AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCan Chuck keep it in the park tonight?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Philadelphia _ A few words while attempt to digest this Tony DiNic’s Italian-style pulled-pork sandwich before heading to the ballpark for the rubber game in this first Braves-Phillies series of the season, which has been typical of the never-boring matchups between these teams in recent years.
By the way, when in Philly I’d highly recommend the DiNic’s sandwich counter in the Reading Terminal. Just wish we were here another day so I could get the roast pork. The Salumeria deli about 30 feet away from DiNic’s is equally terrific, with gut-busting hoagies piled high with fresh everything.
Anyway … Chuck James at Citizens Bank Park. Strap yourselves in, folks, we could be in for a bumpy ride.
Hopefully Chuck can remember to keep the ball down tonight against Utley, Howard, Burrell and the boys at the banking bandbox, where the balls were carrying like crazy last night. (Of course, Brett Myers’ pitches didn’t hurt the Braves’ long-ball cause, either. That dude really started opening day? Yikes.)
Chuck’s been solid this season … in Triple-A, that is.
If he’s going to help the Braves this season, now would be an awful good time to step up and get ‘er done (why I just slipped into Larry the Cable Guy mode, I have no earthly idea. Maybe because I was talking about Chuck? That or the fact I just ran into Bowman on the sidewalk as I was walking back from Reading Terminal).
Anyway, here are the concerns about Chuck and tonight’s start: He’s allowed 10 hits, nine runs and nine walks in 11 innings over his past two starts. He’s 0-2 with an 11.00 ERA in two road starts this season, and 0-3 with a 7.81 ERA and eight homers allowed in six road starts (27-2/3 innings) since July 25.
He is unbeaten (2-0) with a 4.08 ERA in seven career games against the Phillies, including 1-0 in three starts at this park. But he has a 5.52 ERA in those three games, with four homers allowed in 14-2/3 innings. Jimmy Rollins is 9-for-18 with a home run against him, Burrell is 6-for-16 with two homers, and Ryan Howard is 2-for-16 with two homers.
Please stow your tray tables and fasten your seatbelts….
By the way, Chuck has a 6.50 ERA in 13 starts since July 31, with just two quality starts (six innings or more, three earned runs or fewer). It’s 19 homers he’s given up in 63-2/3 innings in that stretch. But he’s 6-5 in those games, thanks in large part to 6-1/2 support runs per nine innings pitched.
His counterpart tonight is Phillies ace-of-sorts Cole Hamels. Another lefty. A good one. But the Braves do have a way of surprising you, now don’t they? By that I mean, struggling against a pitcher they should destroy, and then knocking around a far better pitcher?
Hamels is 2-2 with a 4.98 in his past five starts, after posting an 0.82 ERA in his first three. But he’s 2-2 with a 2.80 ERA and .203 opponents’ average in five home starts this season, and 9-3 with a 2.87 ERA in his past 14 home starts since May 2007. The dude knows how to pitch at the banking center.
He’s 3-2 with a 4.42 ERA in six starts against the Braves. Hoss is 3-for-9 with two homers against him, Matt Diaz is 5-for-18 with a homer, and Brian McCann is 4-for-9.
So there’s your preview.
Now, back to Myers a moment. Braves fans don’t have a corner on the frustration market this early season. Myers was booed (again) lustily last night when he served up three homers in the first two innings and was slapped around for nine hits, eight runs (six earned) in 4-1/3 innings, is ERA climbing to 5.91.
Here’s what the Inquirer’s Todd Zolecki wrote about him today: “Myers pitched horribly in an 8-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves, and his latest performance was cause for legitimate concern. The Phillies have entered the second quarter of their season with three starting pitchers carrying ERAs of 5.02 or higher, and one of those pitchers was their opening-day starter.”
The new-look lineup: The Braves have 21 hits and 12 runs in two games since Yunel Escobar was moved to the leadoff spot and Mark Kotsay was moved from the bottom third of the order into the No. 2 spot in place of Kelly Johnson.
They did that despite cleanup hitter Mark Teixeira missing Tuesday’s game with back spasms and going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Wednesday.
Johnson has produced back-to-back two-hit games since the change and had a home run Wednesday Escobar led off Tuesday’s game with a hit and scored in the inning, and then homered to start Wednesday’s game.
Kotsay had two hits and two runs last night and has hit .357 (30-for-84) with five doubles, two homers, 15 RBI and a .919 OPS (.407 OBP) in his past 22 games.
“This little lineup adjustment, I think it’s going to help us,” said Chipper Jones, who has been a house afire regardless of ballpark, pitcher or what those around him are doing.
But he’s said since the Braves traded for Kotsay that he thought he’d be a good fit in the 2-hole. Now he’s there.
“Hopefully this sparks us a little,” Chipper said of the lineup changes, after last night’s game. “We’re swinging the bats well the last couple of games.”
All Chipper has done is hit .437 in his past 27 games with eight doubles, 10 homers, 23 RBI, 22 runs, 17 walks and a .512 OBP and .806 slugging percentage (1.318 OPS).
The Braves will start an 11-game homestand Friday, and it’ll be interesting to see if Chipper can sustain this absurdly hot streak for the next week and a half. He’s hit .451 with a 1.224 OPS at Turner Field this season, including .519 (14-for-27) with three homers and nine RBI in his past seven games.
Keep it civil: A couple of our regulars can’t seem to avoid resorting to the late-night mudslinging and junior-high namecalling. Fellas, I ask nicely: Can you two (and others, occasionally) avoid letting it degenerate to levels we’ve fortunately been able to avoid for many months now?
Or, in the immortal words of Walter Sobchak: “Smokey, this is not ‘Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.”
And here’s a tune: This won Bobby Bare a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1963, the year I was born. It was also covered masterfully by George Jones on the Possum’s 2005 album, “Hits I Missed … and One I Didn’t.” Both versions are terrific.
”DETROIT CITY” by Mel Tillis
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home.
Last night I went to sleep in Detroit city.
And I dreamed about those cotton fields and home.
I dreamed about my mother,
dear old papa, sister and brother.
And I dreamed about that girl,
whose been waitin’ for so long.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home.
Home folks think I’m big in Detroit city.
From the letters that I write they think I’m fine.
But by day I make the cars,
by night I make the bars,
If only they could read between the lines.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home,
I rode a freight train north to Detroit city.
After all these years I’ve been wasting my time,
I’ll take my foolish pride,
on a southbound freight and ride.
Go on back to the ones,
I’ve left waitin’ so far behind.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home.
Services »
Comments
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB is the Teheran to Rome rumor true?
By Do Me
May 15, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
First?
By BossLady
May 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
O K Top Ten
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Did I get the first post?
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
DOB
Last nights line-up seemed to be extremely fruitful, and may be a model to follow for the rest of the season. Your thoughts?
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Chuck James vs any lefty on the road = Yikes (look what Redmon did to us in Colorado) BtheW…first?
By Braveheart
May 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
9-year-old girl’s twin is found inside her stomach
By Steve-O
May 15, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
First??? Durrrr….
In all seriousness, we NEED Chuckie to step up and take this series for us….Atleast give us 5.0 and 4 runs MotherChucker. I love him as our #5 but he needs to step it up big tonite! GO BRAVES!!!!!
PS - Keep that lineup intact BC, maybe show some Omar in the lineup tonite??
By SR
May 15, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
DOB, is that line from The Big Lebowski?
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Speaking of hot debates and the Big Lebowski, I got into a pretty heated office debate about my pure hatred for the Eagles
By Jim H.
May 15, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Chucky scares the crap out of me in this game…..in that ball park….jeeez this might be ugly.
Come on Hampton, we need you back buddy, you can make it. You’ve already pulled every muscle, tendon, and ligament in your body — so you should be really well stretched out and ready to go soon!
By MiamiBrave
May 15, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
With Ryan Braun now receiving an extention for 8 yrs and 45 mil and Hanley reportedly getting 6 yrs 70 mil, I don’t know what to make of this, especially regarding Frenchy and what he expects to command.
I will grant Hanley has all the tools to be a star (and is playing like one right now) and has been in the league longer than Braun and probably does deserve more money,
but to the real issue, Braun now an outfielder has 45 mil for 8 yrs, what can we compare this for Frenchy, seeing as Braun had bigger numbers than Francoeur in his rookie year, even though he was up for a longer period than Jeff. Dunno 45 mil for 8 yrs, assuming you get this kind of production from Braun, sounds like a great deal for the Brewers.
What do you make of this?
great blog as usual
By Charley's Pride
May 15, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Dang, I was hoping for an Andy Gibb tune!
By Jim H.
May 15, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Chucky scares the crap out of me in this game…..in that ball park….jeeez this might be ugly.
Come on Hampton, we need you back buddy, you can make it. You’ve already pulled every muscle, tendon, and ligament in your body — so you should be really well stretched out and ready to go soon!
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones interview starting at 11 minutes and 48 seconds.
(http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player?context=podcast&id=3397213)
By etownbrave
May 15, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Fine post DOB…love the music for today, too. Want to wish Smoltz a Happy Birthday today! Got to hope Chuckie can keep the ball down to keep it from going out tonight. Again, thanks for all the hard work done by DOB!
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
A quote from Lebowski. Now that is a way to start off a new blog. Thanks DOB!
By ContactBuzz
May 15, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Walter Sobchak also repeatedly say “STFU, Donnie”?
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
As crazy as it sounds…those two guy’s contracts may..MAY signal some more realistic salaries on the way…
I’d like Jeff’s contract ot be like 6 years 42-48 million….that may be “Pie in the Sky” BUT it is going to be hard for him to argue to get much more IF ANY than RYAN BRAUN…
By Jersey Gil
May 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
DOB I can believe you didn’t eat a good Phillis Steak from Geno or Pats.
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
By the way fellow bloggers…What the heck is the deal with the FIRST? crap?
Who cares who is first…it is stupid
By Cecil34
May 15, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Definately it appears that the line-up change is working.
Now, if the Braves can get an “A” or “B+” game out of James, as well as some other starters, Then things will take care of themselves.
If not, an analysis will be forthcoming of all the shortcomings after the game tonight by myself as well as many others!
Let’s hope we are referring tonight to how well Chuck pitched….
By steverino
May 15, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Dunno ‘bout the Larry, the repetitive, one-note cable guy, but the “Big Lebowski” reference was spot on. The way this blog sometimes degenerates into puerile playground taunts really subtracts from its glory: the give and take of opinions of all things Braves (and music, of course.) Still, it hasn’t fallen to the level of the base racial invectives of other blogs and columnists. The AJC REALLY needs a moderator to eliminate that kind of trash. Giving air time to that kind of sickness not only burnishes it with the veneer of respectability, but also encourages wackos of all kinds to feed into the divisiveness it engenders.
By tennfan
May 15, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
To paraphrase another quote from that fine film:
“Nobody f—s with the Chipper.”
By monty
May 15, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
IMHO Chucky has a power pitcher mentality with a finesse pitcher’s stuff. He needs to realize his limitations and start pitching like Glavine. HIt your spots,change speeds, don’t rare back and sling it and hope for the best. Chucky doesn’t seem to have a clue where the ball is heading but he looks like he’s having fun chunking it. Glavine is the epitome of a pitcher getting the most out of his talents, maybe even overacheiving, unless you consider having the ability to throw a baseball exactly where you want it to go overacheiving.
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
And I gotta state it again… I love the new line up. This is what I was hopping for to start the season and it’s finally come and it’s kick @ss. Hopefully it will fire on all pistons tonight as well.
Chipper is on a solid pace to hit the landmark 400th career homer on the home stand. The record settings are working out well for the guys this year.
By AdirondackDave
May 15, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
The Braun deal, if accurate as reported at $45/8 is a serious bargain.
By Charley's Pride
May 15, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
FIRST ….black man to hit it big in country music!
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Andruw has homered! Andruw has homered! And Willie Harris just made a sensational catch with one on and none out in the ninth against the Mets. Too bad the Nats catcher just threw one to the apple trying to get Beltran stealing second. Well, Delgado’s up, so a strikeout is imminent.
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I think it’s time we finally win one of these games that looks like a sure loss going in. Tonight’s as good a night as any.
By the way, any chance Devine comes into a game with the bases loaded, this week-end? I think he should, just for old time’s sake.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Whoops. Make that your routine L3-5 double play to end the game for the Muts. You know, somebody on the Nationals is gonna run for 1,000 yards behind that offensive line of Pena, Kearns and Rauch, with Nick Johnson as a pulling guard.
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
What will the lineup be tonight, with a lefty on the mound?
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Good. The Mets lost.
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Oh wow…Andruw Jones batting 2nd today for LA. I would bet he hasnt hit that low in the order since about 80 pounds ago.
By P-Town Brave
May 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Figured I’d move my post over here to the NEW improved today version…
Lew
I agree w/ all of what you are saying, but IMO, I think Frenchy has a serious hitch in his swing, which causes him to lose his power…
Being that I’m not a vault of swing info, I can not myself go back to when he broke into the league to see if that hitch is there or something he has developed into…
That being said, I do recall his 1st hr in the bigs being to right-center and that tells me that if he can stay behind the ball better than he has been and correct the hitch, he can develop power the opposite way.
A young guy such as David Wright would come to mind, but I believe at this point, he is in a league of his own at his age when it comes to power numbers.
I would be happy w/ Jeff is either he hit close to .300 and had around 20 hr’s BUT if he hit closer to .275, I would want that number to be spot on at 30 HR.
Either way you look at it, from a 05 prospect standpoint, he has under-produced and Mac has shot past him…
I will say one thing…It makes Jeff look worse just for the simple fact that we have Mac to compare him to as they broke in close to the same time and the fact that Jeff was considered far and away a better prospect than B-Mac was.
By MiamiBrave
May 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Mets just finished dropping second in a row to the Nats…
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
The Braves can gain ground tonight if they can duplicate last night. Nats beat the Mets 1-0 today.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Holy schneickes, the Nats beat the Muts 1-0. At Che Stadium.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, I ain’t from here, man, and I gotta tell you: I’d much prefer a DiNic’s pork sandwich over any cheesesteak I’ve had in Philly, and I’ve had them at both places you mentioned. They’re great, but just not my favorite thing….
Rob U, haven’t been downstairs to ask anyone yet, but Teheran to Rome wouldn’t surprise me. He’s awfully young (17, I believe), but awfully, awfully talented.
Someone the other day said something about the Braves not having stud pitchers in their system. Couldn’t be further from the truth. They’ve got more pitching depth in their organization now, and I mean quality depth, than in a very long time.
Lock, Rohrbaugh, Teheran, Morton … and there are several others of similar ilk. All future top-of-rotation guys, potentially. Not to mention Jurrjens, who should be entrenched near the top of their rotation for years to come.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
In baseball, much stranger (MUCH stranger) things have happened than Chuck James beating Cole Hamels. That wouldn’t even be a blip on the strange-radar.
One poster had it wrong, though I know what he meant. Bookies aren’t salivating over this matchup, bettors are. Bookies are salivating over their plane tickets for a nice Bermuda weekend, often paid for by bettors slammin’ down on a $2.20 favorite.
By shocker
May 15, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
speaking of Chuck … another solid outing this week by Morton…
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
DOB
Sorry about the 2:51 post. I didn’t thoroughly read your post. This is why you are the writer and I am not. Great job, as usual!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Mets just dropped 3 out of 4 against the Nats. At least we’re not alone in that category!
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Man I hope so can’t wait to start following that kid’s career. Any chance he could be like King Felix and make it to the Majors @ 19 or 20?
By Steve C.
May 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
DOB,
agree with you on the pitching depth, but don’t forget Hansen, who has gotten quite a bit of attention lately as well…
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Here’s Jeff Francoeur’s latest …
[Blog Frenchy)(http://jefffrancoeur.mlblogs.com/)
I’m a little surprised that he didn’t mention Bob Wickman.
By P-Town Brave
May 15, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
DOB
I do believe you also forgot Mr. Hanson who just threw his 1st game being promoted to Double-A w/ a solid victorious outing.
By Moby Grape
May 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
PTown-One more thing Dude-You can’t compare ANYONE to Chipper right now. I’m not so sure Ted Williams in his prime would outshine him at the momentLew
I wouldn’t go that far. In fact except for the BA Berkman is ahead of him in everything else, way ahead in several catagories like X-base hits and RBIs. Chipper is great and he is our guy, but he’ll never see the day when he could be compared equally to Ted Williams.
By Alan
May 15, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Great work as always, DOB. The Reading Terminal is terrific, isn’t it? Actually, Philly is a terrific city; it’s the professional sports teams (all of them) that I can’t stand. Tonight’s matchup scares me to death. Chuck James is a high-ball pitcher — look for the Phillies to launch a bunch of HRs. Hamels, on the other hand, is tough and figures to keep the Braves in check. They struggle against almost every lefty — see Zach Duke just last week. I’m sure tonight’s lineup will be stacked with righties: Escobar and Infante hitting 1 and 2, Diaz and Kotsay hitting 7 and 8, KJ and Blanco on the bench.
By ChampDawg
May 15, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Chuck James is AA or AAA caliber, not MLB caliber. Period. Nuff said. He will get rocked tonight. I predicted on the AJC poll that Braves would win 1/3 so I’m sticking to it.
By kdbanks
May 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
It sure seems like we’re stacked at places beyond pitching in the minors too, doesn’t it? Others know better, but middle infield, outfield and catching look good to me. I think 1B is the only place we lack a “year or two away” guy.
By i cant take it anymore
May 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
i hope we dont get “chuck just being chuck” tonight.
By BravesinTN
May 15, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, who (for the most part) calls the pitches for the Braves? Bobby, McCann or…? I was very curious to the pitch selection by Boyer in the 9th, especially to Rollins. Seems he stuck to the curveball too much.
Also, A guy from my hometown was drafted by the Braves, Steven Shults, and played at Danville last year. I can’t find him anywhere this year. Do you know anything about this 3B prospect? Saw the Bravery at the Wildhorse Saloon: Awesome! Great band!
By Carroll Rogers
May 15, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
This just in from DOB, Chipper and his .418 average have been scratched tonight because of a tweaked groin. Chipper hurt it in last night’s game. More from him as he gets it…
By Patrick
May 15, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
DOB,
You forgot Tommy Hanson!
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry about Chuck James! Just to set the record straight, the Braves’ bullpen lost several games for him last year… What ya need to be worried about is that dud Tex. I know he did a great job last year and his defense is splendid. But, this crap about him being a slow starter is getting old. Drop him to the eighth spot and lets see if he improves.. Because all he’s doing now is being our new “switch hitting” rally killer.
By Tomahawk Matt
May 15, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I hope I didn’t offend any Flushing, NY people with my junior-high namecalling lately…
Just Kidding! Yes I do!
And I sincerely apologize to everyone that I attacked for insulting and doubting Bobby Cox’s abilities as a manager.
Gotcha again! No I don’t!
GO CHUCKIE! GO BRAVES!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Carroll, in response to your 4:20pm post…
Can we get some big rainclouds to hover over Philadelphia for the next 12 hours? Please?
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Well we had about a 1% chance to win anyways. Smart to rest him.
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks Carol Rogers.
Apparently a few (who’ll go nameless for now) doubted my expertise on Chipper’s groin tweak last night! So, don’t say I didn’t warn ya, eh.
By 22oz
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s out? Oh crap. well there that goes..
By Jersey Gil
May 15, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
DOB I agree with you in both issue the BBQ again Phillis cheesesteak, i prefere good Southern BBQ myself, also agree that the Braves not have to look far to improve their rotation, we have one of the best minor leagur system in the Mayor.. on Tuesday game i was seat behind some scout including Jim Fregosi he was great a lot of baseball talking…love it
By Louisville Brave
May 15, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Hello everyone…Great to have this venue to share my Braves’ obsession with those who can appreciate it…DOBI’m in school here in Louisville and am planning to catch the Braves in Cincinnati at the end of the month…any recommendations for good pulled pork sandwiches in cincy?? or any other must-do’s while there?? Extremely pysched to catch my first Braves game outside of the Ted/FCS…love the new top of the order…hope BC sticks w/ it…wouldn’t mind seeing BMac hit cleanup…but doubt BC would do it if Tex is healthy
By toddh
May 15, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
ouch!! no chipper and chuckie on the hill may amount to a butt kickin’
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think CHIPPER says his little tweaks are worse than they are so he can get a day off every now and then?
Better to say “Hey i tweaked this or that” rather “Hey BOBBY I need a night off from carrying all you people!”
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
So what’s the prognosis on Chipper? Day-to-day? Several days?
By Jersey Gil
May 15, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Those “LOco” phillis announcer last night put a course on Chipper…wow..
By McFann
May 15, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Lew—
Sorry for a late response—hope you’re still around. We just walked in the door.
I completely agree. I know he still has that bone spur (decided not to have it removed during the off season), but it doesn’t appear to be causing any problems.
I also think being more flexible has helped a lot. And most of his throws have been right on the money—just some of them were either too late, or Escobar/Lillibridge didn’t get the tag down quickly (but gosh, I mean, that’s rare enough, so how cann you lay too much blame on that?), OR the UMPIRE calls the guy SAFE at first base, when he was CLEARLY out! (In Pittsburgh) He’s had a few throws that were high and to the right, but none into center (so far, right?).
Kind of on a side note here—You know, on May 14, 2007, he hit his third homer of the season? Talk about a power outage! (But he hit 18 for the year, so what cann you say? That was only what—second among NL catchers?) Funny the difference a year cann make. Right now, he’s second on the team to Chipper (but everybody on this team is less than Chipper, right?). McCann does lead the team in extra-base hits—well, he’s got 21 and Chipper’s got 20. Just kinda funny ‘cause McCann’s our slowest runner. But maybe some of those doubles would be triples if were faster…
Dang! Didn’t mean to talk so long. Sorry. Sometimes I get on a roll and can’t quit. Ask any of my family members. Actually, I could keep goin’ here, but I won’t, don’t worry.
; ) Later!
By Yars
May 15, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I have lost faith in Chucky James. Time for Wren to pull the trigger & make a trade for a starting pitcher. Not too early. We need a solid picher behind Hudson, Jurjens, & Glavine. We’ll see what Reyes has to offer in the next couple starts. If it’s certain by early June that he’s not the answer & needs further development in Richmond, lacking a solid #4 starting pitcher is going to cost this Braves team big time. KJ could be in the zone right now. He’s looked great the last 2 games. now playing: personal jesus by depeche mode.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
What?? No Chipper?? Ah, DERN IT!!
CONGRATS to the NATS!!! At least they found a way to beat someone besides the Braves!
Good thing Figueroa’s not with the Mets anymore. He might get mad at the Nats for celebrating.
Really now: Later!
By woogidy
May 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Was it a Hooter’s waitress that “tweaked” his groin this time?
By ernesto
May 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Chipper out? WTF? Are they wearing the cursed blue unis? Burn those suckers!!!!
By Cincy Brave
May 15, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Louisville Brave:
While in Cincy, hit up the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Its on the river within walking distance of the stadium. Great food, and a good happy hour on Friday before the game if you get in town early enough. Also, Skyline Chili is a must have.
The stadium is nice, but nothing compared to the Ted.
Go Braves!
By TJ
May 15, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think CHIPPER says his little tweaks are worse than they are so he can get a day off every now and then?
chase, did you watch the game last night? If you watched on tv, it was obvious that CJ hurt himself on that swing down and away.
Aside from that, to suggest that CJ is faking injury to get a day off is just stupid. I would suspect that he’d just go to Bobby and say something really poignant like, “I need a day off.”
By Yars
May 15, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Who is starting at 3B now? 2B? I don’t like this KJ/Infante platoon thing at 2B.
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Carroll, what is the lineup then?
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
McFann — I read that article about Figueroa. That’s ridiculous to say that about another team publicly. Suck it up, man!
By Josh H
May 15, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Yars:
You really think there’s a team out there that’s willing?
Any trade for a starting pitcher worth anything at this point in the year will cost us so much talent that it will not be worth it. So many teams are “in the race” at this point that they aren’t going to part with a decent pitcher.
Remember that pitching wise, we are in a lot better shape than the majority of teams in the league. We allow 3.8 runs per game. That’s first in the NL, second in the majors.
I say we don’t trade for anybody until we see how Morton looks at the Major League level. I do agree though, that Chuck needs to make an impression tonight that he’s willing to make adjustments to pitch at this level.
By P-Town Brave
May 15, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
So, what are the guesses on the lineup now?
We have multiple options in certain spots…
2b- KJ or Infante
3b- Infante or Norton
I say we go w/ this lineup…
Escobar ss
Kotsay cf
McCann c
Tex 1b
Frenchy rf
KJ 2b
Diaz lf
Infante 3b
James p
That being said, I wouldn’t at all mind batting KJ 3rd, Mac 4th, and dropping Tex to the 5-hole…
You say Hamels is a LHP, well, his splits aren’t too much different v LHH than RHH and I believe some of his pitches are actually more effective v RHH than they are to lefties.
Either way, its never good to have Chipper out of the lineup, especially with the way he is hitting…
Although if it prevents him from sitting out another 10-15 days later on, then we all oughta be for it.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
cincy brave, you are killing me with the skyline reference. man, nothing like a good three-way. three-way chili, that is. with some aglamesis ice cream later on … mmmm….
By Michael in Brooklyn
May 15, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Anyone noticed Joey Devine’s line in Oakland (since someone above brought him up). 16.1 IP, 11 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 20 K, 0.86 ERA. We’re getting a nice year from Kotsay, but he’s old, he’s got a bad back, and he’s playing above his head. 4 years from now, we’re going to wish we had still-arb-eligible Joey Devine.
By richbrave
May 15, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
OFFENSE:
The old work shoes were lined up in the mud-room yesterday evening patiently waiting for hitters to fill them. Last night the usual suspects did.
JOSH ANDERSON went 2-5 and raised his average to .275(42-153). He has struggled against the book on him recently, but shows flashes of defeating the opposing team’s moves.
BARBARO CANIZARES hit his sixth HR and 2-4 raising his average to .333(43-129). He continues to be the main power plant for this team. In addition to leading in HR’s he’s second in doubles(8) and is tops in RBI with 22. He continues to be error free recently around the 1st sack.
CLINT SAMMONS was 2-4(31-99).313 and appears to be righting his listing average. Four passed balls and two errors in 28 games have only allowed 1 unearned run so far. He’s tight both behind and while hitting at home plate.
Although given a night off SCOTT THORMAN continues his steady progress at the plate raising his average to .254 (33-130) but his power numbers continue to suffer. He has 8 doubles and 2 HR’s.
DEFENSE:
The other two Cubans from the contingent here also performed their chores splendidly. Put on their pitching shoes and went to town.
FRANCISLEY BUENO had a second consecutive excellent start. 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO. Lowered his ERA to 3.43 and picked up his second win. Record 2-1. His stock appears on the rise.
VLADIMER NUNEZ followed with 1 inning of goose eggs except for 1 SO. ERA 3.68. Season’s totals. 15 games with a 3-0 record, 22.0 IP all in relief, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 2 HB, 6 BB, 23 SO, 1.36 WHIP, 3 HOLDS and finished 6 games. He continues his dance routine, two steps forward, one back, but is progressing toward becoming a good solid relief man.
OLD RELIABLE PHIL STOCKMAN goes another inning of splendid relief lowering his overall ERA to 0.77 in 23.1 innings. He also picks up another hold after coming on in relief of ANDY SHIBILO who had allowed two runners on with 0 outs. STOCKMAN shut then down allowing only one walk to the CLEVELAND INDIANS INDIANAPOLIS farm team. He now has 4 HOLDS to go with only 8 H, 10 BB, 19 SO. PHIL has been consistantly excellent for the R-Braves, and I believe would be an asset in ATLANTA’s pen.
Smooth and steady CHARLIE MORTON pitched another excellent game Tuesday. His totals 2-0 in 8 games with 7 starts. 48.0 IP/30 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 1 HB, 15 BB, 39 SO, 0.94 WHIP, 1 GF. This young man is on his way to the ML sooner rather than later. With the preparation given by the Braves hopefully he will stick and become a consistant winner for the big club. Of course, you never know until tested at “The TED.” The Braves appear determined to stick to their time-table for him which I believe means a test in early June then back here for more work with a final call-up in late July or early August.
By Mark in PA
May 15, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
TJ and Jeff321, we were right (and so were the Phillies announcers) last night about Chipper in the last AB.
And Robin and I were dang near called the one-run game last night.
For the next four nights, I will predict nothing but good things, healthiness, and happiness. Let’s see if that works.
Tonight, Chuckie is unsolvable, and is replaced after the second time through the order by an effective BP effort. Every regular gets at least one hit, and the slump vs. lefties on the road ends. Bravos win (big#-little#).
By Cincy Brave
May 15, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
StingerSplash
Skyline chili is undeniable, you are correct. Get some Graeters ice cream afterwards, and you got yourself a quality meal.
But thats just one mans opinion.
By ernesto
May 15, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
I think Frenchy needs to bat 7th or 8th, I mean it’s not like he needs to get pitches to hit, his zone is pretty big.
He just hasn’t been smart enough in his plate approach to hit 5th.
Tell me about his hits lately, but how many of them have been significant? I recall meaningless singles.
By Lew
May 15, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
What the Hell-At least Chuck won’t let y’all die of boredom this evening. He’ll likely keep your blood pumping, if nothing else.
Moby Grape-Dude, not so sure about that. Even Teddy Ballgame wouldn’t sneeze at Chipper’s start. I know he won’t hit .400 for the season, but a good .350 45 HR and 130 RBI season is about what he’s on track for (I know the BA is hard to quantify for a full season, but…). Not far off from a Ted season if at all.
By gobraves
May 15, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Are we gonna get the game in? FLA and CIN just got PPD.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
woogidy,
am i bad person because i snickered at your comment? that is way wrong. don’t stop it from being funny, though.
By Louisville Brave
May 15, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Cincy Brave Thanks for the Montgomery Inn rec…will definitely hit it up…as for Skyline Chili, they’ve got em here in Louisville-one only two blocks from me…but i had a bad first experience there…really bad…no bodily harm done…it was just nasty…and i happened to be starving at the time…so you know it had to blow…it made me yearn achingly for the Varsity…i think i actually shed a tear or two…b/c I had just moved up here from Atlanta about two months prior…it made me homesick…so i haven’t been back in well over a year…but you locals keep raving about it so i suppose there’s a chance i might give it a second try…for the uninitiated…they put their chili over spaghetti noodles…and as Cliff Claven once said in his short lived comedy career…”What’s up with that?”
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Braves could use a win tonight. Marlins-Reds postponed due to rain.
Ernesto- I agree that Frenchy’s not using a smart approach at the plate. However, Frenchy’s singles only become meaningless if the guys before him can’t get on or the guys behind him can’t get him in. That seems to be a constant. They get on with two out, or hit into a double play, or can’t sacrifice. The fundamentals are missing at times.
By LuisGuillermo
May 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Carooll Rogers/DOB, so Chipper’s not in the lineup tonight, but will he be able to at least pinch-hit?
By Lew
May 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Chase-Dude, just when I get to thinking your brain is semi functional, you come up with a quote like you just did about Chipper. If he needed a day off, I’m sure all he would have to do is ask-not fake an injury. Where TF do you come up with this stuff? Does someone feed it to you or do you make it up on your own?
By albanian braves fan
May 15, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
blog headline is asking: can chuck james keep it in park tonight.
yes. chuck can keeping it in park. just use stick shift. move to “p”. else car rolling away.
By LuisGuillermo
May 15, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
How’s the forecast in Philly?
By David-ATL14
May 15, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
* Lineup*
1.Escobar-SS 2.Infante-3B 3.Frenchy-RF 4.Tex-1B 5.McCann-C 6.Diaz-LF 7.Kotsay-CF 8.Gotay-2B 9.James-P
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Never a dull moment with the Bravos. Chipper’s not serious, thinks he’ll play tomorrow, said it’s another case of him taking a day off rather than risking a DL stint by trying to play through a slight injury.
It’s an adductor strain, or commonly known as a groin strain. Did it on that swing last night, said it’s first time it’s bothered him since last season, and emphasized that it’s not serious.
Meanwhile, Smoltz threw off mound instead of originally planned 120-foot flat ground session. But he only made about 25 easy throws from the mound, to gauge whether he could get extension on his pitches to keep them down in strike zone without discomfort. He had no problems, he said.
Real test will still come this weekend when he gets on mound and throws all his pitches. Today he took it easy.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
LINEUP: 1. Escobar, 2. Infante (3B), 3. Francoeur, 4, Tex, 5. McCann, 6. Diaz, 7. Kotsay, 8. Gotay (2B), 9. Chuck
Bobby said he wanted to get Gotay a start, since he’s only started one game….
Lousville Brave: Ribs at the Montgomery Inn in Cincinnati (the location on the river), or steak at The Precinct as second choice. You’ll thank me later.
By monty
May 15, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I saw Chipper get hurt when he was trying not to get doubled up on his ground ball late in the game. HE REALLY JUST CAN’T SEEM TO GO ALL OUT WITHOUT GETTING TWEAKED. HOPE HE’S NOT OUT FOR LONG!
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Here is the lineup: Y Escobar SS (0 for 3, 1 BB) O Infante 3B (Never Faced) J Francoeur RF (4 for 17, 1 RBI, 6 SO) M Teixeira 1B (1 for 3, 1 RBI) B McCann C (4 for 9, 3 RBI’s) M Diaz LF (5 for 18, 1 HR and 1 RBI, 3 SO) M Kotsay CF (Never Faced) R Gotay 2B (Never Faced) C James P (0 for 2, 1 SO)
By McFann
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Daybed—
Yeah, what a baby! Funny that he was DFA’d the next day!
P-Town Brave—
I like your lineup, but I think I’d move Francoeur down…maybe seventh. If he’s playing, fine. But he should be lower in the order until he really heats up.
Oh, and maybe switch McCann and Tex. For his career, McCann is 0-4 in the #3 spot. Small sample size, yes…But Tex has a career .301 AVG as the third hitter in the LU. Had over 1,000 ABs there…
But heck, I doubt it’ll happen. My guess is that the lineup will be:
Escobar
Infante
Francoeur
Teixeira
Diaz
McCann
Johnson
Kotsay
Or something like that, anyway. Not that I want it, just sayin’…
By K.C.
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Have you guys been reading this blog?
http://bravesnuworld.com/
I think it’s actually DOB doing freelance with all the funny pop culture references and astute observations.
Funny as hell, too. Do you guys remember the Great Pumpkin? I don’t think it was on the last couple years, though…
By AGTfan
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
A combination of Chipper being scratched, Chuckies problems with dingers, and having to buy gas today have put me in a pessimistic mood.
I have been a Chuck James fan, but it’s time for him to step it up a notch if he wants to stay in the bigs. Hopefully he watched Glavine last night and learned something from both the good and the bad of last nights performance. I loved what DOB said about Smoltz giving advice to Boyer last night. Braves power pitchers would do well by picking Smoltz brain on how to pitch and guys like Cj should study Glavine like hawks. (not the BB kind)
I’m afraid that if the Braves don’t turn around their late inning offensive problems tonight we’re going to go in the L column.
By Cincy Brave
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Skyline is definitely an acquired taste for some. For others, it is heaven on earth. The good news, though, is that I can buy it in a can at the many Krogers here in Atlanta, so I can get it without dealing with going back to Cincy or any of those other terrible cities up north.
I will hit up the Varsity this weekend in your honor.
For all those panicking about Chuckie James tonight: if they do play, I have a good feeling about his performance tonight. I think he knows its his time to prove it, or spend the rest of the season riding on buses from one minor league to the next. My prediction: 6.2 innings, 5Ks, 1BB, 3 runs.
That is, if they play the game.
By albanian braves fan
May 15, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
ok. now for most important statistic known as MIS for all sabreingmetricians…
ready?
5.63
yes. is true. 5.63 is average of all baseball statistics ever calculating. expressing to second decimal place.
By Original Jon
May 15, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Anyone see the catch Willie Harris made in the Mets/Nats game today? It was sensational. Really was a sweet play.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Hey! My lineup was close! KNEW Francoeur would be batting third! Sheesh. Got a .368 AVG there, though. We will see…
By JUsto
May 15, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
My prediction for the Braves game is that the Braves will lose 5-1. Chucky goes 4.2 innings 7H 4R 2 homeruns 2K 3B. Texiera hits a homerun . Hope im wrong though, but I have no confidence in James.
By OrlandoFan
May 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
You know, if Tex doesn’t start hitting soon, I’m going to start to think the Braves have a Scott-Boras-megafree agent-in-his-contract-year-jinx that is far worse than Sports Illustrated? Doesn’t it feel a little like Andruw right now? We’re all waiting for the kick start based on what we have seen, and nothing is happening. Only difference is that Tex is in better shape (back spasms aside). Probably takes a more professional approach (seems to). But the comparison at this point in the season is not far off.
By K.C.
May 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
I love Andruw’s reply to the L.A. Times writer who asked him to step on the scale. Referring to the writer’s gut he said he’d “probably die tomorrow”
HAHAHAHA!!!! When did Andruw become the Mike Tyson of interviews? He must be getting really irritated.
And btw - I live in L.A. The Times never jumps on a guy the way they did with Andruw. It’s unprecedented.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Monty, he did it swinging at the Rudy Seanez slider that fooled Chipper on his last at-bat.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Doing scouting box for the A’s series.
After their 22-13 start, the Athletics have lost five of their last six games and been shut out three times in that stretch. They scored only two runs while being swept in a three-game series at Cleveland that ended Thursday….
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
LEW and TJ
EASY FELLAS…did you not read the WHOLE POST BEFORE COMMENTING?
IT WAS OBVIOUSLY A JOKE about how he is injuring himself by carrying the team!
Goodness fellas…switch to decaf
By OrlandoFan
May 15, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
ESPN commented that Chipper seemed to tweak himself on that swing. They made sort of a small deal out of it but did mention that he seemed OK despite whatever had happened.
By Steve-O
May 15, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Yeh Jon that was definitely #1 Web Gem of the day I don’t CARE what happens tonite……
DOB’s previous quote: “Chipper didn’t tweak anything.” Guess he did…..
What would this blog be without JerseyGil? The guys postings are priceless……Keep em’ comin JerseyGil, keep em’ comin’…..
Go Braves!! (Even though it is blatant they are taking a semi-we wont win so let’s give Gotay a start, Chipper a day to rest his groin and let Chuck have a even greater chance to lose taking out two starters day off…)
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Devine pitched 1-1/3 innings today with three strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 0.55, with 20 strikeouts and only three walks in 16-1/3 innings.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
DOB
In regards to your Keeping it Civil…
If that was in reference to me i’m sorry. I was trying to back a regular who other regulars were attacking.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Chuck in that band box, CJ not in the lineup, a team that has a hard time winning on the road, facing LHP Cole Hamels; doesn’t sound like a good recipe for the Braves. On paper it should be a no brainer, but that’s why they play the game. Braves all the way!!
Geaux Braves!!
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 15, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
4 hours til I go see the DBT’s! Whoot whoot!
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
ANDRUW GOES YARD!
Andruw hit a homer today, giving him two homers and seven RBI for the season. Or, what Francoeur had in that one game at Washington.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Good for Devine, it sounds like he’s got his head screwed on straight. It seems like “the change of scenery” is exactly what he needed.
Geaux Braves!!
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Just about everytime I see CJ swing and miss I cringe. It seems that’s when all of these tweaks happen. Hopefully he’s only out for one game. Can’t be breaking the Phillies hearts though.
Geaux Braves!!
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Louisville Brave
The Precinct is great, and is owned by a guy named Jeff Ruby. He owns the best steakhouse in Louisville, and got some notoriety last year for refusing to serve OJ Simpson and his party right around the time of the KY Derby. Last time I at there (‘00), I remember there being a photo of Skip, or Don Sutton, or maybe both. Billy Joel, as well. So, you know it’s good ;-). At one point I think Ruby owned a steakhouse down by the river, as well, but the Precinct gets the most notoriety, as I recall.
Good ballpark there. It looks a little goofy on TV, but if you sit behind homeplate (even in the upper level), you get a nice view of the river, and the design starts to make “sense” in a way that isn’t translated very well on the tube.
Easy parking there. I’ve never paid more than $5. If you’re actually heading back to Louisville after the game, the best thing to do is to park on whatever street the ballpark is on (the one you’ll likely exit onto from the Interstate, back on the west bound side (heading away from the stadium). You can actually pull right out, go through one light, and your back on the interstate. You can get away from there in about 2-3 minutes. As good as any place I’ve been.
Have fun.
By Serge
May 15, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
The Slumping Andruw has more Home Runs this month than jeff. Shows you how bad Jeff is right now
Anyways. Did Kelly run over Bobbys dog or something? The lack of respect shown his way by the Braves is upsetting
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Perfect DOB. A power lights out pithcer that we’ve always needed that we finally drafted but then is eventually traded when he’s finally ready to dominate. just great.
i guess the trade is working out for both teams though so far.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
It seems like “the change of scenery” is exactly what he needed
some would say change of scenery…i would say time to season in the minors.
By Shaun
May 15, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
There is an article by a Mets fan on baseballanalysts.com that compares Chipper to Griffey.
Ken Griffey Jr., rightfully, will be recognized as one of the greatest players of this, or any generation, and will forever be lauded as one of the finest players ever – possibly inner circle. Chipper Jones has been every bit as good and so many people are unaware of what they are watching. Chipper isn’t just good, and he isn’t just great. Chipper is an all-time great RIGHT NOW. Hopefully he can chase .400 long enough so everyone remembers him that way.
By RichmondBrave
May 15, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Where will Smoltz do his rehab assignment?
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Tonight with Frenchy hitting 3rd, we will either see how great chipper’s accomplishments are this year, or how truly powerful it is to have Tex hitting behind you.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
chase (the original)—
The “first” thing is just a fun little “game” we play on here. If I’m not mistaken, it started back around Christmas when DOB had a blog with almost 1000 posts. People were trying to help it get there before the new blog was up by just shouting out random numbers like “955?”. So then when the new blog was up, somebody was just being goofy by saying, “OK, let’s start over…First?” So it’s become like a tradition.
It’s just fun. It’s not crud at all………127??
By woogidy
May 15, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Chipper “Tweaking” Jones!
By Hotspur
May 15, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
DOB:
I know it’s too late now, but on your next trip to Philly, see if you can get up to D’Allesandro’s in Manayunk. I lived in Mount Airy for a year and I agree totally with your assessment of Gino’s and Pat’s, which I found dry and highly overrated. Jim’s on South Street isn’t bad, but the best cheesesteaks I had in town by far were at D’Allesandro’s.
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
LOL MCFANN….
By Yars
May 15, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
KJ only 1 for 11 against Hamels. Perhaps that is why he ain’t starting at 2B. Hell, if I were Bobby I would have started him. Why the *uck not? Chipper out of lineup, & KJ is hot right now.
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Serge
WHY WHY WHY WHY do you keep on with the “Cox is direspecting KJ” NONSENSE?
By TJ
May 15, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
IT WAS OBVIOUSLY A JOKE
Well, obviously not obviously, chase. But, okay.
I’m not surprised that Bobby is sitting KJ against Hamels; but I would’ve thought maybe Norton would be at 3B (can he still do that?) and Infante at 2B.
Gotay is likely to be pretty badly overmatched, but I guess we’ll see… maybe he’ll surprise us.
Phil’s BP is almost all RHP, so we’ll have some lefty punch (KJ, Blanco, Chipper (?), Norton) if needed later in the game.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Anyways. Did Kelly run over Bobbys dog or something? The lack of respect shown his way by the Braves is upsetting serge
I (probably the biggest KJ basher on here) am a little bothered too. I would’ve like to see KJ hit tonight against the lefty in the 7th hole.
If chipper were playing third, probably not, play infante. But to play Gotay over him is a little upsetting, especially when KJ is a career .222 pinch hitter, .214 as a sub, and .215 career in high leverage situations, according to baseball reference.
Mabye they’re trying to give Gotay a shot to show he can play everyday because this team’s gonna have to make a decision when prado returns. The Indians, for example, need a second basemen, and if he were to do well, he could be trade bait for one of their pitchers (borrowski, laffey, etc..) Who knows, maybe KJ or prado are too.
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Why did Bobby Cox bench Kelly Johnson when Chipper was out? See, this is the kind of crap I’m talking about. Oh wait, lets see what Gotay does tonight first..
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
If I were to have one pitcher in all of the majors under the age of 25 to lead my staff for the next ten to twelve seasons, it very well might be Cole Hamels. The guy is, simply put, nasty.
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks K.C., another dozen or so braves blogs to obsess over.
How about that pre-game show? I think I would rather them get a good LEW vs. TJ argument then listen to Jerome and BJ.
Hey richbrave, thanks for the updates. Keep em coming.
Great news about the kid going to Rome. I live in Charleston (River Dogs) and they will be coming to town in a couple of weeks. Hope he pitches in one of those 3 games and hope to catch Heyward.
Going to Myrtle Beach on Saturday to catch a look at Tyler Flowers. Hate that I just missed Hanson.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Early misery, as advertised, chuck needs to go back to AA.
By William
May 15, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Better get Bennett up quick!!!!!
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
James…. you are a joke….. He is no MLB pitcher.
Talk to Devine…….. maybe he can help you!!!
By FloridaBrave
May 15, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Right, Bobby’s Cox. They will have a decision to make when Prado comes back and Gotay is out of options so sooner or later they needed to give him more PT to see what he’s got. Might as well do it when you’re facing a lefty who Kelly is 1-11 against.
At the same time, even though I understand why it was done, I do wish Kelly would get more consistent playing time. Gotay’s more than likely gone anyways since Prado and Infante are more versatile(Gotay is strictly a 2B with maybe a little 1B mixed in) and we added another switch-hitter off the bench in Norton(oh, and we still have Pena laying around)
By William
May 15, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Can Chuck James actually bend his back? Has anyone witnessed this??
By Louisville Brave
May 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
1st off…brent a. and DOB you rock…thanks for the cincy tips…second…harry calas, the announcer for the phils, is great, but he only does a few innings, i guess cuz he’s aging or he’s doing the other innings on radio…like the braves used to…but their announcers they throw in there when calas is out are BRUTAL…
great balancing act by cj to get out of that 1st unscathed
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Im with ya Efrim, although I think I take him 2nd…I go with Fausto Carmona first. That guy is filthy. If it werent for Lee’s unbelievable start and CC’s slow start so far, he would be the talk of that town. He is still my AL Cy Young pick this year (Carmona that is).
By fastasballs
May 15, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Even if Devine was still here Cox would either have him in AAA or he wouldn’t be used much. Seems Cox lost confidence in him in 2005 when he first came up. Usually Cox will go to a guy over & over regardless, but not with Devine for whatever reason.
By woogidy
May 15, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
good thing that happened this inning, not last. 1-0 instead if 4-0
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Gee, there’s a shocker.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Steve-O, I was hurrying to finish a game story in the ninth inning when TV showed chipper grimacing. It wasn’t mentioned by anyone in the postgame interviews, including TV reporters down there (we don’t have luxury of watching every replay late in games when have to have a story punched at the last pitch).
So when I (and others) interviewed Chipper after game and it wasn’t mentioned, my reaction was to say he didn’t tweak anything. When I got to hotel and saw highlights of the game, I saw that he did.
But congrats to you on your “gotcha.” Guys who play that little game are my favorites. Good for you.
By N8
May 15, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
This game is only 1-0 (how the hell that has happened, I don’t know?).
But it is evident that Chuck James is NOT a viable MLB pitcher.
Sorry Lew, but that “ratio” of games that the Braves win when Chuck pitches, is gonna even out if Bobby keeps throwing him out there.
That being said, nice damage control in the first two innings. LOL!
I’m just afraid without Chipper in the lineup, 1 run is all the Phillies might need.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Please trade James before we have to pay someone to take him.
By Shamus Thacker
May 15, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Bet that DiNic guy’s real name is Bubba or Taterbait. If the Q’s were magnifique, he ain’t no DiNic…
By FloridaBrave
May 15, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
bigchiefrg, Carmona is fascinating, isn’t he. Have you see his stats this year? He’s almost given up on average a hit per inning(45 hits in 48.2 IP)and has a hideous 35:18 BB:K ratio yet he’s still 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA. Gotta love that sinker but, even though I love him as well, you have to expect his numbers to go up with those type of peripherals. They have to, don’t they? That would be something if all these numbers stay on their current pace.
By N8
May 15, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
DOB
“Bobby said he wanted to get Gotay a start, since he’s only started one game….”
Unfortunately that one game he started, is one too many. LOL!
Just because Gotay wears Javy’s old #8, doesn’t mean that he has to run like him. When that check swing dribbler got past the mound, I was thinking base-hit, but he was barely in the picture when Utley threw him out.
Yikes.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
That ball was CRUSHED. Ryan Howard just needs to face the Braves to get out of any slump he might be mired in.
By ncgary
May 15, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
cj seems to be on top of his game solo homers at least
By N8
May 15, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN:
Chuck James SUCKS.
A letter high change-up. Great location.
I wonder if Chuck was this crappy installing windows, too? Good lord.
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Until CHUCK learns how to STOP WALKING PEOPLe and STOP GIVING UP HRs…HE DOES NOT BELONG IN THE MAJORS
Sorry he just doesn’t
By BravesFanTrappedinOR
May 15, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Man, so much for the pitching staff giving up the fewest home runs in the league. Chuckie Boy will fix that.
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
N8
He is a viable major league pitcher, not a great one, but good enough to be called a back of the rotation starter. Which is what he is.
By fastasballs
May 15, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
It appears Chuckie is throwing some extended batting practice tonight. Man he looks awful.
By Shamus Thacker
May 15, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
I think the nickname Slowtay, well fits Gotay… Thought about Slothtay, but it’s too long.
By William
May 15, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
James may have the worst mechanics of any pitcher I’ve ever seen in MLB!
By N8
May 15, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
DOB
Your headline asks:
“Can Chuck keep it in the park tonight?”
My hand is raised. I know the answer. Actually, I’m quite certain you did as well, but felt compelled to ask it anyhow.
Maybe the Rockies would trade him even up for Redman?
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
DOB,
to answer your original question for today’s blog … well, I think we see the answer. a big, fat no. The bigger question is - is Lowe’s still hiring?
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
The phillies look like the Dodgers and Red Sox when they played that exhibition game at the Colliseum this preseason….
they were hitting the balls out of the park but looked ashamed because it was too easy.
By cafleming
May 15, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
DOB, I will bet you if James keep on giving up homeruns and bunch of walks, we would be seeing him going back to Richmond pretty soon and perhpas calling up Charlie Morton since he seems to be doing very well in minor league. I do understand the big club prefer Charlie continue his hard work at the moment in minor league.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Wonder how much time takes for the BEST manager in baseball to notice that JAMES talent is something like “robinhood”, it just never existed.
Why is Bennett not starting??? Cox hates the braves.
By JEB
May 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Chuck James looks as if he is a scared kid who is totally overwhelmed at being in the place he is in! He needs to get some confidence built up, get tough and get mean. But, when he keeps getting thrown out there and getting slugged off of the mound, he will never get that confidence. I KNOW Charlie Morton or Phil Stockman can do better. They deserve the call up, and they definetly could not do any worse. 2 HRS already and almost another by Feliz, and it’s only the 3rd inning.
By William
May 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
It scares me to think we don’t have anyone in the minors who can do a better job than James is doing.
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
This game is most likely over…Sorry but CHUCKIE needs to be a part of any trade the Braves make…
With the way he pitches, he needs to be in a park like San Deigo’s
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Couldn’t we just have forfeited tonight and saved the trouble? We have 0% chance with James pitching-especially against the Phillies.
70 days till Falcons training camp-let the countdown begin. Bobby will coach this team right out of the playoffs.
By Philliesuk
May 15, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
The short answer to your blog title is: No.
Here’s a bad formula: Chuck James + No Chipper
Oh, wait; let me add two other poor prognostic indicators to the formula: on the road and facing a lefty
By JT
May 15, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
If Chuck James is in this team by the end of May..i will ask for your resignation Frank Wren…welcome to .500 boys…CHUCK JAMES IS A DISASTER..WHAT IS he doing in the ML WHAT THE HELL..Give the friggin opportunity to someone that has TALENT…CHUCK DOESNT HAVE ONE BIT of it…JEEEZZZZ!!!
By PrincetonBrave
May 15, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Braves + Chuck James - Chipper = G’night
By used cars
May 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I’m just wondering, do you think we can speed up the Morton and Hanson watch….or lets see if Niekro or Dick Ruthven, anyone but Chuck….please
By LuisGuillermo
May 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I guess the answer of the question in the title of this blog is: HELL NO! because ‘HomeRun’ James is on tonight. He better stop the bleeding before it gets late! Go Braves!!
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
What’s up with Francoer? His swing has gotten worse not better-he should have more power for his size imo.
By N8
May 15, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
LOL!
First pitch changeup to Francoeur. He swung (of course)…..any minute now that pitch will hit the catchers glove.
That pitch that he flied out on was at his eyes.
Now Tex looks as sill on the change-up.
I’m gonna go out on a limb, and say that this one is over.
By Lord Douchebag
May 15, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Ok Chuck James is a good ole boy,but just what is it he’s good for ? I like the guy but he wasn’t blessed with superoor talent and he seems to have a near complete aversion to knowledge.My point is I just don’t see the guy ever correcting his glaring lack of major league mechanics.So what exactly is it Cox is waiting to happen with him ?
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
wow FloridaBrave, i completely missed that WHIP and K/BB…usually first thing i catch. But he is gonna take some lumps in what i consider his sophomore campaign, just as Hamels…
Back to our bravos, send Chuck back to Richmond with instructions not to throw one changeup until he gets that slider down. Otherwise he is sooner or later gonna be relegated to left handed specialist in the bullpen. Give Buddy or Jeff a chance until Morton gets ready (i wont even mention hampton).
I cant wait to hear about the knuckler goin down in richmond tonite.
By Del
May 15, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Chuck James IS, and will always BE. a AAAA pitcher until he changes his mechanics and adds another pitch or two. DO NOT call him up again this year.
By Tomas
May 15, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Tough game, Chuck is struggling, and Cole is blazing.
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Texeira-Andruw Jones the sequel. omg say it aint so.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Hamels is knocking em down like the seventh grade.
By albanian braves fan
May 15, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
is woe to us.
will become more ugly soon.
chuck james is to pitching as sanjya is to singing. should be idle.
By Braves20
May 15, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
It’s time to admit 1) he is never going to get any better and 2) those teams he did fare well against early in his career have now figured him out.
And while on the subject of pitching, we need to seperate Hudson and Jurrgens in the rotation. They are the only two who have a chance of giving us 7 or 8 in a night. To have them back to back puts an undue strain on the pen the next three games.
By Andy
May 15, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, I thinkt the title of your blog has been quickly answered tonight. He is on pace to give up 100 bombs tonight. I wonder why he thinks he can pitch up in the zone when his name isn’t Clemens or Randy Johnson? This is the major leagues, Chuck, you aren’t going to be able to make mistakes every inning and get away with it!
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
frenchy swung at 3 straight balls in his 3 pitch flyout to right. If frenchy did nothing but stare at pitches in his next 20 AB, he’d have 15 BB and 5 K’s.
It looks like most of his hits to right are because he’s swinging late, not because he’s trying hit the ball that way.
Sometimes he looks surprised when he opens his eyes after his swing that the ball went to right field.
By N8
May 15, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Efrim
“He is a viable major league pitcher, not a great one, but good enough to be called a back of the rotation starter. Which is what he is.”
Totally disagree with you. Unless that team has NO INTENTION of contending.
IE: Chuck James would have fit in PERFECTLY for the Braves in 1988.
He’s a bullpen killer. He’s a team morale killer. Did you see the LOOK on Diaz’s face, as he walked back to his position after the line drive over his head?
Not that the offense should be b!tching about ANYTHING the pitchers do. But you can just see it in the hitters eyes, that they realize they have NO SHOT at winning this game, the longer Chuck stays in.
3 BOMBS (ok…one didn’t go out - but barely) and 5 walks.
Chuck James should be the 8th pitcher on a 5 man-rotation.
As I type this, ANOTHER ball just left the park.
Point proven. Or do you STILL wanna argue?
Go ahead. You’ll lose that argument 7 days a week.
By JUsto
May 15, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
My 6:12 post looks good right now unfortantly.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 15, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Guess Chuck can’t keep it in the park … Yowza.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Man, you take Chipper out of this lineup, particularly against a good lefty, and you are severely mediocre….
By William
May 15, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
I can’t think of a pitcher in MLB who looks worse than Chucky.
By Brad
May 15, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
I need some window work done on my home. Think I’ll wait a couple of days and give Chuck a call for some help. He’ll probably be available.
By Braveheart
May 15, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Your honor, i want to make a motion to withdraw from continuing to defend chuck james
only pacman jones’ attorney Manny Arora would continue to represent a client like chuck who keeps committing so many crimes against pitching
By ncgary
May 15, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
cj and pena and b jones for maddux and pay em 2 million, yikes its mid may and the pads are out of it, maddux would shine here
By Seth
May 15, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Chuck James is NOT where it’s at. He’s a nice guy and a hard worker, but I can’t seem to find his upside anymore. Even if he were a guy that gave up a lot of homeruns but could give you 6-7 innings sometimes it’d be acceptable to keep sending him out. But Chuck James is good for 5 innings of holding your breath that he doesn’t give up a BOMB (see: Ryan Howard today).
DOB is there no one that can eat more innings waiting to be brought up? Considering our bullpen’s workload of late, why would we even consider using Chuck?
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure that what Roger told Chuck in that mound visit before Victorino hit was not, “Put one right over the middle and let’s see what he can do with it.”
Again, to quote Walter Sobchak: “Donny, you’re out of your element!”
By H-Ram
May 15, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
And this my friends is what Chuck James is all about..i really hope he gets teed off tonight(more than he has been)..so tomorrow they call up someone else…And this 5-0…its just a joke..the Braves forfeit this game just by Putting Chuckie out there…hey, we all knew what was going to happen…i hope his TICKET to Richmond is already in Frank Wrens hands…if not..Wren is making a mistake..a BIG,HUGE mistake..
By FloridaBrave
May 15, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
The Braves need a starting pitcher bad. Hudson, JJ, and Glavine are fine but James cannot start another game until he learns a third pitch and takes his craft more seriously and, although I like Jo-Jo, you got to expect inconsistency from essentially a rookie pitcher. As mentioned, good SPs aren’t going to be available yet- and if they are- they’ll be ridiculously expensive. I really think the Braves need to either hope Bennett channels the ghost of Buddy Caryle last year(at least first half) or throw Morton into the fire. We need another SP because we’re essentially playing with a 3-deep rotation.
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
DOB, won’t this be Chuck James’ last start?
By Greg
May 15, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Chuck James should be a batting practice pitcher. I hope this ends the Chuck James experiment. Bring up Morton.
By Tomas
May 15, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Chuck James will never be more than a five inning pitcher, that allows five homeruns per game. He is destined to be a minor league pitcher, and thats how he will end up this year. It will be a good Idea to give jorge sosa, or nelson figeroa which are designated for assignment, a chance, I think either of them would do a better job than james.
By joe from central ca
May 15, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Why does this game feel like one of Bobby Cox’s infamous “Give Away” games? With Chipper down he decides to put Gotay in there as well just when it looks like KJ is coming around. Man I hate when he does this! He breaks up any chance of groove for KJ and cripples any chance of run production. It feels like he just says “OK kid we’ll get’em next time” I know its a long season but come on, this is a Division RIVAL! I have a feeling this is going to get ugly…REAL UGLY! I’m talking 10 or 12 to zip ugly!
By Tarrazo
May 15, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Rotation Solution
Send Chuck James down Bring up Phil Stockman Put Bennett in the rotation
By new boss same as old boss
May 15, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
What’s up with the cries & complaints of the Men In Black groupies? Worried about Chuck James. I got Ian Kennedy, ERA close to double figures. And another hotshot broke a rib coughing. Sorry, that may happen to Hampton next. Worried about Tex hitting 250. Try 180, like my guy. But I’ll have Tex next year. Kelly Johnson? Are you kidding? My guy just went over .200 couple days ago. Your Golden Boy RF? I’m paying $15M for a guy scared of walls and he’s going to want more. Your LFers struggling. I put one out there half the time with an arm worse than Hampton. Your catcher slow and fat? Mine is slow and can’t throw. Literally. Don’t like Boyer? Want Farnsworth back. Lighten up you DOB addicts. Dad & I have real problems. Oh yeah. Your 3B hurt again. My $30M guy has been out weeks — weeks — with a quad. What’s a quad?
By N8
May 15, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
I’d say that the way Hamels is pitching, that this game would take less than 2 hours to complete, but then again, I forgot that the Phillies get to hit against Chuck, so that alone won’t allow that to happen.
Then again, it’s only taken those HR’s about 2.3 seconds to clear the wall. LOL!
This “match-up” is to baseball, what a game of 1 on 1 with me and Shaq would be to basketball.
Very one-sided and UGLY.
Oh well. Wasn’t everybody saying after the 6-game winning streak at home, that we’d be thrilled if we could go 2-5 on this road-trip?
Oh. Sorry. My Bad.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
I leave for what, 10-15 minutes, come back and see the homer man giving them up right and left.
I have better things to do with my night that watch that joke of a, well I don’t know what to call him cause he sure ain’t no pitcher. This game is turning out exactly as I had suspected with him on the mound.
It ain’t over yet, but I am.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By Saltywoody
May 15, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Good Afternoon. My name is Shane Victorino. I’m hitting .231 for the Phillies this year, with no homers and 4 rbis.
I’d just like to take a minute and thank Chuck James for sucking and allowing me to not only bolster my horrific average, but also to tally some power numbers that were previously nonexistent.
In fact, I think our entire team would like to extend an invitation to Chuck to come and pitch to us any time. We’re always hungry for meatballs.
Thanks, Chuck, for all you do for our numbers. Don’t ever go back to nailing down windows…we’d rather have you nailing down our victories for us singlehandedly.
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
WOW, certainly we have someone in AA/AAA than can do a better job than Chuck James! So, once again, I will place the blame firmly in the lap of Bobby Cox. We know its all his fault. But, the question is, why won’t he just bring somebody up from AA or AAA ? Oh and save the injury crap because James has injured my mood tonight with his pitching.
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Why can’t Campillo be given a shot to start? He couldn’t do any worse that Bobby’s lovechild Chuck James.
By Seth
May 15, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
In college we played a fun game called “would you rather” with adult beverages. Here’s a good one…
* Would you rather have Chuck James as your 3/4 starter, or Dan Kolb as your closer?*
Chuck James is just impotent on the mound.
Atlanta Braves baseball is turning into Redskins football.
By N8
May 15, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
DOB
“Man, you take Chipper out of this lineup, particularly against a good lefty, and you are severely mediocre…”
Even with the 20-25 million dollar man playing 1B and batting clean-up?
GTF outa here! Bite your tongue.
By joe from central ca
May 15, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Like I said…Bobby’s famous give away game…Blanco now in center…why not just bring Lillibrige in for this game and give Frenchy the night off too?
By John
May 15, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
May 15, 2008: Chuck James’ last appearance in the Braves’ rotation. Mark it down.
By TURTSNAP
May 15, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
DOB - Well the answer to the title of this blog… NO
Maybe the Chuck James experiment can finally be over. I mean, is he really our best option?
By ncgary
May 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
if we could get san dog to take chuckie at least he could get offseason work in la jolla
By Philliesuk
May 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should make Jorge Campillo our fifth starter. Maybe not the best idea, but better than CJ.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Braves starters have allowed only 17 homers this season, and Chuck has allowed SEVEN of them.
Again, we turn to Walter Sobchak: “Goodnight, sweet prince.”
By bobby
May 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Without Chipper, the Braves couldn’t beat the Rome Braves. They just look like a different team without him.
By fastasballs
May 15, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
I hate to pile on the guy, but James has no business pitching for the Braves right now or the near future. He’s not improved at all, if anything, he’s worse. He throws basically two pitches with no movement on his 90 mph fastball.
Granted it’s hard to win when you can’t score, but when your pitcher is being lit up like a Christmas tree every inning it’s hard to stay too motivated.
In no way am I giving the offense a pass for their “effort” tonight. I’m waiting on Hamels to have a 3 pitch inning. He’s got his change up working but has left his fastball up quite a bit, but nobody has managed to do anything with it.
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
chuck Jame’s only hope to be a successful major league pitcher is if all major league ballparks are rebuilt with fences extended to over 500 feet.
Also, Can Bobby fine players for swinging at the first pitch? geez
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
chuck Jame’s only hope to be a successful major league pitcher is if all major league ballparks are rebuilt with fences extended to over 500 feet.
Also, Can Bobby fine players for swinging at the first pitch? geez
By McFann
May 15, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
That was a wild pitch…Hmm…think McCann lucked out on that one…
QUIT SWINGING AT THE FIRST PITCH!!! HOLY COW, ALREADY!!!
By Hue Jass
May 15, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
HOLY CRAP!! Andruw Jones goes YARD?!? WHOA! If he keeps doing it once a month, he’ll finish with SIX HOME RUNS! The guys a machine, we need him back in A-TOWN.
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
N8
He is 24-16 with a 4.22 ERA in his career. 308 IP, 288 hits allowed. 229 K’s and 119 walks. He isn’t great, but name me a 5th starter with better career numbers than that.
By macdwolfpack
May 15, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Why in the world would you not start Jeff Bennett in that bandbox in Philly rather than a fly ball pitcher.
Secondly, why in the world when you offense scores 12 runs with 21 hits with Escobar leading off, Kotsay hitting 2nd, and Johnson hitting 7th do you then all of a sudden change your lineup and move Kotsay down to 7th and put Gotay at 2nd hitting 8th and Infante at 3rd hitting 2nd? Stupid managing if you ask me. Just absolutely mind boggling some of the stupid moves the Braves have made this past couple of years.
By Saltywoody
May 15, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
I love the “would you rather idea.”
Here’s one:
Would you rather have Chuck James starting or spot the Phillies 10 runs before starting the game?
Answer: Trick question. It’s the same thing.
By kris
May 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
If Texeira wants 25 mill Chipper should ask for 30. Texeira is not impressing me at all and is not carrying the team like a player of his caliber should. imo
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
This team should be called the Atlanta Chippers. Without him, they are nothing.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Braves baseball is turning into Redskins footballSeth
See, while some folks are going to reasonably discuss Chuck’s horrible performance, others will, of course, somehow extrapolate that or act as though the work of tonight’s starting pitcher defines the team. Not last night’s starter, not tomorrow’s starter, but tonight’s starter.
Seth, do you realize the Braves started this game with the same record as the NY Mets (20-19)? And the same number of losses as the Phillies (22-19)?
Or that they were 8-4 in their last 12 games before tonight?
By h_charles
May 15, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Can we please stop throwing Chuck out there? I really don’t know what this organization sees in him. He does nothing but get lit up. The only question is which inning. Honestly, I don’t why he is still on this roster.
I’d much rather see Bennett in that slot. This was a throw away game. Hamels on the mound, no Chipper, we throw Chuckles. Might as well rest Tex again and try again tomorrow.
By tbo
May 15, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
With you Kris. BC has coached the Braves out of the playoffs the last 2 years and this year will be no different. Anyone that would put that clown Chuck James in there has to be stupid or senile.
By Chris
May 15, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Hello,
My name is Bobby Cox. I’m the only manager in the world that would sit Kelly Johnson after his last couple of games ad when my best hitter is sitting. I’m also the only manger in the league that would ever think to hit Jeff Francouer in the 3 hole. I hope everyone has enjoyed this evening of baseball management by someone who should be in a nursing home.
By Kev
May 15, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Chuck James folks…is WORTHLESS…he doesnt deserve a spot in ML..not even in AAA…SELL him to a Mexico team or send him to Japan or Korea..ANYWHERE but MLB or MiLB…he doesnt have a pitcher’s IQ,Confidence,Control or ANYTHING..dumb as hell…doesnt know hitters,sequence on his pitches and he only has TWO PITCHES..With all that and in a bandbox stadium like Citizens Bank park is…A DISASTER..
By Saltywoody
May 15, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Ruben Gotay’s middle name is Bruce. That’s awesome.
By joe from central ca
May 15, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB..could you ask Cox after the game if this was just a “lets see what the kids can do” game? Do you think that would p*ss him off? LOL
By Yankee Dawg
May 15, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Tex ain’t worth $20+MM a year, no way after this start.
YD
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
5 1-pitch outs????
Jesus, man, could you change the channel?….Come on, man. I had a rough night and I hate the fin’ Eagles, man!
By i cant take it anymore
May 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
HEY EVERYBODY…we should be laughing! it’s just “chuckie being chuckie”.
By AMG
May 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
I said on Sunday Chuck James would give up 4 homerun tonight. I was wrong. He gave up 3 and one ball that hit the top of the wall.
The Braves are playing like the have a plane to catch.
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
N8
I am not a Chuck James fan, I understand what he does to the bullpen, and that he gives up far to many home runs, but the guy is a major league starting pitcher. 5th starter? Yes.
That said, do I think he will be apart of the 2009 Atlanta Braves rotation?
No. Not at all.
Could this be his last start for a while? Maybe, but I’d guess BC will still leave him in there to face the Mets in a Double header next Tuesday. We’ll see.
By Tarrazo
May 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
So much for campillo in the rotation
By John
May 15, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
DOB, Love the continuing Lebowski references. Makes me think: as this game is clearly over, let’s talk about something more pleasant. Can we get a list of your favorite films for those of us who prefer the silver screen to the music scene?
By BravesDave
May 15, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
The next person that mentions “trading” Chuck James should be beaten with a wet noodle.
There is not one team in the Majors that would take this guy on their Major League roster right now. NOT ONE. Actually, I think the Braves would have to throw in cash for a Mexican League team to take him.
When does this nightmare end?
On another topic, Ryan Howard is no longer struggling against left-handed pitching.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Remind me again, wasn’t Diaz supposed to be death on lefties? And how bad of a slump is Teixeira in right now? This one has all the makings of a tailcutting. Maybe that 7-2 DP will get somethin’ goin’.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
That was the best throw of Diaz’s life. Perfect throw.
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Paging Charlie Morton.
By MEB
May 15, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
It appears that Matt Diaz has a better arm that Blanco. Probably a better arm than Chuckie as well. Arghhh!
GO BRAVES!!!
By McFann
May 15, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
GREAT PLAY AT THE PLATE!!! Absolutely brilliant throw by Diaz! Beautiful!!
By Mark in PA
May 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Nice throw and tag!
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Matty D with the HOSE!!!!
Looks like the Jerome and Brian will have one thing to analyze and talk about, because u know they dont talk anything bad.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody thats a good one.
I got tired of reading in the past (not so long ago), that James had tons of talent. Im still trying to find it while he pitches. But since im not a MLB scout, maybe there are scouts from other teams that have picked it up.
Lets get trade this talented pitcher for another one…. Maybe the royals are willing to trade bannister for james straight up…..LOL. Or we can add miller and Thorman in the equation.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
DOUBLES! DOUBLES!! YEAH! Sweet doubles!!
Too bad nobody (Francoeur, Tex) was on base.
Where was the Rally Syndrome? Hello?
By BravesDave
May 15, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Considering the early-season numbers that Chipper, Kotsay, Escobar, and McCann are posting, combined with the excellent pitching from the starters (no need to reference Chuck James here…in my mind, he does not exist), this team should be CRUISING. 25-15 should not have been out of the question, even with the injuries.
Unfortunately, this team is clearly being weighed down by a few lineup regulars. Namely, Francoeur (he of the 28-game homerless streak), Teixeira (he of the Andruw Jones redux), Matt Diaz (he of the lost ability to hit), and Kelly Johnson (he of the poor defense and streaky hitting).
If Francouer had 7 HRs and 30+ RBIs, Tex had 8-9 HRs and 30+ RBIs, Diaz was hitting reasonably well, and Johnson was hitting .290, this team would be plowing through the NL just like the D-Backs.
Some may say it is unreasonable to expect Francoeur and Tex to have over 30 RBIs each, but the fact is that with the way other hitters in the lineup are reaching base, they have had an enormous number of opportunities to drive in runs this season.
By ncgary
May 15, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Also, Can Bobby fine players for swinging at the first pitch? geez
kris
smoltz or chipper could hold kangaroo court and charge everyone 100 bucks that swings at a first pitch and doesnt get a hit, and then doante it to charity, probably alot of hungry and sick people could use it in atlanta
By joe from central ca
May 15, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
How often do you see it. A guy makes a great play in the field only to follow it up with a LAZY FLY BALL!
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Are 5th starters supposed to pitch only 4 innings?
James is a long relever at best, and designated to blow outs specifically, winning or losing.
By GeorgetownKid
May 15, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Maybe this outing will serve to “stretch out” Campillo so that he can start in place of James next time through the rotation.
Chuck sure did look terrible. I don’t think it is quite deserving of the vitriolic comments here, but there is no denying he sucked tonight (and has all year).
Of course, our offense is equally inept tonight. Maybe we should heap some comments on our hitters for looking like little-leaguers up against Nolan Ryan.
By tbo
May 15, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Great formula for a loss: Chuck James pitching. Bobby Cox managing. Frenchy swinging at air.
By New Boss Same As Old Boss
May 15, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Want to trade Chucky?
I’ll take him. Wouldn’t be so bad in my home park. Right, DOB? Better than these phenoms I kept instead of getting Santana.
How ‘bout Pavano? Straight up! I’ll pay part of the moving costs.
Want to do that?
By Cody
May 15, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Having Chuck piych tonight reminded me that we need to trade for a pitcher. This guy is lost and will need a year to find his baseball. He has no confidence and will NEVER succeed in the majors until he develops a good 3rd pitch. I knew when I saw the line-up tonight that ATL was doomed. I mean when frenchy is batting thrird and the batting practice phenom James is pitching it equals lose. This team needs another pitcher and will need if by the middle of June. Morton can be called up but HE WILL not help in October. This team needs another veteran. This team is not built for next year it is built for today. I demand teh Braves trade James for a jock strap and a bat he needs a change of scenery. He is no better than a 4-5 starter to us. No matter what you James lovers say he should be better than this at his age and experience. Give teh SOB away I don’t care but three lefties in a line-up is to many.
By Fortune Cookie
May 15, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Fortune Say: don’t be kind to others if generosity not given in return. Braves Ballclub very generous. Give away more games than other teams give back.
When bloggers act as fortune cookie and know outcome before game based on lineup, fortune cookie get mad. Fortune Cookie don’t like competition. It diminish Fortune Cookie equity.
Lotto Numbers: 2,5,18,32.33,37
By N8
May 15, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Efrim
I don’t CARE what he did in 2005, 2006, or even last year for that matter.
Right NOW, after tonight, he’ll be 2-3 with a 7.86 ERA.
If you want me to look up and see how many 5th starters in MLB have better numbers than THOSE, let me know.
But if you insist on bringing up his past numbers, I’ll do that as well.
2005-2006:
11-4 record, 124.2 IP, 51 ER (3.68 ERA)
2007-2008
13-13 record, 185 IP, 97 ER (4.71 ERA).
But like I said. All I care about is WHAT CAN HE DO FOR THIS TEAM RIGHT NOW!!!???
The answer was just on display. If that’s good enough for YOU, I don’t know what else to say.
For the record. I just looked up all of the 5th starters stats in JUST OUR DIVISION, and NOT ONE of them, had an ERA over 7.00 this year.
Again. Don’t give me his “career” mark. We all saw what that did for Andruw last year….NOTHING.
Right now, Chuck James is likely the WORST starter in MLB (other than that hack we faced in Pittsburgh the other day).
In fact, Jeff Bennett has been almost TWICE as effective (half the ERA) in only 2 less starts than Chuck.
So Chuck isn’t even the best “back end rotation guy” on HIS OWN TEAM!!!!
Sorry dude. You lose.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I think that Bobby has Cole Hamels on his fantasy baseball team, and whoever he’s up against this week in their head-to-head league has Chuck James on his.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Campillo aint no James, he pitches have lots of movement, great acquisition out of nowhere.
By fastasballs
May 15, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
So does Bennett get a shot at starting? Or do they give Morton a start & go from there?
There’s not much to had in the trade market without over paying, at least right now so that’s probably not an option.
Next year’s staff is going to get young in a hurry. With Smoltz & Glavine probably not in the rotation the Braves probably will have Hudson, Jurrgens, Morton, Reyes & maybe one of the promising prospects to round out the rotation (barring a trade).
By ncgary
May 15, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
anyone checked out cubbies lineup, they lit maddux up for 11 hits in less than 5 and dempster knocked in the only run he needed, but except for soriano and jim edmunds the rest of the team hitting 294 or better
remember the braves old logo this could be the year may be the cubbies
By Don
May 15, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Someone has to say…Texeira stinks and is killing this team. Not going to be a hard decision if he continues at this rate.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the first line of my 8:50. Been playin’ a lot of Monopoly lately…
By Kev
May 15, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Oh where are THOU CHARLie!!!…Mr.Morton…youve got a mission to do..its next tuesday…against the MEts…lets GO!
By Lowe's
May 15, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
I’ll take him if you don’t want him. The kid may not be able to pitch, but he sure can install some windows.
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately, this team is clearly being weighed down by a few lineup regulars. Namely, Francoeur (he of the 28-game homerless streak), Teixeira (he of the Andruw Jones redux), Matt Diaz (he of the lost ability to hit), and Kelly Johnson (he of the poor defense and streaky hitting).
Excellent comment!
By chipdip
May 15, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
chuck james blows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!please make him go away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I’d guess that Bennett would be inserted in the rotation. Makes sense to give him two or three starts to see what he can do, and if he pitches well, keep him in there.
Campillo’s a possibility, but don’t know if he’s really ready to go beyond 3 innings without spending some time in minors to get a bit more stretched out.
By FloridaBrave
May 15, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Don, Tex is the last person I’d worry about. He’s a superstar and will eventually snap out of the funk he’s in.
By NS@Kennesaw
May 15, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
By the end of 4th inning, I could not watch any longer.
Poor Chuckie is not in the MLB pitching form. It is a torture to even send him out there today !!!
This tells me that Braves need a trade for some fresh arms for the rotation
BUT…from my view the 4th-5th spot in the rotation looked this bad because the OFFENSE cannot produce runs to keep pace … . why??? because NOBODY WORKS THE PICHES
Braves need to start thinking about WORKING THE PITCHES !!!!! Bobby Cox and TP need to look long and hard in to the games lost on this road trip and see how many games we won by swinging at the first pitch??
We wont yesterday because that was Phillies’ last spot in the rotation !!!!
By T
May 15, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Dave, Why the freak did Bobby Cox bat Francouer 3rd in the lineup tonight? You don’t put your coldest hitter in the 3 spot! It is these types of moves by Bobby Cox that are winning me over to the side of thinking we do need a new manager. I know Bobby is the most loyal and most likely thought it would show confidence…. blah, blah, blah.
This team needs FIRE on the bench. It is not a coincidence that it’s record the last two years in one-run games is very poor. Where is the urgency? why not try and win every inning? Not going to happen I know, but that should be the goal.
You don’t reward someone’s extremely poor performance and philosophy by moving them up in the line up!!!
By SaltyDawg
May 15, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Anybody notice how many (supposedly) promising young pitchers have come and gone under McDowell’s tutelage? We have had so many guys that were supposed to have a lot talent come here and flounder. We have also had an obscene number of injuries to the pitching staff. Now I know that all of that can’t be attributed to the pitching coach, but come on.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Berkman hit another homer.
I asked Chipper today about possibly putting together this April-May stretch and not winning Player of the Month either month. He said Utley deserved it, and said Berkman’s deserving now.
“I’m just going to try to be Steady Eddie and keep throwing up the second-best stats every month,” he said, laughing.
By H-Ram
May 15, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
This rotation is an exact copy of last year’s and 2006….No.1 and No.2..and pray for rain…this is going to a LONG LONG season folks..unless we trade for a No.2/No.3 guy…Glav has pitched good but not what we expected for a No.3..No.4 Reyes…one good start then a bad one..to inconsistent..and No.5…its so pitiful..Chuck James….OMG..Redman was pitching better than him..and HE is in AAA right now…wha a MESS this Rotation is without Smoltz…i hope Frank Wren is taking notes of all this Chuck James,Jo Jo Reyes experiment…it isnt working and its never going to work..
By Rip
May 15, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Nice knowing you Chuck ,its back the minors where you belong .
By fred
May 15, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it folks… the Braves suck right now! The only reason they are at .500 is because of Chipper. Proof…only 3 hits without him in the lineup and almost zero timely hitting other than him. They need a major kick in a* to get it going. No excuse for their poor play on the road.
By BravesDave
May 15, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
OMG, there has been a Chris Resop sighting. Someone call the FBI and tell them to cancel the search.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Cole Hamels: 2 hits.
Braves: 3 hits.
Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski: “Everything’s a f*$#ing travesty with you, man!”
By joe from central ca
May 15, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Infante instead of Kotay in the 8th…that moved paid off! I wonder what this type of OBVIOUS GIVE AWAY GAME does to the overall mental makeup of the team. Everybody HAS TO know it as soon as they see the lineup. What does Chipper or Smoltz or Galvine think about this? C’mon DOB ask them a tough one. Not implying that you don’t, it’s just this is so obvious to everyone. I’m just asking that someone acknowledge the large pink mammal in the middle of the room.
By Jay Jay
May 15, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
DOB, is Kelly honestly in a straight platoon with Omar Infante?
By Tomas
May 15, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Matt Diaz has a good arm, he throws them very onortodoxly, but the result is very good. He also plays the bounce of the wall as good as anybody.
By PAPA 10
May 15, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
DOB will gonzalez be back b4 all star break/
By Dubya
May 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Yur doin a fine job Chucky,keep up the good work,in fact I’m givin you a promotion and a plaque or somethin.
By N8
May 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Not to beat a dead horse (actually I do - I’m good at it. LOL!)
Here’s a comparison that is actually pretty startling.
Pitcher A:
21.2 IP, 28 ER
Pitcher B:
24 IP, 21 ER.
Who are the pitchers?
Pitcher A, is Mark Redman as a Brave last year, before he was released.
Pitcher B of course, is Chuck after tonight.
A couple more starts like tonight, and Chuck will have that ERA up there where Redman was.
Yikes.
For the record, I’m not picking on you. Just venting about Chuckie.
I will agree with you. If Chucks numbers were what they have been (.500 pitcher - give or take - and a 4.50 or so ERA), that is PERFECT for a 5th starter. Provided that the other 4 guys, or at least 3 of them are regularly going 7+ innings.
But he is averaging 4.2 IP per start.
Not good enough for me. We’ll see next time this spot comes up in the rotation, if it’s good enough for Bobby.
I’m guessing it’s NOT.
I’ve been pleading, preaching, BEGGING since last year, for him to be our “spot-starter/longman”.
In fact, earlier this year, I laid out his numbers for his first 3 IP per start (essentially his first time through the order), for his career and they are STELLAR (however, not so much this year as in years past).
Until, one of the kids are ready to be given a shot, Bennett is the BEST option for the 5th spot, IMO.
Hell. When the fifth spot comes up, we’d be better working “backwards”. Start with the 3 best relievers in for the first 3 innings, and then go to the “long-man”, in the mean time hoping that the offense can actually score a damn run, THEN see if Chuck can hold the lead.
Because when he starts and gives up bombs early, it puts the pen in a bad spot, and has the Braves hitters on their heals. Which is tough enough spot for them to be in, even when the other starter is NOT Cole Hamels.
By Kev
May 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
and with Chuck start..THere goes our depth…i wast quality…but hey at least i was depth…what this team needs is to trade for a No.2 or a No.3 pitcher…Harang,Arroyo,Blanton somebody that gives this rotation a boost…Bennett in the rotation as the No.5??well i dont even want to take that..all i say is give him 1 start and if he pitches well then keep him..but Bennett WALKS TO MANY BATTERS..Control is his problem..he has the stuff …is the control…Morton MORTON MORTON!!
By ncscoots
May 15, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
You can work the count on some pitchers, and some, you can’t. Hamels, on his game, is one of the latter. But I’m sure there will tons of posts coming up that the Braves “should have taken a few pitches”.
These will be folks who think hitting 0-2 against a pitcher such as Hamels is as easy as guiding a ML fastball to the opposite field.
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
N8
Have you seen the hacks on some of the other teams in baseball? I agree he has been terrible since July of last year, but he is still a viable major league starter. Not a great one, but he is decent enough to stick around in the majors. He had a bad game. He has had several this year, and he should probably be in Triple A right now still getting work in recovery from a partially torn rotator cuff. But because of our injuries, that hasn’t been possible.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t talk to me.
}: [
By i cant take it anymore
May 15, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
i sure wish tex would show me his superstar, especially when the brighest one is on the bench.
By Dallas
May 15, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
What are the odds that Soriano is used as trade bait when he comes back in order to bolster another part of the roster?
With Smoltz closing games out, and Gonzalez coming back, would there be a weak spot on our roster that needs to be strengthened via trade?
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
This is sad to say but:
James must not start another game this year (as a brave).
Jeff HAS to sit.
TEX should be platooned with norton just like Delgado, at least until he wakes up.
At least JoJo is not doing such a bad job. Bennett 4th, JoJo 5th.
How is Hampton doing?
How is Carlyle doing?
Letting James pitch if Chipper needs a day off is a horrible decision.
I wont blame TEX, Ive seen that guy hit line drives allover the place and get robbed in average, once a game…..average I said.
Hope team gains some confidence now that Smoltzie, Soriano and Gonzo are coming back…
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
How many lefties are we facing at home? I hope just one, tomorrow’s starter Dana Eveland. It is a serious problem. Tex needs to get it going on this home stand, it won’t be easy since we will be facing three of the best pitching staffs in baseball this year.
By GreenJacket
May 15, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
The Braves 4th and 5th starters have almost no chance. The bats are either red hot or non existant. I set aside my expectations a couple of weeks ago. Now I will just try to enjoy the games or, like tonight, turn the channel to something more interesting.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Obviosly the braves are starting james for this purpose:
He’s a stop gap until smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzo are ready, and until Buddy gets off the DL. When Smoltz is ready, they either send james down or Resop.
I’m betting the braves brass want to demote Resop when the 1st of 4 are ready and keep bennett in the pen. Then they’ll want to drop james when the 2nd of three are ready.
James sucking it up is gonna (or should) make the team make a move before any of the 4 are ready.
These are the options until buddy, smotlz, or soriano are ready:
Send down James, Make bennett a starter, promote Stockman. No long relief in the pen though.
Send down Resop, promote stockman, make bennet a starter, use james in the pen.
Send down James, promote Morton and let him see how he fares until Buddy comes back.
There’s a lot of options and a lot of guys that can be rotated. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a move soon.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
That. Was. Ugly.
By N8
May 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
SaltyDawg
Yet the Braves pitchers (under McDowell) lead the league in ERA? Even WITH the horrible Chuck James and Chris Resop collecting some innings.
Name the pitchers that “supposed to have a lot talent”, that have “floundered”.
I can’t think of ONE.
If you think Leo would have helped out in this regard, ask Jason Marquis, Odalis Perez, Jason Schmidt and others what he did for them early in their careers. Better yet, ask the Orioles how Leo “helped” their staff?
Baltimore Team ERA:
2005: 4.56 (last season before Leo)
2006: 5.55 (first season with Leo)
2007: 5.17 (BIG improvement in year 2, huh?)
2008: 4.07 (so far AFTER Leo left).
Similar to Bobby, Leo’s “resume” looked a helluva LOT BETTER, due to a pretty good TRIO of pitcher going to the HOF one day. Maybe you’ve heard of them?
By brian
May 15, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
DOB - any chance that Charlie Morton gets the call to try a shot in Chuck James’s spot? Bobby loves the versatility of Bennett in the bullpen.
I am sure someone above mentioned this previously, but how about some love for Tommy Hanson as a stud pitching prospect.
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
OK. Chuck has lost it. He had it once for a while. Now he’s lost it. I’ve backed the guy. Credited him with his work and I feel I must continue… and James has lost it. Poor performance by James. I wouldn’t mind seeing him put together a few good starts down on the farm, maybe one more at the big level (might be asking for too much) and then a trade…
However, that doesn’t excuse this offense from going silent.
The answer to the question posted way up above… Chipper is just that good.
This game was a goner on the offensive side from the get go though. Francoeur 3rd? Infante and Gotay? Half the bench is on the field… This is the Cox equivalent of the Pirates pitching Van B!tchslap
By Not Watching This
May 15, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
This isn’t a “I predicted this” post like I’m some kind of soothsayer or something. It’s just assumption based on the evidence presented beforehand. My wife sits religiously and does not complain every night while I watch the Braves. If it’s baseball season and the Braves are playing, it’s on my television. Tonight, I surprised her. I told her that it was her night and she could watch anything she wanted. She looked shocked and asked, “Braves rained out?” I told her no that I just wanted her to have a night to watch what she wanted to. Why this game you might ask? Simple. Chuck James pitching in Citizens Bank park was the major deciding factor. The clencher however was when Chipper was scratched and I saw that Frenchy was batting in the 3 hole. I swear, I chuckled out loud. This was a loser game if I had ever seen a loser game.
No I told you so. No I predicted this. Just plain simple deduction based on players and their performance.
So my wife got to watch the big screen, I made some brownie points with her and I didn’t have to watch the Braves suck.
So tomorrow night, I’ll start another streak of watching the Bravos while my wife sits patiently accepting the fact that I’m a baseball junkie.
By cdinala
May 15, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Chuck hangs doors, windows and curve balls.
By JacksonV
May 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Smoltz starting really tied the rotation together.
By Randy S
May 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
I kinda feel sorry for Chuck. He just doesn’t have major league stuff and certainly doesn’t have the control to make up for it. When he leaves the dugout he’s rolling out of there naked.
By N8
May 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
SaltyDawg
*”We have also had an obscene number of injuries to the pitching staff. Now I know that all of that can’t be attributed to the pitching coach, but come on.”
Forgot to comment on this comment as well.
Really? Do ANY of the injuries shock you?
Hampton? Come on.
Smoltz & Glavine? Two guys in their 40’s? Come on.
Soriano and Gonzo? Really? Two guys essentially coming of of arm issues BEFORE we traded for them. No shock their.
Moylan? How many outings did he have last year, 250?
NONE of these injuries were the fault of Mr. HOT FOOT.
That being said, I do believe that the relative health of Leo’s throwing program deserves some credit.
For, in order to be successful on the field, great pitchers have to be ABLE TO GET ON (and stay on) THE FIELD.
See: Mike Hampton if you have any questions. Make no mistake about it. If he was able to get on the field, he’d be contributing in a positive manner.
Look at Smoltz, Schilling, Pedro and Randy Johnson. If 100 percent healthy, they would ALL still be among baseballs best pitchers.
But saying all of that, isn’t the same as blaming McDowell for any of the Braves pitching injuries.
That would be similar to blaming TP for Chippers groin injury. Just silly.
If ANYTHING, it’s on Bobby for throwing these guys out there (like Chuck, if he’s still not healthy), and making them pitch. Not the pitching coach.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Dallas, braves cant trade soriano, since you can expect smoltz and/or gonzo hit DL, cant take any risks.
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
N8
I understand what you are saying, I am just trying to put some type of a positive spin on Chuck. I don’t think he will be in this rotation next year, or even on this team.
The lack of innings from our starters is scary. I’m not sure how it is going to get better. My biggest fear is Jair Jurrjens being overworked. Hopefully he doesn’t get past 180 innings…actually 170.
By Mark in PA
May 15, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Hey, he’s the #5 pitcher. Ease up—it’s not like his spot comes up every day.
And how can this be pinned 100% on BC? If you will recall, the season started with Chuck in the minors—and that’s where I sure Bobby’d like him to be, too. There are not a lot of realistic options for starting pitching tonight.
The offense, on the other hand…
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Dave, Why the freak did Bobby Cox bat Francouer 3rd in the lineup tonight? You don’t put your coldest hitter in the 3 spot!
Sometimes the Bobby Bashing is warranted. Other times people just look for a reason to complain.
Before last night Frenchy was 7 of his last 10. He was not our coldest hitter. Tex is our coldest hitter. This team sucks against lefties, so he wasn’t going to bat a lefty 3.
As bad as the lineup is against LH, why not try something new? Do you think we had a shot anyway based on the previous efforts against LH and with Chuck going against Hamels?
Who else was he going to put in the 3 spot tonight? Gotay? Infante? Diaz?
Speaking of Jeff, I really think it’s time for a day off. Harden’s gonna eat him alive this weekend. That would be a good day for a rest.
By New Boss Same As Old Boss
May 15, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Listen up, DOB worshippers.
I’m going to explain the Braves’ predicament.
For the past two years, most personnel moves have been to give a final hurrah, swan song to Chipper, Smoltz, Cox, and the Homeboy Upstairs. So many veterans were brought in - Redman, Woodward, Harris, Tex, Dotel, Glavine, Infante, Gonzalez, etc, etc., in order for your heroes to go out in style.
Youth - and patience - was sacrificed. LaRoche, Salty, Elvis, Davies, Devine. Even the one trade (Renteria) that brought youth (JJ) was made to clear cash for Glavine.
It was a reasonable plan. DOB wrote so many times.
Is it working? Too early to tell, though you kool-aid drinkers aren’t patient.
However, if this is a .500 team at year’s end, and if Tex bolts, and if Glavine and Smoltz and Cox retire, and if Hampton can’t come back (joking, couldn’t resist), then Hoss sits alone (unhappily perhaps) in a serious rebuilding, youth movement for the future. Sans some once highly touted prospects.
This is the hand that was played. It is what most of you wanted, judging from the nightly anguish as the innings are played.
What to do? It is out of your hands. Watch and see what developments. And stay out of the downtown high-rises on nights when Chucky pitches.
By PrincetonBrave
May 15, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I honestly don’t see how Chuck James has even a remote possibility at an effective outing. If he does not hit his spots EXACTLY, he is going to get shelled. And since he is a human being and thus prove to an occasional deviation from the desired result, then he is going to be shelled alot.
Thus, I hereby declare Chuck James unfit for major league baseball. I refuse to vote for him in ‘08. I do not endorse his lack of effective pitches. I filiburst his third pitch. I veto his flat, predictible, and oh so hittable change-up/fastball.
What’s Russ Ortiz up to? How is Greg McMichael? Denny Neagle? Charlie Hough? He can still urge that knuckle ball over the plate, right?
“Dude, you’re being very undude right now.”
By chris
May 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Can you weigh in on this thought? I really like Bennet as a starter. I fully understand his spot starter value and bullpen versatility but if he can give us quality starts (which I believe he can) wouldn’t he be better placed there? Especially when our reinforcements (Soriano, Gonzalez, and Smoltz) come? I’m very curious about the possibilities of Morton but Bennet is similar to Villareal the last two years— misplaced in the bullpen and effective if given a series of chances as a starter. Thoughts?
Sincerely,
Chris from MD
By fieldofdreams
May 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
These guys are not going to win the 85 games they won last year. It’s time to get real: the franchise is in decline. Frenchy, McCann, Diaz, Johnson and Texeira are solid but not good enough to build around. If they break the bank for Frenchy I’ll puke. He’s Brad Komminsk, with a better batting average. Magic, as it turns out, isn’t easy to conjure, but I recommend speed at the top of the lineup, and auditions for young pitchers. Hopefully Bobby will bow out gracefully, and make way for John Smoltz.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
If you think Leo would have helped out in this regard, ask Jason Marquis, Odalis Perez, Jason Schmidt and others what he did for them early in their careers. Better yet, ask the Orioles how Leo “helped” their staff? N8
I know why Schmidt turned it around in SF. I was watching him pitch one day on Fox. Fox had asked him the question. The answer?
“All the brainpicking i did to Maddux finally translated”
You’re right N8. It wasn’t Leo. It was the HOF 3.
By Lew
May 15, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Being the Eternal Optimist that I am, I will go with tonight’s silver lining. With the way the first inning went, it could have been much worse. We’re lucky he didn’t give up five runs to start the game and then go from there (if not immediately removed).
I don’t think his shoulder is right yet. He’s always had a proclivity for Home Runs, but his control has never been this bad. He usually has around a 2 to 1 K to BB ratio. Not this year.
By N8
May 15, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Efrim
“Have you seen the hacks on some of the other teams in baseball? I agree he has been terrible since July of last year, but he is still a viable major league starter. Not a great one, but he is decent enough to stick around in the majors. He had a bad game. He has had several this year”
I stated earlier that Chuck’s ERA would be at 7.86. It’s actually currently listed at 8.22.
According to ESPN’s pitching stats, of pitchers with a MINIMUM of 20 IP, Chuck James will be ranked 193 out of 204 pitchers.
In ALL OF BASEBALL with at least 20 innings pitched, only 11 have pitched WORSE than Chuck. Ironically, Mark Redman is “slightly” (ahem!) better than Chuckie with a 7.84 ERA. LOL! I think I smell a Redman return to Atlanta in the works.
You may be right about him needing to still be recovering at AAA and gaining back some strength and confidence. But then, ultimately, isn’t THAT on Bobby and Wren?
Why would they do that to a guy that’s not healthy, if he isn’t?
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul, you are right. Its hard to understand bobby. He does posses something we dont, and that it direct contact and evaluation of his players. But how can he put Gotay, in if chipper has to sit??? Why put Jeff 3rd??? you have yunel, kotsay and KJ. Specially is James is pitching.
It looked bad before it even started. At least it was not a 1run loss.
By Saltywoody
May 15, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Chuck hangs doors, windows and curve balls
Funny, but just one problem with that. Chuck doesn’t throw a curveball.
By ncgary
May 15, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
didnt aristotle put it something like this , there are those who possess titles and nobility, and those who deserve them, we need to get the best 25 on the field
By Derick Richards
May 15, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
The fans in Richmond want to welcome Chuck James back to town. What time does the plane land tonight?
By GermanBravesFan
May 15, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t Glavine supposed to be a tutor for Chuck James and the other young pitchers? Chuck James better start listening…
By N8
May 15, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Efrim
As per your 9:42.
I hear you. I doubt (unless we are extremely desperate - and in that case, it probably won’t matter), that Chuck might not start another game THIS YEAR for us.
He should have been traded while his stock was high.
Then again, maybe Seattle will give us Putz for him? LOL!
By Mark in PA
May 15, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
N8, despite my earlier post calling for shifting fire from Chuck…
The reason Redman is still slightly better than CJ, is that Redman got to pitch a game against the Braves on the road.
By Dan in NC
May 15, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
I visit this blog on a daily basis to read the comments of DOB and everybody else on here…with how bad we look on the road, it was time for me to let off some steam.
Is it me or does Jeff Francoeur seem to get a free pass on this team when it comes to his bad execution? Is it because he’s a local guy?
I had a lot of good feelings about Frenchie in the last couple years but his complete lack of smarts at the plate reminds me so much of Andruw. This kid has a ton of potential and because of his mindset, his level of talent will never get fully tapped into, that is unless he changes.
The way he is playing right now, I am so very happy that the organization did not lock him up to a long-term deal.
Anyway…I had to let that out. DOB, or anybody else feel free to respond.
Oh BTW, I know another person asked earlier, does anybody know where Smoltz may end up next week in his possible rehab assignment? I personally would love to see him at Rome, even though they play at Asheville in a four game set next week, it would still be within a decent travel distance to get him back to Atlanta at a moments notice. I live about a half-hour east of Asheville.
By Yars
May 15, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
If KJ isn’t starting at 2B tomorrow night against the A’s, then yeah, I guess you could say he’s in some sort of platoon at 2B with Infante. A’s starting a LH pitcher tomorrow.
By Dan in NC
May 15, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
I visit this blog on a daily basis to read the comments of DOB and everybody else on here…with how bad we look on the road, it was time for me to let off some steam.
Is it me or does Jeff Francoeur seem to get a free pass on this team when it comes to his bad execution? Is it because he’s a local guy?
I had a lot of good feelings about Frenchie in the last couple years but his complete lack of smarts at the plate reminds me so much of Andruw. This kid has a ton of potential and because of his mindset, his level of talent will never get fully tapped into, that is unless he changes.
The way he is playing right now, I am so very happy that the organization did not lock him up to a long-term deal.
Anyway…I had to let that out. DOB, or anybody else feel free to respond.
Oh BTW, I know another person asked earlier, does anybody know where Smoltz may end up next week in his possible rehab assignment? I personally would love to see him at Rome, even though they play at Asheville in a four game set next week, it would still be within a decent travel distance to get him back to Atlanta at a moments notice. I live about a half-hour east of Asheville.
By N8
May 15, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody
Somebody posted:
“Chuck hangs doors, windows and curve balls”
To which you replied:
“Funny, but just one problem with that. Chuck doesn’t throw a curveball.”
That, my friend is PRECISELY the problem. The lack of a 3rd pitch is what’s gonna make him a AAAA pithcer/reliver before it’s all said and done.
By Reid in EAV
May 15, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, I don’t know what got you on the Lebowski kick, but I’m not complaining.
All The Dude wanted was his rug back…
By GermanBravesFan
May 15, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I just heard that Bud Selig called Chuck James to invite him to the All-Star Game. They need a pitcher for the Home Run Derby!
By Is It Just Me
May 15, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
What was Chuckie last two seasons? Wasn’t he 13-11 back to back seasons?
It may just be me, but I have NEVER understood how Chuckie got anyone out! His stuff has always seemed below average. His motion could cause nightmares! This guy buggywhips and is just beggin’ for a career of reconstructive surgeries if he keeps pitching. I really can’t get on him too much for his performance because this is what I’ve expected from him since I first saw him pitch. Maybe whatever smoke and mirrors he used to get people out the last couple of years (at least some people out)have finally been revealed. Guys know what to expect and I can’t believe too many major league hitters who have an idea of what Chuckie is about on the mound are going to have very much trouble with him.
I don’t think Chuckie’s shoulder is making much of a difference. I just think at his best, he’s old news and the league finally caught up with him.
Maybe Chuck knew something we didn’t when he took the advice, “don’t quit your day job!”
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Lew just stop it, James is not hurt, you know that. Baseball teams just have their number, weve seen the best out of chuck already. It will be a miracle if he turns it around… Miracles happen, wish him the best.
By Herschel Talker
May 15, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
DOB: Seriously, why do they keep pitching James. I’m aware of all the injuries, but seriously. I believe one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Have the Braves not learned anything from their mediocre pitching experiences over the last 2 years?
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Yars
If KJ isn’t starting at 2B tomorrow night against the A’s, then yeah, I guess you could say he’s in some sort of platoon at 2B with Infante. A’s starting a LH pitcher tomorrow.
If that happens, BC is making a idiotic decision. Would make no sense in my mind.
By N8
May 15, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Here’s something that’s kinda funny.
Last year, Chuck pitched 161 innings.
At the current HR “pace”, if he were to pitch 161 innings this year, he’d give up around 50+ HR.
In 400+ innings in 1994-1995, Greg Maddux gave up 73 TOTAL EARNED RUNS.
Now I get that Chuck is NOT Greg Maddux. But many of us, (myself included), often compare what these kids are doing, compared to the GREAT pitching we’ve witnessed in the past.
Needless to say, that isn’t really fair.
At this point, I’d settle for Chuck being as good as Mike Bielecki “type” numbers from Chuck.
Somebody asked earlier about Glavine tutoring Chuck, and how Chuck better start listening. Here’s about how I see that “conversation” going.
Chuck: “Hey. These guys tell me you used to pitch for the Braves. What team you on now?”
Glavine: “Are you frickin’ retarded? I’m pitching on YOUR team.”
Chuck: “Cool. You need any windows installed?”
Glavine: ” Do you wanna learn how to pitch from a fellow left-hander, that’s going to the HOF, or what?”
Chuck: “What’s the HOF?”
Glavine: “Oh, for crying out loud. (slaps Chuck in the face) PAY ATTENTION!!!”
Chuck: “Ouch.”
Glavine: “First thing. You have to keep the ball in the yard. NEVER give in”
Chuck: “Which ball?”
Glavine: “ALL of them”
Chuck: “I’m not sure I can do that.”
Glavine: (while raising his hands in the air walking away) “I can’t deal with this. Hampton! Get over hear and teach this kid about keeping yourself in shape, so he can stay in the game and contribute!”
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
You may be right about him needing to still be recovering at AAA and gaining back some strength and confidence. But then, ultimately, isn’t THAT on Bobby and Wren?
Why would they do that to a guy that’s not healthy, if he isn’t? N8
Well they did it to Hampton when he still felt the pec. They did it to Soriano in ST with the elbow discomfort, and he still feels it. And now chuck.
I’ve said this before N8. Before BC seemed to give guys extra rest when they were ready to come back. He’d rest them when they felt any discomfort. In the last 3 seasons, it seems like he’s done the opposite - just trying to get guys on the field. We’re not as good as we once were, and bobby knows it.
By N8
May 15, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Mark in PA
“The reason Redman is still slightly better than CJ, is that Redman got to pitch a game against the Braves on the road.”
Too funny. Good thing Chuck doesn’t pitch for the A’s. He’d carve this lineup apart. LOL!
By badhatharry
May 15, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
How about name the really bad trade. I sorry I don’t know how a team with a questionable bullpen could trade a former 1st pick that had a great year at AAA, for a guy that we are only going to have one year. It’s nuts. I when someone in power moves orgizations they will continually over value players from their former club, Daveys was an example of that last year, but this one going to haunt the braves for years to come.
By gotigers72
May 15, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
I know you can’t win unless you score runs, but I’m still gonna complain about tonight’s pitching. Chuck needs to go. Either traded [if anyone would want him], or to the minors. His first year was a pretty good year, but in the dumper since then. YOU CAN’T PITCH ABOVE THE BELT IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. And that was the only place Chuck pitched tonight. Unless it was a ball in the dirt during one of his FIVE WALKS. You can’t pitch behind all of the time, and you can’t throw the majority of your pitches to the fat part of the plate. He did all of those things tonight. And like other ragarms that the Braves have gotten rid of lately [Odalis, Horacio, Redman, etc.], he has not shown any improvement. Just keeps getting worse.
I won’t give a criticism without giving an opinion on what I think should be tried, so here goes. Let Bennett start and bring Stockman up and put him in the bullpen. Stockman’s stats = 1-0, 0.77 ERA, 23 1/3 IP, 8 hits, 10 BBs, 17 Ks. 8 FREAKIN’HITS IN 23 INNINGS! Or option #2 = Bring Charlie Morton up. Charlies’ stats = 2-0 1.69 ERA, 48 IP, 30 hits, 15 BBs, 39 Ks. Neither one’s stats look too bad, and I don’t believe either could be worse than Chuck.
One fourth of the season is now over and the Braves are at a mediocre .500. Time to ——, or get off of the pot.
By Efrim
May 15, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Dan in NC
Is it me or does Jeff Francoeur seem to get a free pass on this team when it comes to his bad execution? Is it because he’s a local guy?
That is a no-no on this blog my friend.
By Saltywoody
May 15, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
What do you get when you cross Hampton and Chuck James?
An overpriced pitching machine that doesn’t work.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
We should have James throw batting practice to the hitters before they face lefties on the road.
That could instill some confidence in these guys.
The reason Redman is still slightly better than CJ, is that Redman got to pitch a game against the Braves on the road
Well, maybe not. Chuck would dominate us.
By TNRON
May 15, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
My guess is John Smoltz will pitch a rehab assignment next week in Sevierville,TN. aainst the Tennessee Smokies,(AA Cubs)in as much as Rome is on the road.
By Overlord
May 15, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
That is a no-no on this blog my friend.
Efrim is there some blood in your eyes pal? LOL.
By Saltywoody
May 15, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
N8
Totally agree about Chuck. He doesn’t throw hard enough or with enough accuracy to be any good with two pitches. His fastball is flat and if he can’t locate it, then his change isn’t effective either.
Honestly, if the guy just learned how to throw an effective cutter or a curve, he could be a heckuva lot better. But, then again, that’s assuming he could locate those pitches as well. No pitch does any good unless you can throw it was some accuracy…unless it’s a knuckleball.
Then again, maybe Seattle will give us Putz for him? LOL!
THAT is hilarious.
By FloridaBrave
May 15, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
“Listen up, DOB worshippers.
I’m going to explain the Braves’ predicament.
For the past two years, most personnel moves have been to give a final hurrah, swan song to Chipper, Smoltz, Cox, and the Homeboy Upstairs. So many veterans were brought in - Redman, Woodward, Harris, Tex, Dotel, Glavine, Infante, Gonzalez, etc, etc., in order for your heroes to go out in style.
Youth - and patience - was sacrificed. LaRoche, Salty, Elvis, Davies, Devine. Even the one trade (Renteria) that brought youth (JJ) was made to clear cash for Glavine.
It was a reasonable plan. DOB wrote so many times.
Is it working? Too early to tell, though you kool-aid drinkers aren’t patient.
However, if this is a .500 team at year’s end, and if Tex bolts, and if Glavine and Smoltz and Cox retire, and if Hampton can’t come back (joking, couldn’t resist), then Hoss sits alone (unhappily perhaps) in a serious rebuilding, youth movement for the future. Sans some once highly touted prospects.
This is the hand that was played. It is what most of you wanted, judging from the nightly anguish as the innings are played.
What to do? It is out of your hands. Watch and see what developments. And stay out of the downtown high-rises on nights when Chucky pitches.”
New Boss Same As Old Boss,
McCann at C, Kelly Johnson at 2B, Yunel Escobar at SS, Jeff Francoeur at RF, and Gregor Blanco in LF. All young home-grown players. Despite some injuries here and there, Chipper Jones and John Smoltz are still producing at an extremely high level. Even when the Braves make a brilliant trade(Renteria trade) you still twist it with flawed logic to support your argument.
The Braves got younger, saved money, and improved the ball club all in one trade. The Braves didn’t trade Renteria to specifically free up cap room for Glavine, they did it to free up a spot for a young player, Escobar, which is exactly what you are accusing the Braves of not doing. The Braves got a 22 yera old pitcher who’s pitching like an ace, a solid 3rd starter for, at $8 mil a year, well below market value, and a top prospect for a shortstop who’s hitting .260 with an OBP under .300. Oh, and it also freed up a spot for our leadoff hitter who has brought the same average as Edgar but better defense at a much less price and you’re complaining?
What has Saltalamacchia done? Davies? Andrus? Devine has pitched well for what- 20 innings- and he’s already a stud? And the Braves couldn’t have predicted Gonzalez would have blown out his elbow when they traded LaRoche.
This team looked fantastic on paper beginning of the season. Many predicted them to win the World Series. There was a reason for that.Injuries and some tough luck has hurt the Braves last few years, not a faulty organizational approach.
That’s just really flawed logic.
By JJMB
May 15, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Might as well change the name of Atlanta to Chipper, and the name of the Braves to Jones.
This team is NOTHING without him.
By Seth
May 15, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, Yeah I was checking out the standings before the game. What I meant by the Redskins comment was that for the last couple years, no matter the offseason measures taken, no matter the logical optimism that we may have going into a season, winning seems to avoid us. It is very frustrating, especially considering the success we had for such a long time. The Braves have lost their magic.
As far as our wins and losses vs other clubs in the division, DOB you’re right, we’re right stinkin’ there with them. And yes, Baseball is a game of streaks and I’m sure Bobby’s club will heat up in mid-summer like we’ve done historically. But we’re playing .500 baseball right now. If you look objectively and soberly at the club’s makeup (the back of rotation, the lack of power bats, a managerial style that doesn’t utilize speed well which we’d need to be successful at playing small-ball), there’s a reason we’re playing .500 ball and it has much more to do than with how well we’re playing. I think that right now we’ve simply a .500 team at this point. That being said, I wouldn’t consider the rest of the division that much better. If you stack up anyone in the NL East with the perennial contenders in the AL or the top teams in the NL (well, the Dbacks may be the only legit one)I don’t think we do well.
It’s not that we’re not that bad it’s just that no one else is that good.
By Yankee Dawg
May 15, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Tex ain’t worth $20+MM a year, no way after this start.
YD
By Not Watching This
May 15, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
I posted earlier about choosing tonight to let my wife choose the programming here and not watch the Braves. I explained it was a no brainer because of the matchup tonight. (Chuck James in Citizens Bank ballpark, Chipper sitting, French hitting third, Cole Hamels etc.) Someone else mentioned that the only effective outing that Mark Redman has thrown all year was against the Braves.
The Phillies did what they were supposed to do tonight. They had a far better matchup going and won the game. It should have been that way. THAT is one of the problems the Braves have. They don’t routinely win the matchups that they should win. They make too many journeyman pitchers look like Cy Young.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
How about name the really bad trade. I sorry I don’t know how a team with a questionable bullpen could trade a former 1st pick that had a great year at AAA, for a guy that we are only going to have one year. It’s nuts. I when someone in power moves orgizations they will continually over value players from their former club, Daveys was an example of that last year, but this one going to haunt the braves for years to come. badhatharry
Amen.
As good as Kotsay’s playing, he’s a one year player. Never should’ve made that trade. Any rookie could’ve matched Andruw’s productivity from last. So far the offense is just as up and down as last year with andruw in the lineup.
Billy Beane is smart. He got rid of Kotsay for a good reliever who’s pitching so good he’s looking to trade Street now. That guy’s got so much leverage and young pitching talent it’s ridiculous. It’s a revolving door of young talent on that team.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
How about name the really bad trade. I sorry I don’t know how a team with a questionable bullpen could trade a former 1st pick that had a great year at AAA, for a guy that we are only going to have one year. It’s nuts. I when someone in power moves orgizations they will continually over value players from their former club, Daveys was an example of that last year, but this one going to haunt the braves for years to come. badhatharry
Amen.
As good as Kotsay’s playing, he’s a one year player. Never should’ve made that trade. Any rookie could’ve matched Andruw’s productivity from last. So far the offense is just as up and down as last year with andruw in the lineup.
Billy Beane is smart. He got rid of Kotsay for a good reliever who’s pitching so good he’s looking to trade Street now. That guy’s got so much leverage and young pitching talent it’s ridiculous. It’s a revolving door of young talent on that team.
By FloridaBrave
May 15, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to calm down. Everyone before the game knows we have Chuck Jame sup against Cole Hamels without Chipper in our lineup so everyone pretty much concedes victory. Then we lose and people act surprised and say we suck and how we’re a .500 team. Come on now…
By Mike R
May 15, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Fact it guys, the Braves conceded this game. They knew they had to chance with James pitching so Cox played it like a split squad spring training game. No sense playing Chipper when it is a give-away game. Once Smoltz and Soriano come back. Bennett will join the rotation and James will continue his career in AAA. Being left-handed he will bounce back and forth for several years but never really be a major league starter.
Couldn’t be more disappointed in Tex. Texas had to know he doesn’t have the guts to be “the man” on a team. Note that he rarely does anything when Chipper is out of the lineup, (very little so far this year when Chipper does play). No way the Braves should pay him $20 million per. Let him go and take the draft pick. I will bet anyone that if Chipper plays 130 games he will finish with more homers, RBIs, and a higher BA than Tex.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Walter Sobchuk: “Also Dude, let’s not forget, let’s NOT forget that keeping wildlife, um… an amphibious rodent, for… um, you know domestic… within the city… that ain’t legal either.”
By Bravesfan79
May 15, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Everyones talking about Chuck James is worthless…. well your wrong. Chuck James can give us some good games in bigger ball parks, against some of the teams with less power in the league.
The decision to pitch James tonight instead of against Oakland was obviously a TERRIBLE one….but then again im getting more and more used to Bobby making bad personnel decisions.
Weather it be seemingly giving up on any game that goes over 10 innings, or choosing the wrong pitcher to start the game (James tonight, ALL of Redmens starts) the amount of games that Bobby has thrown away the past few years is absurd!
BOBBY COX: THIS TEAM NO LONGER HAS 3 ACES…..90 wins/season is no longer guarnteed! We have to play EVERY game to win! Tonight, Bobby did not give his team a chance to win. End of story.
And are we really gonna wait half the season before we dump corky and bring up someone more usefull??
Man i wanna see the Braves get to the playoffs one more time with Smoltz and Chipper it hurts…. but Bobby has gotta start playing to win everygame….ESPECIALLY against our main competition!
By Bravosimos
May 15, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS THIS JUST IN The Braves lost to a lefthander on the road. And believe it or not, two nights ago they lost a game on the road by one run. Alert the media!
By Texas Lexus
May 15, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
“No way the Braves should pay him $20 million per. Let him go and take the draft pick.”
Can anyone explain to me why if we don’t sign Tex we get a draft pick?
The baseball signings, the draft, and how teams enslave young players in their early years is quite confusing. I pretty much got the jist of it all except why a team gets a draft pick if a player isn’t signed.
By MARTA Train SOULJA GIRL
May 15, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
I’M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I’M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I’M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
I’M PRESSIN’ CHARGES !!
By Predictable News
May 15, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
In other predictable news….
The spurs are manhandling the Hornets with 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter.
Home teams in the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs are going to be 20-1.
By N8
May 15, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
“Then we lose and people act surprised and say we suck and how we’re a .500 team.”
Uh…..dude…..we’re 20-20. What else would you call it?
Bravesfan79
“Chuck James can give us some good games in bigger ball parks, against some of the teams with less power in the league”
Last time I looked at the schedule, this team DOESN’T get to face the Braves in Yellowstone.
Sorry. Had to.
By harvey
May 15, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
good bye chuckie
By New Boss Same As Old Boss
May 15, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Florida Brave,
If you read my posts carefully, you would probably see you & I are on same page. I did not accuse the Braves of “faulty organization approach”. In fact, I said they had a “reasonable plan.”
However, since you appear to be a reasonable thinker, you know even good plans can go south. For a variety of reasons. If, as I wrote, the Braves end this season at .500 or so, and Tex leaves, and the older pitchers do retire, there is some major work to do, either with youth or veteran free agents. Actually, there are pitching concerns with or without Glavine & Smoltz.
As for the prospects traded (i.e. Salty, Davies, Devine, etc), who knows how they will develop. The Braves were very high on each at one time. Pitchers especially can take time. As a general rule, I think the Braves have been impatient with young pitchers. Some of those, such as Davies, Devine, James now, perhaps needed more minor league work for confidence as much as repetiore.
By the same token, many have suggested JJ will head the Braves’ rotation for years. My gosh, let him at least get 20 starts first. So much can happen. I personally don’t like the idea of him starting on 3 days rest this early in his career. It reminds me of Devine’s first game, just months after getting out of college. He got through his 1st inning but Cox left him for a 2nd, then came the infamous grand slam, then another, then the playoff homer. Just think, what had he been pulled after that 1st successful inning, feeling good about himself, does it change anything? In the minds of fans, like yourself?
My point, and it’s valid, is that the Braves put off some re-tooling for legitimate reasons, and it could — repeat could — lead to a greater playoff drought than anticipated.
Time — and the 20-20 of hindsight — will determine whether the Braves chose the correct course. It’s a policy discussion, not a right-wrong one.
By Garla
May 15, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Chuck obviously has some serious mechanical issues he’s going to have to get under control before he’ll ever be successful in the big leagues. When I watch him I keep going back to those stories I’ve heard in the past about him and other players. For example, asking who who Gonzo was and where he came from. I mean he was the Pirates closer and a pretty good one at that and oh it cost us our first baseman. Then the other stories when all stars were batting and chatter was going on in the dugout and him being lost in the conversation and saying “can this guy hit or something”. I’ll admit, I laughed when I heard that but I’m not sure it’s as funny as it used to be now. For his sake, I hope he gets it figured out but I think he needs to be a little more proactive in his preparation before he can hope to be successful. It doesn’t come that easy when you have average stuff. Anyone agree?
By Drummerdad
May 15, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, The 8:14 p.m. post: “Man, you take Chipper out of this lineup, particularly against a good lefty, and you are severely mediocre….”
I said as much the other day. I’m trying to figure if it’s the talent or the thinking. The coming home stand will say a lot. I suppose most of you folks know what an “egg sucking dog” is. This team is not one, but they’re too close for my comfort. I gotta think it’s the thinking because the there seems to be serious talent.
By harvey
May 16, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
should of pitched james against myers and leave both in for 9 innings
By seattle
May 16, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t watch after the 2nd inning. I can’t understand why Bennett isn’t in the rotation. Bueno or Campillo would be better than James until Morton is given a chance. Were jeff Francouer and Matt Diaz taking batting instruction from Andruw over the winter? Maybe Texiera spent too much time in Andruws cage also. Trade them all. Look at the Marlins.
By Drummerdad
May 16, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
sorry for the typo. should be: I gotta think it’s the thinking because there seems to be serious talent.
By Dan in NC
May 16, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Posted by: Efrim
That is a no-no on this blog my friend.
Maybe that’s the problem in the ATL, Frenchie being a “can’t touch” in terms of the Braves struggles. On the other hand maybe its a managing issue as well because the traditional mentality of this team has worn off on Jeff.
I love Bobby Cox but its the blatent lack of fundamental execution that makes me want a new, young face ( at times) running the ship.
By Cooper
May 16, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Time for a trade or a least hope that one is in the works that brings a starter or two to ATL.
4-5 spots filled by committee is not confidence inspiring.
I like JJ but not as a 3. He clearly is a very good pitcher but he is young and would be better suited to the 4 spot.
We need a three who can handle pressure & dominate.
The problem is who doesn’t.
JOJO looks better but I see him as a 5.5 (fill in stater) at best.
In perfect world the Braves trade for a 3 (who can become a 2/1A - Harden stock is low now as an example)and a veteran 5 who can gobble up innings.
We will likely have to wait until July for anything of substance to go down.
Hopefully the weak NL east will still be weak and trades will matter.
By monty
May 16, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Three things are a given when the Braves play the Pjillies. 1. Howard will go deep at least twice, even if he can’t hit the rest of the league’s pitchers 2. Chase Utley will go yard also, but he seems to go yard on everybody as of late. 3. Jimmie Rollins will hit doubles and reak havoc on base. And I left one other thing out, if Cole Hamills is pitching we aint hittin.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
New Boss,
Fair enough. But that would be the doomsday scenario- Cox, Jones, Smoltz, Glavine, Tex gone after this year. I know if one goes(especially Cox) that might have a domino effect on the rest, but I’d like to think Chipper can play until he’s 40 and you can never be TOO prepared to lose 4, maybe 5, Hall of Famers from a team.
No doubt we can’t lose Tex and Chipper but Chipper will probably be back and I think we’ve surrounded him with a good young core of players which I mentioned. And we’d obviously trade for a 1B to fill Tex’s shoes.
The Braves have had trouble developing young pitching in recent years while also trading away from good ones so that might- no, it will be- it’s already an issue WITH Glavine and Smoltz as we need another starter. But we have Hudson and Jurrjens at the top of the rotation; Soriano, Gonzalez, Moylan at the back end of the bullpen; and Reyes, Morton, and Hanson, among others on the way.
So yeah, OBVIOUSLY when 4-5 HOFers leave you’re going to miss a beat, no matter how much young talent you have, but I’m confident we have enough of a core to adequately build around in order to make the transition.
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
N8 Last time I looked at the schedule, this team DOESN’T get to face the Braves in Yellowstone.
Great line extracted roughly from Bull Durham, made me smile.
New Boss…
Your 11.31pm post was spot on. Braves made a choice. Good, bad, indifferent. A choice, a direction.
Chuck might never return to his old form, but I suspect he will get every chance to do so in Richmond. Gotta find a way to bring up Stockman (Chuckie going down?).
Also, is it time to give Bennett a shot, or is he too valuable in his present role? Is so, then it will be Morton or Bueno. I say give Morton a shot.
Who would have thought that our pitching would have been stretched this thin back in January??? We all knew there were question marks, but damn!
I think that Bobby will soon give Frenchy a day off, but I suspect he has too many other issues to deal with presently?
Only worse thing we could have done tonight was to give “Baby Huey” a night off too!
As much as some of you folks hate to hear it, it IS a long season. Lot’s can happen between now and August. Will it? I think we will end up slightly better than .500, BUT I am the eternal optimist, and will wait until we are mathematically eliminated until I give up. Remember the Colorado Rockies of 2007!
Maybe we need some Angels in the outfield (and I am not talking about Chone Figgins!).
:-)
By DirtyDawg
May 16, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
NC Dan…you’re absolutely right. Francouer is a big disappointment. I’m a big Bobby Cox fan, but letting James pitch to this team at that field was just dumb…exceeded only by moving Frenchy to batting third. To those that talk about his getting some hits on this road trip - dinks, dunks and dribblers - he hasn’t hit a ball hard in a month, at least not in fair territory. Simpson must have something in his contract that keeps him from ‘really’ telling it like it is…as it is he keeps reminding us that JF’s swinging at every first pitch he sees is absurd, but he clearly can’t help himself. Not only should he NOT be hitting third, he should be sent down to get himself in better shape and shape up his swing. I agree, I think the fair-haired-(local)boy thing is clearly at work here.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
N8,
I meant people think we’ll STAY a .500 team.
By Stuart
May 16, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
I am noticing a lot of people are banging on the Devine trade. I guess hindsight is 20/20 on that one, but I think Kotsay has been good for the braves and the trade was good for Devine and the A’s too. I wish that the braves could have kept Devine, but sometimes you give something to get something. Kotsay is liable to be here more than one year depending on the Jordan Schaffer situation. I also think the change of scenary did Devine some good too. Sometimes it works out for both sides, but remember Devine has only pitched 15 innings this year, so lets not annoit him the next Mariano Rivera yet.
A lot of folks on here have banged on the Tex trade for awhile now. Look, y’all do realize Elvis and Salty were blocked at the major league level by really good players right? The braves took a chance and maybe it will work out for them yet.
BTW I was at 2 rangers games while in Dallas this week, the only time I saw salty was when he was warming up the pitcher. Maybe pinning greatness on him so early is a bit much.
If this team is 40-40 at the all- star break, it may be time to think about jettisoning our boy Tex to a contender for some pitching and build for next year.
If Tex starts to hit and the braves make a run or if they send him packing for some young pitching and/or maybe a young power hitting OF the trade will be a sucess any way you slice it.
By Julius Caesar
May 16, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
VINI, VIDI, VICI. I came, I saw, I conquered.
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Cooper I think you are right. Not much available right now. Teams want to hold out to get more for their arms a tad bit later in the season. Harden is a real wild card!!
I don’t think Maddux is the answer, as nostalgic as that reunion might be.
How ‘bout Taveras from Boston? Innings eater, ground ball pitcher.
Heck, let’s just bring up Teheran! I have a sixteen year old, and those teens are smart as all get out. They know everything. Lets bring the kid up and give him a baptism of fire!!! (only half kidding!)
Tomorrow is another day…..
By albanian braves fan
May 16, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
is one explanation only for braves mysterious bad performing.
swamp gas!
yes. brave officials report swamp gas is answer. team fine. everything fine. just swamp gas leaking into clubhouse.
By Ron_Paul
May 16, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
DOB
That last Lebowski line is the funniest! Bravo!
By BA
May 16, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Chucky James got thrown out of Jackie Treehorn’s garden party tonight. A lot of ins and outs, a lot of what have yous. It’s…Iz a bummer, man.
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
WELL HERE’S a thought why dont we let CHUCKY throw to FRANCOUER.
AT LEAST ONE OF THEM will win.
never seen a bigger coward.
if bobby ever lets that looser toe the rubber again i will be suprised.
shoot, i been out drinkin all night.
was at chop’s, this was a mail in performance from us.
so much for our home grown braves?
davies, mcbride, james, harris, francoeur.
francoeur, will go down as the most overated brave of all time.
hey it is not his fault, he just aint that good.
By N8
May 16, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
“N8, I meant people think we’ll STAY a .500 team.”
I gotcha. But in all seriousness, what about the previous 400+ games of .500 ball, makes you think otherwise?
Serious question. Not being a smart-azz.
I just like to hear people’s reasoning, when assuming something that CLEARLY bucks the “trend” of what the core of this team has done in recent history.
Long Lost Wayne
“How ‘bout Taveras from Boston? Innings eater, ground ball pitcher.”
After watching him sobbing in the dugout when the Braves beat the Indians in the 95 WS, I don’t want him. LOL!
Didn’t anybody ever tell him that THERE’S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL?
Sorry. I figured you liked the first baseball movie reference, you might like another.
By BA
May 16, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
I love Frenchy. Great defense. Great hustle. And as soon as I say this, DOB will corect me and say Frenchy’s hitting .310 when swinging at the first pitch. But I listen to all these games. Frenchy, please stop swinging at every single FREAKIN’ first pitch! And I don’t fault Cox for starting Chucky. The Phillies have had a hard time against lefties. But that having been said, I really hope they send this guy back down. I’ve seen the summer blockbuster “Chucky in Colorado”. Tonight I saw the sequel. I hope part three takes place up there with our boy Richbrave. I don’t want to call Morton up yet. Maybe Bueno or one of those other guys, anybody other than Chucky.
By N8
May 16, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Julius Caesar
“VINI, VIDI, VICI. I came, I saw, I conquered.”
I like this one better.
BOBBY, CHUCKY, FRENCHY. I made out the line-up, I gave up a bunch of HR’s, and I swing at anything between the on-deck circles.
By albanian braves fan
May 16, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
is reading on internets of atlanta museum having “eye of josephine”. exhibition closing soon.
is also hearing of chuck james having “arm of josephine”. exhibition also closing soon? should see before too late!
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
braveheart,
i think you are the pulse of this blog.
your boy chuck, is a boArderline coward. he has no stones.
on top of that, how about our new future. JEFF FRANCOEUR, he is a stud. WAKE ME UP WHEN HE GOES YARD.
behind in every count. he does not and will not trust his stuff.
By coleman
May 16, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
The only reason chuck james has lasted this long is b/c he is left handed and throws or use to throw 90. If he was right handed he would never make it to the majors. The braves need to bring up MORTON!!! He could turn out to be like jj has this year. YOUNG and TALENTED
By N8
May 16, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
While it sure would be NICE for Frenchy to “step up” and carry this team.
The offensive woes are NOT his fault. Sure he has some poor AB’s. But let’s not forget, he’s in his 3rd full season, and “only” making about 400K this year.
There is a guy making a wee-bit more than that hitting clean-up (just like last year), that is getting paid a TON of money, (and wants to get paid more), to drive in runs and CARRY the offense.
Just like there is a pitcher on the roster making a TON of money that hasn’t pitched a pitch in 2 years. I think being injured and just flat out playing poorly (and Tex is playing poorly), are two completely different things, but make no mistake.
Two guys that are taking up almost about 25 percent of the payroll, aren’t doing much.
It’s that simple. Guys that are getting paid to produce….aren’t.
In fact, if you count Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzo, Hampton (and the disappointing…..so far), Tex, about HALF of our payroll has yet to contribute.
Though Smoltz has contributed plenty, he hasn’t been as “projected”.
If everybody gets healthy, things might be different. But that’s a LOT of “if”.
But Francoeur, is the LEAST of our worries. It just happens to be magnified, due to Tex’s struggles and the 1-run losses.
That being said, I’m disappointed in his “progress” this year too. But he’s 24 and NOT on the verge of making 20-25 million annually.
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
N8 Whats the matter? Don’t you like a guy who is in touch with his feelings? (I had forgotten that Taveras was on the Tribe in ‘95).
Not much else out there right now though. Personally, I think the Braves are going to stick with what they have for another couple of months. Just guessing.
Did I hear somebody say send Frenchy down? Are you kidding me? Bad as he is right now, what else do we have? Josh Anderson aint the answer, and Diaz needs to sit more than play to be successful. Crazy suggestion.
uga get some sleep. Tonight nothing will be solved. We all know Chuck sucked tonight. And with Chipper resting the groin, winning was a long-shot tonight. Sometimes you gotta live to play another day (some will cringe, and say EVERY game counts and we should do everything we can to win all games. Sometimes that is not realistic!)
Nite friends!
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
14 years of winning, since francoeur has been here, he is the one constant.
since he plays EVERY DAY we have not won crap, but then again he thinks he walks on water.
.725 ops. jeff. claudell washington was better.
but then again he did not go to parkview.
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
Chris: Regarding Bennett, I agree with you. Time to let him have 2-3 consecutive turns in the rotation and see what he can do with it, see if he can nail down a spot. Options are running out at this point. He might do just fine in the No. 5 slot.
By nolie
May 16, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
A guy from my hometown was drafted by the Braves, Steven Shults, and played at Danville last year. I can’t find him anywhere this year. Do you know anything about this 3B prospect?BravesinTenn
according to BaseballCube.com he is hitting 271/350/474 with 6 HR and 25 RBI in 192 ABs.
By Quack Quack
May 16, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
Does anyone else think CHIPPER says his little tweaks are worse than they are so he can get a day off every now and then?chase
Cripes you’re just as stupid as the ersatz Chase ain’t ya? Maybe even moreso.
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
wayne,
you really want to call me out?
just kidding.
dont really have a bad bone in my body
here is my point francoeur, is what he is, barely average.
we had justice, sheffield, drew, and even jordan.
we are now saddled, with a guy that acttually thinks he is good.
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
Sorry uga, but when you are drinking, your logic sucks! Saying that with all due respect though.
Frenchy is not our problem (as N8 so succinctly states in his last post!).
Sleep it off dude….
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
DOB,
you have been a beat writer for a long time?
the braves mailed this one in?
time to call a spade a spade?
what if jeff becomes our 3 hitter?
i was always critical of CHUCK AND DUCK. the guy looks to get out of the game when convienent
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
wayne,
explain to me on all these one run losses, why our stud right fielder only has hit one homerun?
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this
Did chase really say that about Chipper? WOW.
Hey uga. If I called you out, you’d probably whip my old azz. Although I am a big guy, I am damned slowed by age and pitifully out of shape.
I think Frenchie is a bit better than you give him credit, and he is just 24. What exactly is there about him that you don’t like?? I don’t get it? He is young, and inconsistent with the bat. Has loads of potential, which will probably not get him a big contract. Might be a very, very good player, but also might be a strong armed Pat Burrell. Who is to say? Just gotta play it out.
N8, as inconsistent as the Braves are, I think I still like our team better than the Mets or Phils this year. Still can’t figure out the home/away thing. Got a lot of folks shaking their heads.
Now, I am getting my glass of milk, taking my gaggle of pills, getting my insulin shot, and heading off to bed (if I had known all this could happen to me, I would have laid off the extra burritos 20 years ago!)
:-)
By Serge
May 16, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
Why do fans keep making excuses for Jeff?
Hes not getting any younger. His numbers are going the wrong direction. His power has disapeared. Terrible Slugging. He looks so different from the kid who belted 30hr years ago. Hes basically Juan Pierre without the steals.
Bubbubu hes young? Hes got three years till he reaches the average peak year for a major leaguer. Think about it. IS this the guy you want to lead the franchise in the post chipper era? A guy who cant hit 20hr?
But for some reason Jeff is protected by fans and the media. No wonder hes the golden boy.
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
DOB That pulled pork sandwich sounded good earlier!!! (watch out, those things can kick your azz later!)
By Long Lost Wayne
May 16, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
You’ll never get it uga….it ain’t just Frenchy’s fault. Sure, he has contributed. How about that high priced first sacker, and that inconsistent bullpen. It’s the total package, and you want to pin it all on one or two guys.
But, hey, maybe you are right. I bet Frank Wren is trying to get someone to take Frenchy for a bucket of balls as we speak!
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this
UGA-Brave, on a night when everyone else is understandably discussing Chuck’s woes, or Tex’s slow start, etc., it’s a good thing you refuse to be distracted by all that, and instead stay focused on what you’ve deduced to be the real problem (he says, eyebrows raised in wonder over the depth of a certain someone’s enormous envy for a famous young fella).
Your objectivity could certainly never be questioned….
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
wayne,
well said. you make some sense. i will agree with a lot of what you said.
put the over under on frenchy 15, over or under?
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
wayne in utah,
that has gotta be you. we are and always be friends?
By Cherokee
May 16, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
He is 24-16 with a 4.22 ERA in his career. 308 IP, 288 hits allowed. 229 K’s and 119 walks. He isn’t great, but name me a 5th starter with better career numbers than that.Efrim
Man you got to look at his numbers recently, not what he did in his first year b4 they had a book on him. His ERA is 6.5 or so over the last 18 starts. The guy is too lazy to extend his follow through which means he will never get the ball down consistantly and while he has a good change his fastball is p*ss poor. His w-l record is deceiving cause they have score a lot for him over the years. He will never be more than a mediocre #5 at best and likely that is being generous. Give it up dude
By BA
May 16, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this
Hey UGA- average Frenchy year? (roughly) .275 24 104. Average year for a Braves right fielder (roughly) in the last fifteen years (went back to Justice) .280 27 96. Those guys had a hellacious pitching staff every year to play behind. Wasn’t a glaring problem if they put in a “below average” .280 25 100 type of year. Drink some water, brother- a lot of it. You’ll feel better in the morning. And even better than that when the Braves expose the A’s this weekend. Based on DOB’s scouting report earlier, sounds like their paper dollhouse is already starting to crumble anyway.
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this
BA,
IF jeff francoeur hits ,.280 25. 100 rbi’s i will shut up.
but then again bobby will play him everday, the dude already has close to 1700 plate apppearances, and is getting worse.
By P-Town Brave
May 16, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
Gee, I don’t know…maybe um…give Charlie Morton a try or two? Could he possibly do any worse than Chuck has?
By uga-brave
May 16, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this
DOB,
there is a point of inflection.
just as chuck n duck proved himself.
there will come a day when everyone realizes that #7 is a slap hitter.
By nolie
May 16, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this
A guy from my hometown was drafted by the Braves, Steven Shults, and played at Danville last year. I can’t find him anywhere this year. Do you know anything about this 3B prospect?BravesinTenn
Ignore my earlier post. That was his 07 year in Danville. Careless hurry on my part. I can’t find him this year either. not a bad first season, maybe he got hurt?
By tim
May 16, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this
WHEN IS THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT (BOBBY)GOING TO REALIZE THAT CHUCK JAMES HAS NO PLACE IN A MAJOR LEAGUE PARK,UNLESS HE BUYS A TICKET. I AM SURE HE IS A QUALITY YOUNG MAN,BUT A BIG LEAGUE PITCHER HE ISN’T. THERE IS NO SHAME IN THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THEY ARE A BIG LEAGUER. HAVE A NICE CAREER IN AAA GO ON TO COACH HS BASEBALL JUST PLEASE DO NOT LET HIM PITCH FOR THE ATLANTA BRAVES AGAIN ITS TO PAINFULL TO WATCH..TIM
By DUMMY
May 16, 2008 6:12 AM | Link to this
DOB.MY QUESTION TO YOU ABOUT CHUCK JAMES IS AS YOU YOUR SELF REPORTED ON THIS BLOG A WHILE BACK IS,IF CHUCK HAS ALMOST THE SAME ARM AND SHOLDER PROBLEMS AS OUR # 1 STARTER/BULL PEN SAVIOUR,WHY IS HE NOT GETTING THE SAME TREATMENT,AND REST, AS THE SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE PITCHING STAFF? ARE THE BRAVES TRYING TO RUIN HIM MUCH LIKE JOEY DEVINE? OH BY THE WAY THE MUSIC LRYICS HAS KINDA GOTTEN OLD
By Greg
May 16, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this
I think Chuck James could have used Leo Mazzone as a pitching coach. He’s the kind of pitcher who would have benefited from Leo’s “down and away strategy.” He could also have benefited from being chewed out by Leo. I’m not sure of Roger McDowell’s style. He doesn’t seem to get angry. Leo would have bit into James like a pitbull after he kept grooving pitches. Chuck James needs to be sent down until he has control and a third pitch. His form sucks, too. Maybe he needs a year in the Instructional League.
By Arkie Fan
May 16, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this
James has no idea how to pitch. He is so ridgid. Chuck relax. A lot of your power can come from your legs. Loosen up. Have fun.Believe it or not, you have potential. Keep pitching the way you do and expect nothing but arm trouble. Watch Glavine. My opinion - Chipper is the best third baseman in BASEBALL. Go Chipper!
By Cherokee
May 16, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
I think Chuck James could have used Leo Mazzone as a pitching coach. He’s the kind of pitcher who would have benefited from Leo’s “down and away strategy.Greg
Because of his abbreviated follow through he can’t consistantly throw the ball down, that’s why he is a fly ball pitcher and always will be.
By Billy
May 16, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
We should trade Chuck James for anything we can get…maybe a couple of tickets to an upcoming away game or something. It’s time to give somebody else a shot at starting.
By Cecil34
May 16, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Last night (or this whole road trip for that matter) was not how a team marches to the division championship.
Someone in this division, like DOB has said, will win 88 to 90 games and capture the division.
122 to go - and we still need about 70 wins. How does 70-52 look? That is not out of the question.
Some things will have to change though.
Fortunately for the positive folks and the Braves, there is still time to re-group, mathematically speaking of course.
Mr. James needs to go back to Richmond for the REST of the year and also re-group (if that is possible).
Mr. Hamels made our line-up look very Richmond-like also.
DOB - truer words never spoken concerning Chipper’s absence in the line-up. Kudos for that one.
Chipper has GOT to get back in there ASAP!
By flange1
May 16, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Morning All,
Not a very good outing by Chuckie last night. It is interesting to see all the hate for Bobby Cox for throwing James out there last night.
Let’s look at in a little different light, the Braves have not hit lefties well this year, and Cole Hamels is a pretty good lefty.
Maybe Cox knew we wouldn’t hit well and wouldn’t score runs, so why not pitch Chuckie?
Would it have been better to call up Morton and have him pitch 8 innings giving up 1 run and still lose 1-0?
While Chuckie was bad, the offense was equally as bad. The RH hitters have got to do a better job. Not just Tex, but Tex, Frenchy and Diaz ALL have to do a better job.
ANd with all the belly aching about the Kotsay/Devine deal, the more we see of Kotsay, I have a feeling that he might be re-signed to play LF next year. Assuming Schafer is ready in CF.
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Cecil34, The Phillies and Marlins then still need 67 and the Mets also need 70.
It’s looking more and more like this division will be won with 86-88 wins. Nobody wants to break away.
By Will
May 16, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Should have put my $1000 on the Phils yesterday. I could make a living betting on Braves games, i truly believe they are the most predictable team in baseball. There has got to be somebody else in the farm who can give a better outing then Chuck James. This is starting to become like last year when James takes the mound the Braves pretty much have no chance to win. Was happy to see Chipper made the right decision and sat out a game that was going to be a loss anyways.
By Jay Blaisdell
May 16, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Any “new look” lineup that goes up on the dugout wall won’t help a bit unless Mark Teixeira quits white knuckling it at the plate. Although he has a tendency to usually deliver just a bit less than what was expected of him, this “slow start” is really wearing thin.
By Original Jon
May 16, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Gee, I don’t know…maybe um…give Charlie Morton a try or two? Could he possibly do any worse than Chuck has? P-Town Brave.
No, he couldn’t possibly do any worse, but if he did, the damage could be detrimental to his psyche. I am not sure they want another prospect going the same rout as Devine.
By Cecil34
May 16, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Shaun
That is true - and that may wind up being our only saving grace.
If we are to have a chance….
By kdbanks
May 16, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Am I the only one who is thrilled that the Braves are at .500, only three games back, 40 games into the season? Look at all the injuries we’ve had. Look at the two big positive stories so far (Chipper over .400, Smoltz gets 3,000). This has been a good year so far, and we’re still in a position to win the division. Every game is interesting for one reason or the other, there are some surprises on the field (Kotsay for one, Jair for another).
Tex should play better moving forward. Soriano, Gonzo and Smoltz should do okay in the pen.
We’re in good shape guys. Let’s enjoy this ride.
By Mets Stink
May 16, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Why not send Campillo down to get stretched out and call up Stockman. Bennett can get his chance at starting while Campillo is down and if it doesn’t work out then give Campillo a shot. Chuck can be the long relief/mop up man while Campillo is down and when he comes back Chuck can be sent back to Richmond.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
IF jeff francoeur hits ,.280 25. 100 rbi’s i will shut up.
But if his secondary stats are poor, then I will still be dissapointed in Frenchy. RBI’s are nice, but his OBP and SLG Percentage are more important in my view. I like that Francoeur has cut down on the K’s. Does anyone think that Francoeur resembles a young Carlos Lee? Especially if he cuts down on the K’s. 290/340/480 was what I was hoping from Frenchy this season. It still might happen, we are only a quarter through the season.
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
This is starting to become like last year when James takes the mound the Braves pretty much have no chance to win.
Will, hmm…last I checked (just seconds ago) the Braves were 17-13 last year in James’ starts.
While it’s true that James is never going to win a shelf full of Cy Young awards, I’m guessing James is still feeling the effects of his injury. What’s he builds up his strength and gets comfortable, I would guess he’ll go back to being at least around a middle- or back-of-the-rotation major league starter. The only reason he’s in the majors right now is because of the Braves’ other pitching injuries.
By Lee in S. GA
May 16, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Will it is pretty easy to say you should have put your money on a team after the fact. Last night’s game looked like a sure bet on paper with the starting pitchers and it was. However, as I have learned the hard way, sure bets don’t alway pay off.
I don’t want Chuck going back to Richmond to learn and improve on anything else and eventually come back to the Braves. I want him out of a Braves uniform with the 1st possible trade available his season. No #5 starter, no bullpen relieve pitcher, just trade him away. Sometimes a player’s career year is his rookie year and i am afraid this may be the case for Chucky.
By VaBravesfan
May 16, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
I am a big-time Braves fan and pull for whoever is in the lineup, but how much longer am I going to have to look at Rueben Gotay and Chuck James? It’s discouraging.
By DirtyDawg
May 16, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
What don’t I like about Francouer? Let me see…first, I think he may be the most self-centered, selfish ballplayer on the team - this side of the Tex-man - with his mindless commitment to ‘the streak…don’t know who advised him to put on those famous 17-pounds of muscle in the off-season, but it’s been damn poor advice - he’s clearly slower afoot and with the bat (he couldn’t get around on James’ fastball, let alone a pitcher’s)…he’s had, what’d you say, 1700 ABs in the majors, and he still can’t lay-off any first pitch or any slider - and on top of that, he lets himself get beaned with a breaking pitch, what kind of recognition and reaction is that?…we now find out that on top of him carrying the extra weight (clearly it hasn’t helped his power #s so what good is it) he’s had this foot or ankle issue since high-school that keeps him from covering RF as well as he ought to, or used to…and you say my suggestion of ‘sending him down’ is a bad idea because we don’t have anybody to play in his place? Well if it’ll serve as a cold bucket of water in his face to get his attention, particularly if he’s given strict instructions on what to do to improve - particularly lose the damn weight - then I don’t care who we play - Blanco, Diaz (who’s almost as bad), call up the Anderson kid, anybody, just try to make sure Francouer isn’t this decade’s Brad Komminsk.
By Garla
May 16, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I think Chuck had a huge disadvantage having the shoulder problems and getting a really late start in spring training. Here’s why I say that. I thought Glavine would be a huge help to him because of their similar stuff. I thought he would relate much more the Chuck than Jo Jo. So, in my opinion, that time missed was very unfortunate because Chuck may never have that chance again. Their simply hasn’t been enough time for any consistant work between his stints to the minors and now who knows if there ever will be. Of course as I mentioned earlier, does Chuck even know who Glavine is? So would it even matter:)
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
N8,
My reasoning for believing we’ll be a better than .500 team because right now we’re at .500 and we’re clearly underachieving. Badly. We’ve scored more runs than we’ve allowed our opponents to score(the least in the majors I believe) and our Pythagorean record is 24-16.
I agree that we might stay at .500 if we stick with a starting rotation of Hudson, Jurrjens, Glavine, Reyes, and Bennett all year but I think Wren’s too smart for that. Tex will start hitting stabilizing an offense which should be one of the tops in the league and with our pen with Soriano, Gonzalez, and Smoltz, if we can get to the 7th inning with a lead, the game’s over.
Optimistic? Maybe. But we’ll see.
By flange1
May 16, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Couple of interesting tidbits,
Did everyone see that Tampa signed Kazmir to a long term deal? I was hoping (okay wishing) that we might have a shot at him this winter.
Also, did everyone see Billy Wagner rip the Mets position players (Castillo, Beltran and Delgado) for not talking to the press after a loss?
He almost called out the Latin contingent, then pulled back.
Is he trying to get himself traded?
Guys that call their team out in public BY NAME often don’t tend to stick around. Sounds like Metland is not a fun place to be right now.
Bummer for them!!!!
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal had an interesting article about the possibility of Matt Holliday being traded this summer. His situation is very similar to Teixiera’s, represented by Boras, and becoming a free agent at the end of next season with 13 million already guarenteed for next season. It’s a good thing to know that the Braves would have absolutely no interest in acquiring him for one and a half seasons. They couldn’t possibly make the same type of move twice now knowing that Tex won’t be back. Rockies are seeking a lot of high ceiling lower level prospects back…which we have. Anyway, the only trade the Braves need to make, within the next year, is for a front of the rotation starter.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Flange1
Did everyone see that Tampa signed Kazmir to a long term deal? I was hoping (okay wishing) that we might have a shot at him this winter.
I saw it, and it really sucks. I really thought he was the type of pitcher we needed for next season. I am so worried that the Braves will trade for Joe Blanton…so worried. Stay far away from that guy.
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Lee in S. GA, you really think the Braves should basically just give James away?
If we look at James’ career as a whole, he’s been about a league average starting pitcher. There is some value in that.
How much worse is James than a lot of other back-of-the-rotation starters? What good is it to give James away if they are going to replace him with someone who at best will be of about equal value?
By Braveheart
May 16, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
ugabrave, chuck ain’t pitching good but it doesn’t have anything to do with cowardice. i wouldn’t say that tex, diaz and frenchy are cowards because they are slumping and something is wrong with their mechanics.
as shaun said, he is still not fully recovered from his partial rotator cuff tear. before that injury, he was a very serviceable back end of the rotation guy. since early august when he got injured, he hasn’t been very good.
he’s still throwing with the same velocity on all of his pitches. the problem is poor location. slight changes in mechanics can cause a pitcher to lose control of pitch location. sometimes people change those mechanics to overcompensate for an injury.
chuck ain’t the brightest guy around, so i doubt he’ll figure it out himself. but that’s what mccann, corky, mcdowell, glavine and all the scouts are here for. hopefully, they can go back through old tapes and pick up on what is different in his mechanics and work with him on it.
it looks now like most of that work will be done in aaa so it will be incumbent upon the aaa pitching coach, who is supposedly good, to work with him on getting back to the mechanics he had. those mechanics were flawed but still produced successful results.
you can’t change a pitcher’s mechanics to make him something he isn’t. that throws a pitcher out of whack and usually just creates more probems. it’s best to work with a pitcher within the flawed mechanics he does have. part of what made chuck good was his flawed mechanics led to a deceptive delivery of pitches that fooled hitters.
they just need to figure out what slight changes he made to compensate for his injury and get him back to the flawed mechanics he had up until last july that produced sucessful results for a back end of the rotation pitcher
it is wrong to call someone a coward when he keeps taking the ball from his skipper. the results might suck but he is not shying away from taking the ball from his skipper. wish i could say the same of soriano and hampton.
hopefully, it won’t take mcdowell 6 months to figure out what went wrong mechanically. it took mcdowell 6 months to figure out what was wrong with jojo. mcdowell could not diagnose what went wrong with jojo last year. couldn’t diagnose it throughout spring training. but finally mcdowell supposedly picked up on something late in the spring and glavine, mcdowell and guy hansen worked jojo through it and now jojo is pitching much better than he did last year and in spring training
By 22oz
May 16, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
This Braves team started the season with no platoons. Boy, when Bobby turns away from an idea, he certainly turns. That lineup last night was the biggest joke i’ve ever seen. I wish that the case was that Cox knew the team had no chance, and just threw that lineup out there. But we all know thats not the case. i’d love to know what Kelly did to get stuck in platoon land again. I fully expected Infante to be in there at 2nd, but once Chipper went down we get Gotay? Really? And Francouer hitting 3rd may be a bigger joke than Gotay for Kelly. Lets see, your normal #3 hitter, is Chipper Jones, a great hitter who can work the count. Replace him with Francouer? Are we supposed to take this lineup seriously? Kelly has a higher avg, obp, and slg than Francouer, but “everyday Jeff” gets a free pass, while Kelly gets sat down. Golden child my golden butt.
By chase (the original)
May 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack and Long lost Wayne
Guys….please…the Chipper thing I said, was already adrressed earlier..
Read the whole post….IT WAS A JOKE about how Chipper is injuring himself by Carrying the team!
Bobby’s Cox
You said:
As good as Kotsay’s playing, he’s a one year player. Never should’ve made that trade. Any rookie could’ve matched Andruw’s productivity from last.
Are you kidding me?
As frustrating as AJ was at the plate, you can’t say ANY rookie can just come in and hit 27 HRs, have 92 RBI, and win a Gold Glove…
If ANY rookie could’ve done that we’d be sitting pretty and salaries would be around 3 mil a year on average…What a JOKE
Besides, I’M GETTING TIRED of PEOPLE PRETENDING THEY DIDN’T WANT DEVINE OUT OF HERE!
Almost everyone in ATLANTA wanted him gone…
By Don
May 16, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
DOB - I don’t know what point I’m making, but hat is the Braves record since acquiring Tex last year. I’m thinking about .500. He’s not bringing enough to the table other than maybe he is making us better than being a bad team.
His slow start his year is costing this team victories. The pitching has held up and deserves better but the offensive display on the road is bad.
By McFann
May 16, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Is that you, Wayne in Utah?
Wayne! Come back, Wayne!
By Overlord
May 16, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Shaun, you think Bennett has the same value than James? think twice. Or who are you talking about?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 16, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
It looks like Willie Randolph’s days are numbered in New York. Word is that if they don’t play well this weekend Randolph could be fired on Monday. I say Minaya goes right along with him. It was Minaya who collected those players.
It also goes to show how different two organizations see things. The Mets are a .500 team and Randolph is about to get fired. Cox has had a .500 team over the last three years and the Braves would sign him to a 10 year extension if he wanted to sign it.
By Moby Grape
May 16, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Also, did everyone see Billy Wagner rip the Mets position players (Castillo, Beltran and Delgado) for not talking to the press after a loss?Flange1
Billy has long had a nasty habit of running his mouth to the media. Guy’s a jackazz
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Overlord, I’m talking about virtually any back-of-the-rotation starter. Over the course of a season, if James is healthy, I don’t think Bennett will be significantly better. At least not so much better that it’s worth basically trading away Chuck James for nothing of any value, as Lee suggested.
chase (the original), I agree. Kind of ridiculous to question the Devine-Kotsay deal. Wondering if he’d be questioning the trade if Devine had about as many walks as innings as he did with the Braves. I love these guys who think they can be GM after they have the benefit of hindsight and after a month and a half of the season.
Quite obvious Devine needed a fresh start and it’s good to see him succeeding. But look at what Devine did in Atlanta and look what Kotsay is doing.
By Pulpwood Smith
May 16, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Nice marmot.
By Pulpwood Smith
May 16, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
In honor of America’s most insufferable, pretentious band who happen to be playing the new shed in Alpharetta this week, more from Jeffrey Lebowski:
“I hate the f*in’ Eagles, man.”
By chase (the original)
May 16, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Everyone can argue with me if they want BUT…
The Braves need to TRADE for a STARTER (Obviously) ….
But they also need to TRADE for a CORNER OUTFIELDER WITH POWER to put in LF
If MATT HOLLIDAY is available and you are NOT going to either re-sign TEX or FRENCHY then why not go after him too….
Look, as long as some of these guys in the minors are blocked by other young players (ie If they play RF, SS, 2ndBase, Catcher,) you might as well get something to help you the next 2-4 years….
If you add a #3 type pitcher and an all-star caliber LF to this team…there really aren’t anymore glaring holes
By Lew
May 16, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Too bad we don’t award Wurlitzers for cluelessness. These overnight posts would be some winners-
Chuck is a borderline Coward. He has no stones.
Francoeur needs to go to the minors to get in shape.
Most moves the past two years have been to give a final hurrah to Smoltz, Cox, Chipper and the Home Boy upstairs. (actually, this entire post deserves the Idiot of The Year Award).
Then there’s Nathan’s “You’re kidding, Right?” post-“We’re not as good as we used to be.” Thanks Nathan. We weren’t really sure of this. Now we definitively know.
However, in the midst of all the venting and irrationality (and a bit of true observation, as well) was this jewel.
“Chuck James hangs doors windows and curves.” THis is a definite Wurlitzer Winner for “Best One Liner of the Year So Far Award”. This one left me laughing my behind off (would that were all it took to reduce body mass).
CDinAla-Contact me at lewhartman@comcast.net You win a Wurlitzer. Claim your artwork.
The rest of you. I don’t think so.
By ncgary
May 16, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
theres a reason lou gherig played in over 2000 games straight hes a career 340 batting average and 442 obp career, you could just about pencil in 2 on bases per game when he played , frenchy has what 50 of them a season?
By Apostle Paul
May 16, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
While it is fun to bash Chuck, consider this:
If Chuck pitches a complete game, gives up 2 hits and 1 run…we still would have lost.
The culpability is on the offense for these losses and it has been all year.
What the Braves really need at this point is a rug that really brings the room together.
By Lew
May 16, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Overlord-I could be because Bobby Cox has a long history off winning. Willie Randolph doesn’t.
By MiamiBrave
May 16, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
I completely agree with ur last post, you gotta stay optimistic with this team.
You’ve got 3 trade deadline like acquisitions for your bullpen being activated within the next two or three weeks, for a bullpen that has been suprisingly decent with all the injuries and whatnot.
The offense is there, I doubt if Wren makes a move to bolster the offense, the only thing I could see Wren doing is shoring up the bench with another guy, even though there are plenty of options, but not many of those are power bats.
It will all come down this season to the starting rotation. Like you said a deal has to be made, and will be, Maddux/Oswalt rumors are out there, not them in particular, but this does mean calls are being made.
If the starting rotation gets another piece and we get healthy, I can see us getting into the postseason and possibly winning the division.
By ncgary
May 16, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
How much worse is James than a lot of other back-of-the-rotation starters? What good is it to give James away if they are going to replace him with someone who at best will be of about equal value?
shaun
sometimes change of scenery is whats needed for someone like chuck, see devine for example
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Shaun, most Braves fans only like deals that turn out one-sided for us(Hudson, Soriano, Renteria deals). That’s nice and all but that doesn’t always happen. Devine has looked good, no doubt, but Kotsay filled a pressing need- cheaply- and has played fantastic thus far. This is one of those deals that both teams got what they wanted out of it.
And with Kotsay’s health and the way he’s been playing, why are people still assuming he’ll be a one year rental? Even if Schafer’s ready next year, I don’t see why the Braves wouldn’t want to re-sign Kotsay and move him to LF. If Kotsay keeps this up over a full year, they’d be foolish to let a .300 hitter with good defense walk away.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
In regards to Willie Randolph’s possible firing after this weekend, what a f*** joke. We are a quarter through the season and the Mets brass want to get rid of Randolph. Please do so, because it isn’t going to make things better for that team. Players like Beltran, Reyes and Delgado need to start hitting and Oliver Perez needs to start pitching better. Why does Willie Randolph need to be fired 39 games into the season? Why does any manager need to be fired that early? I could care less what happened last year. Fire Delgado.
By Tex Will Hit
May 16, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
before or after Chucky goes 7?
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
The Braves don’t need Matt Holliday. They’ll need a bat after Tex walks but the much more pressing need is pitching.
Oh, and if we’re going to throw the farm at a player again, I’d hope we’d get to keep him for longer than a year and a half.
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
It also goes to show how different two organizations see things. The Mets are a .500 team and Randolph is about to get fired. Cox has had a .500 team over the last three years and the Braves would sign him to a 10 year extension if he wanted to sign it.
Randolph also never won 15 division titles in 20 years and has never won a World Series. Plus he doesn’t have the same reputation as Cox.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Right on, MiamiBrave. Stats show this team is underachieving and should be a good team. That will happen- Tex will hit and we will get healthier.
In another blog, I spoke about how we needed a big time arm and while we will definitely need to acquire one in the off-season, not too many of them may be available mid-season and they’ll also be insanely expensive. IMO, in terms of mid-season moves, I think it’s be much more prudent and just as effective if we grab a cheaper-half year rental- Greg Maddux makes a lot of sense. He’s still pitching effectively and he won’t cost much in terms of prospects. With our offensse and pen, I believe a rotation of Hudson, Jurrjens, Glavine, Maddux, and Reyes/Bennett will work.
Then, in the off-season, we can make our big move(s) for starting pitching.
So, obviously I’d love to get a young gun mid-season, but I’m pessimistic about the market for starting pitching and see a Maddux-type acquisition being more realistic.
I’d love to be surprised with a Blanton-type guy though…
By MGL
May 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Random thoughts -
The Devine trade was one of those that was a good deal for both clubs. Some of you are forgetting that with what Oak is paying of Kotsay’s salary, Devine is essentially costing them $5M per year. He would not solve any of the current problems.
Last night’s split squad game was the worst I have seen in a long time. There was very little fire or enthusiasm on the team. At times, I felt that the only one who was seriously trying to make a game out of it was McCann (even with the passed ball that was not called - sorry McFann). When Cox pulled Kotsay, you knew he had given up and was just getting playing time for the second string.
Tex looks like a somber egotistical jerk. That may be an unfair assessment, but he seems to be off in his own little world and it is not working out for him. May avg .167, SLG .250. Andruw is doing better than that. I’m tired of hearing this slow start BS, he is getting paid a lot to show up every game, not just the last 2/3 of the season or whenever he decides to kick-in.
By GimmeABee
May 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Shaun, you think Bennett has the same value than James? think twice.Overlord
He11 no. Bennett is worth a lot more than that little failure of a James. What team in their right minds would give anything for him?
By ncgary
May 16, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
maddux probably isnt ideal i agree, but no doubt the man still sells tickets, and baseball nationwide seeing that problem if he could be had on the cheap, hed be good to renegotiate and give him a lifetime deal in whatever capacity he wanted to work here , pitching coach to executive positions , the man is a walking baseball encyclopedia
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
ncgary, but Chuck James has pitched okay for the Braves, so his situation is a little different than Devine’s. Yes, we can look at his few starts this season (after coming back from injury) and assume that that’s the pitcher he is. I tend to think he’s the pitcher who has been around league average for most of his career, and that is fairly valuable. So the Braves at least need to get a decent ballplayer, if they are going to trade James. What I’m against is just giving him away.
By jbutler
May 16, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
GimmeABee Hey..what’s with the bitter/harsh/biting comments??? No need to launch personal attacks..perspective…perspective.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
I like Tex, but I hope that a trade like that is never made again for the Braves. I know none of those guys may turn out half as good as Tex, but for a team with a 100 million dollar payroll(at most), it isn’t a smart move.
By 22oz
May 16, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Its good that the Devine deal worked out good for both sides-not just for Joey’s psyche, but it also should re-establish good relations with the Braves and Billy Beane. After the Hudson fleecing, i’m surprised he would deal with the Braves at all!
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
There’s no trading James. He’s coming off a partial rotator cuff tear and his ERA is over 8.00. Let’s get that idea out of our heads. Sometimes it’s like you guys find out a player sucks and that other GMs, guys who get paid to shape an MLB roster, don’t know this. The Braves need to send him down and try to set him straight for next time and hope he pitches well enough to regain his value(assuming they’re as hell-bent as almost everyone here on trading him).
By ncgary
May 16, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
shaun , i agree giving james away is foolish, but a james and possibly a second tier prospect for maddux infusion might be the boost that this team needs to at least get to post season, and hopefully by the end of the year one of the young arms can ace up in the post season
By ncgary
May 16, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
shaun , i agree giving james away is foolish, but a james and possibly a second tier prospect for maddux infusion might be the boost that this team needs to at least get to post season, and hopefully by the end of the year one of the young arms can ace up in the post season
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Efrim, I can see both sides. Salty and Andrus were both blocked, I never thought Harrison had good stuff, and Feliz is years away. I liked the rationale of the Braves when they realized pitching was way to expensive so instead of shoring that up, they’d just try to outslug everyone. He was more of a half-year rental and the Braves initially thought he could be re-signed because of his local ties. But now, it’s definitely a lot easier to hate the move since he’s not performing and there’s no chance in hell he’s re-signing with us. So, yeah, I think the Braves should definitely at the very least be a little more careful when they pull similar deals at the deadline.
By Mets Stink
May 16, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
My how things change. Last spring Chuck was a valuable commodity that other teams wanted.
By MGL
May 16, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
We would probably all like to think that we have the best team in the East, if not the League. However, watching the way the Phillies played the past three games, they clearly have a big leg up on us in terms of the effort that they put forth on the field. They played every inning like it was important, whether they were ahead or behind. Showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm. These Braves just gave up. That will not win any championships.
By ncgary
May 16, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
well james may be having problems , either the tear heals or needs surgery, plenty of pitchers get by with same pitch , varying speeds, he has value , either he needs rest , surgery or a change of scenery , but minor league numbers outstanding, major league numbers for a guy with first 40 plus decisions outstanding as well. he has value , it has just decreased this year, just like b jones has, if maddux could be had for this and fit in payroll or willing to renegotiate so we could contend, then i say unload and be thankful, doubtful san dog that desperate though too, just curious what they would take for maddux
By Lew
May 16, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Efrim-Not too sure why you think it isn’t a smart move. Has the loss of any of the players we gave up to get Tex depleted our farm system? Have any of the players we gave up for Tex shone like a future star? Are any of them really likely to do so, and if so when? I liken it to dumping Jason Schmidt for Denny Neagle. Yes, he achieved some success, but how much success and how far down the road did it occur? Neagle, on the other hand, should have won a Cy Young award with the Braves.
Would any of the players we lost for Tex fill a need that we don’t already have filled? Salty at catcher? We still have Flowers and Sammons. Matt Harrison? We still have Hanson, Morton, Teheran, Rohrbaugh and quite a few others.
Sorry, but I just don’t see what we gave up as such a loss. Besides-who knows that we don’t have five potential Andy Martes on the list that went to Texas? Probably not, but weirder things have been known to happen. Sometimes the Dice just scream to be rolled. Our track record on trading young studs has been real good to this point. Likely when Tex finally catches fire (which I sincerely hope will be soon), it will become a moot point-especially if it leads to a Division Title after two years of futility.
The farm system exists to give you players for the ML team. That can happen like it did with McCann, Francoeur, Kelly Johnson, Yunel and others. It can also happen like it did with Marte of Salty. Works either way if you make the right decision. The Braves usually do.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
I liked the deal at the time, and would probably still make it. I just think that they should hold onto their prospects unless the need is pitching.
By McFann
May 16, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
At times, I felt that the only one who was seriously trying to make a game out of it was McCann (even with the passed ball that was not called - sorry McFann). MGL
Don’t have to apologize. (It was scored a WP, anyway.) Hey, I like your comment there. He seemed to be calling some good pitches—Chucky just couldn’t throw them. That’s prob’ly why that was a WP and not a PB, although it did hit off Brian’s glove. And he hit another double! The only thing he did last night that ticked me off was strikeout in the ninth. But with two outs and nobody on in a 5-0 game, what cann you do?
Hey, anybody remember what happen the last time the B’s played the A’s?? I’ll give you a hint: June 10-12, 2005.
Take your time. I’ll be back later. : )
By Cecil34
May 16, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I would say that you could not give away Mr. James at this time. His only value would be to put in a season’s worth of quality pitching at Richmond and prove that:
1 - he is over his rotator cuff issues
2 - he has learned how to properly pitch to be effective.
No team in their right mind would fool with him until these issues are proven.
So right or wrong, there is no demand for ol’ James.
By ernesto
May 16, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Chuck looked bad last night no doubt.
And, as he himself says, he’s got to regain his control to be effective.
But before we heave-ho Chuck or write him off for good, I think it’s good to remember that Chuck, even bad Chuck, is a serviceable #5, perhaps even a really good #5.
When he’s got to carry the load of the #3 or even #4, well not so much.
But as a #5, I say let him work it out in Richmond and good on us for having depth.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 16, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Shaun, you absolutely right. Cox has the resume behind him. But, I do believe if Cox was in New York that resume wouldn’t mean a damn thing. I don’t think that is right but it is how it is.
By McFann
May 16, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
One other thing McCann did last night (with the help of Diaz):
That play at the plate! That was a GOOD ONE!
Could’ve been such a great game…(sigh)…
Later!
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Lew
See my 11:34 post to FloridaBrave.
I still like the deal they made for all of the reasons that you listed. My point was that they shouldn’t make a deal like that again. Especially not right now, unless it is for a front line starter. I brought it up because Matt Holliday might get traded this summer and it is a very similar situation to Tex’s last year.
By Lew
May 16, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
FloridaBraves is absolutely right. Why do y’all think Chuck would even make a stir on the trade market right now? Isn’t that a bit like thinking you can trade Thorman for a piece of any significance?
As for acquiring Maddux-why? He is not pitching all that well, despite the fact that he pitches in a pitcher friendly park. It took him what? Four tries for 350? Yes, his is a weak hitting team, but he still is not the Maddux of old-not even close. Plus, with three over 40 pitchers on the team, he wouldn’t even make that good a mentor for anyone. Maybe Jurrjens, but isn’t Glavine already doing that? Smoltz, too?
Sorry, but he is mediocre at best at this point of his career. Not to mention that SD is much closer to his Las Vegas home. Isn’t THAT a major reason he signed with the Padres? Also, we would have to pay a considerable amount of his salary, which ain’t all that cheap-even at this point of his career.
Yes, it would be nice to see Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz retire together as Braves, but it would be more a PR stunt that a bona fide move to assure us of a Division Title or more.
By geauxbraves2000
May 16, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
A new day, a new perspective. I’ve seen nothing different, basically, over the past couple of seasons. I see a 3rd place team. No matter how good their ERA is, no matter how good their BA is, it’s all turned into a .500 record. I don’t see this team making adjustments. I like the new look batting order, but it doesn’t matter what the order is if only 2 or 3 batters are hitting.
I see Chuck James still being run out there, and you know the Braves are going to have to score a lot of runs to win the game, just to make up for the HRs he is going to give up. I do not recall a game from him in any recent memory where he hasn’t given one up.
I want this team to win, but they are not acting like a winning team. Did anyone see Chipper after that 8-6 win? He looked whooped (for a lack of a better word), the Braves didn’t win that game, they survived it. I guess I’m spoiled, for in years past if the Braves get a 8 run lead, game over. You shouldn’t have to sweat when the game is 8-0, but I do anymore.
Okay, I’ve vented. This is a team that is good, but they have to start playing like a good team.
Geaux Braves!!
By doug
May 16, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
This will sound crazy, but…
Blanco made the team because Infante was hurt and they needed someone to back up centerfield.
Infante is back and healthy. So now our bench is solid, but still little power.
Let’s go back to the original plan, and send Blanco down (i know he’s doing good) and bring up Brandon Jones to take over in left, or at least platoon in left?
Brandon isn’t really tearing it up down in AAA, but maybe he is bummed about not making the team and getting sent down. Get him up here, Bobby plays him right away, like he always does with a new player. Brandon gets his confidence back and BOOM…
Not a really crazy idea, but someone above suggested trading for a power outfielder, why do that when we have a good one in AAA.
By TDub
May 16, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I think it’s time to trade Chuck for a prospect or two. He needs a change of scenery, and everyone knows we may have a corner IF need soon.
Also, just thinking. For 09, we have the following pitching lineup: Huddy, Jurrjens, Reyes, ?, and ?. Who fills those roles? The 09 free agent list looks grim, and while we have a bunch of good, young guys, who will be ready, if anyone? Makes me think they might be tempted to trade Tex this summer for pitching if we’re not in first or within sniffing distance.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Totally agree, Efrim and Lew.
I understood the Tex deal at the time, I just wouldn’t pull a similar deal for Holliday. I would for a young top-of-the-rotation starter but I think the most likely- and perhaps most cost-effective- move the Braves make during the year is throwing a low-level hitting prospect or two at the Padres for Greg Maddux.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F
Huh?
By Salty
May 16, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Brandon isn’t really tearing it up down in AAA, but maybe he is bummed about not making the team and getting sent down.
I know what you mean, so really, not picking on you…honest! LOL! That said, he didn’t get it done in ST, and it has carried over to the regular season. Frankly, I don’t want a player who pulls the same stunt my kids did when they were 5 (and 15) year olds…pout until you get your way. My wife won’t let me; and the Braves won’t let Brandon! LOL!
By Carroll Rogers
May 16, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
new blog should be up shortly….
By DAP
May 16, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
MGL how different do you think the braves-phillies series would have looked if we had pitched hudson, jurjens, glavine and the phils had pitched eaton, moyer and kendrick?
we faced thier two best starers for the season and thier opening day starter at home with two guys who didnt make the team opening day and our 40+ supposed to be #3 starter.
the matchups just didnt favor us in this series, and it went how most people expected it would go.
we are in a simlilar situation we were in last year with the rotation. we now NEED the extra guys to come up and not only eat innings, but win games. we need someone to jump in the rotation and stick. i think that guy may be jeff bennett.
we will have to go to battle for awhile with hudson, glavine, jurjens, jojo, and bennett. sigh definetly not what i had dreamed about this spring.
By Efrim
May 16, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
I saw that you liked Joe Blanton. Personally, I think he is more of an innings eater and 3rd starter. I understand that is basically what we need, but I am not so sure I would give up any of our top 5 prospects to get the guy. Top 5 being Heyward, Schafer, Hanson, Rohrbough, and Hernandez.
By Overlord
May 16, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
doug, BJones can be doing great in the minors, but it doesnt makes any sense to send one of the best hitters he have had this early season back to the minors just to check if BJones is ready for the majors. To me it looks like Blanco is ready, and for what i saw in ST, BJ was not. Are you aware that Blanco has the 2nd best OBP on the team only behind of Chipper? There is no room for BJ uphere.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Why Maddux? Because he might be the best bang-for-your-buck pitcher on the market at the trade deadline. The Braves wanted pitching last year, remember? But the few that were available were so absurdly expensive they decided to acquire another hitter to out-slug people. I’d love to acquire a stud just like everyone else but I’m trying to be realistic. Maddux can still be a solid #3-#4 just like Glavine and most importantly, he shouldn’t cost any of our top prospects.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 16, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
The Braves’ website has Chuck James starting in the second game of the doubleheader. (I’m looking in the “Sortable Schedule” feature.) DOB, say it ain’t so!
Also, it looks like Jurrjens would face Santana next Wednesday. Now that should be an interesting game.
TDub - you say that “the Braves might be tempted to trade Tex this summer for pitching if we’re not in first or within sniffing distance.” I’m just curious — what makes you think that we’ll be so far out of contention by the trade deadline that we’d want to trade Tex? I mean, even though we’re sitting at .500 through the first 40 games of the season, we’re only three games back of first place and very close to Philadelphia and New York. No team is running away with the division, not even the Marlins.
The Braves have the best run differential in the NL East, so there’s no reason to think that the Braves won’t still be in the running at the end of July.
By Shaun
May 16, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
If anyone here is visiting my personal blog and leaving personal comments, don’t bother again. They will be deleted without me reading them or responding. I suggest whoever is doing it, get a life and get some mental help. I suspect it’s the same folks guilty of the late-night mudslinging and junior-high name-calling.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
I think Blanton’s a solid #3-maybe #2- and his stats should only get better in the National League. There’s other I’d prefer to Blanton but I’m not sure they’d be available whereas Blanton has been and probably will be available. I’m not sure if they offered Blanton for Homer Bailey of the Reds or rejected that deal but that’s about where they’re looking in terms of price.I’m sure any deal with the A’s for Blanton or Harden(pick your fav.) would start with either Kelly or Shafer.
Teams seem to be better-able to trade for starting pitching during the off-season which is why I see Maddux as a cheaper, rental is the road we’ll go before we go into the off-season and look into the Blantons, Hardens, Cabreras, Bondermans, Snells, and Oswalts of the game…
By MGL
May 16, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Doug - “Brandon isn’t really tearing it up down in AAA, but maybe he is bummed about not making the team and getting sent down.” If that is his attitude, leave him there.
DAP - I wasn’t commenting as much about the outcome as I was my perception of the effort put forth. Even in the game that they lost, the Phillies were busting butt until the end, and nearly pulled it out. I did not see that knid of effort from the Braves.
By Cooper
May 16, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Tex seems to be one of those guys who feeds off his team. If he feels like he is part of a winner he rallies with the rest.
If he is playing a DOA team he matches suit.
Slow starts happen but he seems to be in a funk about the team as well.
By DAP
May 16, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
MGL Phillies were busting butt until the end, and nearly pulled it out. I did not see that knid of effort from the Braves.
yesterday the definetly didnt. im surprised mccann didnt get the day off.
but what abou the first game? the braves almost came back on lidge? they scored on him and had the winning run on base, before jeff tried to get a hit the opposite way. yesterday, they were definetly flat.
By Moby Grape
May 16, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
I think Blanton’s a solid #3-maybe #2- and his stats should only get better in the National League. FloridaBrave
I kinda doubt that. The NL teams are stronger than most AL teams so far this year, but more importantly Oakland is one of the best pitchers parks around most years and Joe’s ERA is almost a run better there than on the road. He really ain’t much if any better than most of what we already have. I wouldn’t give up much of anything for him, certainly no real high prospects and Oakland ain’t gonna take our trash.
By Jim
May 16, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
With all the rants about Chuck James last night, it shouldn’t be overlooked that even if Warren Spahn were pitching we still would have lost the game last night. (even if by a homerun in the 16th inning.) On this road trip we went 0-4 against lefthanded pitchers and 2-1 against right handers. We scored 20 runs in three games against the righties and 4? in the 4 games against the lefties. I haven’t gone back to check, but have we faced a greater number of lefty starters on the road than at home? Is the the home-road dichotomy more a reflection of the lefty-righty matchups?
We keep seeing posts anticipating Tex to heat up soon. Well Mother’s Day is past, in a week and 1/2 it’s Memorial Day. Will we still be seeing these same posts on the 4th of July?
Francouer’s pitch selection is still horrible, but just as worrisome is the fact that he is not hitting anything hard when he does get a good pitch. I believe he does need the occasional day off, but I’m not sure that that will solve his problems. He has regressed from last year; his swing looks slower and he is getting jammed alot. The weight training he did this winter did nothing to help his baseball skills.
I would hate to see KJ in a platoon situation. He hits lefties about as well as righties. Certain lefites like Odalis Perez are especially tough on lefthanded hitters and that would be a game in which he should probably sit, but Cole Hamels is no tougher against lefthanders than righthanders. Two of the hits last night were by lefthanded hitters. I think if KJ plays 150 games this season his average will be over 280, his OBP will be over 350, and his HR total will be 15+.
All of the stats and situational breakdowns for a player with fewer than 3 full seasons in the major leagues are meaningless to me. When a player has been in the league for 4 or 5 years, then what you see is what you get, but KJ has only been a regular for less than 2 years, so I’m more inclined to look at his swing and his approach than his previous numbers. (Incidentally, I caught a few innings of the Yankee game yesterday and Derek Jeter came to bat with a BA in the 290s and an OBP in the 320s with only 1 HR this year. So Overloard and N8, lighten up on KJ!!)
By the same logic, Diaz has only been a semi-regular for a bit over 2 years, and it is very possible that his stats were an aberration. His swing and approach has always been uglier than Chuck James’s delivery, and maybe the Diaz we have seen this year is closer to the player he really is.
Last night excepted, the pitching has been adequate this year, but the struggles against lefthanded pitching has been a constant. The lack of productivity from Tex, Francouer, and Diaz is the biggest reason for our mediocre record thus far.
By FloridaBrave
May 16, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
You guys can pick Blanton apart but the fact of the matter is he might be the best pitcher available at the trade deadline and even then he might not be if the A’s are still in first. Obviously, with every deal, it depends on the price. Some of the options out there you guys are picking apart but I’m not confident in our ability to make the playoffs with a rotation of Hudeson, Jurrjens, Glavine, Bennett, and Reyes.
By ernesto
May 16, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
LAST!
By Santa3247
May 17, 2008 10:17 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
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July 13, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
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By admin_papa
August 30, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Hello Everybody
Just wanted to share my new experience.
If your system denies to start due to an error corresponding to lost HAL.DLL, invalid Boot.ini or any other critical system boot files you can fix this by using the XP installation CD. Just boot from your XP Setup CD and enter the Recovery Console. Then launch “attrib -H -R -S” on the C:\Boot.ini file and remove it. Launch “Bootcfg /Rebuild” and then Fixboot
Regards, Carl
By _tech_guru_papa_
September 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Hello Everybody
That’s me again.
This time we will learn how to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and restore often startup issues in Windows Vista.
INTRODUCTION
You can use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to troubleshoot and fix the following items in Windows Vista: -Master boot record (MBR) -Boot sector -Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store
Note: When you are troubleshooting startup issues by using the Windows RE, you should first try the Startup Repair option in the System Recovery Options dialog box. If the Startup Repair option does not repair the error, or if you must troubleshoot more steps manually, use the Bootrec.exe tool.
MORE INFO
To run the Bootrec.exe utility, you must start Windows RE. To do this, follow these steps: 1.Put the Windows Vista setup disc in the disc drive, and then start the computer. 2.Press a key when you are prompted. 3.Select a language, a time, a currency, a keyboard or an input method, and then hit Next. 4.Click Repair your computer. 5.Click the OS that you want to fix, and then click Next. 6.In the System Recovery Options dialog window, hit Command Prompt. 7.Type Bootrec.exe, and then hit ENTER.
Good luck with your Windows Vista, since with this OS your still need it.
Cheers, Carl
By _tech_guru_papa_
September 13, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this
Hello Everybody
Windows vista is also causing lots of boot problems, so I often get questions like this:
I have a Dell Dimension, which won’t boot to Windows (Vista), and none the repair options work:
Startup repair: Reports repair fail due to problem with registry
System Restore: Reports no restore points available
Windows Complete PC Restore: Reports no backups available
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool: No memory problems
Command Prompt. Can’t think of any appropriate command to use here.
So I booted with the system DVD (as one would with XP) but the upgrade option has been greyed don’t want to do a new install. I want to fix existing installation.
What should I do?
So here is the answer:
You can’t do a ‘repair install’ because you need to launch the Vista DVD from within Windows, not, as you have been doing, booting straight from the DVD; that is why the ‘upgrade’ is greyed out.
If you cannot launch Vista and none of the repair variants will work a new install is the only other option.
To save problems in future it is actually a good idea to image the hard drive, using something like True Image. What I do is install operating system, download all updates, check system I working okay for a day or two, activate system, then create image of the whole drive/partition. Any time I get a problem I can re-image the drive/partition quickly and be up and running without much inconvenience. And minor repairs are done by using any registry repair tool, there are plenty of them on the market today.
Cheers, Carl
By _tech_guru_papa_
September 21, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Good Day
Windows vista is also causing lots of boot problems, so I often get questions like this:
I have a Dell Dimension, which won’t boot to Windows (Vista), and none the repair options work:
Startup repair: Reports fix fail due to problem with registry
System Restore: Reports no restore points available
Windows Complete PC Restore: Reports no backups available
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool: No memory problems
Command Prompt. Can’t think of any appropriate command to use here.
So I booted with the system DVD (as one would with XP) but the upgrade option has been greyed don’t want to do a new setup. I want to fix existing installation.
What should I do?
And here is the answer:
You can’t do a ‘repair install’ because you need to launch the Vista DVD from within Windows, not, as you have been doing, booting straight from the DVD; that is why the ‘upgrade’ is greyed out.
If you cannot launch Vista and none of the fix variants will work a clean install is the only other variant.
To save problems in future it is actually a good idea to make image of the hard drive, using program like True Image. What I do is install operating system, download all updates, check system I working okay for a day or two, activate system, then image the drive/partition. Any time I get a problem I can re-image the drive/partition quickly and be up and running without much trouble. And minor fixes are done by using any registry repair utility, there are plenty of them on the market today.
Cheers, Carl
By _tech_guru_papa_
October 5, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Hi Folks!
This post opens set of articles devoted to computer security.
At first, I would like to give some basic definitions for variety of modern computer threats. All these threats are currently known as Malware.
Malware (“malicious software”) is any application or file that is harmful to a computer or computer user. This would include, computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms, keyloggers, spyware, adware, web-page hijackers, driveby downloads, and any programming that gathers info about a computer user without their expressed permission.
5 years ago, the most security threats that most people came across were Viruses.
This is no longer the case!
There are new threats out; and they take no prisoners, no longer is an anti-virus application sufficient to stop the invaders, the web is a complex place and the technology is getting so advanced that you need to act now to protect your machine and your private\personal data.
A quick overview of some of the more common malware that you might find, sorted by level of threat:
SPYWARE
Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering info about a person or organisation without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone’s computer to secretly gather info about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.
TROJAN
Trojans are malicious programs often used by hackers to attack target computers, usually to provide a backdoor into the system but sometimes just to cause destruction. Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are the most famous class of trojans and they usually come in two parts - a server that is sent to infect the victim, and a client that the hacker uses to connect to the server after the victim is infected. There are many ways that hackers can use to infect a target with a trojan, and careful security measures aren’t always enough - a strong anti-trojan program can easily detect tens of thousands of trojans that would otherwise be near-impossible for a human to find.
VIRUS
A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can clone itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.
WORMS
Worms are in a similar category to viruses. Usually spread by email and containing their own email engine, they attempt to spread themselves to all the people in your address books, impacting greatly on network traffic on the web. Sometimes you will find viruses also contain Worm code so the virus is able to mail multiple people using its email engine, whilst infecting the machine with a specific virus, making the sender of the virus hard to find as it looks like it has come from someone you know.
KEYLOGGERS
A keylogger is an application that has been dropped onto a PC that actively monitors all your keystrokes and mouse clicks to try to capture both personal data, passwords, and browser habits, it will also capture any data entered on any web site including secure sites like online bank sites. This data is then stored in an encrypted text file either on the machine or sent to a pre-defined server for the sender of the keylogger to access at his discretion.
ADWARE
Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. The justification for adware is that it helps recover programming development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user.
HIJACKERS
A hijacker is a expression used to explain a registry entry on your machine that has been placed there to re-direct your browser to another site, usually ad-purposed. These are not normally harmful for the machine, other that the fact that it will stop you from getting to the web site you wish to visit. It is more of a frustration than a security risk; however, some Hijackers will attempt to redirect you from Hijack removal sites.
Hope you like this article. Next time I will write about tools used to prevent of/remove particular threat types listed here.
Regards, Carl
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November 14, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this
Hi Everybody…
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By assibiagreree
November 14, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this
Hi Everybody…
Just joined the forum and thought I’d say hello.
Kudos to the mods on making such a great place to hang out on.