Kendrick) because it won’t get any easier tomorrow against Myers and Thursday aginst King Cole Hamels, if our lineup throws that “always swing at the 1st, don’t work the counts, undisciplined attage I wouldn’t be suprised at all if both Myers and Hamels have double digit strikeout games.

I will be interesting how we pich Burrell this series, because he’s taking pitches the other way now, instead of being a dead pull hitter, he’s the one that scares me the most in that lineup

Although Howard is strugging, he has taking over Barroid Bonds Role as the Millenium Braves killer, Oh yea I forgot to add Pujols to that list…

Go Braves! we will be lucky to take 2 of three…

By AdirondackDave

May 13, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

I’m probably the only guy on the planet, or at least on the this blog, who wanted Frenchy to play every game for the rest of his life and this is why.

Some years ago, the year after Cal Ripkin retired, he bought the local class A NY-Penn franchise (Utica, NY) which had existed for decades and immediately moved it to Maryland as his personal toy. Needless to say Ripkin has few friends in this area.

By BMoney

May 13, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Way to pick ‘em up Frenchy. Day off smay off.

By geauxbraves2000

May 13, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Lineup change = 3 runs.

WTG Braves!!

By BravesFanChris23

May 13, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

3 quick runs, so far so good.

By mr baseball

May 13, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

All those who demanded Frenchy take a seat on the bench, please raise your hands. He bailed out another Cox batting order boo-boo. No way does hitting Norton 5th make the slightest bit of sense, but that never stopped our Hall of Fame manager before.

Fortunately, talent can overcome questionable managerial decisions. Also helps when the opposing team has a nondescript righthander on the mound.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 13, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

You can’t say the Mets didn’t give Sosa a chance. He was in 20 games … Randolph rode him like Bobby does, well, the entire ‘pen.

Neither Leo nor Rick “the genius” Peterson could make ol’ Jorge an effective ML pitcher. Who’s next? Dave Duncan?

By jbutler

May 13, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Okay…so I hardly ever read the “fans vent” section on the AJC website- but am I the only one who finds what’s up there to be somewhat offensive?? Yikes. I thought it was bad that they left the “turncoat Tommy” quote up there for seemingly months at a time. Almost rather see that…

By geauxbraves2000

May 13, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Finally, after throwing Howard at least 6 strikes, Jo-Jo strikes him out. Jo-Jo is getting squeezed. What is going on with the umpires and the Braves? It seems every call always goes against them.

Maybe it’s just me, but that’s the way it seems.

Geaux Braves!!

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Yea, so far so good, but I don’t like Norton hitting 5th neither, Its not like we are playing the Phillies in Clearwater, this is for real…Bobby WTF are you thinking, I have a feeling that decision is gonna bite us later in the game, and it almost did in the first…

By Billsnv

May 13, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Nice AB Mr. Blanco!

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 13, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Great start to the ballgame, but it looks like we might be in for a looooong night with this home-plate ump. He’s made a handful of very, very questionable calls and we’re only in the top of the second inning.

Jo-Jo struck out Ryan Howard on a full count, but only ONE of those balls was actually a ball, and that one looked pretty dang close too.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Elevator took another rest. .220.

Lew—

Hmm…I think it’s just the head. Haven’t seen him since yesterday…Maybe he’s just a normal Carolina Chickadee that got into some bleach.

I LOVE those wrens! They are my absolute favorite birds—those little round things! I tamed two Carolina Wrens back in 2004 (they are both gone now). The male died in ‘06, and the female, Jenny Girl, who ate out of my hand almost everyday, disappeared back in November. They had three nests in our yard between ‘04 and ‘05. The first was in a shoe we nailed to a post under our deck. Each nest had five babies.

By William

May 13, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Ok, Bobby is a great manager, but someone please help me out with this…. You have your fastest guy on the team (Blanco) on first with no outs and a 3-0 lead, so why not have him attempt to steal second and bunt him over to third with the Reyes???? Then you have a guy at third with one out and the top of the line up coming up. I just don’t get that. If he gets thrown out, you still have a 3-0 lead.

By William

May 13, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Francoeur…peaked???? Are you kidding me? LOL…. Everyone is so critical of the guy all he does is play hard every day! He’s 6 out of his last 11 and people want him to take a day off. Makes no sense.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

AAAARRRRGGGG!!!! .214!! At least we’re already winning…but those three runs could go quickly…

Lew—

Just had a thought…Maybe that chickadee is pied—like our white-faced cockatiel (Petey).

By eric the elder

May 13, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

William, the same thought has occurred to me just about every time Blanco gets on base. What’s the point in having speed if we’re never going to try to use it?

By albanian braves fan

May 13, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

is greeting for all fan of braves!

is waiting for more “GONZO” journalism from journalist obrien. wanting more information on how to extending spring training. would use techniques to extending personal summer vacation. if possible.

By ncscoots

May 13, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

TPaul, as I remember the study, it allowed for the pitifulness of 2’s such as Durham. The hypothesis was that even such should have been less pitiful in the premise, LOL. Given that pitchers throw more fastballs, that the hole is bigger on the right side, that the pitcher is distracted, etc., etc., etc., the logic is that those hitters should perform above their norm, defined as all other game situations. The numbers say no. The only thing I didn’t like about the study was that it only looked at 2 hitters. There are base-stealing threats at lineup positions other than leadoff, but I guess the authors wanted to make sure there was no ambiguity for inclusion.

Anyway, I’ll try to remember where I saw the study, and post it. I’ve got a tickle about where it might be, but I have to ponder on it!

By William

May 13, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

check that….Francoeur 7 out of his last 12…..still want him to take a day off???

By FJR

May 13, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

as fast as blanco is, he’s not a particularly good base stealer at this stage in his career, getting thrown out nearly half the time he attempted in the minors. Hopefully that’s something he’ll develop (mostly getting better jumps on pitchers), but as for now, he’s not a huge base stealing threat. He’s even probably behind Kelly in base stealing ability.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 7:57 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.

And Brian McPopup makes the final out of the inning. Braves leave them loaded. No runs, 1 hits, 2 walks, blah, blah, blah……

By BravesFanInRockies

May 13, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

William,

The problem is, now that Frenchy is hitting again, he’ll never get a day off (even though he should have one).

You can’t win …

By William

May 13, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

FJR And how do you become a better base stealer????? What better time to give it a shot than when you are up 3-0 anyway??? I don’t want to be one of those overcritical over every move the team makes, just saying that particular sequence made no sense to me.

By William

May 13, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

better be careful here or it can be 3-3 real quick!

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Overlord, you’ve been off your game lately, man.

By TennesseePaul

May 13, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Scoots. Yes. I would have thought as much as well. The next question would be how do they define the leadoff hitter. Was it inclusive of Dave Roberts and Willie Harris or did it just stick to the so called “Dynamic” players at the top of the order.

By northbeach Scott

May 13, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies Duncan had his shot to cure Jorge Sosa after the Braves released (technically a minor trade) him late in 2006. He realized that Sosa was hopeless and the Cards released him in December.

Sosa leads the Mets with 4 vulture wins, but with a cool 7.00+ ERA, his true potential has been revealed. Too bad the Met’s did not wait anther 10 days so that we could have hammered him, again.

By JUsto

May 13, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

poor jo jo

By BravesFanInRockies

May 13, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

William,

Until last year, Willie Harris was an excellent base stealer (is that a term?), successful in 55 of 70 attempts. Last year he was awful, 17 out of 28.

Some guys with excellent speed don’t read pitchers well, or get bad leads, or try to run when they shouldn’t (which is what happened to Willie last year imo).

Just because a player’s fast doesn’t mean he can swipe a bag.

By FJR

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

william

assuming his problem is not knowing pitchers well enough, then he’ll pick that up just by watching them from first base. Actually trying to steal the base doesn’t help you learn pitchers moves to the plate. If anything, it means you are standing on first less often (because you were either thrown out or moved over to second) and you actually get LESS practice at reading a pitcher’s moves.

Can you tell me a single aspect of stealing a base that attempting them teaches you that you can’t learn in a more productive (ie non-game situation) way? I don’t really see what you learn from getting thrown out, how that makes you a better base stealer.

By Tomahawkin

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

Aight WTF is going on…? I run to take a big boy dump and now it 3-2? We better get those the offense rolling agian or I smell another 1-run loss by the Blow-pen…

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

TEX……..where are you? we need your glove on the field!!

By N8

May 13, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

DOB

Earlier I had stated:

“While some on here will NEVER admit, that Francoeur might have already peaked.”

To which you responded:

“True. On the other hand, he might not be even close to his peak. He’s 24, after all. So chill.”

I’ll assume that me capitalizing never is what caused you to think I was angry about it. I’m not.

Had you read the very next line, you would see that I was taking both sides of the argument. What that line said, was:

“Others may not admit that he is a damn fine player.”

There is NOTHING wrong with what Francoeur has to offer. Which is GG defense. Anywhere from 20-30 HR, and over 100 RBI.

Now, whether that player is worth 20 million per year (or 18.6), is up for debate.

My comment was NOT to rag on Jeff. He is what he is. He might improve. He may have already peaked. Who really knows?

What I do know, is that we DON’T need two guys similar to him in the lineup, like we did when he and Andruw were in the lineup together.

HOLY SLOW REACTION by Norton at 1B!!! Wow!!

Why pay Andruw 18.6 million dollars when we can get the SAME results for LESS than 10 percent of the cost?

Wren and JS answered that question by letting Andruw walk.

Based on their being no long-term deal in place for Jeff right now, and the fact that our outfield prospects appear to be good and on the way (Shafer included), I’m not so sure that when the time comes, Jeff won’t be allowed to walk as well, or traded before then.

LOVELY PLAY by KJ!!!

I’ve been home for half an inning, and we’ve given the Phillies 2 extra outs this inning. Lovely.

Jo-Jo deserves better.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Theres a bouncer, braves might get their DP, oh KJ cant get the ball out of his glove !!!!!!!!! they only get 1.

Sound familiar?????

Go KJ go!!!

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

McCann might have put a hole in the second-deck facade with that line-drive foul ball. He crushed it.

Hey, anyone hear the new Old 97’s CD that came out today? I saw a great review of it.

By JT

May 13, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

McDp! Strikes aggain!!!

By albanian braves fan

May 13, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

braves is done hitting for night? possibly.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Chipper is on 1B, McPopup hits a grounder to 2B, phillies will get a DP, oh no, he cant get the ball out of his glove (sorry, this is Big leaguer Utley, not our peewee glove 2B). So utley takes the ball smoothly to JRo, they turned without a problem.

HHHHmmmmmmmm interesting……..what a difference turning a DP.

By ncscoots

May 13, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Notorious One, could you please get Kelly Johnson to apologize to Overlord’s sister? For whatever he did to her? Please?

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

DOB….. not sure what would that mean, but didnt sound friendly.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Looks like the speed aspect is gonna kills us tonight, I told everyone in Spring Training that The Phillies and mets were gonna run at will on us…That part of the game we have lacked since Furcal left has really killed us in close games…

By William

May 13, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Man they are bloop singling us to death!!!

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

JoJo has done a very good job, but the offense has to understand that he is a “rookie” and this phillies offense will not be shut down by a younster that easy….. better help the guy….

Now we are losing, and boy this phillies bullpen is VERY TOUGH. I we dont score next inning, our chances of winning will be less than 10%.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Offense, COME ON! Time to get outta Creep-Mode, because its not going to get any easier against the Phil-Thie Bullpen which has had a good year I might Add…And Lidge has been lights out…

By N8

May 13, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball

“The only World Series championship team in Atlanta was perhaps the slowest Braves’ team overall since ‘91, and had a leadoff hitter who didn’t steal many bases that season and did not have an especially high OBP.”

Not to nit-pick. But here goes.

Don’t bother noticing that while Grissom was hurt and not the SB threat he was in Montreal (243 SB’s over the previous 4 seasons, before becoming a Brave), he was still fast and a decent lead-off hitter.

Keep in mind, that with THAT pitching staff, having a true lead-off hitter wasn’t gonna matter from April to September.

Oh yeah. The playoffs, you ask?

Yeah. Grissom was 25 for 65 (.385) with an OBP of .431, in the 1995 post-season. Throw in the 5 SB’s (3 in the WS).

So you’re right. We won the WS in 95, with NO help from our lead-off hitter.

“During Furcal’s stint with the Braves, the team made the playoffs every year and lost in the first round of the playoffs every year except one. That happened to be the season Furcal was injured and missed the playoffs.”

Did you ever think that it was Furcal’s 22 for 95 (.231) with a .263 OBP, in the post-season, that caused HIS teams to stall?

As for the one season we advanced without him? Maddux, Glavin and Burkett kept the Astros bats at bay, and Smoltz was the closer. That was a 3-0 series win, that had very LITTLE to do with the bats. Though the offense gave enough runs for them to work with.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

I knew it!! I knew it!! That stupid……

Oh boy…Why couldn’t they (McCann) have cashed in with the bases loaded? WHY??!!

Overlord—

McPopup? Seriously, dude. Not too creative, sorry.

Anyway, I’m REEEEALLY ticked off right now, so you’ll have to excuse me…

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Overlords sister blah blah blah, typical airhead comment….. Please dont waste your time and mine with those grade school “jokes”.

By Lew

May 13, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Oh no. Francoeur struck out. Maybe Bobby Cox should bench him for three or four days. He must be tired. All that running on his two hits.

By TN Jeff

May 13, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Why is it that the more the Braves see a pitcher in a given game the worse they get at hitting him. It’s the Anti-Chuck James pheonomenon. 3 runs in the first / bases loaded in the second / striking out in the 6th.

Choke!

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Do you let JoJo hit with two on and one out in the sixth? If you do, do put on the bunt, knowing you’re taking it two outs and giving yourself only one chance to score? I’d pinch hit, but it’s not my call. And your best pinch hitter is already in the game.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Don’t know why he didn’t pinch-hit for Reyes in that inning, since he’d been knocked around a bit in his last two innings and the Braves had a runner on base.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

KJ dont you know how to run the bases either? No glove, no bat, no base running….. what are you here for???

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Now, THAT’s how you run yourself out of an inning.

By William

May 13, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Ok….. I don’t get that either. Reyes struggled through last inning and you let him bat with one out and two guys on base???? And Ohman warming up in the bullpen.

By geauxbraves2000

May 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Well, that turned into a nice half inning. Instead of sitting Frenchy, maybe Kelly needs to take a few days off.

Arrrrrr!

By kris

May 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

OMG!! Bobby has alzheimmers for sure. To allow Reyes to hit for himself was the most imbecilic decision this season. With managing like this it won’t matter what the players do.

This team is not responding to Cox. Time to replace him!

By eric the elder

May 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

First and second, one out. Bunt attempt missed, runner on second picked off, tapper to the mound, inning over.

There are areas that can be improved - - pitching, hitting, etc. - - but I don’t know whether a team that is so fundamentally unsound can fix themselves during the season.

By brad

May 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Fuxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ing kelly your a joke. Lets loose about 20 more games with kelly playing you no playing BBBBIIIITTTxxxxxxxxxxxCCCCCHHHHHH

By PrincetonBrave

May 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

P a t h e t i c

By TennesseePaul

May 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Game over right? 1-run deficit on the road. That’s it right? Uggh and a caught stealing at 3B to boot….

I still think this team can come back from this. 28 plate appearances in 18 outs with over 1/3rd resulting in a man on base. But the Phillies do have an improved pen this year…

C’mon BRAVES!

By BT

May 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Jo Jo batting with two men on and one out. Totally unbelievable. Results were pretty awful as well.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Its OK McFann I sure know how you feel, Im kind of wanna fly to philly and have a close door conversation with this guys!!!!!!!!!

By N8

May 13, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Whaddya know?

KJ hurts us with his defense. Hurts us with his base-running. Not to mention, that that is ANOTHER botched bunt by a Braves pitcher.

Maybe KJ should hit 10th, huh?

Ugly. Ugly. FUGLY!!

William

“Check that….Francoeur 7 out of his last 12…..still want him to take a day off???”

Get back to me in August and September when he dog azz tired.

On a side note, you gotta love Bobby. Not only does he NOT pinch-hit with Jo-Jo in the last inning (with a rally in progress), he sends him back out for the 6th inning, when he clearly was starting to lose it.

Then again, nice to see Braves pitcher go beyond 5 innings.

Oh look. A successful Sacrifice Bunt by the Phillies. Been a LONG time since I’ve seen one of those.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

And this game will go down in history as Brian McCann’s Very Bad Day…

By kris

May 13, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Another 1 run loss all on Bobby Cox. When does Falcons camp start? unreal

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Sellout crowd of 44,101 on a Tuesday night, with the Flyers playing at the same time. Impressive.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

At least JoJo looks better than James… I think he is enough for a 5th starting pitcher right now….. very well pitched game for a youngster at a HR ballpark….. he has stayer away from bombs.

Come on offense…….help the kid !!!

By William

May 13, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to discount all Bobby as don’t for this team, but I don’t think it would be a bad thing if he decides to retire after this year. That’s about as nice as I can put it.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

BT It could have been either way… Remember that we will need our bullpen fresh, and braves need to get the most innings they can out of starters since schedule just got tough on us.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

It still seems like this team is on Spring Break…

well even though our averages suck in the late innings this team is due…

If we do go down I’d rather get clowned by 5 runs instead of losing by one…If we take another 1 run loss, I’m gonna have to get violent with the remote agin…

By uga-brave

May 13, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

ZERO exra bashits again.

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

eric the elder

“…but I don’t know whether a team that is so fundamentally unsound can fix themselves during the season.”

Not with “Daddy Daycare” in the dugout.

Until players are held accountable for their actions (or lack there of), things won’t change. Just like the past 400 or so games.

I seem to remember a manager a LONG time ago in a galaxy that is seemingly far, far away, taking out his CF for playing “I’ve got my head up my azz” baseball. That move seemed to motivate him into focusing a little more.

Time for another “embarrassing” moment for a few players on this team.

On a side note, is there a BETTER “voice” to talk you through a baseball game than Harry Kalas (to those who have Extra Innings)?

I would enjoy listening to him read the phone book, and probably pay to do so.

By William

May 13, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Chipper is from another planet….

By kris

May 13, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I already turned the channel. This team has no moxy and couldn’t get a clutch hit for anything.

By BT

May 13, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Do any of our stats guys know the percentage of sacrifice bunt attempts for the Bravos this year that have actually been successful. Would I be going on out the limb to say we have to be the worst in baseball in this basic part of the game?

By TennesseePaul

May 13, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

What’s the Braves “pitches per at bat” for late and close situations?

By JJMB

May 13, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Same old crap. Chipper has to do EVERYTHING.

Damn his back must get sore (from carrying the entire team, day after day).

By McFann

May 13, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Oh good. he walks now! But why couldn’t he do that with the bases loaded???

Know what ya mean, Overlord. But I don’t know if I EVER want o fly to Philly!

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Interesting note from Elias, on yesterday’s 5-0 Braves loss:

The Pirates shut out the Braves, 5-0, in the opener of their doubleheader despite committing four errors. The last time a team committed that many errors in a shutout was April 10, 1997, when the eventual World Series champion Marlins had four errors in a 1-0 win at Wrigley Field.

Pittsburgh also issued six walks on Monday. The last team to pitch a shutout despite four errors and six walks was the Philadelphia Athletics on May 24, 1923, a 1-0 home win over the Yankees at Shibe Park (5 errors, 6 walks) behind a complete game from Eddie Rommel.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Told ya this phillies bullpen was gonna be some pain in the axx….. Romero is just hot and lidge is even hotter. Not no mention we will see Seanez in the 8th……probably….. Nasty!!!!

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Oh neat.

Another rally starting (with 2 outs of course), and who’s up?

Norton.

Un-FRICKIN-Believable.

DOB

“Don’t know why he didn’t pinch-hit for Reyes in that inning, since he’d been knocked around a bit in his last two innings and they had two guys on, down a run.”

You bite your tongue, Mr. O’Brien.

It’s EARLY. Bobby’s got this ship under control. By under control, I mean just like the Captain of the Titanic did. Then again, the self control and organization of this “ship”, we might as well have Captain Stubing.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Lets see our dysfunctional situtional hitting skills ream them- itsels when the game is on the line…(Hope I’m Wrong)

A team that leads the league in team ERA, and yet still a game over .500, there is definitely something wrong with that picture…

By BravesDave

May 13, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

What was all that talk earlier about Ryan Howard struggling against lefties?

Just wondering.

By TennesseePaul

May 13, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

On a side note, is there a BETTER “voice” to talk you through a baseball game than Harry Kalas

Yes. Vin Scully

By BT

May 13, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Understand your very point Overlord. My concern is you have to take advantage of scoring opportunities when you have them. If this was the 2nd inning I could agree but the 6th in my mind is a different story. You and Bobby were on the same wave length he is pitching a decent game, unfortunately we are on the wrong side of the score.

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Why is Norton batting fifth?

By TJ

May 13, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

The fundamental stuff is maddening, and costly, but what we need is a couple of 2- or 3-run homers. Braves have hit 2 HR in their last 6 games (before tonight) and 14 in their last 21. This team is not built for speed and small ball. If we don’t hit at least 1+ HR per game (on average), we’re gonna be in trouble.

176 HR in 2007; 222 in ‘06; 184 in ‘05. We hit 23 in our first 16 games, but it’s been a power outage ever since.

By Overlord

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

Im kind of starting to think that chipper can hit .400+. He makes it look sooooooo easy. There is no luck in his ABs, he is locating the ball exactly where he wants on the field.

By William

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

Until players are held accountable for their actions (or lack there of), things won’t change. Just like the past 400 or so games.

I said the same thing last year. As I mentioned earlier, I think a new manager with a different approach would be a nice change.

By BravesDave

May 13, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Is there any possible way to figure this team out?

Letting Reyes hit for himself with runners on base had to be a joke, right?

Kelly Johnson is simply fundamentally unsound right now.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

When does Falcons camp start? unrealkris

Hey Kris, I’ve got a bit of news for you if you’ve got your hopes up about the Falcons this season… Oh, nevermind. It’s always good to have high hopes.

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

I will say this.

Jo-Jo had a “nice” outing (for this hell-hole of a ballpark), all things considered.

Good for him. Ultimately, it will be good for us. I agree with the post who said that Jo-Jo looks ready to be the 5th guy for now. Send Chuck back to Office Depot (or was it Home Depot? Or was it Lowes?), or we could just send him back to Richmond until he is traded.

But that still doesn’t excuse Cox for not pinch-hitting for him in the 6th.

By geauxbraves2000

May 13, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

This team is too talented, namely the offense, to be playing ball like they are. Fundamentals are definitely a problem. SP has pretty much kept the Braves in every game. So who does this have to fall back on? The players for not being patient? The hitting coach? The manager? How about all of the above. They’ve played .500 ball over the past few hundred games, this team should have had better results. They need motivation. This team needs a change.

Okay, I’m done venting for the night. Hopefully they’ll come back, but knowing their history, I’m not holding my breath. We’ll see if there is a bottom of the 9th.

Nite all. Let’s root for a comeback, then a sweep :)

Geaux Braves!!

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

I CANNOT SEE ANOTHER 1 RUN LOSS. THIS WILL CRUSH ME

By northbeach Scott

May 13, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Impressive for Jo-Jo to gut out the last 1 2/3 IP for the Braves. Zero walks and 5 Ks and Zero HRs in the Philthy’s bandbox. Two bad about Burrell’s 2B. To bad about that last run.

Getting Utley and Howard out late in the game should be a good confidence builder for Jo-Jo. Great illustration of how Cox builds players up so that the payoff comes later in the season.

If the Braves do not come back, this will be the silver lining, tonight.

By ernesto

May 13, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

jeez, nothing you can do about the bloops, but man this team is infurtiating in its inability to do the little things.

run the bases smartly, get bunts down, hit late and in the clutch (ok that’s not little), but this team just looks bad sometimes.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Kyle Kendrick, that nondescript starter, just nailed down his fourth straight quality start.

5-3 Phillies and that is probably the nail in the coffin. Hey, at least it won’t be another one run loss :-)

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Well I guess its finally time to concede the game, Hope we can beat Myers 2morrow, because we sure as hell aren’t gonna beat King Cole Hamels with this kind of team play…

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

“Yes. Vin Scully”

Sorry, T-Paul. While I enjoy Scully doing games by himself (and he is good), I’d take Kalas over him any day of the week.

Something about his voice.

But that doesn’t make you wrong. Just differing opinions. After all. DOB doesn’t like Whitesnake, right?

By brad

May 13, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Hey I do have to say, That was not a bad call by BC, a bunt would have put runners on 2nd and 3rd with yunel batting with a chance to take the lead with a single. Kelly Johson made BC look bad on that play. Geezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz people when are going to realize kelly sucks………………………………………………..

By ernesto

May 13, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

takes longer to spell Frenchy’s name than his last ab took.

way to work it there, frenchy

By BT

May 13, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

New pitcher, first pitch swing by Jeff. Not fundamental baseball. Kelly at least took a pitch or two.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Im gonna bet my house that the braves dont turn it around…

3-0 at the end of 1.

Bases loaded on the 2nd or 3rd inning……not sure…… and we go quietly the rest of the game…….

Oh, of course, I almost forgot, Its only may 13th…..LONG SEASON AHEAD. Yeah right. It will be long indeed.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

That’s nine three-hit games for Chipper. No other major leaguer had as many as seven before tonight.

By Weldon

May 13, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Yes, I picked up Blame It On Gravity today. It’s much more textured and diverse than their early albums and the writing is just as sharp. There’s nothing as brilliant as “Big Brown Eyes” or “Murder (or a Heart Attack”, but you can’t really expect that. You’ll like it if you like the Old 97’s.

By William

May 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I’ll grant you the base running blunder was a bonehead play, but I don’t see anything wrong with KJ’s swing.

By ernesto

May 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

really? We’re not going to let Campillo hit?

By BT

May 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Two runs down, pressure is off, we don’t have to embarrass ourselves by trying to bunt.

By 1957 Braves Fan

May 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

I thought it was “Strive for Excellence” not “Strive for Mediocrity”.

By bf54

May 13, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

We have the best pitching in the league and the best team hitting average. Don’t know for sure, but I suspect our fielding percentage is at least average, so why don’t we win more often than we lose?

First thought, we are are not speedy on the base paths, imaginative in the lineups, stay with pitchers too long, and don’t ‘leverage’ the lineup for the best production. Is this an indictment of the manager, well, maybe not - but look at our pitching and team batting average and I can only echo (and paraphrase) the famous cry of that Roman orator, Cicero, “COXUS DELENDA EST”. Hey, it was the tomahawk-chant of BC 50 versus the Carthegenians (and where are they now, Cartegena, Columbia!).

Bye, Bobbie, the chant begins. (Apologies to Robert!).

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Strange.

KJ with two hits while NOT batting in the lead-off spot.

Now, would have been a PERFECT spot to pinch run for KJ as a wake up call for the base-running blunder.

Subtle, yet to the point. Especially had it been with somebody like Porky Miller.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Career highs in innings (6-2/3) and hits allowed (11) for Reyes.

I thought the kid pitched well. Just a couple of hits dropped, and a couple of bad pitches with runners on.

By ncgary

May 13, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

what givez, braves look like bad news bears lately, jimmy van patten what a weasel, he didnt have to act like a douchebag he is one

By B. COX

May 13, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Come on kid!!!

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Oh. I now understand why he didn’t PH for Jo-Jo in the 6th.

Because the best option on the bench was a guy hitting .250 over all and .235 as a PH, Gotay.

3 pitches. Buh Bye.

Worthless, P.O.S.

By B. COX

May 13, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Come on Ruby!!!!!!!

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Time to kick the ever living hell out of Lidge. Escobar and Chipper are gonna eat that headcase’s ish up.

By uga-brave

May 13, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

braveheart,

does it really matter who hits fifth.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Anybody understand now why Greg Norton is good enough to pinch hit, but not to play everyday.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

TJ Gotta co-sign with your quote

“This team is not built for speed and small ball. If we don’t hit at least 1+ HR per game (on average), we’re gonna be in trouble.”

I have been saying this for the last 2 and a half years, and maybe people are starting to take heed, hopefully Bobby C. will take note even though it is 2 years past due

Gotta beat Myers tomorrow, any way we can, or uggh “By any Means Necessary”…

By B. COX

May 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

1-2-3 in the 9th…

Mets winning…….

Its look darker while deeper in the standings.

By brent a.

May 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Lew

While I don’t know if Francoeur needs a day off or not, your minimalization of what it takes to play a 162 game major league season is not a compelling argument for why he shouldn’t sit a day.

A lot more goes into playing major league ball every day than simply standing in the outfield for 2 1/2 hours.

You have decided to completely ignore the weight training, travel, mental strain, nagging injuries, day games after night games, double-headers, etc. that go into a season.

I know you know better, and your argument would be much stronger if you would at least not try and minimalize what goes into a full season of baseball.

These guys do, believe it or not, put in full days. They get to the park early, and work out. They study pitchers in preparation, this takes time and energy. Sometimes, they even get sick.

Yes, Francoeur is young. But, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t benefit from a day off. And because the Braves have that option, then perhaps it should be exercised.

I understand, working on an oil rig, or caring for a sick child is tough. But, just because other people have hard lives doesn’t mean that Francoeur should play every day if he happens to be struggling.

Should I never take a day off because there are 10-year old kids working 12 hour days in the sugar cane fields in India?

Sometimes, a person just needs to re-charge their batteries, even a 23 year-old. It’s okay.

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Keep in mind the Falcons will not disappoint this year. When you have no expectations, it’s easy to not disappoint. The world knows they will stink, so we know what we’re getting. With the Braves? Psychological sadomasochism at its best. Expect the worst, get the best. Expect the best, get the worst. For 162 games a year. Ain’t baseball fun?

By BravesDave

May 13, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

How can you not be excited by a team that follows up their first 6-game winning streak in what seems like a decade by losing 4 of their next 5?

These 2008 Braves are just a lovable bunch of losers (outside of Chipper and one or two others). “Ouch, my back…now pay me $20 million a year.” That Tex, he is a kidder.

I think we should start a new trivia game on the Blog - “When was the last time…?”

I am going to start with two…1)When was the last time Francoeur hit a HR? 2) When was last clutch hit by a Braves hitter in a late-game situation?

By ijonathan

May 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson just said the Francouer has a sore foot. All I know is that why the he11 did the guy put on “20 lbs of muscle”…to cut down on his range in the outfield, his speed on teh bases, and explode to a grand total of 3 hr so far?

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

does it really matter who hits fifth.

probably not but norton should never hit higher than 8th with the players that were in today’s lineup

By richbrave

May 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Heard Campillo was coming in and just turned off the radio. Knew he would allow the runner to score-which he did. I wonder how many inherited runners have scored after he’s gone in.

By kris

May 13, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Hey David,

With the Falcons I do have low expectations. They will not disappoint me like the Braves always do. That was the point haha

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

oh, effin’ escobar

By B. COX

May 13, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Come on yuny.

By BT

May 13, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Time for Chipper, Glavine and Smoltz to take over for this team. Vets need to lead and the Braves need some leaders. Some kind of kick butt meeting that could start with something like - if you can’t bunt, you better have your butt in the cage tomorrow. If you don’t know how to run the bases LEARN. Many of the Braves are poor (being kind) baserunners. Most could not bunt if their lives were on the line. Need veteran leadership now. Quiet leadership by example is great but Braves need some take charge clubhouse guys.

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Time for Chipper to do his best Albert Pujols imitation ….

By northbeach Scott

May 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Love seeing Kotsay, a Pro’s Pro, work the walk to give Chipper a chance to tie this thing. How about it guys, Lidge compells us raise his ERA from 0.00. Chipper deep drive to LF and caught.

Redeem yourself BMac.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

First walk issued by Lidge in 11 appearances, then Chipper flies out to the LF warning track… So close.

By keylargo

May 13, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

JoJo is a hell of a good hitter and if you compare him to who would have pinch hit for him (Gotay), it’s not that much of a drop off. Besides, he went up there to BUNT but KJ put an end to that strategy. Does anyone remember last week JoJo pinch hit for someone? Don’t remember the people involved, but he is the best hitting pitcher on the team.

By Original Jon

May 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Heres an idea to get Tex out of his slump when he comes back tomorrow….Bat him in front of Chipper. Chippers bat is so hot right, there is no way opposing pitchers would want to pitch to him, so let Tex get the Meat pitches in front of Chipper. Get him out of his funk, them move him back into the 4 hole.

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash

“With the Braves? Psychological sadomasochism at its best. Expect the worst, get the best. Expect the best, get the worst.”

LINE OF THE YEAR, IMO. Well done

As I copy and paste that, Chipper manages a warning track fly ball. Only the Braves could manage to be so futile with the sticks in the 4 games they’ve played in the two best hitters parks ever created. Yikes. Can’t complain about 3 for 4 though, huh?

What a HORRIBLE play in CF by Werth.

Hey McFann, your boy is SUH-LOW!

And it’s up to Norton. LOL! Classic.

By McFann

May 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Cann you say ONE RUN GAME??

First run allowed by Lidge!! The elevator rises!! .233!!

By FJR

May 13, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

how did I know when I read this lineup that it would all come down to Norton?

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Please, dear God, not another 1-run loss. And you know you ain’t fast when Matt Diaz is pinch-running for you. Herb Washington he is not.

By BravesDave

May 13, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Once again, Bobby Cox takes out his cleanup hitter for a pinch runner in a close game. This guy is mentally retarded.

By Mark in PA

May 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Do we have a meltdown in progress?

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

werthless

By TennesseePaul

May 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Did Chipper crack Lidge??? I saw that went deep but not enough and then the coaches visit and then the double… and a 4 pitch walk to Norton…

Yeah. Chipper is still the man. Talk about a productive out.

By N8

May 13, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

It just hit me, that I think I was born to be a Phillies fan.

Lidge hasn’t allowed a frickin’ run all year, and he finally does (not his fault), then he walks the next guy…..and the fans start booing.

THAT is funny.

But not as funny as Jeff swinging at the first pitch, when Lidge was nowhere NEAR the strike-zone on Norton.

Or did he pitch around Norton to get to Jeff? I’m gonna guess that he did.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Whaddya Know! Another 1-run Loss, Gawd Damnut! This team makes me crazy, gotta come out 2morrow and salvage 1 game agianst Myers because we ain’t touching King Cole Hamels with this overaggressive lineup…

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

NO NO NO , HEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLL NO ! Not another one run loss !

O My freaking God, I’m gonna die laughing ! This is so sad it’s actually funny.

By ernesto

May 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Lidge throws 4 balls in a row, and Frenchy hacks at the first one, whiffs at one in far out into the batter’s box and then amazingly holds off diving for the exact same pitch then dives for the 4th one to bloop fly weakly out.

Quality at bat.

Frenchy officially has million dollar skills and a nickel head.

By kris

May 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

another 1 run loss.This team has no character or heart. I knew it.

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

rally syndrome record: 1-1

1 run losses eating me alive..we have such bad luck its f…. unreal…wow

By Original Jon

May 13, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Another M effin 1 run road loss. I cant stand to watch this team on the road anymore. Call me when we get home.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

I love the Braves!!!!!

LOL……. just unbelievable team!!!!!

I just cant describe what I just saw.

And then…… chipper goes 3 for 4, is he goes 4-4 we are in extras…… WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

$·!&%$/&%(&/&&!·&%/))))$·%%!Ş”·$

By northbeach Scott

May 13, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Terrific clutch hit, BMac. Tough final out there, Frenchy. At least the Brave’s one run loss record for futility is extended.

Let’s get ‘em tomorrow, guys.

By BT

May 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Any pitcher that throws a pitch in the strike zone to our “all star right-fielder” should be fined. I don’t think one pitch that Lidge threw him was in the strike zone. He got himself out.

By BravesDave

May 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

ijonathan, I have been asking the same question about Francoeur for the past few weeks. With his new 20 lbs. of muscle, he looks like he waddles rather than runs. His outfield defense has been atrocious. And he hasn’t hit a HR in his last 27 games.

27 games without a HR. Let that sink in.

And as I type, he ends the game with a typically brilliant at-bat.

By Mark in PA

May 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I cannot frickin’ believe it. Another one run loss.

Is it bad luck? Is it bad play? I don’t know. But I sure do wish they’d stop losing games like this.

By Original Jon

May 13, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

RichBrave 3, 3 inherited runners have scored of Campillo.

By woodie

May 13, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

I hope we can trade Tex before the end of the year for some young arms.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 13, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Way to let Lidge off the hook there, Francoeur. The guy had just walked 2 in the inning, including Norton on 4 straight right before you, and you go up there swinging at the first two pitches, both of which are balls, and put yourself in a tough position.

I know it looks like you’re coming out of your slump there, but man, you picked a terrible time to have a bad at-bat.

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I agree with lifting McCann for a runner, because Diaz stands a MUCH better chance at scoring on a single hit right at somebody than McCann, who stands NO chance. Your first order of business is to tie the game, and the chances are better with Diaz. As for letting JoJo hit for himself in the sixth. In the words of Samantha Stevens, “Well….”

By A-ville Ranger

May 13, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I’m reminded of Newton’s law on motion”once an object is put in motion it tends to stay in motion”.Now A-ville’s law on COMmotion ” once crap starts happening,crap tends to keep happening” one run once again…OH MY.

By Tomahawkin

May 13, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Coach LOL, It is starting to get funny, you’d think this team would be square on fundamentals to avoid these situations? LOL after winning 6 in a row this team has been a Joke, to play with our emotions like that

By Kev

May 13, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

and you can put it on the board!!!another 1-run loss*…why do they even bother to put it a 1run games…I would be in less pain if it was a 2 or 3 run game..but NO…what a tease the Braves are…1-4 in the this roas trip so far……shame

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

BRAVES ARE CURSED. THIS IS THE MOST PAINFUL YEAR EVER TO WATCH THIS….1-11…UNREAL N UNREALISTIC

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

BravesDave aint no cleanup hitter, but you are right about braves manager.

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

BravesDave McCann aint no cleanup hitter, but you are right about braves manager.

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By StingerSplash

May 13, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

as much as I like for hitters to be aggressive, if the guy on the mound has just walked two of the last four guys and he’s struggling with his control, you may want to make him throw you a strike. He has to throw you one; make him do it. Don’t chase his pitch.

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By N8

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

“Bat him in front of Chipper. Chippers bat is so hot right, there is no way opposing pitchers would want to pitch to him, so let Tex get the Meat pitches in front of Chipper.”

I said the same thing about 3 weeks ago and got BLASTED for it. Everbody said that Tex is THE REASON Chipper is so hot…..fear of Tex.

Hogwash. Chipper is on fire and would do the same thing with Norton hitting behind him.

Since Tex left game one yesterday, Chipper has gone 5 for 9.

Bobby will NEVER do it though.

Why? Because it makes sense.

Besides. Worst case scenario. At least Chipper would be leading off the 2nd inning, (thus starting rallies with NOBODY out), if the top trio stinks it up.

Because, you realize that if Bobby were to make that move, he would put KJ back in the lead-off spot.

Wouldn’t want too many changes at once. LOL!

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By scott boras

May 13, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

BRAVES CURSED

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

At least JoJo looked good.

By Roper

May 13, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Has anybody noticed every time we see Soriano he’s pointing up to the heavens.

Or, perhaps, it’s the only stock photo the ajc has…

By THB

May 13, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Woodie-Tex won’t bring much in. We might get a couple decent prospects or one good prospect and a decent one, but not much. There aren’t many teams that are going to want him for less than a half of a season.

Now, Francouer on the other hand. He would probably bring in a potential ace. Not a current ace, but an excellent young arm. I’m not sure what I think his future will be with the Braves..seeing as he may want to hit the free agent market in 2010(?). I honestly wouldn’t be opposed for trading him if we got a pretty good return, maybe a Homer Bailey and a decent 1B prospect.

By The Bubble Boy

May 13, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

How you Braves fans doing? Let me guess …..NO TOO GOOD. That’s o.k. the Marlins will pull this thing out in the long run. The Mets and Phillie fans will be on the same ship as us. The one that does not sail in 1st.

By N8

May 13, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

“Terrific clutch hit, BMac.”

Yeah. Never mind that that was one of the worst plays in CF in recent memory, by ANYBODY.

Right about now, Phillies fans are saying “Rowand would have caught that”. LOL!

By Ned Beatty

May 13, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

DOB Have you heard the cd ”love songs from Aintry” by Billy Mckinney from NW Georgia ? Something about that guy touched me in a special way.

By N8

May 13, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Just think. Five days ago, you ALL were ripping me for not being “sold” on our 6 game winning streak (at home against two LOSER teams).

Don’t worry. It’s still early. If this team plays their cards right. They just might lose 65 games on the road this year.

THAT would be something special.

By JEB

May 13, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

How can we have GOOD ball players and not have a GOOD TEAM?? This is an enigma!

By bf54

May 13, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

DOB: I get lots of opinion about music from you, and lots of information about the Braves, but almost no analysis of what YOU think accounts for the various statistical anomolies for this team, viz. “best team batting average, NL”, “best team ERA”, “best home record”, but bottom of the barrell “come from behind”, “runs scored in late innings”, etc.

Dude, I’m calling you out, call it!

By Cecil34

May 13, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Gary

This was not the start of the domination of future series that we envisioned - but now they can win the next two and win the series.

If not, well, I won’t get started on that now; DOB doesn’t like me sounding the death-knell too early with 124 to go….

By h_charles

May 13, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

One day, one day, Cox will hit and run.
I’m still waiting. Perhaps when the Braves hit into the 300th dp of the year on a grounder that would be a hit with a runner moving.
Perhaps after we’ve already played ourselves out of the race. I keep telling myself Cox will see the light. He will send a runner. Someday. I’d rather see us lose 3 baserunners stealing than watch yet another DP grounder hit right at the would-be vacant spot in the infield if we sent a runner. At least we would be tryig to make something happen.

By Braveheart

May 13, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Coach, do you mind if I borrow the wrecking ball?

By BravesDave

May 13, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Overlord, McCann may not be a cleanup hitter, but he was hitting cleanup tonight. And once again, Cox pinch ran for his cleanup hitter in a close game.

By Overlord

May 13, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

N8 you sound a little optimistic tonight, in order to lose only 65 they will have to win again on the road…. so you think that would be possible?

By albanian braves fan

May 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

blog is repeatedly saying “braves is cursed”. maybe is braves just not working hard and making fans curse. maybe.

cox is upsetting? no. stay on “even keel”. won and lost record be also even. soon perhaps?

By Mike in LA

May 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Reyes did a good job on the mound but was terrible trying to bunt. Yeah, the Braves had a few miscues but they played a good game. The Phillies were just a little better tonight, that happens. They also had some luck go their way with Burrell’s and Reyes’s bloopers leading to runs. You have to be encouraged by Reyes’s effort though and I think the lineup switch will be a very good thing. I still think this is a playoff team.

By THB

May 13, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Charlie Morton and Tommy Hanson both pitched today. Morton pitched 7 innings, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, an 7 K. Richmond won 7-1, and Morton is 2-0 with a 1.68 ERA. Brandon Jones is heating up, hitting .280 with 10 2B but only 2 HR. Hanson pitched 6.1 innings, 1 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, and 7 K. Mississippi won 2-1, and Hanson got the win. His ERA is 1.42. But the story of the day was Duente Heath who went 7 innings giving up just 1 hit (in the last at bat of the game, only a 7 inning game), 1 unearned run, 4 BB and 4K.

By N8

May 13, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Too funny. Good point though. LOL!

JEB

“How can we have GOOD ball players and not have a GOOD TEAM?? This is an enigma!”

He wears jersey #6. Period.

By NativeAtlantan

May 13, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

this braves team sucks….I am so sick of blaming it on injuries and whatnot…a championship team finds a way to win on the road. This team is no better than last years….

say goodbye to the playoffs for 3 yrs running

By N8

May 13, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Cecil34

“If not, well, I won’t get started on that now; DOB doesn’t like me sounding the death-knell too early with 124 to go….”

Don’t worry about it. I’ve got that taken care of all by myself.

By albanian braves fan

May 13, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

obrien speaking to braves officials. suggesting he to tell you “buy music cds”, “eat barbeque sandwiches”! is opiate of peoples.

By Efrim

May 13, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Only one win on the season in which we trailed heading into the 7th inning. That really sucks.

Tough loss, especially since I really thought we had Kendrick on the ropes.

Oh well. Just get one of the next two and go 6-5 on that homestand….then get the bullpen horses back and make the run then.

By tbo

May 13, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Braves will continue to underperform as long as the OLD FART is still coaching. Its the same old story as the last few years.

By THB

May 13, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Don’t know about anyone else, but if Morton continues his dominance and is part of the rotation after the all-star break, and continues to do well, then I see ace potential in him. Throws hard, strikes out a lot, just needs a little more work on command, although it has improved a LOT. I see Reyes as a middle rotation starter and Hanson as a front rotation starter too. We just need a nice front of the rotation starter for next year, because isn’t it Huddy’s last year on his contract next year?

By Cody

May 13, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I hate to tell people but this one run lose record is a little mislead. The Braves have battled back in a bunch of those one-run loses. So you can;t really count those as should have ones. They might be better peged as we should have better pitching in the bullpen. If you look at the one run losses it squarly was the fault of the pen. In about a week or so that will change. Hey stay cool there is still more that 3/4 of a season left. We have had more injuries in the first month and a half than Mobby Dick was over weight. Stay tuned a healthy Braves team is a scary one.

By Gary

May 13, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Cecil

Yeah not like we envisioned, but tomorrow is a new day. Give the new lineup some time. They need to stay patient and work the count some more. When they did that they had the pitchers reeling. Glad to see that they got to Lidge. Now we should be able to hit him the rest of the season.

By JEB

May 13, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Ok N8 If not Bobby C. coaching the Braves, Who do you suggest should coach them??

By albanian braves fan

May 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

sources is reporting bobby cox planning “october surprise”. is true.

By bruce

May 13, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Flyers game finished just after the Braves game… Flyers fans were given orange t-shirts that said on the front “Why Not Us?” anyone want to offer answers to that one? Lots of heads down folk in the parking lot. Phillies fans several times chanted “lets go flyers”…

By albanian braves fan

May 13, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

is being reported in news that man on aiplane forcing to sit on toilet for trip. is now finding out man is kelly johnson. must give seat to omar infante. is hearing.

By uga-brave

May 13, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

somebody wake me up when one of our corner outfielders goes yard. it’s 27 games and counting now. i guarantee that is a record for the braves.

gotta find some power and extra basehits out of our corners.

as far as talent goes, it is painfully obvious that we have overestimated a couple of players ability.

scary thing is the pitching has been downright good. the starters have kept us in most games.

the offense on the other hand in late close games is atrocious.

By David O'Brien

May 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Upon further review, I’m gonna have to reconsider my second-guessing of the move to leave in Reyes to hit for himself in the sixth inning. And here’s why:

There were two runners on and only one out when Reyes went up, the Braves planning to have him bunt. Kelly messed that up when he got picked off second for the second out.

Cox said he’s got to start resting some of his relievers when he can, so I can honestly see the rationale in leaving Reyes in to bunt him over and put two runners in scoring position for Escobar.

Still don’t know if I’d have done it that way, but just saying, I can see the reasoning, particularly if Bobby had planned to rest a reliever or two.

He said he wanted to get Jo-Jo into the seventh inning, that it’s important to do that and have him continue to make strides.

By Bama

May 13, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Scott Borass “Braves Cursed”. You act like a stupid 10 year old.Same BS over and over. Fans are cursed to have BC as Mgr. Oh! I forgot its Early?

By uga-brave

May 13, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

been saying for a while that bobby needs a bad cop on the bench.

i dont think that snitker, chino, and roger fit that roll.

none of our bench coaches had any major league experience until their tour with the braves.

i know that is probably a minor concern, but jimy williams, corrales, and leo had the respect of the players.

to quote crash davis, ” they are young scare them.”

By ijonathan

May 13, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Cox said he’s got to start resting some of his relievers when he can, DOB

This is similar to Cox last year saying something like, “I wish we could get Diaz more at bats.”

If Cox wants to start resting relievers more, then he should ask Cox why he doesn’t go to somebody other than Boyer-Ohman-Acosta in blow-out games. Like he did with Mahay last year, Cox falls in love with certain guys in the bullpen and over-uses them. Combine that with his penchant for by-the-book situational matchups that burn the staff…

By SeattleBravesFan

May 13, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

DOB…i wasn’t following the game that closely, but now that i see your description of the situation. i can’t say i can second guess the decision either. in watching the game on espn gamecast, when Jo-Jo gave up those tying runs, first thought was that bobby would pull him. I was hoping he would keep him in to push him. seems like bobby was thinking the same thing and I have to say I am happy that was his thought process. they need to start pushing these guys, especially in close games. our young starters need innings and the experience of pitching through into 6th and 7th innings. it didn’t totally work out tonight, but maybe it will prove beneficial down the road in future starts for Jo-Jo…

By richbrave

May 13, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Original Jon:

Thanks man. Do you know how many total he has inherited this season?

By bruce

May 13, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Dave, I thought maybe after the pickoff that Bobby would pinch hit for Jo Jo. had just one strike. I sent you an e-mail at 5:05 this afternoon. Thanks, Bruce

By monty

May 13, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

THose bungling Braves. The three stooges of the NL East. THey always find a way to lose on the road. Something new every game. Kelly gets picked off of second base leaving the pitcher to bat with 2 outs, LOL! Frenchy appears to have snapped out of his dilema only to have a crappy at bat with the game on the line. Bloop hits galore by the opposing team. wonder how Bobby spun this one, “Gosh darn, we sucked, but we sucked really well tonight.”

By Old Coach

May 13, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

*The Braves better get Jesus on the radio and on the phone before its to late. Come on down to Tootsie’s *

By uga-brave

May 13, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

this game was lost in the first four innings, kenrick was on the ropes and we let him off.

there are too many players in this lineup with simmilar skill sets. low .obp, no power, and no speed, not to mention their inability to move runners over.

hitting blanco eighth pretty much negates his ability to steal bases.

this team needs a spark at the top. why not, against rh’s give blanco a shot at leadoff, he could not do worse then willie harris.

By JUsto

May 13, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

I got some for you DravesDave. When was the last time chuck james gave up a homerun? When was the last time tom glavine got a win? When was the last time Chris resop pitched?

By Old Coach

May 13, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris did give the Braves a spark last year for couple months. Hope Blanco don’t fade out like Willie did.

By keylargo

May 14, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Here’s a notice I would like to see posted:

Pitchers bunting practice will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday. Esteemed batting coach TP will conduct the mandatory workout

By mr baseball

May 14, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Please stop pointing fingers at KJ for bad baserunning. Reyes bunted through the pitch after some half hearted attempts earlier. On a bunt play, the baserunner can’t be hanging around 2 steps off the base until the batter gets the bunt down.

Bunting is not that hard, contrary to what we see from the Braves on a nightly basis. I guess Reyes thinks he’s too good a hitter to have to bunt.

N8:

You ever play CF? Ever had a line drive hit directly at you? Making that play is a whole lot harder than putting down a bunt. Especially for someone who doesn’t play much CF. Even if Werth breaks back on the ball, no guarantee he catches it. A little harsh there.

Said before the game the decision by Chance the Manager to bat Norton 5th made absolutely no sense. It would be very instructive for Braves’ fans to hear Cox answer specific questions about his game strategy, explaining why he does some of the things he does, but we all know that’s not gonna happen.

On second thought, it probably would not be instructive at all, because it’s even less likely that Cox would provide any meaningful answers.

Unless Glavine bests Myers tomorrow night, we’re looking at a sweep with Hamels going Thursday.

By N8

May 14, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

JEB

“Ok N8 If not Bobby C. coaching the Braves, Who do you suggest should coach them??”

Literally….ANYBODY. It’s not an overall knock on Cox’s ability to lead a team. Or that I have anybody specifically in mind. I’m not completely sold, that anything will be different when (if) TP is manager.

I just think it’s time for a change in general. Even if it gets worse before it gets better, I’ll take that. Consider it the “one step back, to take two steps forward” thinking.

DOB

I too would accept that “theory” or reasoning from Cox…..IF THE DAMN PITCHING STAFF COULD ACTUALLY BUNT TO SAVE THEIR LIVES.

Like I said the other night. Maybe this is how the “other half” lives (fans of other team that is), and we were spoiled for 15 years, watching teams execute the little things on a NIGHTLY basis.

In the 90’s if a sacrifice bunt was called for, 99 times out of 100 (and I don’t think I’m really exaggerating), it would be successful. Those teams were THAT GOOD at it.

So either way, it’s on Bobby.

A) For not teaching them to be better at it.

or

B) For continuing to call for the sacrifice, knowing there’s a better chance that it fails, than succeeds.

Might as well instruct Reyes to NOT carry a bat to home plate, and take your chances with Escobar up with 2 outs and at least ONE RUNNER at 2B.

I know that sounds ridiculous, but I really would like to know (if a site exists with these stats), what the “percentage” of successful sac bunts the Braves have the past 2+ years.

Just curious.

By Chase

May 14, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

N8-Dave Brundige Mgr at Richmond would be a great replacement for Bobby Cox. He!! no to TP! Maybe, Brian Snitker. Braves need new blood, new direction and new leadership. Make DOB GM.

By OldBravesBag

May 14, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Um…the bunt was missed by Reyes on a fairly good pitch. Kelly was in clear sight of the pitch…which Reyes bunted at for a strike…he just missed it. Kelly had to react quickly because it could have been a force play at third. The botched play was Reyes’ fault for not getting the bat on the ball…not Kelly’s reaction. Again…bunting fundamentals kill the Braves… But go ahead and blame Kelly…he’s the Brave’s whipping boy, I guess.

By albanian braves fan

May 14, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

is thinking braves players need new leader to “step up”. who?

in albania leader is choosing one with most “hair on chest”. is true.

now - which brave having most hair on chest? maybe smoltz? chipper unlikely - cannot grow beard.

obrien - seeing in lockerroom, which brave having most hair on chest?

By monty

May 14, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

It’s not either/or .It’s both/and. It’s Reyes fault for not getting the bunt down, but pitchers miss bunt attempts all the time and you don’t see the runners geting picked off base regularly.If it was the batters fault then guys would be getting picked off 1st all the time because it’s a shorter throw for the catcher, just face it, Kelly made a mistake.

By N8

May 14, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

mr baseball

“Please stop pointing fingers at KJ for bad baserunning. Reyes bunted through the pitch after some half hearted attempts earlier.”

While I was a bit hard on KJ (it seems like the trendy thing to do lately - besides, I complimented him having 2 hits while NOT in the lead-off spots - so I’m “even”), I have to agree with you.

Reyes gets that bunt down, it’s a moot point. However, I disagree that he couldn’t have stayed a little closer to 2B. Everybody claims he has above average speed (and he does), so if that bunt is bunted well (and to the right fielder), there is NO PLAY at 3B. Just my opinion.

“You ever play CF? Ever had a line drive hit directly at you?”

Not since Jr. High. Played 2B in HS.

“Making that play is a whole lot harder than putting down a bunt.”

Couldn’t agree more.

“Even if Werth breaks back on the ball, no guarantee he catches it. A little harsh there.”

OK. Maybe just a little. I think if he breaks back (or a guy that NORMALLY plays a lot of CF), it’s a routine catch for a big-league CF. But you’re right. I was being harsh calling it one of the worst plays in recent memory. LOL!

But when you see the CF coming to a DEAD STOP, only to turn around and sprint towards the wall as the ball falls short of the wall, it appeared to be a horrible play/break on the ball.

Add to that, without seeing replay (I did DVR the game - maybe I’ll look), my guess is that they were playing deep to begin with, making the play even MORE routine than normal.

“It would be very instructive for Braves’ fans to hear Cox answer specific questions about his game strategy, explaining why he does some of the things he does, but we all know that’s not gonna happen….On second thought, it probably would not be instructive at all, because it’s even less likely that Cox would provide any meaningful answers.”

I was gonna respond that it more than likely would sound like a cross between Ward Cleaver “scolding” his kids, or Charlie Brown’s teacher.

“Unless Glavine bests Myers tomorrow night, we’re looking at a sweep with Hamels going Thursday.”

Be careful. People might confuse you as one of the “nega-holics”.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Brent a-Yeah, I know that there’s more involved than standing in the outfield for 2 1/2 hours. However, he’s 23-24 years old. I guarantee you he’s not killing himself.

Like I said-go work a job like sheetrocker where you’re lifting 80 pound sheets of that stuff over your head for 8-10 hours a day, 60 hours a week while you nail it to the ceiling of a 7-11 or an apartment buliding. Do this for years and then tell me how difficult playing baseball is for a kid who’s future is assured.

If he doesn’t think he needs time off, then take my word for it-He doesn’t. I don’t mean to denigrate ballplayers, but let’s get real here. People do much harder things for 40 a week plus overtime just to survive.

Like I said before-y’all keep talking about how you hope Chipper-at age 36-can play 150 games a year. What is so unreasonable for Francoeur at 12 years younger, to play twelve more games a year than you hope Chipper does? Do you even realize that’s only two games a month more over the course of the season? Again, like I said. If he doesn’t want time off then he doesn’t need it.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Brent a-One last thing. The kid has a good work ethic. Don’t we wish more young players did?

By N8

May 14, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Chase

“Dave Brundige Mgr at Richmond would be a great replacement for Bobby Cox.”

Again. I’m not specifically thinking of anybody. I don’t know much about the Richmond manager.

I’ve seen a you-tube clip of the Mississippi Braves, Phillip Wellman. At this point, I’d take the hand-grenade routine, over the poor baseball, we’ve been witness to.

Again, while I question many of Bobby’s moves/non-moves/and general in game strategy, I really don’t dislike the guy. Add to that, I think some of his good traits will be missed when he’s gone.

That being said, when Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry, Cowboys nation was SHOCKED and most certainly bummed out. He was a legend too, and he won TWO super-bowl titles.

Yet, oddly enough, around 1995, Cowboy fans weren’t so distraught over the firing, were they?

It’s just time for a change, IMO.

If Joe Girardi can get fired after winning Manager of the Year award, certainly Bobby can after two 3rd place finishes, right?

By N8

May 14, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

Lew

From a physical standpoint, I couldn’t agree more. Jeff has a much better shot at playing everyday than Chipper does.

But from a mental standpoint, Chipper has been playing pro-ball for 17 years. Jeff has been alive for 24.

Chipper knows how to mentally handle the rigors of playing everyday, and working through a slump, and most importantly, how to put a team on his back and carry it.

Now, as we’ve said before, Chipper is a HOF’r. Period. Francoeur hasn’t yet been voted to an All-Star game. Enough said.

I just think when things get to be a little too much for Jeff to handle, a day off to clear the fog, would help.

I don’t work that “hard” either. Some weeks I work 70 hours, others I work 20. NONE of it is physically draining. But ALL of it is mentally draining. When I’m on a 3 or 4 day bender of sitting in front of the computer for 16 hours of the 24 hours in the day for those 3 or 4 days…..I need a day or two, to “refresh” before I can mentally handle the crap that I deal with.

Let’s not confuse what professional sports is, and what separates the good players from the HOF players.

Often it’s their ability to focus mentally, and grind it out at a consistent level.

EVERY player that’s in the majors was a STAR in his hometown. If they went to college, they more than likely were a star there as well. It’s the guys that can mentally handle the “next level” and the “studying” that goes with it to prepare on a daily basis, that end up in the HOF at the end of their career.

Sometimes that means taking care of themselves physically.

I’m not sure if all the “fat” comments about Andruw have led to his demise. Maybe? But if they have, then he very well might have cost himself a shot at the HOF (and his teams shots at titles), by letting himself go in the latter years of his career.

But a guy like Smoltz is physically in the same shape he was in his 20’s. He’s COMMITTED to conditioning. Now modern medicine has maybe done what it can for his elbow and shoulder. But that’s NOT because he slacks off in the winter.

I’ll stop before this gets too long.

Ooooops. Too late. LOL! Email me, if you want to continue the discussion.

By Quack Quack

May 14, 2008 1:40 AM | 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.Overlord

Big deal. They scored a total of 4 needing help on the last one. They still didn’t score any more than they have been, they still lost and they proved that jumping out to an early lead ain’t all it’s cracked up to be by so many local posters.

In the last 5 games I think the Braves are 1-1 with Kelly leading off and 0-3 with someone else. I’m not seeing any proof that it makes any difference one way or the other. Just something else for the second guessers to whine about.

By ScottBravesfan

May 14, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Chipper has got to get some help on offense. The guy is a one man team and one man teams in baseball just don’t work.

By Quack Quack

May 14, 2008 2:01 AM | 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.Shaun

Don’t get me wrong.I’m not anti-stats, but there are useful ones and not so useful ones. What good is a predictive stat that isn’t very accurate? If it can be a dozen games off like it was with the Snakes it’s basically worthless.

And that was the lamest analogy that I’ve seen in a long while.

By GermanBravesFan

May 14, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this

Damn, it’s hard to stay positive… However, it’s still early this team is a good team. Just needs to be a bit more consistent.

GO BRAVES!!

By Bravesfan79

May 14, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

Im so tired of seeing us keep someone useless like corky miller on the bench instead of having a speed guy that can score from 2nd on a basehit.
Seems ive been saying this about 3 years now.

I dont even care if the guy cant hit or even play baseball. Get someone off the US sprint team! Someone who has at least a 75% chance of stealing 2nd, and a 95% chance of scoring from 2nd on a hit!!

That 1 player alone would win us WAY more games than corkys “specialty passed ball defense” and “specialty popup .057 offense ever would!!

What yall wanna guess our record in one run games would be then!!
I GUARNTEE NOT 1-11 !!!!!

And im sorry but any kid from rookie ball or class A can give us what corky gives us!

By Bravesfan79

May 14, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this

Albanian Braves Fan: man you trip me out, you remind me of Borat.

By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)

May 14, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

Let start by saying that I’m sorry if this post upsets anybody because I’m gonna rip Bobby Cox a brand new butthole.

The idea that Chuck James is the Braves fifth best starter is repugnant at best, in fact, it’s down right stupid.

Putting Chuck(HOMERUN)James on the mound this coming Thursday night in the Phillies bandbox home park against their lineup is a recipe made in H-E-L-L !

I’m anticipating fireworks and we are talking about baseballs flying over the fence.

Why won’t the Braves call up Charlie Morton and what’s the justification for it, well here you go.

Whats the best team in the N.L. Answer : The Diamondbacks.

Who is Max Scherzer, Answer: the Diamondbacks first round pick from the 2006 draft. Why is he already in the big leagues, because they need him to help them WIN , NOW.

Scherzer has all of one full season of minor league experience. In fact, including his three collegiate seasons at Misouri, he has four years of pitching beyond high school consisting of 53 starts and 336 innings.

Why am I blathering on about him, you ask ???????

Because, by comparison, Charlie Morton(2002 3rd round pick)was pitching in the minors way back in 2002 when this kid was still in high school.

Morton has 86 starts, 564 innings, S-I-X , COUNT’EM OUT LOUD, S-I-X full minor league seasons and is currently playing number seven as we speak.

Morton is currently DOMINATING minor league hitters to the tune of 9 runs in 48 innings of work with 39 strike outs and 15 walks. His ERA is 1.69 in eight starts, he has pitched into the seventh inning during the last three starts and given up two runs in those twenty-one innings.

If the young 6-5 right hander isn’t ready for the big leagues, he never will be !

For Bobby Cox and Frank Wren to keep marching Chuck(HOMERUN)James and his ridiculous ERA of 7.58 out to the mound is A-S-S-I-N-I-N-E with pointed reference to the first three letters of that word because that is where Bobby Cox has his head right now.

If the Braves expect to win, then put the best pitchers on the mound. Otherwise, Cox is going to run this team right into the damn ground.

The Braves rank second in ERA at 3.54 in the ENTIRE MAJOR LEAGUES. Second in team BA at .283 and yet here we sit at 19-19. That my friends is the absolute definition of M-E-D-I-O-C-R-I-T-Y. And the blame for it falls squarely on the shoulders of Bobby Cox.

By Quack Quack

May 14, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this

R+RBI-HR is one of my favorite stats. BobbysCox

It figures. It is a totally worthless piece of junk. Dependent almost entirely of the particulars of the lineup instead of the individual player. Sheeeesh. What a buncha lughead statisticians inhabit this board.

By Quack Quack

May 14, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this

The running game or the lack thereof isn’t the only reason this is happening, but it is part of the problemCoach

The running game is the reason they don’t score against lefthanders?WTF does it have to do with LHers? OMG coach, that borders on the stupidest thing you have ever posted and believe me that is saying something

By Moby Grape

May 14, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this

Ok….. I don’t get that either. Reyes struggled through last inning and you let him bat with one out and two guys on base???? And Ohman warming up in the bullpen.William 8:47

Reyes is supposedly a very good hitting pitcher. He has been used as a pinch hitter several times. I guess that’s why since Norton is already in the game.

By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)

May 14, 2008 4:54 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox season is in:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7syAkQmc-lM

By Bobby's Cox

May 14, 2008 5:12 AM | Link to this

Excuse me Quack Quack…did you read the rest of my post?

I thought maybe you’d agree with it, but guess not.

Well, i’m on a winning streak. In 2 straight days I shut up Shaun and Braveheart with my posts.

By Bobby's Cox

May 14, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this

N8

Good idea batting Chipper 4th behind Tex. That idea popped in my head a week or 2 ago also. Chipper’s hitting no matter what.

By Bravesfan79

May 14, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this

Coach: couldnt agree more man, reminds me of how we kept a .450 spring training hitting Escobar in the minors to “develop” while we had Chris Woodcrap and Orr on the bench in the first half of last year.

So whats the knock on Morton? that he hasnt put together a full season in the minors?? Why not bring up a player when hes HOT!! I guarntee the first 2 or 3 starts hed be great. If he drops after that then send him back down!
Then again, playing and realizing whos HOT (escobar in spring training) and whos NOT (andrew in the cleanup spot) (woodcraps whole career) has never been Cox’s strong suite!

Im honestly (and ive said this before) really scarred of how Cox is gonna use Smoltz. If used right, Smoltz can pitch possibly 2 more years in the pen. But knowing Bobby, hell use him in a 4 or 5 run game at least once a week. Thus when September comes around, Smoltz will be hurting again due to overuse.
And thats when we need him at his best!

If i had my choice, Bobby would be relegated to head cheerleader, while others pulled the strings for the bullpen and roster moves!

By Bobby's Cox

May 14, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this

Interesting to see a few things I said a couple weeks ago mentioned here tonite.

1. Braves should have bunting practice before games or on an off day. Keylargo

2. “KJ sux” (by numerous posts). Yup sure does. Again, comparable to LaRoche with a better bat. At least he’s hitting again in the 7th spot, where i said he should hit all year. Hope he gets that average up so he’s ready to be traded when prado returns. Lol…in my dreams.

3. There is no luck in his ABs, he is locating the ball exactly where he wants on the field. Overlord

By Bobby's Cox

May 14, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this

Few positives tonight.

1. We found out that Soriano is close. With Smoltz being close as well, that should solidify the pen soon.

2. Jo Jo pitched quite well. Our rotation is looking more and more set and structured for the 1st time this year.

3. Tex is close to returning. I’d bet he turns it on now after being hurt. Sometimes when players come back from being hurt, they don’t try to do too much and hit well. Chipper’s done this before. I’d bet Tex gets the hits like that oppo 2 run single to LF against the dodgers in the Saturday day game a few weeks back.

4. That means Norton will be back on the bench to solidify our bench.

5. KJ is raising his average, hitting 7th, and making stupid mistakes to continue to decrease his playing time or give reason for a platoon or trade.

6. We’re seeing a pattern in Campillo. When he starts his own inning, he pitches well. We he inherets runners, they score. If BC has picked up on that, then Campillo shouldn’t come in to pitch when there’s runners on base.

7. Frenchy heating up. Maybe he feels like a looser because of how foolish he looked ending the game. Maybe, just maybe, this gets him going even more.

8. Morton pitched well again.

9. Hanson pitched well in his 1st AA start.

By bruce

May 14, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this

David: have you heard whether the hard ground in Pittsburgh was just around first base or whole infield and if 1B only is that for Adam? Thanks, Bruce

By Susan

May 14, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

Last year we had no 3-4-5 pitchers. So they bought Glavine again. Traded for a pen. Now its 2008. As I watch the rotation I see a familiar sight. We have no 3-4-5 pitchers. In fact it looks a lot like last years rotation. Inconsistant in number 3 and then Reyes and James in 4 and 5. This is not working and they should have traded for a solid number 2 and put Jurrjens in number 3.

This braves pitching staff once past Hudson has nothing. I said before they even signed Glavine, that you dont put a 42 year old in a rotation with a shoulder problem and someone that has not pitched in 3 years. Hampton will never make it back and Smoltz career has come to a close. What we have left in the rotation just isnt that attractive.

For the first time in years, I have no interest in the braves. Either in watching them or attending the games. Thats a shame. We once had a grand team. We could have had a grand team again. We have hitting but they just arent willing to spend money on pitching and pitching is really what wins you the games. I see a 5th place finish for these guys.

Its really not a wonder we cant sign decent players. The braves have turned into a government team. In other words they are a joke.

By Austin

May 14, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this

Susan

I’m sorry but you my friend are an idiot? Pats Hudson nothing? I mean, it’s not like their starters are LEADING THE LEAGUE in ERA.

By Bravesfan79

May 14, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Susan: Go join Chase and other fairweather fans and root for the Devil Rays. Then come back in August when the Rays are 10 games under .500 and the Braves are still in the race!

And SMOLTZ is NOT Done!! He can easily pitch the rest of this year and next in the pen if used properly!
Sure we have questions in the rotation, but so does almost every other team!!

And for the 2nd half of the season….who will have a better bullpen than us? Soriano, Smoltz, Gongalez! And add Moylan next year and thats pretty impressive stuff in the pen! We all know Tex will heat up in the 2nd half of the year. We just need to make some roster moves and get speed up here and get useless Corky off the team!
If we can play .400-.500 ball on the road….well be in good shape come August.

By Quack Quack

May 14, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

I see a 5th place finish for these guys.Susan

I see an award for Poor Prognostication in your future ma’am.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

We are .500 last 2 games on the road, not so bad. LOL.

By Mr. Know-it-all

May 14, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know what Brad McCann is up to this season? He was traded from the Marlins org to the Royals org last summer (for a player to be named).

By 22oz

May 14, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Positive fact of the day: The Braves are 7-4 in their past 11 games.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Not too good idea to start JJJ friday. Too many pitchers on DL to risk the second best right now. What is Cox thinking?

By Will

May 14, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Could not watch game last night, but i read a couple different lines about how the Braves played “great” last night even though they lost. Can somebody explain to me how they played so great but lost yet another one run game. If not for a 9th inning rally would have lost by more. I dont get it! Looks like Reyes pitched well, but still did give up 11 hits and i dont care if they were “dinked and Dunked” they still count. Maybe the Braves would be well served to start dinking and dunking. The Braves have been playing .500 baseball for over 2 years straight right now and nothing changes that no matter what they want to say!

By NAFIZA

May 14, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

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I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

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I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

I”M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!

By Shaun

May 14, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong.I’m not anti-stats, but there are useful ones and not so useful ones. What good is a predictive stat that isn’t very accurate? If it can be a dozen games off like it was with the Snakes it’s basically worthless.

What is your definition of “very accurate”? I don’t have the exact numbers in front of me but I would guess teams play within a few games of their Pythagorean record at least 80 percent of the time.

Whether you like it or not, Pythagorean record or just judging a team based on runs scored and allowed is very useful.

Let’s look at the Diamondbacks, since you seem to be stuck on them. The Diamondbacks front office probably knew that their teams wasn’t as good as their record indicated. So what did they do? This year they stopped giving plate appearances to the likes of Chad Tracy, Tony Clark, Miguel Montero, Scott Hairston. They traded Carlos Quintin, who looked like he was never going to do anything in Arizona and needed a change of scenery. They traded for Dan Haren. They realized Jose Valverde was an expendable piece and moved him for useful players.

It would have been easy for the Arizona front office to sit back and say “We’ve got a young, talented team and we just reached the NLCS. We don’t need to do much.” But instead they realized what kind of team they truly had in 2007 (by looking at run differential) and made some bold moves.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Anything new on Hampton?

By Efrim

May 14, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

KJ is raising his average, hitting 7th, and making stupid mistakes to continue to decrease his playing time or give reason for a platoon or trade.

Really man? What is your issue with the guy? Does it really bother you that he is reserved or something? Does it bother you that he is by far our most disciplined young hitter, or at least has been in his minor league career? I’ve said it before and I will say it again, the best run organization in Baseball the last few years, Boston Red Sox, wanted the guy this offseason. I wonder why? Probably because he sucked like you said, right?

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

At least we are not alone, this season has been pretty weird. Lots of teams underachieving:

Braves, Mets, Rockies, Padres, Brewers, Tigers, Indians, Yankees.

Overachieving:

Rays, Marlins, Cards, A´s, Twins.

Almost half the teams in the majors are doing the opposite the were expected to do.

By Dadgum

May 14, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Not sure if this was answered above but I have been on a search for any MLB team losing a game via shutout where the winning team committed 4 errors and gave up at least 8 hits. I have gone to Stats, MLB, and numerous sites via Google. I can’t find anything yet.

Also I forgot, in that 5-0 Pitt win they also walked 6 batters. Let’s see..walk 6, commit 4 errors, give up 8 hits, and win via shutout. I think I will stop my search and just say it has never been done and yeah I would bet serious money(for me).

Musically, saw Doobies during the Wachovia in Charlotte. Still great guitars, vocals, songs. Springsteen in C’Ville was good but honestly does he have to fill half the show with mundane songs. Prove It All Night my man. Many songs just didn’t work for me. Eagles on deck!

Rock on…lamenting another one-run loss.

By Jim

May 14, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

The only thing interesting about last night was why Bobby left Reyes in to hit for himself in the 6th inning? Do we need to get high school coaches in here to tell him what to do? This team cannot produce any runs.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Why keep a 7.58 ERA starter? He is no rookie, trade the guy.

For those of you that dont like Carlyle, the man has a 3.38 ERA.

Amazingly the braves still have the best ERA in the league while 3 of their 4 best ERA pitchers are on the DL. Go figure. And it could be even better if that 7.58 ERA guy was not to be allowed to start any more games.

By Braveheart

May 14, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox, you didn’t shut me up or put my stats to shame. The stats you should’ve used that would have put me to shame is this:

.247 AVG, .322 OBP, .385 SLG

Those are KJ’s leadoff numbers over his last 80 something games as a leadoff hitter. ‘Nuff said about his inability at the present time to be a leadoff hitter. That’s almost lower than the pathetic depths of Juan Pierre

By Jim

May 14, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Susan,

A healthy Smoltz is still the dirtiest pitcher in baseball. He will be 100% in the next few weeks.

By Braveheart

May 14, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, the best run organization in Baseball the last few years, Boston Red Sox, wanted the guy this offseason. I wonder why? Probably because he sucked like you said, right?

Efrim, I agree. Although I think it was time to move him out of leadoff, KJ is a keeper. The Red Sox, A’s, Yankees, Indians, Mets would all love to steal KJ away.

By McFann

May 14, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

YES! McCann at cleanup again!! (Kinda ironic, though, seein’ as how he’s the sloppiest guy on the team.) Moi before the game

Bit of a premature celebration on my part. But one line stands true: He didn’t do much cleaning; still a little sloppy.

Yeah, great double in the ninth that the guy couldn’t get to, blah blah blah…but where was that with the BASES LOADED?? The man left SIX (count ‘em, six) men on base! (For perspective, the team left eleven stranded.)

I hate popups. Absolutely hate them.

Hopefully Tex will return tonight. McCann went 2-10 in the cleanup spot in these two games. Not quite cuttin’ it. I like him better in the fifth spot, anyway. Was only excited last night because I knew he’d get more at-bats with RISP to possibly raise his AVG there. And it did go up, just not when the bases were loaded. Also, the cleanup guy—at least for this team—doesn’t leadoff many innings. McCann’s AVG when leading off an inning is .148. Not too good.

He’s at .233 with RISP. The elevator’s gettin’ close to the top floor (Remember, he said he needs to start “carrying his weight” with RISP, so that’s where the elevator will come to rest, on the .235 floor. So I’ll keep you posted until we get there. Although the elevator rising is fun to watch, no?)

Ah well. Another day, another no-win. Maybe Tom cann get his first win tonight. Ha! We’ve been sayin’ that for how long now? But, there’s a first-time for everything…

By STRETCH

May 14, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Once again a 3rd place finish, and they might finish 4th! Im checking the ESPN ticker ATL 3, PHI 0 in the 4th. And im thinking they are looking real good. Step out and come back later, PHI 4 ATL 3. This team will give you an ulcer!

A couple of thoughts about this team and organization at this moment:

1. How do you get picked off second base??????! I Dont know where Kelly’s mind is half the time.

2. Why is CHARLIE MORTON still in the minor leagues. I agree with COACH, he’s been there for 6 years for crying out loud! If he aint ready…he will never be ready!

3. Bobby Cox…i dont even want to talk about him.

4. Frenchy is OVERRATED! Always has been and always will be. His last at bat was a key at bat, you have to come through at some point, and that was the time! I would trade him first chance i get, he’s going to be another A Jones(swinging at everything off the plate). Mark my words people, year after year, just watch him.

5. Starting pitching: Hampton will never pitch for the Braves again. Chuck James; refer to # 3! Smoltz is in the bullpen. Hudson is whodini. Got a couple of young studs down on the farm along with Morton.

6. This team has good talent throughout, really good! But really, they should come around, but if not, then they are truly UNDERACHIEVING!

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Jim, I dont really like Cox, but you should understand we are on a pitcher shortage (JJJ is pitching on 3 days rest). JoJo was supposed to bunt. It would have been good enough if our runner at 2B was not doing dumb stuff.

Other alternatives were Gotay, Diaz and miller. But Yunel hitting with 2 outs and 2 RISP would have been nice.

On the other hand you migh be right, why let a guy that showed on a previous AB he just cant do the job?

Personally I would have used Gotay (think he was still available), let him try bunt. Fast runner, some pressure on the defense. If he goes to 2 strikes he could still make contact.

Who knows, fact is we lost and showing no toughness in the process.

By DirtyDawg

May 14, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, just in case you hadn’t noticed, the problem with KJ is that he’s no leadoff hitter and he doesn’t have a position that he’s effective in - at least that the Braves have tried him in during a game. He had problems in LF a few years back and he’s a lost ball in the high weeds at second base. Love his swing and could be a consistent producer batting down in the lineup - he just needs a position where he won’t be a liability.

Now if Bobby can justify dropping KJ to seventh, he should be comfortable with putting Frenchy in the eight-slot - or on the bench. This guy is killing us with his ‘record thing’ of consecutive games. The weight he put on in the off-season has slowed him and his bat down…his judgment at the plate is as bad as Andruw Jones’ ever was…we now know he has a foot or ankle injury that he’s had since high-school…and he still plays. I’m sorry, I haven’t seen him come through with a clutch hit in my viewing life. Sure he’ll get a Texas Leaguer fluke, but hit the ball hard with the game on the line - like last night - not in my memory. Sit him down or platoon him.

And while I’m at it, stop platooning Blanco - play him everyday and lead him off. He’s the only guy they’ve got that has the discipline, the eye and the speed to be effective in the LO spot…and with Diaz in his funk along with Francouer, there’s somebody every day that can sit for Blanco to play.

By brent a.

May 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Lew

I’m sure Jeff wants to play everyday, that’s great; but, isn’t that where a manager comes in?

If plyaing Jeffrey everyday is what’s best for this 19-19 team, then fine. Keep playing him.

But, it’s not as if Jeff is a superstar, or even an all-star, and he may not even be a star, depending on how you define it.

He could possibly sit out a game, re-charge his batteries (that he may not see as being drained), and received some long-term benefits.

The guy is a 6th place hitter on a .500 team. Him sitting a game doesn’t kill us, but it could actually help a little.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Wright .277/.398/.930/7/32/8 errors

Chipper .415/.475/1.158/10/31/4E

Reyes .264/.331/.757/2/14/5E

Yunel .314/.392/.821/3/15/4E

Numbers speak for themselves.

By Original Jon

May 14, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

RichBrave Yeah, thats the bad part, he has only inherited 3 runners. So basically, 100% of all inherited runners have scored off of him.

By eware

May 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Man, both Morton and Hanson had great outings last night. I’m getting really jacked about these guys…

DOB, I’ve been itching to get that new Old 97’s album. The clips I’ve heard sound great. Just a fun band. Its amazing how deep Rhett Miller can go with very basic, A-B rhyme-scheme lyrics.

GO BRAVES! I still believe in this team…

By Renegator

May 14, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

When is the first tractor pull scheduled at Turner Field?

By Salty

May 14, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Well…I see the season ended for the 19th time last night. Where are those ‘tractor pull’ tix? LOL!

By Renegator

May 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

One positive thing about this team is that if they are trailing after the 5th inning - you don’t have to watch anymore because you know they are going to lose.

By Shaun

May 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

This is a must read. Carlos Delgado is represented by a puny little man. It’s pretty amazing.

By chase (the original)

May 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

N8

That other “Chase” was not the one you all know and love to argue with (notice his “C” was capitalized)

On another note….

Would it be that CRAZY to consider batting ESCOBAR like 5-6 in the order where he could drive in some runs????????

He doesn’t strike out much, can work a count and not let a pitcher off the hook, makes consistant contact, and is better at the little things

Here is what that lineup would look like:

1. BLANCO

2. KOTSAY

3. CHIPPER

4. TEX

5. ESCOBAR/McCANN

6. McCANN/ESCOBAR

7. FRENCHY

8. KJ

Since COX will NEVER do that…how about this lineup when TEX gets back

1. ESCOBAR

2. KOTSAY

3. TEX

4. CHIPPER

5. McCANN

6. FRENCHY

7. BALNCO/DIAZ

8. KJ/INFANTE

LEt me hear it on the ESCOBAR in the middle and what you think of the Lineups

By Original Jon

May 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Renegator, how many times is that dumb question going to be asked?

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

This team would be playing .750 baseball if Billy Martin was their manager.

By Cecil34

May 14, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

I did actually feel rays of hope last night watching Reyes pitch. It is possible that he will come around - he has the ability.

There are also some Braves that I saw last night that are not making the best of their ability.

124 to go - tonight is when they get in gear.

They have to - to win this series.

And that is how you start the march toward the division championship.

I cannot wait for tonight’s game.

By Salty

May 14, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Renegator I was not looking over your shoulder when you posted your 10:17. Honest!

By Lew

May 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

BrentA-Dude, just give it up. Frenchy is a kid who worked all winter on his strength and stamina conditioning. He came to camp in excellent shape. He has worked on improvement every year he’s been up. He’s started to come around (not that he was hitting sub .200 or anything to begin with). He doesn’t want time off. He doesn’t need time off. He hasn’t asked for time off-in fact has claimed quite the opposite. The manager has not seen fit to tell him to take time off.

For crying out loud. He’s had what? Six hits his last three games? He’s hitting close to .300 and hasn’t made an error in the field. He still throws runners out at home. He should take time off why? Because several here on this blog want him to and think it is the best thing for him?

Here. On this blog. You know-the place where people thought we should go into a restructuring program after a week? Here on this blog where people think 3rd year, 22 game winning pitchers should be dropped from the roster never to be seen again. Here on this blog where people routinely think we should trade a first baseman (Scott Thorman) for front line pitching. Here on this blog where the term “Your And Idiot is used on a regular basis. Here on this blog where people have zero confidence in a HOF manager who has won 15 division championships. Here on this blog where people expect a 36 year old with a history of injuries to play 12 less games than a player who hasn’t even hit his prime and is strong as a bull. Here on this blog where people make totally absurd and ridiculous statements on a minute by minute basis. Yeah. Right,. Sit the kid for a month. Why not? The blog said so.

By Efrim

May 14, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Another positive thing about this team is that they have a plus 42 run differential and a 18-8 record in games decided by 2 or more runs.

By chase (the original)

May 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

IF the Braves are going to try and make any trades……

They don’t need to wait….They need to do what it takes to get things done NOW…this team could use a pick-me-up and an INFUSION of NEW BLOOD

If you want MADDUX you could get him…the PADRES are 9 1/2 out already and ain’t going anywhere

If you wanted GRIFFEY JR, HARANG, or ARROYO from the REDS now is as good a time as any to try…

The REDS are 8 games out, in last place, they are sitting GRIFFEY too much and he’ll get mad about it soon (always does)

HARANG is 2-6 BUT has a 3.23 ERA and 63 innings pitched in 9 games

Maybe you have to overpay (a little) to get a deal done NOW (maybe it wouldn’t take as much since it isn’t the deadline where EVERYONE is bidding) BUT they need to not wait until it’s too late……

A deal now + SMOLTZ, SORIANO, and GONZO to the pen could push the Braves above the others

By feltsoul

May 14, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

DOB Nice call with “My morning Jacket” on 680…They have a new one coming out in june “Evil Urges” Go Braves

By David O'Brien

May 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Lew: Damn fine post, sir.

By chase (the original)

May 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

LEW

I agree with you again (Man they must be wearing jackets in Hell)

I don’t understand the outcry to rest/sit Frenchy…

He is actually hitting right now, he hsa the same scheduled days off as everyone else (Note to everyone: YOU DON’T HAVE TO MISS A GAME TO HAVE A DAY OFF)

By Lew

May 14, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

chase-It will be extremely difficult for Yunel to drive himself in.

If your problem is lack of timely hitting and he is already on base and no one is driving him in (or Chipper), of what use will dropping him in the order be if no one else is on base for him to drive in?

By DAP

May 14, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

dirtydawg and others slamming francouer, jeff is hitting .466 over the last three games, and had a great at bat in the first inning last night to drive in two.

he got fooled by lidge last night, many MLB players have been. it wasnt pretty, but it doesnt always work out the way you want it to in baseball.

and dirtydawg, if youve never seen jeff come through in the clutch, you probably arent a very attentive braves fan, and should just hush. his two run single last night was clutch, and he has had many game winning hits in his career already.

By Efrim

May 14, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Lew

Good post.

Scott Thorman for Matt Cain. Why wouldn’t the Giants do that?!?!?! I guess we could throw in Brayan Pena too…..

By Lew

May 14, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB-Thank you.

By 1957 Braves Fan

May 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

MLB Trade Rumors speculated on Braves getting Maddux back and indicated Padres probably would not ask for any of our top five prospects. I would love to have a pitcher who knows how to get batters out but would only trade a medium level prospect.

By bravesandconfused

May 14, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

my lineup card:

CHIPPER,CHIPPER,CHIPPER,CHIPPER,CHIPPER,CHIPPER,CHIPPER,CHIPPER,(pitcher’s spot).

now, is there any mlb rule against “ghost runners”?

ok..so that’s ridiculous and BC would never go for it… so how about: KJ,Chipper,Chipper,Chipper,Chipper,Chipper,Chipper,Chipper,(pitcher’s spot)

By Jersey Gil

May 14, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Lew Dude..My Friend…well done I was in the Game last night..beautiful night for Baseball, i was seat behing Jim Fregosi and othe scouts…good seat..the only think is i have to be strong man to support all the abuse of my Phillis fan wife, and then 30 minute drive home…wow…that it abuse…i filling for divorce…just kidding…Honey.

By N8

May 14, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Lew

“Sit the kid for a month. Why not? The blog said so.”

That’s what I love about you. You take a few simple comments (including DOB’s headline the other day), about Frenchy taking A DAY off, here and there, and EXAGGERATE the hell out of it, by acting like somebody suggested that he actually take a month off.

In ALL your years of life, you’ve never continued working, when it was clear to everybody around you that you should take a rest?

Now, having said that, I agree with you. RIGHT NOW Frenchy is doing fine, and it seems a little silly to take him out of the lineup when we’re struggling.

But I also totally agree with DOB the other day. IF he is NOT taking a day off (or Bobby isn’t giving him one) due to the fact that he actually thinks he’s gonna come CLOSE to Cal’s record, then that is just plain stupid.

A) It’s NOT gonna happen.

B) Even if it did, how soon everybody forgets the actual controversy surrounding Cal the last couple of seasons leading up to the “streak”.

Like I said the other day. Ask Andruw how playing every inning of every game, with the punishment he put his body through in CF, inning after inning, is working out for that VERY OLD 31 year old body.

At his current pace, Jeff will be in the same boat in 4-5 years. So, you’re correct. It probably has no bearing on this season.

After all, by the time Jeff starts wearing down, Tex should be heating up, right? So we’ll be able to maintain our mediocre run of mediocrity. LOL!

By Renegator

May 14, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Original Jon

Until they schedule one…

By N8

May 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Lew

“Here on this blog where people have zero confidence in a HOF manager who has won 15 division championships.”

Forgot to “attack” this comment.

For starters, how many has he won the past 2+ seasons?

You forget. I’m a Chiefs fan. Marty Shottenheimer was a DOMINANT head coach in the 90’s. Consistently fielding a great team and guiding them to victory at almost a 2 to 1 ratio.

Yet, he eventually LOST CONTROL of that team, and as younger players came in, could not coach them, or expect the same out of them as he could in years past.

Why? Did he all of the sudden forget how to coach? No. But not every coach can relate, and get the most out of every player he ever coaches.

Right now, the YOUNG CORE of this team, has continued to flounder when the chips are on the table.

Time for new ideas, and direction, IMO.

Speaking of my Chiefs. They made the playoffs two years ago, and began a rebuild going into last season.

So you tell me, with a young core of new players, what the PAST has to do with me being excited about this year.

Same can be said for the Falcons (for you local Atlanta residents).

Keep in mind that while I don’t CARE for Bobby anymore, I believe he could very well be a great manager for somebody (even us), just so long as he has 3 HOF pitchers in his rotation.

By Josh

May 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Shaun…wow! That was absolutely a must read. That is insane.

By Original Jon

May 14, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Renegator Then lets just say its scheduled for today.

By ernesto

May 14, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Lew - I’ve never been a Frenchy basher, quite the opposite.

But come on, we’ve all seen last night last AB too many times. Swing on the first pitch, chase the next one into the opposite batter’s box, then because you’re 0-2 have to offer at a pitcher’s pitch.

I’m not saying Jeff sucks, I’m not saying he needs to sit.

I’m just saying we’ve seen a carbon copy of that AB so many times, Frenchy needs to make some adjustments based on it.

By DAP

May 14, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

bravesandconfused thats a great lineup, but what happens if chipper misses some time?

By chase (the original)

May 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

LEW

It just seems that ESCOBAR has the potential to be a HIGH RBI guy and he has as many HRs as FRENCHY

Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone lower in the order right after Chipper and maybe McCann that could put more pressure on a pitcher by WORKING the Count, Hitting into less DPs, and making more consistent contact….

It seems like CHIPPER and ESCOBAR get on base all the time and then McCann is prone to DPs, and Frenchy is a free-swinger so the pitcher can get out of trouble quickly with a DP and a Strike out

By i remember wenty ford

May 14, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I’m thinking, a few more one-run losses and the mouth-breathers on this blog will make good on their promises to take a hike.

Me, I think with as many key injuries as they’ve had, the Braves are doing great to persevere and are staying in contention.

When some of these injured folks come back, I envision a very good club.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Nathan-EVERYONE who lives sometimes has to work past the point where they should-and yet they do it because they have to. However, Frenchy ain’t hit that point yet.

What I’ve tried to do is to point out that there are many much harder professions that are a lot more difficult than playing baseball is for a pro athlete. Playing six games a week, with attendant workouts and playing golf with Tiger Woods and Anika Sorenstam (who announced her retirement yesterday) for somewhere between $500,000 and $30 million per year does not seem such a hardship to me-especially for a 24 year old kid who is in great physical shape and who does this for a living-AND who is not seriously injured (if at all).

Maybe if this were three quarters of the way through the season, a game where all he does is either pinch hit or comes in for late inning defense would be appropriate. 38 games into a 162 game season when he doesn’t want time off and is hitting close to .300 makes little sense-except to some of the loonier elements on the blog-most of them with way too much time on their hands and nothing better to do than draw absurd conclusions.

Yes, I exaggerate. So what? You don’t? No one else here does? Yes, I realize no one has advocated sitting him a month, but even insisting he take a day off because some of the Denizens think he should? Whatever.

As for the comment about letting Ripken off the hook so easily-Don’t you see the humor in that statement? Do you and others seriously think it was said in anything but jest? Reality check time. It’s more than ten years of playing EVERY game down the road before he even comes close to equaling Ripken’s record-something only one other player in the history of baseball has come close to and that 80 years ago. The Dude was making a funny. I’m surprised that so many actually took that comment seriously. Maybe THAT’S the real joke.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 14, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Lew — It looks like I’m coming into this conversation after it’s been going on for a bit, but it seems to me that you’re overstating the Return of Francoeur a bit. Yes, it looks like he’s coming out of his slump hitting-wise with 7 hits in his last 3 games (.467 in those games), and he’s hitting with runners on base — both of which are great signs.

But let’s keep in mind several other things: he’s been “hot” for three games (in two days). That’s a great little run that will hopefully continue and in about a month, Dave O’Brien will be saying “The May 12th double-header against Pittsburgh was when Francoeur began his current hot streak.” But in his previous three games, he was hitting .100; in the 15 games before Monday, he was hitting .203. Let’s wait a few more games until saying that he’s completely out of it. Personally, I think that he will start to hit better after hearing about the adjustments he’s made in his batting stance.

He still looks slow getting to balls in the field, and it looks like his ankle is still bothering him — he certainly doesn’t look like a Gold Glove outfielder this season, despite committing 0 errors. You say he’s hitting close to .300 — he’s hitting .277 right now. It’s an improvement than where he was a week ago, but it’s a bit of a stretch to say that .277 is “close to .300.”

But you are right that now isn’t the time to sit him. I think that last week he should’ve sat, but not now.

I would suggest that he DH this weekend against the A’s, but since we’re home, can’t do that. If the ankle’s still bothering him next month when the Braves play three away series in AL parks, then I’d suggest DHing him (depending, of course, on how everyone else is doing).

By StingerSplash

May 14, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Still don’t like having JoJo hit for himself in that spot. Because if you do sacrifice bunt and it is successful, that only leaves you one chance to score. You can’t get a run home on a groundout to the right side or on a fly ball of any depth to the outfield. And the odds are stacked against you anyway. You have at best a 3 in 10 chance of making it happen. With no outs, sure, let JoJo get in there. That gives your top of the order one free hack at it. If Bobby really wanted to rest some bullpen guys, he could have done it Monday and let Jurrjens go another inning - unless he was already thinking that far ahead to Friday when he decided to pull him.

By Bowie

May 14, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

N8-11:24- Great job!

By StingerSplash

May 14, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

One other thing about JoJo’s final AB — if you are going to have someone put down a bunt with one out (still leads to low percentage play), it may as well be Reyes. No need in burning a PH just to do that when JoJo is perfectly capable of executing it.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 14, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

A few random stats about Atlanta’s pitching staff:

• They lead the NL for fewest hits allowed (291, the only team under 300).
• Ditto for home runs — 22 (the next closest is LA, who’ve allowed 28).
• 4th-best in walks with 129 (D-backs are first, with 124).

By JCFROMUT

May 14, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Chase(the original): I like your idea of Escobar in the middle of the lineup. He could definetly drive in some runs and keep rallies going. KJ is good in the 8th hole because he can draw a walk which would enable the pitcher to bunt him over or at the least turn the lineup over.

By MGL

May 14, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash - Not to start an argument, but I would not say that JoJo is perfectly capable of executing a bunt. He was 0 for 2 in that department last night.

By chase (the original)

May 14, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash

I agree. I would’ve definitley pinch hit for JOJO….

I mean EVEN IF he gets the bunt down, it is going to take a 2-OUT HIT (something we don’t do well) to score a run…

If you pinch hit, then you have TWO shots at a hit that would at LEAST score 1 Run…..

and you have a chance at a big inning

By Tom in NYC

May 14, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

There is just no magic with this team. Did anyone really believe when we were down 2 runs in late innings, someone would actually come up with a big hit? Those “magical” hits just haven’t come this year. Sure maybe one or two scattered around, but few and far between.

Yes it’s troubling, but what really is the cause of this? Is it the manager’s fault? Are the players not wanting it enough? Do they go up to bat expecting to fail because the hits haven’t come in those situations? I don’t really know the answer, but what I do know is it has been a really frustrating season for the fans.

By brent a.

May 14, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Lew

Sorry to say it, but you are the one beating the drum.

I have never said Francoeur should sit or needs to sit.

I have simply pointed out that your logic for him not sitting is not very strong.

I’m simply pointing out that despite what Bobby has done and Jeff thinks, it is very possible that he could benefit from a day off.

If he doesn’t sit, we won’t find out.

I hope, and you hope that he starts tearing it up and it becomes a non-issue.

But, your comparisons are not good ones. Despite the fact that many people have tougher jobs and tougher lives than Jeff Francoeur, that does not mean that these folks would not benefit from taking a day off in the middle of the work week.

But, don’t try to act like I’m the one on some tangent, when I simply responded to comments you make. If anyone needs to give it up, it is you, if you are so bothered by the argument.

Just because you and I don’t agree on this, doesn’t mean that I need to stop.

By the way, Joe Simpson and Jon Sciambi commented last night about how Jeff seems to have lost some range in the outfield. Did they make this up? Possibly. I can’t be sure. But, I do know that they watch virtually every inning of every game, in person, and have a much better view of the game than I do watching on TV.

Is Francoeur in great shape? I’m sure he is.

But, what about his ankle? Is it bothering him? Is it affecting his range?

I don’t know, but according to the 2 announcers, he seems to have lost some outfield range.

Perhaps him sitting a day, or two will do nothing to help that.

If so, then there is no reason for him to sit.

Again, I’m not saying he should sit; what I am saying is that it is very possible that he, like anyone else, might benefit from a day off, whether it be this week, this month, or in September, regardless of what you went through when you were in graduate school.

By Tom in NYC

May 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Injury status aside, is there anything wrong with giving a player a game off as a “mental” break? The game of baseball is as much, if not more, mental than it is physical. I don’t see anything wrong with this. Besides, we have capable backups off the bench who could fill in during that one game.

Also, I have to take issue with those who are saying the injuries are what has been causing us to linger around .500. Can’t be more far from the truth. I mean we are getting better production than expected from the pitching staff. Our bullpen hasn’t been blowing games for us. If anything, the offense has been the culprit. They hit at home, and then on the road can’t hit at all. If they don’t gain some consistancy in regards to hitting, this team is doomed.

By Renegator

May 14, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

When will the Braves learn to bunt? This is getting ridiculous. Seriously.

By DAP

May 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

does anyone know where i can find some online audio of the tomohawk chop? id like some that sounds like the chop at the stadium, with the horns and stuff. anyone have any ideas?

By Lew

May 14, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

brent a-Only responding to comments on the subject made to me. If you don’t like it then scroll past or quit posting to me.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

chase-Let me explain this in simple language. Right now we have two players getting on base regularly-Yunel and Chipper. Chipper routinely knocks him in and then is stranded because no one else is hitting.

Exactly what will happen if you bat Yunel lower? Then you will have Yunel knocking Chipper in and then being stranded. I don’t know what you think will change for the better unless some of the others start to do some clutch hitting. At this point you will just be exchanging the run producers for one another and giving Yunel less PA’s because he is lower in the order. That particular move serves absolutely no useful purpose.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

May 14, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I’m sure I’ll post this, just as DOB gets a new blog up, but here’s a question:

What reliever is 3-0, 15 innings, 17ks, 3bb, and 0.60 ERA and a 0.933 WIP?

Joey Devine, Oakland A’s, formally Atlanta Braves.

Adam Wainwright, Joey Devine. Joey Devine, Adam Wainwright.

By MGL

May 14, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

This sit Francoeur discussion is bordering on the absurd. I’m with Lew on this one. How some of the denizens on the blog can profess that they know he needs to take a day off is beyond me. Besides the fact that there is no better alternative to Jeff being in RF, it is easy to see how enthusiastic he is while playing. Jeff and the staff are much better judges of whether or not he sits than we are.

By brent a.

May 14, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Lew

I am thrilled to respond to you. I have no problem with it.

You told me to give it up. My anser, “No”.

If you want it to stop, then stop. If you don’t, then don’t. But, don’t tell me to give it up, if you, yourself, can’t adhere to the same mantra.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Chase I like your lineup with yunel hitting 5th. I rather like this one.

BLANCO, KOTSAY, YUNEL, CHIPPER, TEX, KJ, MCCANN, JEFF.

With that lineup there is a big chance chipper batting in the 1st with at least 1 runner on base. Chipper will be hitting in the 1st most of the games anyway. And there even is a chance of finding 2 runners on base.

Think about it.

If chipper is 3rd, his chances are: 1 on 1 out,

2 on none out or

none on 2 out

If he is 4th:

1 on 2 out

2 on, 1 out

bases loaded none out.

With Blanco, Kotsay, yunel ahead of him, little chance it will be a 1-2-3 1st inning. And you will have the luxury of TEX behind chipper. To me, thats the best choice………far better.

And Ill tell you what…. Im not a KJ supporter, but he should bat right now behind Tex and Frenchy 8th, he has shown nothing, if you are not making feel what its like to be benched, at least make him notice what its like to hit 8th if you dont do what you are supposed to.

On the other hand Efrim, in order for SF to deal Cain for Thorman, Braves would have to ship a good prospect like JoJo. Maybe including James and Ring could do. Thorman, James, Ring for Cain. If not James you would need to send Bennett or JoJo.

By brent a.

May 14, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

chuckw,

I just can’t get too upset about Wainwright and Devine. If that’s all we can come up with in 17 years of JS trades, then it’s not too shabby.

Good for the Cardinals and the A’s.

Didn’t we trade Chuck Thomas to the A’s? How did that turn out for them?

While it would be great to only get rid of players that don’t pan out (like say, Andy Marte, who has since turned into Jair Jurrjens), it won’t always happen.

And, truth be told, despite the fact that Soriano and Gonzalez have been hurt, the reality is that “closer” has not been the real issue with us this season. And, our bullpen only stands to get stronger when Soriano (acquired for Horacio Ramirez), Gonzalez, and Smoltz come back.

Again, I would love to have Devine and Wainwright. But, sometimes you’ll let someone go who actually ends up panning out.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Y’all Know what? I really couldn’t care less whether or not Frenchy sits out. It will make little difference to my life-if ANY at all. No skin off my fat a$$ one way or another.

The whole point I’ve been trying to make is that He doesn’t feel the need for time off. His manager does not see the need for him to take time off. The Braves’ brass doesn’t see the need for time off. So why should he take time off? Because Denizens think he should? Because Joe Simpson thinks he should?

I’m not at all certain that taking time off would make him swing at better pitches, as he is what he is and they apparently are loathe to change his approach (another topic for another day).

As for his loss of range-yes, I saw that too. I thought he was slow getting to a couple of balls hit down the line for doubles. It was noticeable. However, if the problem is indeed the ankle, and nothing can be done short of surgery to remedy the situation and the surgery will not be done this season, then why should he sit. Rest isn’t likely to improve a situation that has existed throughout his entire ML career AND apparently all the way back to HS. Would you pr4efer he take a few weeks or months off to have the surgery? Lord I can hear the comments now, were that to happen.

Daybed-Yes his new surge is only a couple days old, but he never was even close to the Mendoza line to begin with-he never went under .250 to be gin with-dead average. He just isn’t producing to this point like we expect-or HE expects, for that matter. Sometimes you just need to stay in the lineup and keep working on the problem. He did and it appears it’s working.

By GeorgetownKid

May 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Lew

Your 10:30 was a damn fine post indeed.

By David O'Brien

May 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Brent A., you’re being too calm and reasonable. Get with the program, man.

By Shaun

May 14, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Overlord, Cain is not going anywhere unless the Giants get two prospects and at least one has Major League All-Star potential and the other has at least the potential to be an above average major leaguer.

Cain is 23 and through his first 491 innings, 80 games and 79 starts he has 419 strikeouts, 214 walks, has allowed only 42 homers and has a 3.78 ERA. His ERA adjusted for league and park is 17 percent better than average.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

brent a-Dude-It is strictly because of your posts directed to me after I responded to one of your posts last night, that started the entire dialogue. Prior to that I don’t recall having commented on the situation.

Since my original response to you, EVERY other post I’ve made on the topic has been in response either to you or to another denizen. Since 5:05 last night, when I posted what I thought was my last comment on the subject, I have received 20 responses addressed to me personally- including 4 from you. All I have done is respond to these posts- That and nothing else. Like I said, if y’all are tired of talking about it, then why do you keep bringing it back up?

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

You can add this thought to my las post:

Its time to use what we have and make it produce. Forget about names and earning hitting slots by past performances. Put your top 4 hitters as we speak at the top of the lineup and 3 of them in front on you STUD. The moment Braves do this, 1 run losses will disappear and total loses will be diminished. If they keep TEX hitting 4th because his contract says so……it will be failure……if they keep KJ hitting in the 1st inning because of bobbys faith……..failure……If they keep frenchy hitting 5th ot 6th because of his “potential”…….failure.

Hey bobby, havent you ever heard…..If lemons are falling from sky, learn how to do some lemonade? In oder words, use your talent as much as possible, not at the bottom of the lineup.

By Shaun

May 14, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

brent a., good post about Schuerholz’s record trading players. Excellent point about Marte turning into Jurrjens. Hadn’t really thought about it in that way.

Also, you could say Wainwright turned into Tim Hudson. Somewhat of a stretch but not too much. To explain, Wainwright is traded for Drew. Instead of re-signing Drew, the Braves used a good chunk of that money to sign Tim Hudson.

As far as Devine, he’s been great but Kotsay has been great so far, too. And you could make a convincing argument Devine wouldn’t be the same player in Atlanta. Looked like he needed a change of scenery to realize his potential. Also, he’s still young. There is certainly no guarantee that he can stay effective and healthy.

By Overlord

May 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I know that Shaun, I suppose I threw too little in the bag. But I agree. That guy is just phenomenal. SF will be asking a lot, and he is worth every single penny.

I was watching mlb.com and they are saying Mariners should or could be shipping Erik Bedard. Because M´s have a lot of pitchers, but they just cant score runs, and they are running out of time to wakeup. Maybe we could send KJ or Prado with peńa and maybe one of our talented young OF, maybe Anderson. Who knows.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

May 14, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

to your point, brent a, there were a lot of good trades during the first few years of the braves success, but the last few years have seen a number of less successful trades by j.s. (although the kotsay/devine trade was wren’s deal, i believe.

no one is arguing with the success the braves, their management and players have had.

however, the lack of successful, organizationally-produced pitching is worth bringing up. winning teams develop pitching. and of late, the braves have not done a good job of doing so.

and that is how a winning team for 14 years became a .500 team for the last two-plus years.

By TennesseePaul

May 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Well, Francoeur can sit or play for all I care. But the attitude of “it’s not going to happen so give up.” is not one I would like to see any player on this team take. If Francoeur wants to best Cal’s record, the only way it could happen is if he tries. It certainly won’t happen if he gives up.

Picked up the new Death Cab for Cutie album, Narrow Stairs, yesterday. I had some pre-release version which included all these out-takes and un-released tracks. While that was enjoyable to listen to I’m glad I have the released album. It’s very good. Different than the previous but still within their own sound. Couple of really phenominal songs on there and the rest is solid. Looking forward to catching their show in a month or so.

By Shaun

May 14, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Overlord, don’t know if panic is the best way to manage a baseball team. It’s much better to go by past performance over several seasons than what a player has done in his last 35-38 games. Do you really think it’s a bad choice to bat a 28-year-old with a .534 career slugging percentage, who has hit at least 26 homers a year since age 23 and has posted a .370 on-base is a bad choice for the cleanup spot even if he’s off his typical numbers for 36 games? That would give off signs of panic and could put more pressure on everyone.

By TennesseePaul

May 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

brent a.: If that’s all we can come up with in 17 years of JS trades, then it’s not too shabby

Devine was traded by Wren. Wainwright by JS. Technically the only complaint about 17 years of JS is he moved Wainwright. Though some believe the loss of Schmidt was devestating. At least the Millwood deal is understood in terms of team economics… That went from Millwood to Villarreal/Cormier to Josh Anderson, the mid-April blog favored lead-off man… So that’s something I guess.

By rlpmetro

May 14, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Chuckw…”the lack of succesful, organizationally-produced pitching is worth bringing up. winning teams develop pitching.”

Yeah, the Braves were right on when they brought up Smoltz and Maddux through their system! And the Red Sox…they have done it all through their system…I mean, their scouting department should go right to Cooperstown for having the brains to draft Beckett and Schilling!

What’s that? Those players were all acquired in a trade? NO WAY!?!?! Good pitching is good pitching. You take it any way you can get it. Now if you want to argue that the Braves maybe push these younger guys a little too hard, and it causes them to struggle some, I wouldn’t totally disagree with that. There is something to be said about the fact that some pitchers they have traded recently have had more success elsewhere. But that is the price you pay to get a decent player like Kotsay.

By DAP

May 14, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

overlord i dont think your suggestion on the lineup would be a bad one. putting some of our hot hitters in front of our hottest hitter and hoping it results in alot of runs from the top makes sense.

i dont think its the answers though. because what if it doesnt work? what if the guys at the top cool down? youve got to move it around again, and at what point do you choose to do that? after it has cost you several games?

if what we want is a consistant lineup, we dont need to make moves that will cause us to make more moves later. we need to position players based on thier strengths and let it work. that doesnt mean leave a hitter put who is sucking the life out of the lineup, there is a line, but i dont like moving the lineup around alot all the time.

maybe make a few small changes…experiement with kotsay hitting second while hes hot…but i wouldnt change stuff drastically. i dont think that is the way to get consistantsy.

i blame alot of the inconsistancy on tex. batting orders tend to work from the middle-out. if he was hitting, especially lefties, i dont think we have an issue.

By David O'Brien

May 14, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

How can anyone be upset with the results of the Kotsay-for-Devine trade? Kotsay is hitting .302 with 18 RBIs, a .362 OBP and an .819 OPS, better than anyone on this blog predicted. Far better.

So give that a rest. Braves are paying $2 mill for him and getting great defense along with that offense.

By TennesseePaul

May 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Overlord: I’d imagine the Padres might be more interested in a centerfielder/catcher combo than the Giants who just signed Rowand to a 5 year deal. But they don’t have much to trade for that we need.

By Richie

May 14, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Chase, I have been already screaming for the lineup you had in which Yunel hits 5th. Nobody responded to it. I think part of the reason Tex is struggling is there is no one behind him consistently getting him good pitches to hit. I just dont’t think McCann and Francoeur are ready to be the RBI guys we envision in this lineup. Yunel has good at bats, a majority of the time. Even when he makes an out, he has a good AB. I am however against seeing Chipper hit 4th. Besides he said so himself he doesn’t like hitting 4th. When Shef and J.D. Drew were here, he had a really hard time adjusting to being a cleanup hitter, especially since all 3 of those guys were 3 hole hitters for most of their careers. I do like the idea of Blanco leading off, because at times he has similar AB’s to Yunel. His speed is useless at the bottom of the lineup because we have pitchers who can’t drop a bunt consistently. Just a thought.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

DAP-Don’t know if this will help or not, but…..

I have a ‘97 CD called “The Team of the 90’s Ultimate Rally CD”-found it in a Coconuts Records in New Hampshire a couple years ago. There is a .21 second segment of unaccompanied chopping on that CD. Also has the Braves Win Braves win call by Skip and a bunch of other stuff.

By Roman Gal

May 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

DAP If you want a ringtone you can go to myxertones.com and search Braves War Chant or FSU War Chant

By TennesseePaul

May 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

That went from Millwood to Villarreal/Cormier to Josh Anderson

Left out a step. It went from Millwood to Estrada to Villarreal/Cormier to Josh Anderson.

By N8

May 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

shaun

“Excellent point about Marte turning into Jurrjens. Hadn’t really thought about it in that way.”

Some of us were discussing this a few weeks ago. The thing is (as long as JJJ turns out the way it appears as he will - which is a very good starter in this league), we not only will have traded Marte for JJJ (end result), we ALSO got two pretty damn good years of Renteria for about half the money it would have cost us to keep Furcal.

So it was a trade the not only payed immediate dividends, it saved us money, and we were able to “flip” Renteria for a guy that should be part of our rotation for the foreseeable future in JJJ.

All for Ande Marte. He of the career .193 batting average with 5 HR and 35 RBI, in 300 career AB’s.

NOT BAD AT ALL.

So whatever Devine turns out to be for Oakland, has to be considered a “wash” for what we got “out of” Marte via the trades.

By BA

May 14, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

This “Bobby Cox…three hall of fame pitchers” argument is SO stupid. Cox himself traded for one of them and drafted another. It wasn’t some lucky accident. I just don’t see how you can claim to be a Braves fan and say you hate Bobby Cox. The last two years erases TWENTY years of excellence? Just dumb. Any move can be second guessed. It boils down to the players actually coming through when the manager puts them in the best position to perform. Bobby has done that and continues to do that everyday.

By Tom in NYC

May 14, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

It’s not even worth evaluating trades 35 games into their lifespan. In the case of Kotsay/Devine, we will have to see how Kotsay does over the full course of a year, as he could certainly regress from his current stats. As for Devine, same thing, as well as years down the road. Bottom line, many felt Devine needed a change of scenary anyway.

By P-Town Brave

May 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Would it be possible to get Brian Giles to play LF for us?

I know he may have sour grapes based on what happened w/ Marcus, but do you think they’d ask for too much for him and Mad Dog?

I know he has lost most of his power, but could it be the park he plays in?

Its not the greatest of my past ideas, but it would get us another bat w/ a higher OBP, and along w/ that a solid OF that can play everyday

By ManOfTeal

May 14, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Hell hath frozen over….WTF is Tampa Bay doing in first place????

Go Marlins!!!!

BTW I voted that the Braves would get swept by the Phillies….HA!!

By P-Town Brave

May 14, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Let’s be honest…

As long as Bobby was going to be the manager and Roger the pitching coach, their was no room for improvement on the part of Joey Devine…he had already fallen out of favor w/ them and no longer was going to be given the opportunity to succeed…so case closed…

And yes, like DOB said, whats it matter when Kotsay is playing like he is…

Needless to say, many of us have been and are impressed w/ his play!

By TennesseePaul

May 14, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

N8: So whatever Devine turns out to be for Oakland, has to be considered a “wash” for what we got “out of” Marte via the trades

Yeah I don’t see that even at the least. Devine to the A’s brought a 2 million dollar .300 hitting center fielder with a cannon arm in place of what turned out to be an 18.1 million dollar center fielder making Mendoza look like a champion. So far the Kotsay/Devine deal looks like a wash straight up without factoring in some other move.
Marte for Renteria and then Jair and Gorkys looks like a killing all the way around. Similar to the Hudson for nothing trade…

By N8

May 14, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

BA

“This “Bobby Cox…three hall of fame pitchers” argument is SO stupid. Cox himself traded for one of them and drafted another.”

Great. Put him BACK in the GM’s chair then.

I’m gonna ask you a question, and I want an HONEST answer.

IF our manager was somebody else. Anybody. Kermit the Frog, Tommy Lasorda, Ozzie Guillen…..ANYBODY.

Are you contending we wouldn’t have won a WS in the last 18 years?

Are you contending the Braves wouldn’t have had good seasons?

Having aked THAT. Do you think if Bobby was the manager of the KC Royals (with their roster and financial situation remaining THE SAME as it has been since 1991), are you contending that they TOO would have won 14 division titles in a row?

I’m willing to concede that the COMBINATION of Cox as GM, JS as GM, Cox as manager, along with Gant, Justice, TP, Glavine, Avery, Leibrandt, Smoltz, Maddux, Chipper, Klesko, Javy, Furcal, Giles, Neagle, McGriff, Giles, Galarragga, Sheffield, Drew, Burkett, Hampton, Wright, Millwood, Schmidt, Rocker, Wohlers, Bream, and most importantly, TED TURNER for allowing JS the money to keep those teams together and continue to ADD pieces as needed (since some of the pieces never seemed to be enough early in the year), were responsible for winning 14 years in a row.

Not a chance in hell, that Bobby Cox is responsible for that all by himself. If you disagree with any of that, I’m not sure what to say to you.

If you AGREE with any of that, you and I are not that far apart in how we view the past Braves success.

Almost forgot to add Leo to that mix. He had a bit to do with it early on in Smoltz, Glavine and Avery’s careers. Not to mention turning guys like Hammond, Burkett, Martinez and Wright’s careers around.

Leo didn’t do much for the young guys in his last few Braves years, (nor did the great Leo Mazzone do much for Baltimore, huh?), but he was a PART of that past success. Can’t deny that.

Isn’t it ODD that even without the great Leo, we lead the league in ERA?

How ever is THAT possible? So using that as a “measuring stick”, I will say that we could surely win WITHOUT Bobby, provided we have the players to do so.

By bravesfan

May 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

**By ManOfTeal

May 14, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

BTW I voted that the Braves would get swept by the Phillies….HA!!**

I voted the Marlins would get swept by the Reds, the team we swept. You better enjoy 1st while you have it because it won’t be for long.

By brent a.

May 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Lew

Seriously man, learn to read.

I’m not complaining about having the conversation.

You, Lew, the artist, and 24/7 blogger, told me to “give it up.”

My response is, “no”.

If you want to stop the Francoeur discussion, then you give it up.

That’s it. IMO, there is nothing wrong with the discussion. Some people agree with you, some don’t. But, if you continue to address it, and continue to address me, then I will probably continue to respond in kind, and not give it up.

You seem to have developed this deranged view that I am somehow opposed to you posting on the topic. I am not. What I am opposed to is you telling me to “give it up.”

If you want it to stop, then stop. However, your decision to continue to address the topic makes it seem that you don’t want the conversation to end.

By BA

May 14, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Hey, manofteal, go to the marlins blog to- what’s that? There is no marlins blog? It’s only in Spanish? Do thirty people use it like the stadium? I can’t wait until a month from now when your paper tiger crumbles. Bet you’ll be nowhere in sight.

By Braveheart

May 14, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

What the hell is this trash talk from the Marlins fans? It’s kinda like a Davidson fan showing up on a Duke basketball blog and talking trash.

By FloridaBrave

May 14, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, first post here but have read the blog for quite some time. Keep up the great work, DOB.

First, I love Kelly Johnson. I think he has the potential to develop into a guy who can hit consistently hit in the .280-.300 range and pop 20-25 HRs a year. He’s got the eye and the short stroke to do so. Last year he seemed to make a season out of getting ahead in the count and ambushing pitchers but this year pitches have read the reports and are getting ahead of him early and he hasn’t adjusted. He’ll eventually make the adjustment but I agree with the people who think he should be traded. I think we could move him to 1B when Tex leaves but he holds too much value to another team as a 2B then he does to us as a 1B. I don’t think Prado will continue hitting like he has but I’m a firm believer in defense up the middle and situational hitting and I think both would improve with Prado at 2B. I think Kelly as a centerpiece of a deal(with of course other players added on our end) could land us Blanton or Harden from the A’s or maybe we can swing him straight up for Ian Snell. We need a horse in our rotation with Hampton constantly injured, Smoltz heading to the pen, and with Glavine being 40-something years old. It makes too much sense for the Braves to do.

As for Kotsay, I am not surprised by how he’s hit considering the move to the NL but I will admit I’m surprised by his defense and by how he’s stayed healthy. I really hope he continues to stay healthy because, despite how Devine’s pitching, you have to love this deal. You can expect every player the Braves trade to suck. This is one of those deals that have benefited each team. The Braves couldn’t have expected Moylan and Soriano getting hurt when they did this trade but even so, Kotsay has been a consummate professional for this team.

Lastly, I have to say I was really impressed with Jo-Jo Reyes despite the stat line. He got ahead of hitters with first pitch strikes and really trusted his stuff. The Phillies brought they’re hitting shoes and benefited from some lucky hits and mediocre defense, but Jo-Jo made them beat him instead of beating himself with walks and kept us in the game against a great team. I won’t get too excited though because Jo-Jo still has to show consistency but it’s been a good start this year for Jo-Jo.

By Lew

May 14, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I address it only in response to others. Period. Are you continually a contentious jerk or is something actually bothering you?

By BA

May 14, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

I won’t take credit away from Mazzone, Turner, etc. But I will say without Cox we don’t enjoy the string of success the Braves have had. The man knows baseball, he knows players, and he knows how to use their talents. He’s won with an absurdly high payroll, he’s won with a middle of the road payroll. He’s won with youth, and with veterans. He’s won with a great bullpen, he’s won with the likes of McMicheal in the pen. The last two years? Not enough pitching, period. Cox didn’t wake up stupid two years ago. And all those free agents over the years? They didn’t come here because of Mazzone, etc. They came here to play for Bobby Cox, renowned as the best manager in MLB by the people who should know, the players.

By DAP

May 14, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Lew and Roman Gal

thanx for the suggestions. i work at a radio station, and im actually trying to get our news guy to play the war chant under his braves updates in the morning.

i found a pretty good audio clip of it on youtube, (i think its acually FSU marching band, but it sounds alot like the one from turner field) i just recorded it with my audio editing software, and i got it.

again, thanx for the help.

lew, i have that cd as well, in fact, im looking right at it. the chant on it sux, though. it sounds like three guys doing the chop in a studio with crowd noise placed under it. yuck. every now and then, i pull out the cd and listen to sid slide. gets me pumped. thats gotta be the greatest braves call ever.

By Charlie

May 14, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

DOB

Do you see a lack of consistency in the line-up, with the exception of Chipper and Tex? It seems that they are the only two players who are always batting in the same spot, while McCann and Frenchy get flip-flopped, the lead-off batter and second batter change constantly, and even the bottom of the line-up changes with the exception of the pitcher.

Could a lack of consistency be causing a problem mentally for the hitters? I realize that strategy (lefty vs righty, etc) plays into this, but it does not necessarily bring consistency. They are not able to adjust and get comfortable, from what I see.

Frenchy’s faux paux at this point is his overzealousness to want to produce in clutch situations, so he tries too hard. He is young, only three years in, and is still learning. He was quite clutch in his first full year.

By Shaun

May 14, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

N8, I don’t know of anyone who would reasonably argue that Bobby Cox is solely responsible for the Braves’ successful run. But it’s hard to deny Bobby Cox’s impact when you look at the Braves’ run and you listen to what all the insiders say about Cox.

No one can ever know what would have happened had someone switched placed with Cox. It’s true to a large degree that a manager is only as good as his players. Do you seriously think Terry Francona was a completely different manager in Philly than he is in Boston? Do you think Dusty Baker was significantly different in San Fran than he is in Cincy or than he was in Chicago?

So, it’s not just about Bobby Cox’s win-loss records. It’s about the win-loss record and his reputation with players, coaches, other managers, broadcasters, writers, front office people and other insiders.

It’s not as simple as “The Braves had Hall of Famers and that’s why they were good, so therefore Cox wasn’t any good.” That’s a very simplistic way of looking at it. That would be similar to saying Ernie Banks wasn’t a Hall of Famer because he never won the World Series.

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 14, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Lew — actually, he was hitting .222 after the second game of the season — well below .250!! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

You’re right — his average has been as low as .257, as high as the mid-.290s. (For those numbers, I’m including his average once the season has been more than a week or so old, when averages can jump or plummet about .050 points in a single game.)

And while he’s never been in danger of reaching the Mendoza line this season, look at his splits with men on base vs. bases empty since his 7-rbi game. For the season, he’s hitting .270 with men on, .284 with bases empty. But since his 7-rbi game, the difference has been far greater. Since that game, his average with bases empty was over .300 while his average with men on base was around .160 or so. (Excuse the estimated figures — I posted exact stats over the weekend, and these numbers don’t include the past four or five games.)

My point is that while his batting average overall isn’t bad, he hasn’t been hitting when he’s had a chance to bring in runs until recently. (In his past five games, he’s hit .333 with men on base with 4 rbi in 15 at-bats. Those rbi have come in 3 different at-bats.)

By DAP

May 14, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

If you want to stop the Francoeur discussion, then you give it up.

so the argument between lew and brent a. has come down to who is more stubborn. thats great.

By David O'Brien

May 14, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP. Attack!

By ncgary

May 14, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

n8 your spot on about tt, i remember watching ted come on right before they would play the national anthem on channel 36 after night gallery and twilight zone went off, usually braves and something like leave it to beave would be before that.

oh ted would start talking about the braves then hed start in on his commercialess tv he was wanting to start, i think its where jim and tammy faye got the idea to go on tv and beg for money, but ted was cool he was the first panhandling tv station owner i remember

hey it paid off for all us braves fans cause ted sure turned atlanta around

go braves its time to win it for the ted and good ole bc too, even if he does make a screwy managerial move every once in a while, hes still the best manager in the game, enjoy him why you got him, cause you will damn sure miss him when he dont come back for the season

By Caleb

May 14, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, to further back up your point about the Braves and Kotsay, Oakland is essentially paying 5.5 million (the rest of Kotsay’s deal) plus whatever league minimum he makes for Devine. That’s alot for a middle reliever.

By Bobby's Cox

May 14, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: I agree with your last post, well at least the 2nd part of it, like i agree with you 97% of the time.

Efrim: It’s not that I hate KJ. He’s a real nice, respectable kid. But i don’t like how he plays. I was skeptical of giving the kid the everyday second base job last year after he hit only .250 in 2005 AND missed all of 2006. However, i was a supporter of his work ethic and was anxious to see how he would do.

KJ did a helluva job adjusting to second base. You’re damn right i wanted him to play when i saw woodcrap get spot starts last season. He started off last year on fire in April, but dwindled considerably since then, having only 1 other hot stretch (july). Other than that, he’s reminded me of his 2005 self, and continued to make errors on the field late last season in close games, much like he displayed last night on the DP grounder.

The guy is hardly clutch. Part of my frustration with him is Bobby Cox leaving him in the leadoff spot. That has made it easy for me to want another option.

I understand he’s still young and is in his 3rd season now. I understand most braves fans love KJ because of his OBP and power potential. Heck, most of you think he’ll be another utely. But all i’ve seen lately is a guy who strikes out every 5.2 AB and walks every 9.2 AB. To put that in perspective, Frenchy K’s every 8.3 AB. The only 2 braves that K more often than KJ are Diaz (4.3 AB) and Blanco (4.1 AB). Look it up here.

KJ’s possible replacement, prado K’s every 13 AB and walks every 5.6 (total opposite), not to mention hits for a higher average and will have better D with the same amount of experience KJ’s had at second. He’ll double more often, and is a more aggressive and astute baserunner.

Even if you look at career leverage situations, the stats are also a complete opposite for KJ and prado (though prado’s has limited AB). Prado High lev: .385, Med: .269, Low: .242. KJ High: .215, Med: .268, Low: .281. Opposing trends! The trend is the same when the game is tied, 1-run, 2 run, > 3-runs as well.

Again, i don’t like to hate on KJ, but how long do we give him to turn into the Utely we think he’s going to be? We waited quite a long time for AJ’s breakthrough season, and are being over patient with other young braves such as Frenchy. That was fine when we had Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine in their youthful primes. But now waiting years for these kids to be impact players, i fear, is the main problem with our Houdini offense. Why not let kids play who might be impact players already? No one knew escobar would be until he was given the shot.

2 of our 3 best players (escobar, JJ) are Latin players. Why not add a 3rd when he’s healthy again?

So yeah Efrim and the other KJ lovers on this blog (shaun,scoots, etc), I like KJ, but i wouldn’t mind seeing him be replaced, and the braves considered it last offseason. If the braves make the unlikely switch, and it fails, or the numbers turn around, then you can let me have it. Until then, it will always be my opinion and discussions like this will continue.

By Ed Glennon

May 14, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex Trade Tex

By Santa3247

May 17, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Sea of Glass(Jinhae) southkorea

Today I want to talk about Crazy Bobby Cox.

Now he is giving 70% chance of starting playing LF to head-up man Gregor Blanco, and giving 30% chance of starting playing LF to consecutive years .AVG over .330 and tied with Derek Jeter only.

Today If he would change Gregor Blanco to Matt Diaz Braves could win.

He is insane. Coward for old age. Do you want to live to over 100years old? Always Red-dragon Babylonian bully coward pleasantly.

“Baseball need 9players and one spy can fail game” but, now Bobby Cox making Braves devastated. Fire him!!!

May the force of Messiah be with you